Welcome to Camp!

[Axle]

I visited Bison on the Friday of the August long weekend, and got soaked getting there. Since Bison isn't active anymore, the roads to get there aren't maintained, and driving a Cavalier I had no hopes of driving there. Myself and a friend slogged through a five kilometer hike through near swamp like conditions. But I think it was worth it. If you do take a trip here, consider ATVs or Horses, and go during the day! We faced twilight and it was dark and raining (again) by the time we got back.





















Now a brief history of Bison and Burwash...

Camp Bison was once part of the much larger prison farm of the Burwash Correctional Center, located about 50 clicks south of Sudbury. Built in 1914 (Bison itself was built in 1958) Burwash served as a low security prison. Bison was one of three prison camps, the others being Main and Spruce. The entire center, including the village of Burwash (used to house the staff of the prison) was built by the prisoners. They also maintained all the equipment, and grew/raised the food that they ate. Burwash was shut down in 1975, with most of the buildings being removed between 1976 and 1987 until only Bison remained. In 1990 the Department of National Defense purchased 8000 acres of land for military training.

[polarbeardiggers]

great collection of photo's and a bit of history,sounds like a cool place to visit and do alot of shots at night with different colors to add to the moods, you say its DND property now,so would you need permission to enter onto that land?,

[Axle]

great collection of photo's and a bit of history,sounds like a cool place to visit and do alot of shots at night with different colors to add to the moods, you say its DND property now,so would you need permission to enter onto that land?,

Bison at night, I don't recommend it, it gets very very dark, and very creepy. (Some say the place is haunted).

As for permission, well, only 8,000 acres of the place is DND property, and that area is clearly marked. As long as the military isn't training there, it's safe to go without permission.

[megan]

Cool photo essay. Thanks for the explanation - I was thinking that it didn't look like a very hospitible summer camp! Then I read that it's a former prison and that cleared it all up.

[Lori11]

Me too Megan LOL. Geat shots and I like the history with it!

[Dave Smith]

You got some great shots there Axel. What a wonderful fiond
in Bison. It looks well worth the treck in rain to get these shots.

Thanks for sharing them

[polarbeardiggers]

come on ,haunted- who here really believes in ghosts, ( WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT) goto go,aaahhh!!!!!