Hunters Bay Trail is one of Huntsville’s most cherished outdoor amenities — a 4.6-kilometre trail that winds through urban spaces, forested sections, and across scenic waterfront views. As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the trail experience and improve access to natural spaces, a unique challenge emerged: how to safely extend the trail over a stretch of open water while preserving the beauty and ecology of the bay. NyDock was brought on board to provide an innovative floating solution that would rise to the challenge — both literally and figuratively.
Watch the Project in Action
See how NyDock brought the floating section of Hunters Bay Trail to life using our HDPE pontoons.
Project Goal
Nestled along the waterfront in Huntsville, Ontario, Hunters Bay Trail is a scenic, multi-use trail known for its breathtaking views of the bay and its unique blend of urban and natural elements. As part of a larger community initiative to expand and enhance outdoor recreational spaces, a key goal for the Town of Huntsville was to extend the trail across a portion of open water — safely and sustainably — without disrupting the natural shoreline or aquatic environment.
To achieve this, they needed a reliable floating solution that would be accessible, low-maintenance, and able to withstand seasonal changes and high public use. That’s where NyDock came in.
Our Process
NyDock engineered and installed a custom floating trail section using our HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pontoons as the structural foundation. These pontoons are known for their extreme durability, resistance to corrosion, and long service life — making them ideal for high-traffic public infrastructure exposed to water year-round.
Working closely with the Town of Huntsville and local trail development teams, NyDock designed the floating portion to seamlessly integrate with the rest of the Hunters Bay Trail. The system allowed for rapid installation with minimal environmental disruption and provided a stable, non-slip surface for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
The modular nature of NyDock’s system also meant that the floating trail could be easily adjusted or expanded in the future to meet the town’s evolving needs.
Success Story
Today, the floating section of Hunters Bay Trail is not just a functional solution — it’s a highlight of the entire trail experience. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the unique perspective it offers, with uninterrupted views over the bay and a close connection to the water.
Thanks to NyDock, the floating trail remains level, secure, and virtually maintenance-free — even through Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles. The project has been celebrated for both its innovative design and its contribution to making Huntsville’s trail system more accessible and inclusive for all users.
This collaboration demonstrates how floating infrastructure can open up new possibilities for public trails and waterfront access — with NyDock leading the way.