It finally got cold enough along the shore for the waves to slowly turn into ice and form magical landscapes. This is all new to us so we headed out to investigate a few of the beaches in the area. We hope you’ll enjoy our findings as much as we did.
Highland Glen Conservation Area
Highland GLen Conservation area is a small day use park with a boat launch, beach, and some trails. We haven’t been there in the summer, but this is what we found when we got to the beach
It was a cold day so we only went for a short walk along the top of bank and along the frozen shoreline.
Looking at this frozen landscape it felt as if we were in the high arctic,
we expected a polar bear to show up.
This arch appeared, but it didn’t look safe enough to get any closer
but here is a closer look with the aid of the camera.
The released hostages joined us and you can see them in the distance. They were just as mesmerized as we were by this incredible vista.
Kettle Point
We decided to continue north along the shore towards Kettle Point. You may remember Kettle Points from a previous post about the mysterious round rocks that are found in and along the lake in that area. The shoreline looked a lot different this time. Although it lacked the dramatic formations that we found at Highland Glen, the frozen shoreline was still beautiful in its own way.
it was flatter,
more stark,
and when the sun shone on the ice a certain way, you couldn’t tel if it was sand or ice.
It was definitely ice!
The rock formations were still visible
and we even found some other rocks. Are these dragon eyes?
ST CLAIR River
The hostages went grocery shopping and we drove back to Sarnia and straight to Blue Water Bridge to check out the river.
There is definitely ice forming in the river.
But what are these circular ice structures in the water
According to Wikipedia, these are very rare natural phenomenon that occur in cold climates, but I feel that they are not so rare here.
You can read more about these ice circles in this article.
The ducks don’t seem to mind this change in temperature.
They kept doing duck things in the water,
only now, they have some ice sheets to rest on.
You can see Port Huron, Michigan on the other side of the river. They seem just as icy as we are.
We walked up our favourite lookout hill where you can see the bridge to the south, the river and Port Huron to the west, Lake Huron’s shoreline to the east, and the vast waters of Lake Huron to the north.
They were lotsof people out taking in the sights and the sunshine.
Ice formed on benches rocks, and railings.
In some places there were masses of ice,
and others, just a suggestion.
It was getting late so we walked back to the truck and drove to Canatara Park to check out the action there.
Canatara Park
The pond was frozen and there were families skating, and kids playing hockey.
We walked to the lake, and the beach was just as interesting as the rest of the areas.
Lots of ice shelves forming along the shore.
We did venture on them to the point that we felt was safe (or where we thought the shoreline ended). We probably shouldn’t make this into a habit though as it could get dangerous.
This illustration is illustrates the danger beneath the ice shelves. The arch at the beginning of this post is good visual of the hollow ice shelf.
Still the view of the icy tundra over the lake was breathtaking.
The good thing about the ice shelves is that they are protecting the shoreline from erosion. The past few years, shorelines were unprotected and got battered by high water and waves.
If you click on the photo below for a larger view, you will see a lot of broken ice forming.
When sheets of ice ride up on each other it’s called “rafting”, when they start breaking and piling up, it’s called “hummocked ice”
You can see and hear it happening in the video below
In the distance we stopped what we believe is a coast guard icebreaker.
The sun was getting low so we headed over to Baxter beach to catch the sunset.
Baxter Beach
Baxter beach was no different. Small hills formed along the shoreline
The moon was out and added a certain mood to the arctic scenery
As the sun sank, the moon side got very pink.
We explored the crevices and holes that formed in the ice shelf along the shore
and admired the changing light
It was long and cold day full of discoveries, but it was time to go home. The hostages are coming for dinner so we should get cooking.
That is so so amazing. It looked so solid until the movie. And it looked like water suddenly going ‘bing!!’ and becoming ice. Certainly not something to see in the Aussie desert although some salt lakes look similar.
It is amazing! I could have watched for hours if it wasn’t too cold to stand still.
Just beautiful. I love the sunset over the frozen river. The ice formations are amazing.
The sunsets over the ice are amazing. I wish I had some better photos, but I always seem to run our of battery juice when I need it the most.
Stunning. I do love shorelines in the winter. It is obvious that you are really enjoying your new location.
I am so in love with the shoreline. At any season. And yes, good observation, we love it here.
these are so cool
They really are!
