A Time Capsule of Natural and Cultural History

	The site of Crawford Lake was discovered in 1973
	Crawford Lake is a small, but very deep lake with total depth of 24 metres. ( about 8 stories deep)
	This small deep body of water has limited circulation and little oxygen below 15 metres.
	It ensures the preservation of annual sediment deposits in undisturbed layers called varves.
	Similar to counting growth rings on a tree, these doubled layer bands can accurately dated back to 1000 years ago. (double layer band: in Autumn, organic material like twigs and leaves falls into the lake and formed a dark layer. In Spring, rich of calcium and lime material formed a light layer.)
	After  studies of the sediment and indicated the presence of corn pollen.
	This finding encouraged them to look for an Indian village nearby.
	Archeologists believe it was from 1434-1459.
	Archaeological research determined the exact location of various structures such as longhouse posts and fire pits.
	At last, a 15th century Iroquoian Village was reconstructed on its original site.
	This reconstructed village provides a unique opportunity to expand our understanding and appreciation of Ontario's First Peoples.

Park Facts

• 468 hectare park established in 1969 on the Niagara Escarpment in Milton

• Regionally Environmentally Sensitive Area

• Provincial Area of Natural and Scientific Interest

• World Biosphere Reserve as part of Niagara Escarpment

• Rare meromictic lake with surrounding boardwalk

• One of the most accurately dated pre-contact archeological sites in Canada

• 15th century reconstructed Iroquoian Village and heritage site

• Nassagaweya Canyon Interpretive Lookout

• 19 km of hiking and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails with connections to Bruce Trail

• Elevated boardwalk with interpretation stations surrounding Crawford Lake

• Education programs and exhibits

• Visitors Centre and Gathering Place facilities with Gift Shop, theatres, lunchrooms, exhibits, displays and outdoor picnic areas