<p>Nothing captures the imagination quite like a private island. The appeal is primal - your own piece of land, surrounded by water. In Georgian Bay, this isolation takes on a particular character. </p><p>The Bay's granite shores and wind-bent pines haven't changed much since the first cottagers arrived by steamship in the early 1900s. Those original families built structures meant to endure; fieldstone fireplaces, hand-hewn beams, deep porches facing west toward the sunset. </p><p>These century-old cottages, when they survive, represent something increasingly rare - not just waterfront property, but a direct connection to Canadian cabin culture's golden age.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-8.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="1018" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-8.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-8.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-8.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><h3 id="now-theres-one-for-sale">Now, there's one for sale. </h3><p><strong>Porcupine Island</strong> sits in the heart of Georgian Bay, 1.4 acres of Canadian Shield with a lakehouse dating to 1914. The property underwent an artful restoration in 2012 that managed something difficult - preserving details that matter while quietly adding the modern luxuries that make island living comfortable year-round. </p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-7.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="1018" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-7.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-7.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-7.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>The project clearly required both deep pockets and patience. Modern infrastructure was masterfully threaded through 110-year-old bones without disturbing what makes the place special.</p><p></p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-10.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="906" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-10.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-10.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-10.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>The restoration added practical elements like a 3-ton heat pump, heated floors, and a chef's kitchen. </p><figure class="kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide"><div class="kg-gallery-container"><div class="kg-gallery-row"><div class="kg-gallery-image"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-17.png" width="1360" height="907" loading="lazy" alt="" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-17.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-17.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-17.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></div><div class="kg-gallery-image"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-18.png" width="1360" height="907" loading="lazy" alt="" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-18.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-18.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-18.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></div></div></div></figure><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-15.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="907" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-15.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-15.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-15.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>But the original home's character remains untouched: the stacked stone fireplace, the dining room's wall of paned windows, the full-length screened porch that cottage purists consider non-negotiable.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide"><div class="kg-gallery-container"><div class="kg-gallery-row"><div class="kg-gallery-image"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-12.png" width="1360" height="907" loading="lazy" alt="" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-12.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-12.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-12.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></div><div class="kg-gallery-image"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-13.png" width="1360" height="907" loading="lazy" alt="" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-13.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-13.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-13.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></div></div></div></figure><p>The addition, built at right angles to the original structure, houses the modern amenities: the kitchen, a main floor office, laundry facilities. </p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-16.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="906" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-16.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-16.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-16.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>The new doesn't compete with the old, and a metal roof covers everything, ready for Georgian Bay's weather extremes.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-22.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="907" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-22.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-22.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-22.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>Outside, the property reveals why this particular corner of the Bay draws repeat visitors. Multi-tiered decks face west for sunset viewing. The hot tub placement takes advantage of both privacy and views.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-21.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="907" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-21.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-21.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-21.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>Boardwalks wind through perennial gardens, connecting seating areas scattered across the island. </p><figure class="kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide"><div class="kg-gallery-container"><div class="kg-gallery-row"><div class="kg-gallery-image"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-23.png" width="1360" height="1018" loading="lazy" alt="" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-23.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-23.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-23.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></div><div class="kg-gallery-image"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-9.png" width="1360" height="1018" loading="lazy" alt="" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-9.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-9.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-9.