Wild Wonders: Where to Spot Frogs, Toads & Salamanders in Southern Ontario

Discover the magic of vernal pools and woodland edges with this family-friendly guide to Ontario’s most curious and wiggly wildlife.

There’s something irresistible about frogs. Maybe it’s the way they vanish in a splash just as you spot them, or the chorus of spring peepers that feels like nature’s own symphony. For kids, amphibians are a perfect introduction to wildlife watching — easy to find in early spring, often close to home, and full of personality.

Bring your binoculars, your best puddle-jumping boots, and your quietest whisper voices — we’re going exploring.

Top Spots to See Amphibians

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area (Mississauga)

A hidden gem tucked beside Lake Ontario, Rattray’s shaded trails and boardwalks wind past vernal pools teeming with spring peepers and American toads. The sound alone is worth the visit.

• Best for: Ages 3+
• Why You’ll Love It: Easy trails and epic frog choruses in early spring
• Insider Tip: Visit after a warm rain in April or May for peak calling activity

Kortright Centre for Conservation (Vaughan)

This nature centre’s forest trails and education programs make it a go-to for hands-on learning. Look for frogs and salamanders along the edges of their wetland trails.

• Best for: Ages 4–10
• Why You’ll Love It: Quiet, peaceful, and great interpretive signage
• Insider Tip: Ask about seasonal amphibian programming

Crawford Lake Conservation Area (Milton)

The boardwalk and shaded paths around Crawford Lake are prime frog territory, especially in early spring. Listen for wood frogs chuckling from the reeds.

• Best for: All ages
• Why You’ll Love It: Gorgeous lake views and hidden wildlife
• Insider Tip: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds

Cootes Paradise (Hamilton)

This sprawling wetland at the Royal Botanical Gardens is a haven for frogs and salamanders. Look along the water’s edge and under logs near shaded trails.

• Best for: Ages 5+
• Why You’ll Love It: One of Ontario’s most ecologically rich marshes
• Insider Tip: Spring migration season offers double the fun — birds and frogs

Humber Arboretum (Toronto)

A surprising pocket of biodiversity in the city, the Arboretum’s nature trails offer ample puddle-peeking opportunities for kids.

• Best for: City-based explorers
• Why You’ll Love It: Easy access and low crowds
• Insider Tip: Pair your walk with a stop at the nearby greenhouse

Spencer Creek Trail (Dundas)

Winding beside a coldwater stream, this trail is prime habitat for salamanders, especially red-backed and dusky species.

• Best for: Kids who love quiet forest walks
• Why You’ll Love It: Shaded trails and secretive wildlife
• Insider Tip: Bring a magnifying glass and tread softly — salamanders are shy!

When & How to Spot Amphibians

• Season: April through June, especially after warm spring rains
• Time of Day: Dawn and dusk are best
• Where to Look: Shallow puddles, mossy logs, vernal pools, and leaf litter
• How to Watch: Stay still, be quiet, and watch the edges of the water

What You Might See

• Spring Peepers: Tiny frogs with big voices
• American Toads: Easy to spot and gentle in nature
• Green Frogs & Wood Frogs: Found near ponds and forest pools
• Red-Backed Salamanders: Slender and secretive, often under logs

Be a Wildlife Hero

• Don’t pick up amphibians — their skin is extremely sensitive
• Leave rocks and logs as you found them
• Stay on marked trails whenever possible
• Log your sightings with iNaturalist or your local conservation group

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