Winter is beautiful season (if you’re bundled up very well) near the water. I love the unique textures, shapes and formations it made near the different waterfronts you visited. Also soothing to see many people out enjoying nature and seeing families skating on the frozen pond!
Generally, winter in Ontario is my least favourite season, but I am “warming” up to it here in Sarnia. It was great to see so many people enjoying the outdoors.
Beautifully captured but too cold for me.
Thanks for visiting with us from the warmth of your living room!
A great ice-cursion. Winter in Canada is a powerful force that does show some beauty. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Haha, it was a great ice-cursion!
those are some amazing photos of the frozen lake and river. It seems like you went on quite a walk; it was nice seeing other people out enjoying Mother Nature…
Thanks for coming along, Jim. It was really nice to catch all of these sights and the people out there too.
hopefully you a nice warm drink when you got back inside!
Or two 🙂
Those ice formations are so pretty. Great post..
Thanks! We thought they were pretty too!
Beautiful images! The Great Lakes are beautiful in every season and certainly magical in winter. Here on Lake Ontario it’s a very similar view along the shoreline. Especially since it has been so cold. The shoreline changes rapidly with the weather. We also have those icy circle formations right now. Very interesting. Lovely post!
I was blown away by how quickly the shoreline changes in winter and after summer storms. Thanks for coming along!
Whoa, so cool! Especially the arch!
I was so excited when I spotted the arch, I was practically jumping up and down 🙂
Ice never fails to amaze me with the kinds of forms it can take!
Right? It is just amazing!
I’ve lived in cold climates and have seen similar phenomenon, but I don’t ever recall seeing ice circles. Your accompanying graphic demonstrates the dangers of shelf ice very well.
It’s the first time I’ve seen those as well, and yes, very dangerous. The municipality puts out a lot of information, which is great for people that are new to the area or the country.
Terrific natural beauty!
It really is! Thanks for coming along!
Beautiful pics!!
Thank you!
Great shots!! Winter landscape is magical, especially on a sunny day!
I was just reading the other day about pancake ice, with these cold temperatures, we have all sort of ice formations😊
Thank you! I don’t know if the ice cakes are common here since this is our first winter, but I haven’t seen them before. It was cool to spot them and then find out that they actually have a name.
What was the air temp when you were out that day?
It was one of the coldest days so far here. I think -13C and somewhat windy.
Stunning scenery but it looks cold! I think I prefer to admire it in your photos. Thank you for sharing them. 💞
It was certainly cold that day, but it’s milder here than the rest of Ontario. We just got dressed really warm and managed to enjoy the sights despite the cold.
Amazing photos! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you. And thank for coming along!
What amazing formations, absolutely beautiful 🙂
They were really beautiful and interesting! Thanks for joining us!
Beautiful scenery, even more so in the cold winter!
It was beautiful despite the cold 🙂
It’s pretty amazing how the shoreline can look so different in the winter with all those ice formations. Your pictures are beautiful. It does look like an icy tundra and this is exactly what I would imagine the arctic to look like. I would not want to fall in the shelf ice. Looks like a terrible way to go since there’s little chance of being able to climb out.
It’s very hard to resist the temptation of exploring those icy hill though. It looks solid and safe, and very beautiful…lucky for me Tony always pulls me back from doing something stupid 🙂
Such beauty and so tempting to walk out on it. I always think twice before doing those types of things after finding out how dangerous a sandbar can be in the summer. I’m sure it’s no different with an ice shelf. Thanks for allowing us to take this beach walk with you.
Yeah, finding the balance between being adventurous and reckless is key. Thanks for coming along!
Beautiful pictures, some you can frame.
Thank you!
I’m chilled just looking at your photos though I admit it IS beautiful. Thanks for sharing with me. Stay well, Muriel
Today we have more of a BC kind of weather. Mild and rainy. I’m okay with cold as long as it doesn’t last for too long. Glad you liked the chilly views.
What stunning pictures! They made me feel cold and happy that I am in Warner climes. Unfortunately, this big winter storm keeps nipping at our wheels and looks to catch up to us in Mississippi as we stop to see some of my family.
I hope it will mess you! A few years ago we went south for some warmth, but winter weather followed us wherever we went. We escaped as far as San diego to get just a bot of warm weather.
The cold has found us 32 F in the pouring rain.
😥