One of the greatest joys of spending time at Great Blue Resorts is experiencing Ontario’s rich and diverse wildlife. Each of the pictures in this blog was taken in and around the resorts, and some of the featured creatures are rather iconic to Great Blue! So if you’re planning a stay at a Great Blue resort, or just want to be more mindful of the animals you see when coming back each year, enjoy this guide to the cottage country wildlife you can see around your resort cottage, big and small, furry and feathered!
Big Animals
These large mammals are majestic to spot in the wild, often at dawn or dusk when the forest is calm. They’re each a rare sight at the resorts, so it’s always a sighting to remember.
Moose: Towering and unmistakable, moose are the largest members of the deer family. They’re most commonly seen in quiet, wetland areas, often munching on aquatic plants near the shore. The photos featured here were taken at Bonnie Lake.
Black Bears: While not too common around the resorts themselves, black bears do live in Ontario’s wilderness. They’re shy and tend to avoid humans, but sometimes you might spot one swimming across the water, like I did at the resorts as a child.
White-tailed Deer: These graceful animals are a common sight across cottage country. They’re most active in the early morning and can sometimes be seen right on resort roads or paths.
Little Critters
From bushy-tailed squirrels to elusive mink, these smaller animals are often common sights and bring the landscape to life.
Eastern Chipmunk: These tiny striped critters are everywhere! As a kid, I lovingly called every one of them “Chippy.” If you sit still with a peanut in your hand, you might just have a magical moment where one scurries up to snack from your palm.
Eastern Grey Squirrel: You’ll hear them rustling in the trees long before you see them. These energetic foragers come in both grey and black coats and are a staple of Canadian wildlife.
Beaver: Canada’s national animal is surprisingly busy at our resorts! At Lantern Bay, staff regularly clear the waterfall area where beavers have built dams that block the flow of water. Their engineering is impressive, but it sure keeps us on our toes!
Red Fox: With their reddish fur and bushy tails, foxes are often spotted darting through fields or along wooded edges, especially in the early morning.
North American River Otter: Sleek, playful, and always a treat to see. Otters may be spotted swimming near quiet shorelines or by the beach. If you see a couple together, you might notice them holding hands while they sleep so as not to float away from each other, it is very cute.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit: These soft brown bunnies are a favourite with kids. You’ll often spot them at the resorts, hopping around grassy areas near cottages.
American Mink: Sleek and dark brown, minks are semi-aquatic and may be seen darting along the water’s edge. They’re quick and elusive, but sharp-eyed guests might spot one! The photo featured here was taken at Woodland Estate.
Birds
Ontario’s lakes and forests are a haven for birdwatchers. Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned birder, there’s always something to look for.
Great Blue Heron: Can you tell why this one is our favourite? Tall and elegant, herons stand still in the shallows, waiting to strike at fish or frogs. You’ll often spot them in the early morning, and seeing them fly is truly a majestic sight. The photos featured are from Woodland Estate and Golden Beach.
Green Heron: Related to the Great Blue Heron, hence the name, but vastly different in appearance. They’re a smaller bird and are often seen with their head tucked close to their body, hiding their long Heron neck.
Common Loon: The smooth call of the loon is the soundtrack of cottage country. These beautiful black-and-white birds dive deep for fish and are a treasured sight on our lakes. With a bit of practice, you can create a loon call with just your hands as well!
Trumpeter Swan: With their graceful white forms and soft calls, swans truly are a stunning sight to behold. They’re not as common around all resorts, but the photos seen here are from Cherry Beach, and these beautiful birds are cherished as honorary members of the Great Blue Family.
Osprey: Also called “fish hawks,” these raptors soar over the lake, dive-bombing for fish with incredible accuracy. You can see many of their large nests on top of poles along the roads near the resorts; the photo we have is from the roads leading to Golden Beach.
Canada Goose: We can’t talk about birds without mentioning our beloved cobra chicken. They are very common and easy to spot, and while they leave behind a bit of a mess and can be a bit vicious if approached, they are a staple of Canadian wildlife.
Reptiles & Amphibians
A favourite of many of the kids at Great Blue. Running around the bay and beach areas, spotting turtles and frogs, is practically a rite of passage for every resort child.
Painted Turtle: My personal favourite turtle, with their red and yellow markings, these turtles love to bask on logs and rocks near calm water. They’re the most commonly seen turtle at our resorts, and not nearly as rude as snapping turtles.
Snapping Turtle: Much larger and more prehistoric-looking than painted turtles, snappers can often be seen slowly crossing paths or floating just below the surface of ponds. They like to lay their eggs at the resorts, and while they are a sight to behold, be careful around them, they have a very strong bite! Mama Snapper is an icon at Woodland Estate, and the photo in this blog is from Cherry Beach.
Green Frogs & Leopard Frogs: In wet areas or near ponds, you’ll often hear their calls in the evenings. Kids love spotting them hopping along the water’s edge, just be mindful of them crossing the roads!
Wildlife Etiquette Tips
To keep our wildlife and guests safe, remember these simple rules:
Never feed wild animals (except the occasional chipmunk with a peanut, it’s tradition!), keep pets on a leash, store food properly and dispose of garbage securely, and observe from a distance, binoculars and cameras are your best friend!
Whether you’re here for the summer or just a weekend escape, Ontario’s wildlife adds magic to every moment. Keep your eyes open, you never know what you’ll see.