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></div></div></div></figure><p>The boathouse sits protected behind a natural shoal breakwater - a geographical gift for any Georgian Bay property. Recent rebuilding included new cribs, docks, and roofing. For an island property, protected docking might be the most valuable amenity of all.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-24.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="907" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-24.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-24.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-24.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>Georgian Bay presents specific challenges. Water levels fluctuate. Winter ice can be destructive. Storm waves from open water reach impressive heights. This property's position offers long views while remaining sheltered from the worst of the big water - a rare combination.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-25.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="907" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-25.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-25.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-25.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>Georgian Bay's proximity to Toronto (about 2 hours north) puts it within weekend reach of millions seeking authentic cottage experiences.</p><p>Private island sales in Ontario follow standard real estate processes, with one key difference: access. Buyers need to factor in boat transportation for everything from groceries to building materials. Winter access depends on ice conditions, increasingly unpredictable in recent years.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-26.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1360" height="907" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/07/image-26.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/image-26.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/07/image-26.png 1360w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>The price remains unlisted - which is standard practice for unique Georgian Bay properties where comparables rarely exist. You can be certain the price falls comfortably into the 7 figures. </p><p>The freehold title means full ownership, avoiding lease complications common with some Canadian island properties.</p><hr><p></p><p>Porcupine Island exists in that sweet spot of island real estate: beautifully developed to be immediately usable, remote enough to feel like an escape, close enough to be practical. </p><p>Whether it becomes a summer base, three-season retreat, or rental investment will depend on who appreciates the unique alchemy of old bones and new upgrades on a patch of rock in one of Canada's most storied bodies of water.</p><p><em>View the listing or inquire about the property at </em><a href="https://www.privateislandsonline.com/canada/ontario/georgian-bay/porcupine-island?ref=cabinliving.ca" rel="noreferrer"><em>PrivateIslandsOnline.com</em></a></p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SjC80g18sts?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="Porcupine Island"></iframe></figure><p><em>Duration: 3:21 | All images credit </em><a href="https://www.privateislandsonline.com/canada/ontario/georgian-bay/porcupine-island?ref=cabinliving.ca" rel="noreferrer"><em>PrivateIslandsOnline.com</em></a></p>
<p>There's nothing like a view of the Canadian outdoors - it's part of what makes cabin living so special. Unfortunately, you can't always be up at the cottage to enjoy it.</p><p>I recently came across three webcams from different parts of Canada that give a live view of the great outdoors. There are some pretty spectacular views to be had - and the fact they're live helps make you feel a bit more connected to nature, no matter where you're watching from.</p><p>There's even one that lets you move the camera!</p><h2 id="regina-bay-lake-of-the-woods-on">Regina Bay (Lake of the Woods, ON)</h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><a href="https://www.tomahawkresort.ca/reginabaycamera.cfm?ref=cabinliving.ca"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-22.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1123" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-22.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-22.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1600/2025/06/image-22.png 1600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w2400/2025/06/image-22.png 2400w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></a></figure><p>Our first stop takes us to Regina Bay on Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario, courtesy of <a href="https://www.tomahawkresort.ca/reginabaycamera.cfm?ref=cabinliving.ca">Tomahawk Resort's interactive webcam</a>.</p><p>This isn't your average stationary camera. You actually get to <strong>control</strong> the movement and zoom in or out. Want to check if the ice is off? Zoom in on the shoreline. Curious about the sunset? Pan west and watch it live.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><a href="https://www.tomahawkresort.ca/reginabaycamera.cfm?ref=cabinliving.ca"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-23.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1902" height="1202" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-23.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-23.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1600/2025/06/image-23.png 1600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-23.png 1902w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></a></figure><p>The resort even has a message board where viewers share snapshots and fishing reports. Recent entries include "Going Fishing" and "Smoky sunrise" - classic cabin morning observations.</p><hr><p></p><h2 id="emerald-lake-lodge-yoho-national-park-bc">Emerald Lake Lodge (Yoho National Park, BC)</h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><a href="https://emeraldlakelodge.com/?ref=cabinliving.ca"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-20.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1122" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-20.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-20.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1600/2025/06/image-20.png 1600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w2400/2025/06/image-20.png 2400w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></a></figure><p>Next, we head west to <a href="https://emeraldlakelodge.com/?ref=cabinliving.ca">Emerald Lake Lodge</a> in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. While not quite "live," this webcam updates every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mountain Time.</p><p>The camera is mounted on the historic main lodge, facing northeast across Emerald Lake. On clear days, you'll see Emerald Peak on the left, Michael Peak in the middle, and Wapta Mountain on the right.</p><p>Any points it loses for not being 'live' it makes up for in Canadian mountain beauty. Look at that turquoise water!