Close to home and across the province, Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities own and protect over 135,000 hectares (350,000 acres) of natural lands and offer more than 250 Conservation Areas for you to explore and enjoy. These Conservation Areas offer a wide range of natural experiences. If you’re looking for a place where you can appreciate nature, get some exercise and learn about our environment, there’s an adventure waiting for you at a nearby conservation area!

EXPLORE: Many Conservation Areas feature picturesque trails where you can hike, cycle, or ski.

LEARN: Ontario’s natural heritage and cultural history come to life in the Interpretive Centres, Museums, and Pioneer Villages found in some Conservation Areas.

ENJOY: From waterfalls to beaches, sand dunes to wetlands, Ontario’s Conservation Areas showcase some of the province’s most breath-taking natural features. Come and enjoy Ontario’s Conservation Areas, but please remember to leave only footprints.

The Conservation Areas featured on this website offer you a variety of educational and recreational facilities and activities. Whether you want to enjoy a hike through the woods, take the family camping, enjoy a quiet picnic, or catch “the big one” at a popular fishing spot, this search function can help you to find the perfect Conservation Area.

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Ontario’s Conservation Areas

 

Featured Conservation Areas

  • Baxter Conservation Area


    This 68 hectare property includes open fields, conifer plantations, mixed forest, alder thickets, Rideau River shoreline and marsh. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall ... Baxter has it All! The site is open daily, year round for self guided nature trails and unique boardwalk and wetland vistas.

    The beautiful sandy beach on the Rideau River is complemented by picnic areas a large picnic shelter, change and washrooms. A variety of nature trails include the Filmore R. Park Nut Grove; the Community Wildflower Garden; the Solar Power project as well as beautiful boardwalk and wetland vistas.

    Baxter Interpretive Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 and is a host to education programs, day camps and several special programs.





    For more information call: 489-3592
    www.rvca.ca/careas/baxter/index.htm
     

  • A.W. Campbell Conservation Area


    A beautiful lake is the focus for the Conservation Area. Forested hills, treed campsites and a meandering river provide the backdrop to an active area which provides a host of recreation opportunities including a swimming pool, mini golf and nature trails. There are a full slate of exciting activities throughout the summer months. Campbell is also the location for our annual Maple Syrup Festival. Access is off County Rd. 79 just north of Alvinston.

    (519) 847-5357


    Website
    www.scrca.on.ca

     

  • Tiffin Centre


    The Tiffin Centre is your summer recreation destination. Hike and bike our 17 km of wheelchair accessible, interpretive trials with your family. Or rent the pavilion and Low Ropes Challenge Course for a corporate retreat. We also have a site for group camping and facility rentals, including the John L. Jose Environmental Learning Centre that facilitates up to 100 people.

    Located between the City of Barrie and Town of Angus, the Tiffin Centre has scenic wetlands, forests, open meadows, ancient lake beds and glacial shorelines. We also have an environmental education program which showcases our 500 acres of environmentally-protected land.
    For more information on the Tiffin Centre, or for a rental form, please visit www.nvca.on.ca or call (705) 424-1479.

    How to get to the Tiffin Centre:
    From the City of Barrie, go west on Hwy 90 to the 8th Line of Essa Township. Turn left (south) and travel for 4 km to the entranceway on your left.

    Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority    		  

     

  • Lake Whittaker Conservation Area


    Visit Lake Whittaker and enjoy some of the best rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and pike fishing in Elgin County. This 26-acre spring fed lake provides a spectacular backdrop for summer activities. A seven kilometer non-surfaced trail meanders through wetlands, and forest. Campers have access to two beaches and a handicap accessible pool. Golf enthusiasts will also enjoy the disc golf course on site and the 18 hole links golf course just minutes away.

    Choose from 214 roomy campsites equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. Serviced sites are available including water and 15 or 30 amp service with ample room to park an RV.

    http://www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca/Camping_Whittaker.htm

     

  • Ken Reid Conservation Area

    Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling or cross-country skiing, Ken Reid Conservation Area is a great place to spend the day. Groomed trails and child-friendly facilities provide a variety of ways for visitors of all ages to experience this natural setting.

    Come and explore several loop trails that lead through picturesque forests, meadows and wetlands. A favourite route includes the floating boardwalk that winds through the MacLaren Creek Wetland bordering Sturgeon Lake. Here you can safely spot leopard frogs, red-bellied snakes and snapping turtles during the summer months.

    Visitors pausing at the observation deck further along the trail may even catch a glimpse of the osprey on the nearby nesting platform. With so much to see and do, the Ken Reid Conservation Area will soon become your favourite getaway to nature at its best!

