COVID-19 Update

Howard Watson Trail, Blackwell Trail, Suncor Nature Way, Blackwell Trails Dog Park- OPEN

Germain Dog Park- open

Trail Rules

The last couple of years have seen many enhancements to our trail system:

  • pedestrian crossings with LED flashing lights at Front Street, Michigan Ave and Wellington St, complete with road markings and warning signs
  • full stoplights and marked crossing at Exmouth Street trail crossing
  • enhanced road marking on crossings at Telfer and Blackwell Roads
  • resurfacing of trail from Michigan Ave. north to Bright’s Grove
  • seasonal washroom facility at Cathcart Park and Sam McRae Firehall
  • improved access from trail to Cathcart Park
  • improved access from Tawny Road access path to trail
  • gateways at Michigan Ave and Modeland Road equipped with shelters, parking spaces and benches
  • extensive tree plantings
  • installation of trail markers at strategic locations

The Bluewater Trails Committee for the term 2019-2021 has been selected by City Council and the members’ names and contact information are available here.

The Howard Watson Trail, part of the Bluewater Trails network of trails,  runs 16 km. from Sarnia to Camlachie (at Mandaumin). No motorized vehicles are allowed.

Until 1967, the Howard Watson trail was a rail line owned by CN Rail.  From 1967 to 1982 it lay unused until a forward thinking Councillor by the name of Howard Watson approached Lambton Wildlife Inc (LWI) querying whether there would be interest in the land as a potential hiking trail. After extraordinary effort by many individuals, we now enjoy the current day natural trail known as The Howard Watson Trail.

The Bluewater Trails Committee, the caretakers of the trail, was formed in 1999. Its job is to oversee trails throughout Sarnia including The Howard Watson Trail. The committee is run by volunteers and chaired currently by Mike Kelch, with Vice Chair Ati Powell, and with one city council representative and two city staff.

Mission Statement: Bluewater Trails, a committee of Sarnia (City) Council, is an organization dedicated to the development of a first class trail system which will promote the health and safety of residents and visitors alike.