The Torrance Barrens is a Conservation Reserve consisting of 1990 hectares of crown land southeast of Bala. The first of its kind in Canada, the Torrance Barrens is now officially recognized as a Dark Sky Preserve. A combination of ancient rock outcrops, peaceful wilderness and rare plants and wildlife makes Muskoka’s Torrance Barrens a unique spot. The Township of Muskoka Lakes Recreational Trails Committee has created several trails suitable for educational and interpretive hikes as well as family exploring. The trails are accessible from the parking area at Highland Pond off District Road 13. There is excellent blueberry picking in the summer, and a main snowmobile trail runs through the area in the winter.