    Visiting hours are 7am to 9pm, May through October and 8am to 6pm, November through April.



    To learn more,
    please visit our website at www.kawarthaconservation.com.
     

  • Bannockburn Conservation Area


    Bannockburn Conservation Area, located east of Bayfield, near Brucefield, 76249 Bannockburn Line, can be enjoyed through the popular annual Fall Hike on October 5, 2008 or throughout the year via a professionally-narrated audio tour, available at www.abca.on.ca GPS units and pedometers also available.
    Phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 for information.

    The Walk a Mile Trail Information Project of the Friends of the Bayfield River and government and local partners have created a one-of-a-kind, high-tech new way to experience the nature trail with enhanced natural information and a commitment to water quality protection and enhancement. Bannockburn is home to six different natural communities: wet meadow, eastern white cedar, deciduous forest, old field and mixed scrub and marsh. Hunting and motorized vehicles are not permitted. The trail starts with a boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible. The popular Bannockburn Fall Hike is held annually on the first Sunday of October.

    Driving Directions: From Bayfield or Brucefield take Cty Rd # 3 and turn north at Bannockburn Line.



    Ausable Bayfield
    Conservation Authority,
    71108 Morrison Line,
    RR 3 Exeter, ON N0M 1S5
    519-235-2610
    Toll-free 1-888-286-2610
    www.abca.on.ca

     

     

  •  

    The Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area
    Travel the trails within the Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area during any season; however, hiking in the warmer weather truly showcases nature’s beauty.

    In the spring, marsh marigolds cast a golden glow on the forest floor and Rainbow Trout are making their journey up the Ganaraska River to their spawning grounds.

    The shade from the willow, ash, and maples provide relief from the lazy days of summer. Orange and Yellow Jewel Weed, and Moneywort along the trail provide hiding grounds for cicadas that sing their buzzy thrill.

    Fall provides a beautiful pallet of colours: purple asters, yellow goldenrod, and the multitude of colours from the migrating warblers, and the glints of red from spawning Coho and Chinook salmon in the Ganaraska River.


    For directions to this CA, visit www.grca.on.ca for further information.

     

    		  

  • C.M. Wilson Conservation Area


    C.M. Wilson Conservation Area is located at 21799 Fargo Road in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Located 8.5 km south of Chatham. Take Communications Road south, after hwy. 401 turn right onto Horton Road, cross railroad tracks, turn right onto Fargo Road and travel for 1 km to the entrance.

    Camp at one of the 100 sites at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area. Many sites are serviced with hydro and water. Basic food supplies are available at the gatehouse. Washrooms are fully serviced with showers. Tables and barbecues are available in the park and organized groups can book a barn pavilion. Enjoy the children’s adventure playground, fishing, sailing, canoeing (rentals available), unsupervised beach area, and nature trails.

    C.M. Wilson Conservation Area is open for dayuse from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Most facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us for current dayuse and camping fees. Site of the Children’s Safety Village in Chatham-Kent.

    Conservation Education programs available.

    For camping reservations call
    Tel: (519) 351-3919.

    www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca

    Lower Thames Valley
    Conservation Authority    		  

  • Holiday Beach Conservation Area

    A great inexpensive family get-away for a day, or pitch a tent for a family vacation or even stay for the season. Over 500 acres on the shore of Lake Erie. More than 90 peaceful, treed campsites including serviced, unserviced and group sites and newly renovated comfort stations.

    Bring your family to enjoy the beautiful sandy swimming beach, picnic areas with BBQs, playground, 45-foot viewing tower, nature trails and trout pond. This global Important Bird Area boasts spectacular fall migration of hawks, eagles, hummingbirds and dragonflies, just to name a few. Visit our Festival of Hawks in September for nature hikes, migration talks, family activities, and bird-in-the-hand banding demonstrations. You may even get the opportunity to release a hawk back into the wild!



    Website: www.erca.org
    Phone: 1-888-487-4760

  • Lake Laurentian Conservation Area


    The Lake Laurentian Conservation Area is a unique green space in Greater Sudbury. Lake Laurentian is 950 hectares in size and is only ten minutes from the downtown. It is the largest publicly-owned facility within the watershed. This conservation area is located in a quiet, wilderness setting. There is a man-made lake; 60 kilometres of trails for all seasons; bird watching and nature photography areas, etc.

    The web address for further information is www.nickeldistrict.ca
    (Environmental Education)

    Nickel District Conservation Authority    		  

     

  • CHARLOTTENBURGH PARK


    Located just east of Cornwall in the Township of South Glengarry on the shores of Lake St. Francis the Park encompasses a total of 235 acres of greenspace providing a variety of recreational activities.

