The Proctor Park Conservation area is another one of those great places maintained by the good people at the Lower Trent Conservation Authority.The park is within walking distance of the town of Brighton Ontario, and serves quite a few functions. Even though the park is so close to town, you get the feeling that you're in the middle of the wilderness when walking the trail in the park. The entire park is 91 acres and has a nice mix of manicured places for family picnics and recreation and offers a few things to do.
The wilderness trail starts at this little bridge. It's a 2.5 km trail, and I wouldn't suggest taking it on if you have little kids with you. It's a fabulous walk, but I was a 
sweaty mess by the time I finished it. There's a few hills up and down, and although an experienced hiker would have no trouble with it, it does require a bit of stamina. Bikes are allowed in the park, and I must say, it looked like it would be a lot of fun on a mountain bike. Apparently it's a great place to cross country ski in the winter, but I'll have to rely on the literature provided, as there's no chance that I will ever find out for myself.
sweaty mess by the time I finished it. There's a few hills up and down, and although an experienced hiker would have no trouble with it, it does require a bit of stamina. Bikes are allowed in the park, and I must say, it looked like it would be a lot of fun on a mountain bike. Apparently it's a great place to cross country ski in the winter, but I'll have to rely on the literature provided, as there's no chance that I will ever find out for myself.
Butler Creek runs through the park, and a great deal of the trail skirts around the creek. Fishing is allowed in the park, and there were a few nice spots that looked like likely spots to while some time away with a fishing rod. Butler Creek is one of the little rivers where salmon spawn in the area, so I imagine it's a popular spot.
Fun Fact: Did you know that different species of salmon (both Atlantic and Pacific) were introduced into the Great Lakes at 
different times starting in the late 1800's. Great Lakes salmon taste different than their coastal cousins due to the different food sources available to them. this is why the salmon caught near Trenton taste a lot like domestic beer and pizza.
different times starting in the late 1800's. Great Lakes salmon taste different than their coastal cousins due to the different food sources available to them. this is why the salmon caught near Trenton taste a lot like domestic beer and pizza.
Proctor Park isn't just a big trail though. There are nice spots for the family to picnic or kick a ball around. It's a great spot for sunny weekend afternoons. The Park is also home to the Brighton Barn Theatre and this facility is home to a theatre troop as well as host to many events that are fun for the whole family. It's a very a
ctive meeting place for the good folks of Brighton.
ctive meeting place for the good folks of Brighton.The Proctors were one of the families that setteld in Brighton in the late 1700's and early 1800's. They were a prosperous family, and in 1970 the family donated their heritage home to the community and it was turned into Proctor House Museum. This house was restored to the way it was in 1840 and gives us a good glimpse into what life was like in the Brighton area during that era.
The Proctor Park Conservation Area is well worth checking out if you happen to be in Brighton for a while.
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