</p><h2 id="algonquin-provincial-park-on">Algonquin Provincial Park (ON)</h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX9OfclWZuM&ref=cabinliving.ca"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-21.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1115" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-21.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-21.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1600/2025/06/image-21.png 1600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w2400/2025/06/image-21.png 2400w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></a></figure><p>Our final destination brings us to one of Ontario's better known destinations: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX9OfclWZuM&ref=cabinliving.ca">Algonquin Provincial Park</a>. The <a href="https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/foap/?ref=cabinliving.ca" rel="noreferrer">Friends of Algonquin Park</a> have set up a spectacular 4K live stream from the Visitor Centre.</p><p>What sets this one apart? You can rewind up to 12 hours. Missed that moose that wandered by this morning? Just scroll back. Want to watch yesterday's thunderstorm roll across Fork Lake? It's all there.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QX9OfclWZuM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="Algonquin Park Live Webcam | Ontario, Canada | www.algonquinpark.on.ca"></iframe></figure><p>The panoramic view showcases everything Algonquin is famous for – coniferous forests, deciduous stands, spruce bog, Fork Lake, and Sunday Creek. During fall, it's absolutely electric with color. In winter, it's a snow globe come to life. </p><p>And if you're lucky, you might catch some wildlife.</p>
<p>If you've ever gone fishing for Pike in Canada, chances are you've heard the name <strong>Len Thompson</strong>. </p><p>Perhaps best described as <em>the</em> Canadian tackle brand, the 96-year-old company was founded by First World War soldier and farmer <strong>Len Thompson</strong> in Abernethy, Saskatchewan in 1929. Their signature spoons have become a staple in tackle boxes across the Prairies and the Arctic.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-1.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="178" height="270"><figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Len Thompson in 1968 | Credit: LenThompson.com</span></figcaption></figure><p>55 million lures, a few acquisitions and 96 years later, they've moved operations to <strong>Lacombe, Alberta</strong> where they're still family owned and operated, and produce over half a million lures each year.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-2.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1100" height="734" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-2.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-2.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-2.png 1100w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"><figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">World's Biggest Fishing Lure | Credit: LenThompson.com</span></figcaption></figure><p>The company also brought the <em>Guinness World Record </em>for world's largest fishing lure back home to Canada in 2019, where it still stands. The project was completed to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the fishing lure company.</p><h2 id="how-theyre-made">How They're Made</h2><p>Surprisingly, the iconic spoons are still made with a press purchased by Len Thompson in <strong><em>1945</em></strong>. </p><p>Learn how and take a look inside their Alberta factory:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/peDzSOGTc3c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="How It's Made - Len Thompson Fishing Lures"></iframe></figure><p>You can read more about the fascinating history of this truly Canadian company on <a href="https://www.lenthompson.com/our-history.html?ref=cabinliving.ca" rel="noreferrer">their website</a>.</p><p>Happy cabin living!</p><hr><p><em>Video: Len Thompson How It's Made| Duration: 2:05</em></p>
<h1 id=""></h1><p>Have you ever been lounging on the dock and caught a glimpse of what looks like a floating green pancake with a snorkel? No? Well, if you do, you may have just encountered one of Ontario's most peculiar animals, the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle.</p><p>This endangered species is unlike any other turtle you'll see at the cabin, and if you're lucky enough to spot one, you're in for a treat.</p><h2 id="not-your-average-turtle">Not Your Average Turtle</h2><p>Forget everything you know about turtles. While painted turtles sun themselves on logs across cottage country, the Spiny Softshell looks like nature got creative. This unusual reptile sports a few unique features and was named as <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/media/media-releases/2024/10/move-along-moose--sfu-study-reveals-the--most-canadian--animals.html?ref=cabinliving.ca" rel="noreferrer">Canada’s most evolutionarily distinct species</a> by a recent SFU study. What a title!</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-9.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="861" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-9.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-9.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-9.png 1600w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><ul><li>A flat, leathery shell instead of the hard shells we're used to</li><li>A built-in snorkel (that distinctive pointy snout)</li><li>Tiny spines along the front edge of its shell</li><li>An impressive size – females can reach up to 54 cm, rivaling snapping turtles</li></ul><p>Locals have given it nicknames like "pancake turtle" and "leatherback" (not to be confused with the sea turtle), and once you see one, you'll understand why.</p><h2 id="where-you-might-spot-them">Where You Might Spot Them</h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-10.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1542" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-10.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-10.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1600/2025/06/image-10.png 1600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-10.png 2106w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>These turtles are endangered in Ontario, so sightings are rare and special. They're found only in southwestern Ontario:</p><ul><li><strong>Thames and Sydenham Rivers</strong> – Home to most of Ontario's population</li><li><strong>Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie</strong></li><li><strong>Western Lake Ontario watersheds</strong></li></ul><p>They prefer rivers with soft bottoms, sandy areas for nesting, and deep pools for hibernation. Some individuals travel up to 30 kilometers in a year between different parts of their home range.</p><h2 id="masters-of-hide-and-seek">Masters of Hide-and-Seek</h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1602632270779-e1baa06074cc?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHBvbmR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwMzA0MjkxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000" class="kg-image" alt="green grass field near lake under blue sky during daytime" loading="lazy" width="4032" height="3024" srcset="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1602632270779-e1baa06074cc?