    The site includes over 3 km of nature trails where wildlife sighting opportunities are enhanced by two viewing structures. Interpretive signage provides additional information along the way.

    Spend the day in the beach and picnic area or bring your tent or trailer and spend the night at one of several campsites available from May to September each year. There are some serviced lots as well as seasonal. Reservations are strongly recommended.

    For more information, please call 613-938-3611 or visit www.rrca.on.ca


  • Gould Lake Conservation Area

    Day campers on a boardwalk explore the
    Gould Lake Conservation Area.
    The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) owns the Gould Lake Conservation Area, located north of Kingston near the Village of Sydenham. This conservation area covers 589 hectares, or 1,455 acres, of rugged Canadian Shield wilderness. It is home to the headwaters of the Millhaven Creek system.

    Gould Lake Conservation Area provides important wildlife habitat. Its challenging landscape offers many opportunities for nature appreciation and recreation. There are 10 trails crossing 20 kms of rolling, rugged terrain. The Rideau Trail crosses the property.

    Fishing is permitted in accordance with current MNR regulations.

    Gould Lake is a day-use area. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available during summer months but call ahead to (613) 546-4228, Ext. 222 (toll free in 613:{877} 956-CRCA) to make reservations.

    There is an unsupervised swimming beach and change rooms. There also are picnic tables, barbecues and privies in the day use area adjacent to the beach.    		  
    Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
    P.O. Box 160, 1641 Perth Road, Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0
    Tel: (613) 546-4228
    Toll free in 613: (877) 956-CRCA
    Fax: (613) 547-6474
    e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
    Website: www.cataraquiregion.on.ca
     

     

  • Valens Conservation Area
    John Burns Memorial Fishing Derby July 14th 2007
    This is a great opportunity for both serious anglers and families to enjoy Valens’ fantastic fishing and celebrate Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. Catch the Big One and win great prizes for children and adults! Prizes will be awarded for the largest northern pike, largemouth bass and, for children, panfish. Bait and boat rentals are available. For more information visit our website or call 905-525-2183.

    See other conservation areas that offer fishing!

  • ELORA GORGE Conservation Area
     
    Towering limestone cliffs and a scenic waterfall, with a century-old grist mill perched precariously on the brink, all the hallmarks of the famous Elora Gorge. Located about one hour west of Toronto, and just north of Guelph, Elora Gorge Conservation Area has been providing fantastic camping, hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities for more than 50 years. The Conservation Area is one of 12 operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority. Its most unique attribute is definitely the natural tubing run down the river, through challenging swifts and rapids, and ending in a leisurely "lazy river ride" to the take-out point. Miles of scenic hiking trails, natural lake swimming and more than 450 serviced and unserviced campsites await your family at Elora Gorge.  
    Phone: (519) 846-9742
    Campsites: 1-866-ONT-CAMP
    Website: http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=27&Sub1=124
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Christie Lake Conservation Area

    		  

    		 
    Welcome to Christie Lake Conservation Area, one of the most beautiful lake settings on the Niagara Escarpment, especially in the summer months. While visiting, explore the trails that wind for 10 kilometres through peaceful meadows and towering pine forests. Swimmers and sunbathers will enjoy Christie Lake's 360-metre sandy beach, and a chlorinated swimming area that is screened from the rest of the lake.

    Christie Lake's nine ponds are stocked with rainbow trout from the last Saturday in April to early July, but you can catch fish well into September. Christie Lake can also be seen close up with a rowboat, canoe and kayak. Boats are available for rent. Christie Lake's idyllic natural setting makes it a great destination for all sizes of group and family picnics. There is plenty of parking, covered picnic pavilions, hundreds of picnic tables and grassy fields that are perfect for games, races or just relaxing.

    		 

    http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/parks/visit/christie.asp    		  
       

  • Hillman Marsh Conservation Area

    One of the premier areas for viewing marsh life, this 850-acre marsh is located on County Rd. 20 in Leamington approximately one hour south-west of London and boasts an amazing nature centre and more than 5 kilometres of nature trails that wind through this significant marsh.

    The diverse habitats attract marsh, shore and field birds and a nesting pair of Bald Eagles. Over one hundred species of birds use Hillman as a migration stopover. A birding trail borders the managed Shorebird Habitat, where mud flats attract a wide variety of shorebirds, songbirds and waterfowl, including many rare species.

    This site provides excellent birding in both spring and fall, or a great family opportunity to discover and enjoy nature. Visit the Shore and Songbird Celebration held annually on Mother’s Day weekend, where experts and novice birders alike can get up close with songbirds during the banding demonstrations.



