The bay is relatively shallow and provides good opportunities to see a variety of waterbirds including ducks, gulls, grebes, herons, and terns.  The small trail that follows the canal from the tip of the peninsula to the golf course can be good in the spring or fall for migrants. The cultural meadow on the north side of the bay is a great spot for Field Sparrows, meadowlarks, and occasionally Eastern Towhees.

The bay is a good spot in the spring to see large flocks of swallows, including all five species known to breed in the area.  In some years, there have been Trumpeter Swans near the dam and Virginia Rails in the cattails along the southern end of the channel.   The meadow on the north side of the bay has had Clay-colored Sparrows and likely the best bird of the patch was a Prairie Warbler (in 2021) that stayed for a couple days and provided spanking views for many local birders. 

This location is centered around Thompson Bay, a widening of the Trent-Severn Waterway.  The bay discharges to Thompson Creek at the dam on the west side.  The area can be accessed from the walkway to the dam or the playground, both off of Scollard Drive.  There is no parking lot, but roadside parking is available here.

There is a trail that goes north of the dam and into the South Drumlin area (Hotspot) to the north.  There is also a small trail that goes along the western edge of the canal.  There are some small trails in the forest behind the playground area.