Presqu'ile Park Revisted Part 2

Sunrise at Lighthouse Point from the blind. Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Randall Romano, 2011

In this second article about Presqu’ile Provincial Park we will look at some of the best photographic locations in the park. Photographing at Presqu’ile is fabulous as it’s natural shoreline habitat and the beauty of Lake Ontario really give the photographer many unique opportunities.

Presqu'ile Photographic Locations

1. Marsh Boardwalk: This is an interesting 1.2-kilometer hike that takes you to the heart of Presqu’ile marshlands. Not only does it contain an elevated wooden walkway but also two tall observation platforms on which you can make some interesting photographs from. Both of these towers face eastward and would be great places to photograph from at sunrise, depending of course on the sun location, which should be checked at the Photographers Emphersis.
The second observation tower is intermingled with a mature willow tree and the branches of this tree cover the boardwalk providing an interesting frame for marsh images. If you are interested in bird photography this boardwalk can provide you with opportunities, especially for more common species as it takes you right into the marshlands.
When: The best sunrise times for photographing on the marsh boardwalk is from early May thru Early September when the sun rises directly in front of the observation towers. In June and July sunset would also provide great light on the marsh because of the angle of the setting sun. This location and light is well timed for breeding birds and when the marsh is at it's most productive time.
2. Lighthouse and Presqu'ile Point: This point of land gives you an interesting vista of Lake Ontario, as well as Presqu'ile Bay. It provides you with a 180-degree view of the lake. Off to the west of the point is an interesting and long stretch of gravel beach. The waters off this beach are quite turbulent and unsafe as the currents at any point can be. A smaller beach runs to the north of the lighthouse and provides what I believe is the best angle to photograph the lighthouse from, particularly at sunrise.
The lighthouse is an interesting structure. Originally constructed with limestone, it was soon realized that this material was prone to weathering and deterioration. As a result the lighthouse was sheathed in wooden shingles that better protected the structure. A light keepers home was constructed close to this location and is now the park interpretive center.
The lighthouse can be photographed during mid to late day from the western beach area and with a polarizer and a blue sky can provide a reasonable good photo. However my favorite shooting location is from the smaller north beach at sunrise. With the open water of the lake the sun rise on the lighthouse and from a low angle on this beach you can achieve and amazing image.
A viewing cabin is also built just to the north of the lighthouse with open windows to the lake. Photographing here at sunrise allows some interesting compositions of the lake and sunrise.
When: The best sunrise times are from mid April to early September as the sunrise at favourable angles to the lighthouse, from the small northern beach. Keep in mind that if you are photographing from this angle in the morning that you will need a tripod that is set up low to the ground and you will need at least a 3 stop Graduated filter to reduce the contrast of the rising sun and retain detail on the lighthouse. This beach is not very wide; so make sure you wear footwear that can get wet.
3. Owen Point: To get to the Owen Point shooting location you have to follow the Owen Point trail that follows sandy soil and dune habitats. The dune grasses and cottonwood groves you pass through are extremely interesting and can provide interesting photographic opportunities. The trail is well defined and restricted as the habitat is being left in a natural and undisturbed state. So try and not wonder off the trail. The southern beach area that the trail parallels has been left to natural succession and the algae and vegetation build up allows food for passing migrating birds. There is fenced off observation areas where you can look over the beaches, although access to the beaches is not allowed at this location. As you reach Owen Point you are restricted access to the gravel bar during summer months. Photographing from this gravel bar is best done in the off-season. September to April and it is worth the effort as you get a vast view of the lake on both sides of the gravel bar. The bar curves toward Gull Island and High Bluff Island in the distance. At sunset times the light is extremely favourable. This location provides an amazing interaction between sky, waves and light. A great contrast exists between the stones of the gravel bar and the smooth movement of water. In one evening I spent well over two hours photographing at this location and waiting for the sun to set. It was one of the most pleasurable and peaceful photography evenings I have ever spent. The resulting images were extremely difficult to choose, as there were a lot of good images to choose from. So yes if you go to Presqu'ile make sure you photograph at this location at sunset.
When: Sunset times are good from September thru to April. Access off the trail onto the gravel bar is from September to April. Sunrise times are also favourable at this location, although sunset and the sun's location is generally the better light here.
4. Small Limestone Cliffs and Picnic Area: Lighthouse lane is the road that takes you through a traditional grass picnic area that also gives you a good vista of Lake Ontario proper. Cottages were built here in the early 1900's and the landscaped area still exists in the form of a long open area. At the very start of the picnic area on the beach is a large rock, which has become very popular with me as a photographic subject. It is interesting to me because it contrasts greatly with the vast number of small stones the beach is made up with. Also the waves break around this rock in an interesting fashion before hitting the shoreline and there is a long natural shoreline.
Further down the picnic area is a small limestone cliff, maybe 10 to 15 feet in height. I wasn't kidding when I said small, however they are interesting in that you can see a huge variety of patterns in the rocks, some fossils and vegetation growth. You can get down to the shoreline and walk along the narrow beach in front of the small cliffs. For a photographer they may be small, yet there is an endless number of interesting patterns and shapes to compose. If you get a grey or overcast day this can be an interesting location to photograph from because of the cliff and limestone patterns and the rocky beach. Overcast days bring out a blue colour in the water and diffused light brings out more colours in the smaller stones that make up the entire beach area. By excluding the sky and just concentrating on the beach and water you can get some excellent images in overcast locations.
When: Photograph here on overcast days or when the light is at lower levels during sunrise or sunset times. Make sure to bring a polarizer to saturate the colours of the water and the small stones.
5. Main Beach Area: The southern part of the parks western coast is a maintained beach area. Of course this is the most popular part of the park during the summer months being raked and well maintained. However in the off months it is a really interesting place to photograph, as the beach is extremely wide and very appealing to walk. There are also some interesting dune areas behind the beach on the walk from the parking lot to the beach proper. I found all kinds of patterns in the sand and of course enjoyed photographing the interaction between sand and waves.
Three specific beaches that join with each other are maintained and provide a great and peaceful walk along the shoreline.
When: Anytime is an interesting time to photograph at this location, as it is more about the experience than it is about getting unique photographs. The beach area is perfectly situated for sunset times as it faces directly west. The dunes area contains some interesting vegetation to photograph.

SuggestedPlaces to Stay

The following locations are suggested and are have not been stayed at by me in my travels. They represent the closest accommodations to the park. Of course camping on site is always the best alternative to be in the right spot at sunrise and sunset times.

1. Timber House Inn Motel. 116 Cedardale Road, Brighton, ON 613-475-3304. www.timberhouse.net
2. Harbourview Motel and Marina. 4 Bay Street West, Brighton, ON K0K 1K0, 613-475-1515
3. Ste Anne's Spa. 1009 Massey Road Grafton, ON. 905-349-2493 www. steannes.com
4. Presqu'ile Beach Motel. 243 Main Street, Brighton, ON. K0K 1H0, 613-475-1010. www.presquilebeachmotel.com