Attractions and Places To See around West Perth - Top 3

T.J. Dolan Trail, part of the Avon Trail system, is an easy, forested loop that follows the banks of the Avon River through mature Carolinian forest. It’s a mostly natural path that crosses small footbridges and passes towering hardwoods, with plenty of opportunities to spot songbirds and beautiful wildflowers dotting the landscape in the spring. It’s a lovely route for a relaxing walk that feels surprisingly secluded despite its urban setting.

The Avon River winds slowly through Stratford along the city’s parks, wetlands, and natural areas before joining the North Thames River. Along the T.J. Dolan Natural Trail, its calm waters attract ducks, turtles, herons, and other wildlife. It’s one of the defining natural features of Stratford’s landscape, and is beautiful, regardless of where you visit along its banks.

Morrison Lake is a quiet, tree-lined reservoir with still water and an untouched shoreline. There is a lovely bench here, perfect for a place to relax and watch for herons, turtles, and the occasional splash of fish. The lake is surrounded by forest and wetland, and with no beach or boat traffic, it’s just a peaceful place to sit and take in the view.

The South Huron Trail is a fantastic multi-use route that winds for roughly eight kilometres through the Ausable River Valley, connecting Morrison Dam Conservation Area with MacNaughton Park in Exeter. The trail follows both sides of the river, crossing via Jones Bridge and looping through mixed forest, pine plantations, wetlands, and open farmland. Within Morrison Dam, the trail runs along the north side of the reservoir, offering peaceful views and interpretive signage along the way. The surface is mostly crushed gravel and compacted soil, with gentle grades and several access points, making it an ideal route for hikers and cyclists to enjoy this beautiful area.

Morrison Dam Conservation Area stretches across 121 hectares east of Exeter, where forest trails loop around a quiet reservoir created by the Morrison Dam in 1959. Originally built to supply water to a local canning factory, the dam now supports flood control and habitat restoration. The South Huron Trail runs through the area, offering accessible walking and cycling paths through hardwood forest, pine plantations, and wetland edges. Visitors can fish, paddle, or snowshoe depending on the season, with interpretive signage and picnic areas adding to the park’s quiet, family-friendly appeal. Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed, perfect for keeping the trails peaceful and wildlife active year-round.