    Website: www.erca.org
    Phone: 1-888-487-4760

  • Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area






    Website for more information: www.ltc.on.ca
    Nature is calling at Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area. And what is waiting when the call is answered? Just some of the most scenic natural beauty found in the Quinte area and it's there to be discovered and explored. Climb up the Esker Trail and take in the scenic view. Try fly-fishing on Cold Creek. Take the family on a short hike along the Junior Loop. Bring your camera and catch nature at its best on the Beaver Trail. Blaze the Loop D'Loop with your mountain bike. Pack a picnic lunch and hike the entire 12 kilometres of trails. Or when there’s snow, thread your way through the entire Conservation Area on cross-country skiis.
    		  
     

  • Rock Glen Conservation Area

    		  

    Ausable Bayfield
    Conservation
    Authority

     

    Rock Glen Conservation Area    , Arkona, is a gorgeous, 27-hectare park known worldwide for Devonian-era fossil deposits, its fossil and indigenous artifact collection at Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre, significant Carolinian forest and breathtaking Rock Glen Falls. Enjoy scenic lookouts, picnic pavilions and playground. Museum, washroom and some trails are wheelchair-accessible. Rock Glen Falls, the natural fossil site of scientific interest and the museum have been featured on several television shows. There are stairs, boardwalks and bridge allowing visitors to safely explore the steep sides of the glen and the 10-metre-high waterfall just upstream of the Ausable River. Visitors and amateur archaelogists from all parts of North America have found many fossils in the exposed beds dating back 350 million years. Scientific names for these ancient treasures include crinoids, brachiopods and trilobites. Two picnic pavilions can be reserved for groups or family reunions.

    Driving Directions: From Sarnia or London take Exit #44 off the 402 to Arkona on Cty Rd #79. Park is located on Rock Glen Road, two (2) kilometres outside of Arkona.

    Ausable Bayfield
    Conservation Authority

    71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter, ON N0M 1S5
    519-235-2610 Toll-free 1-888-286-2610
    www.abca.on.ca
     

  • Gillies Lake Conservation Area

    		  

    Mattagami
    Region
    Conservation
    Authority
    The Gillies Lake Conservation Area is home to the most popular walking trail in the City of Timmins. It features a newly constructed boardwalk, numerous storyboards describing to the natural history of the area, wildlife viewing opportunities and a 2.5 km lit walking trail. This beautiful 20 hectare lake is located in the heart of the City.

    The area can be accessed from Park Road off of Algonquin Blvd East. or from Highway 655.

    http://mrca.timmins.ca    		  
     

  • Dalewood Conservation Area


    You don’t have to travel far to experience some peace and relaxation in a breathtaking setting. Dalewood Conservation Area is located just minutes outside the city of St. Thomas and is encompassed by 25 hectares of provincially significant wetlands and 400 hectares of forest.

    The campground offers 200 serviced and unserviced sites including the possibility of 45 amp service on pull through sites. A swimming pool on site, nearby shopping and an 18 hole disc golf course within walking distance, make Dalewood an attractive choice for a season of camping or a weekend getaway.

    A 12 kilometer looped hiking trail circles the Dalewood Reservoir. A leisurely walk will bring you up close to a variety of wildlife including, great blue herons, beavers and an array of song birds – including 52 species of concern.



    http://www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca/Camping_Dalewood.htm

  •  

    Indian Falls Conservation Area

    Indian Falls Conservation Area offers a horseshoe shaped waterfall named after a Nawash Indian tribe who once lived in the area. The 15 metre high waterfall is spectacular in the spring and early summer. In late summer little water flows over the soft shale escarpment. Hiking a rigorous 1 kilometre trail will reward you with a view of this scenic waterfall.

     

     

     

     

    http://www.greysauble.on.ca/ca-indianfalls.html

  • Lakehead Region Conservation Authority


    Thunder Bay’s proximity to the great outdoors has always been considered an advantage for residents and anyone who is visiting. That’s more important these days considering the skyrocketing price of gasoline.

    The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) has eight Conservation Areas which provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in natural settings and all are within an hour of Thunder Bay.

    Many of the Authority’s Conservation Areas feature open air pavilions with interpretive displays, picnic tables and barbecue grills.

    We invite you to Play In Our Backyard. Admission to our Conservation Areas is just $2/vehicle. That’s a great bargain in these days of high gas prices.

    Directions, trail maps and other information about the Conservation Areas are available from the LRCA Office which is located at 130 Conservation Road in Thunder Bay or on the internet: www.lakeheadca.com.
    Lakehead Region
    Conservation
    Authority

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