During the Ice Age, continental glaciers covered Southern Ontario on numerous occasions. Over a period of about a million years, major advances of glaciers alternated with long periods of mild climate during which the glaciers completely disappeared. When at it’s minimum, the glacial ice was about two km deep in the Blue Mountains area.The last glacier began retreating from this area about 10,000 years ago. As soon as the ice left, streams began to erode the land and valleys were carved into the glacial till. On either side of Osler Bluff are such Valleys, and it separated younger rock from the main older rock. The end result is a section of land, such as the Osler Bluff, which is called an Outlier. Some day, in the distant future, Osler will become an “island” separated from the main body of the Escarpment. Now THAT is cool stuff! No wonder I love to be on the Escarpment. At the end of my hike, I took part in the sunset from the shore of Georgian Bay. It doesn’t get better than that! Signing off, “Hiking with the Viking”!
The Outlier and the Viking
Published by Annette Sandberg
I grew up on the Niagara Escarpment in Grey County and this ancient land was, and still is, my backyard playground. I am a Certified Hike Leader with Hike Ontario and I lead hikes for various Ontario Trail Clubs, Sightseeing Tour Agencies and individual groups of family & friends who want to experience nature safely and informatively with an experienced Guide. View more posts
NIAGARA ESCARPMENT HIKING 