A Secret Adventure

First, find two thermoses; fill one with hot coffee and the other with hot chocolate.

Second, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

Third, bring birdseed and your camera.

Now you’re ready to explore!

Lime Kiln Trail is one of several trails within the Stony Swamp area. It’s a short hike with a big payoff. This particular one leads to the ruins of a pioneer lime factory, the kind that was common in Canada in the 1800s. (Ruins! In Ottawa! How cool is that?)

It’s an easy walk, and kids of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to explore this historic site. The whole scene is like something from a storybook. Visually, it’s amazing. Imagine stone ruins nestled in the woods, slowly being reclaimed by the wilderness. Stop and listen. You’ll hear nothing but silence and birdsong.

The area was originally comprised of five outbuildings. What remains is a circular kiln pot (where the crushed limestone was fed and burned), part of the limehouse (where finished lime was stored), and the powder magazine. The lime produced here was used for agricultural purposes, and was also used by local industries for mortar and whitewash.

You don’t need a map or special equipment (stay on the trail and there’s no way you can get lost) as the walk to the ruins and back to the parking lot is no more than two kilometres. (You could carry them that far if you had to.) What’s more, the Black-capped Chickadees and the Nuthatches that populate the trees in this area have evolved without fear of humans. If you’re seen with seed, they’ll happily land on your hand (or your hat!) to get it. 

So now you know one of our favourite little secrets (we just couldn’t keep it to ourselves). Be selective about whom you share it with—like we were.

Line Kiln Trail
From Ottawa take 416 South to Huntclub Road. Go west on Huntclub for about 2 km, turn in at parking P10. Richmond Rd and Moodie Drive.

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