Pinhey’s Point
Mixing natural treasures and local history
BY EMMA JACKSON
Pinhey’s Point Historic Site is not
exactly hidden, but when city-dwell- ing outdoor enthusiasts first come upon it, they often find it surprisingly fulfils a lot of their inner naturalist. The 35-hectare site along the
Ottawa River in Dunrobin just north of Kanata features a walking path, and a restoration of the historic home built between 1820 and 1840. The stone foundation of the original clapboard cabin is still there, and later stone additions from as early as 1822 are intact and stabilized. And if you’re coming by boat, there’s a sheltered bay with a public dock on the waterfront. For the outdoors person keen to
learn about Ottawa’s history, Pinhey’s Point is one of those rare locations where cultural and natural history come together.
Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey arrived
in 1820 to establish himself as part of Canada’s gentry. Settling in the wilds of March Township, he soon became a prominent politician and businessman in the Ottawa Valley, and his stone home, named Hor- aceville after his son, was tangible proof of his achievements. It sat on an escarpment for steamboat passengers, fur traders, merchants, timber men and travel- lers to see. Today, much tangible evidence of that era remains, with a house still a beautiful sight for boaters, and function- ing as a museum to chronicle the family’s influence in the region. But the grounds alone can make
Pinhey’s Point worth a visit. It’s off the beaten track and can be hard to find if you’re not watching for the signs, but that’s part of the adventure, whether you arrive by boat or car. Often only true enthusiasts show
up, making the site more of an escape from crowded city life than other riverfront parks. A path criss- crosses the grounds, which are home to all kinds of wild birds and animals. Barns as well as ruins from the origi- nal kitchen, ash house and log cabin surround the museum. In summer, the park’s natural amphitheatre, set off by mature trees and highlighted by wildflowers, suits anyone from sun worshippers, to picnickers or kids who want a roll down the grassy slope.
26 ottawaoutdoors
Canoes, kayaks, and punts tie up
at the dock, either as a destination or a pit stop. Yacht skippers and crew from local watercraft clubs find the Point an excellent halfway spot for a picnic before tacking home. And it’s kid-friendly: They can join
programs for junior naturalists, ar- chaeologists and gardeners, to hunt for wildlife, learn hidden meanings of the landscape and develop a green thumb. There are activities for all ages.
The longstanding Creatures of the Night program on June 19 particu- larly seeks out nocturnal foragers like
bats, raccoons and fireflies, but also beaver, fishers and birds. The annual Riverfest celebration
June 27 the focuses on water ecol- ogy, the history of the Ottawa River and its importance in the community – played out by music and drama, often local folk musicians. This show has been augmented by the new Experience Backpacks events, with scavenger hunts and other family activities. The museum is open Wednesday
to Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but visi- tors can explore the grounds even when the museum is closed. Check it out at
www.ottawa.ca/museums and discover Ottawa’s hidden natural
gem. «oo
~ Emma Jackson is an Ottawa-area journalist who enjoys hiking, camping and canoeing any chance she can.
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
PHOTO CREDITS: COUVRETTE/OTTAWA (613) 238-5104 - WWW.COUVRETTE-PHOTOGRAPHY.ON.CA
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