Yes, foraging. Scrambling around in the bush, searching for the unique, the beautiful and the edible.

Northeastern Ontario is rich in nutritious and delicious edible wild plants. Most of these are seasonal, coming out with the warmer weather in late May and available until early September. Others are are available year-round, like Chaga.  What is out there, you ask? Think: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries. Wild mushrooms, fiddleheads, mint, maple blossoms, wild rice, stinging nettle, cattail, ginger, dandelion, chaga and so much more.  See Ontario Culinary for plants and recipes. 

There are basic "Rules of the Road" to keep in mind when foraging:

• If you don't know it (beyond ANY doubt) , don't eat it


• Treat the plants and their environment with respect.


• Don't take the whole plant. Preferably take plants that are invasive or recover easily.


• Share. Share with other people, and share with the animals that depend on these plants for their survival.


• Know where you go, and make sure someone else knows too.


• Stay off private property unless you have permission.


• Be prepared: dress appropriately, carry some kit (water, first aid, bug repellant, bear spray, etc.).


• Keep it clean. Whatever you bring in, take it out.


• Foraging is meant to be an experience. Harvesting the wild to make a profit is not the same thing at all. That is something that should be reviewed with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Few activities are as satisfying as collecting your next meal in the wild.