Although Taiga Ventures is approximately half a mile from Hwy. 590, and has a 100 mile vista, it is not visible from the highway. It is totally private and secluded in a forest clearing.
Because it was important to maintain the natural quality of the site, we've provided parking areas near the entrance to the property. It keeps the exhaust fumes away from the building and activities, it gives guests the opportunity to experience nature and it allows the wildlife to circulate through the property at will without vehicular interference. If weather is inclement or guests require the service, we will provide shuttle service from the parking area to The Grotto.
Several species of animals and birds are residents of the property. It is a bird watcher's paradise. Feeders on the main floor deck attract a myriad of brightly coloured birds, small red squirrels and chipmunks in the summer. A cow moose and her bianual calves, along with deer, bears, wolves, lynx, fox, etc., have roamed the property in search of the plentiful food. They are readily captured on film so it is wise to bring your cameras with you for that once in a lifetime snapshot.
Although we have never had a problem with an overabundance of moose, it has been several months since we have actually seen one on the property. We had feared for the safety and survival of Moose Marion and her calf, but are pleased to report that Ron found their tracks in the northwest corner of the property on one of his forays. The massive clearcutting to the west of us has forced all the ungulats to move further into whatever uncut areas they can find. After all, not only their habitats (homes) have been eradicated, but also their food sources. This accounts for the scarcity of moose population in the area. We have thrilled to their appearance on the property in the past and look forward to a time when they will reappear in abundance.
The property sits on a glacial esker created during the last ice age and features several fresh water springs, creeks wild fruit and berry trees, and hazelnut bushes. There is a boulder field on the northeast section of the property. These huge rocks were dropped here long ago by glaciers. It is a mixed forest of poplar, birch, pine, spruce balsam, tamarack and black ash.
