Alvars are a rare landscape, places where limestone flats are near the surface, creating conditions for a specialized flora and wonderful bird habitat. Carden Alvar (about an hour’s drive from Barrie) is a great place to view a rich diversity of birds, some of which are very difficult to find elsewhere.
Alternate rendezvous only (no parking): west parking lot of Atherley Narrows Tim Hortons, 3 Creighton St S, Orillia, ON south of HWY 12/Atherley Road between Queen St. & Creighton St. S at 8:00 a.m. Vehicle and easy walking, bring lunch & drinks or enjoy local restaurant. Watch for poison ivy along road edges