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHBvbmR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwMzA0MjkxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=600 600w, https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1602632270779-e1baa06074cc?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHBvbmR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwMzA0MjkxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1000 1000w, https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1602632270779-e1baa06074cc?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHBvbmR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwMzA0MjkxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1600 1600w, https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1602632270779-e1baa06074cc?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHBvbmR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwMzA0MjkxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2400 2400w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"><figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@isabelleg2020?ref=cabinliving.ca"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Goulet Isabelle</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> / </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=ghost&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Unsplash</span></a></figcaption></figure><p>They're not all looks - these unique turtles also have a few special talents. They can:</p><ul><li>Stay underwater for up to 5 hours (they absorb oxygen through their skin!)</li><li>Bury themselves completely in sand or mud with just their snorkel showing</li><li>Ambush prey like crayfish and molluscs from their hiding spots</li><li>Hibernate underwater all winter without breathing</li></ul><p>They're primarily aquatic and rarely venture far from water, using it for both hunting and hiding from predators.</p><h2 id="what-cabin-owners-should-know">What Cabin Owners Should Know</h2><p>If you're fortunate enough to have softshells in your area, do your part to help protect them.</p><h3 id="boat-carefully">Boat Carefully</h3><p>Softshells often hide in shallow waters where boats come to shore, and they regularly travel across open water. They're particularly vulnerable to boat propeller strikes.</p><h3 id="preserve-natural-beaches">Preserve Natural Beaches</h3><p>Sandy or gravelly shorelines are scenic – <em>and</em> critical nesting habitat. If you own waterfront property, maintain natural beach areas above the waterline, especially from May to October when turtles nest.</p><h3 id="observe-from-a-distance">Observe From a Distance</h3><p>Never disturb nests, eggs, or turtles. While it's exciting to spot one, these endangered animals need space to thrive.</p><h3 id="report-sightings">Report Sightings</h3><p>If you see a Spiny Softshell, report it to the Natural Heritage Information Centre or the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. Your observations help conservation efforts.</p><h2 id="a-few-more-facts-about-ontarios-oddest-turtle">A Few More Facts About Ontario's Oddest Turtle</h2><ul><li>They can live over 50 years in the wild</li><li>Females take 12-15 years to mature in Canada's cooler climate</li><li>Unlike most turtles, the gender of hatchlings isn't determined by temperature</li><li>They're excellent swimmers and can make daily movements of 4-7 kilometers</li><li>Eggs are sometimes targeted by poachers for the pet trade</li></ul><h2 id="why-they-need-our-help">Why They Need Our Help</h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544883549-3ceee3fbfb58?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIxfHxmaXNoaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDMwNDI1OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000" class="kg-image" alt="white and gray fish net" loading="lazy" width="4161" height="5201" srcset="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544883549-3ceee3fbfb58?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIxfHxmaXNoaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDMwNDI1OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=600 600w, https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544883549-3ceee3fbfb58?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIxfHxmaXNoaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDMwNDI1OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1000 1000w, https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544883549-3ceee3fbfb58?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIxfHxmaXNoaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDMwNDI1OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1600 1600w, https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544883549-3ceee3fbfb58?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIxfHxmaXNoaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDMwNDI1OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2400 2400w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"><figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@ktabori?ref=cabinliving.ca"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krisztian Tabori</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> / </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=ghost&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Unsplash</span></a></figcaption></figure><p>The Spiny Softshell faces serious threats over habitat loss from shoreline development, boat strikes, disturbance of nesting sites by recreational activities, predation of nests by raccoons and foxes and getting caught in fishing gear.</p><h2 id="the-bottom-line">The Bottom Line</h2><p>The Spiny Softshell might look like a swimming pancake, but it's one of Ontario's most unique species. If you're out on your dock or boat this summer, keep an eye out for that distinctive snorkel poking above the water.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-11.png" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w600/2025/06/image-11.png 600w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/size/w1000/2025/06/image-11.png 1000w, https://cabinliving.ca/content/images/2025/06/image-11.png 1600w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>Seeing one is special – you're looking at an endangered species that's been around since before the dinosaurs disappeared. Let's make sure future generations of cottagers get the same chance to marvel at these remarkable creatures.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kydKxT_TRto?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="Up Close! Spiny Softshell Turtle"></iframe></figure><p><em>Up Close! Spiny Softshell Turtle | Video Duration: 3:21</em></p><hr><p></p><p><em>Learn more about Ontario's species at risk and how to help at </em><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk?ref=cabinliving.ca">ontario.ca/page/species-risk</a></p><hr>
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