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Ontario’s Conservation Areas Visitor Guide

More than 300 Conservation Areas just waiting to be explored. Maps, natural and cultural features, attractions, tips, and more!

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Step Into Nature APP now available

Explore over 300 Conservation Areas across Ontario, boasting more than 3,500km of picturesque trails just waiting to be discovered! Now available for download on iOS and Android.

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Hike in the forest

Conservation Areas Map

Use our map to locate more than 300 Conservation Areas across Ontario. Plan your trip to any of Ontario’s Conservation Areas based on Location, Activity, Facilities, Accessibility and more.

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May – OctoberStep Into Nature
Healthy Hikes

Join the Healthy Hikes challenge and take a hike at a Conservation Area near you!

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Trail and Lake

Submit a Photo of Your Next Visit

Show us what you’ve been up to! Share your memories with us by uploading photos of hikes, wildlife, vistas, camping trips, selfies, and any other incredible outdoor adventures at Conservation Areas.

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Springwater Conservation Area
Featured

Springwater Conservation Area

The Springwater Forest is the most popular with three main trails to discover covering eight kilometres…

Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities own and protect a total of 150,000 hectares.

This includes forests, wetlands, areas of natural and scientific interest, recreational lands, natural heritage and cultural sites, as well as, land for flood and erosion control.

Find a Conservation Area

There are more than 300 Conservation Areas across Ontario waiting to be explored. Plan your visit and #StepIntoNature #Healthy Hikes!

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Step into Nature
Healthy Hikes

Every year, Conservation Ontario’s Healthy Hikes campaign runs from the first Monday in May to October 31.

The campaign encourages Ontarians to #StepIntoNature at Conservation Areas to experience the full physical and mental health benefits of nature.

Latest News & Blogs

Rockwood Conservation Area

Rockwood Conservation Area

With towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, it’s no wonder that Rockwood Conservation Area is…

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

For all you nature lovers who are looking for a quick escape from your busy lives,…

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

From bold-faced cliffs to beautiful views of the escarpment, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area offers a fun…

Old Baldy Conservation Area

Old Baldy Conservation Area

Looking for a different kind of adventure? If you love hiking and rock climbing, Old Baldy…

Eramosa Karst Conservation Area

Eramosa Karst Conservation Area

At Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, the park is filled with treasures including forests, meadows and underground streams.

Bruce's Mill Conservation Area

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area

Looking for a fun place for a family outing? Head out to Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Stouffville…

Free Conservation Areas Guide

Healthy Hikes Scribble

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Pack It In, Pack It Out. Nature, wildlife, and fellow campers will thank you for following these campsite tips!

🚮 Use designated on-site waste bins or dispose of garbage at home.
🚮 Don’t burn trash – It pollutes the air and leaves toxic residue.
🚮 Clean up food ...scraps – Even small bits can draw wildlife to your site.
🚮 Leave it better than you found it – Pick up litter, even if it’s not yours.

Download the Step Into Nature App today! 📱

Stay on Trails. Heading out on an outdoor adventure? Follow these trail safety tips!

🥾 Tell someone your plan – Share where you're going, who you're with, and when you'll be back.
🥾 Stay on marked trails – It helps prevent accidents and protects nature.
... 🥾 Pack the essentials – Bring water, a map, snacks, and weather-appropriate gear.
🥾 Check the forecast – Be prepared for sudden weather changes.

A little planning goes a long way. Explore wisely! 👣

Download the Step Into Nature App today! 📱

Respect the Signage. Be a responsible visitor and help protect the places we all love by following these tips!

1️⃣ Follow all posted signs – They’re there for your safety.
2️⃣ Stay behind barriers – They protect you and delicate ecosystems.
3️⃣ Stick to marked ...trails – Avoid damaging fragile plants and habitats.
4️⃣ Report missing or damaged signs – Help others stay informed and safe.

Let’s explore responsibly! 🌿

Download the Step Into Nature App today! 📱

Be Water Wise. Swimming skills are important, but they’re not enough on their own. Stay safe in and around open water by following these water safety tips!

🌊 Use the buddy system—never swim alone
🌊 Wear a lifejacket, especially in open water or if you're not a strong ...swimmer
🌊 Stick to designated swimming areas with lifeguards when possible
🌊 Check water conditions before diving in

Make waves safely! 🏊🏾

Download the Step Into Nature app today! 📱

Beat the Heat. Sunny days are the best—until they’re not! Protect yourself while enjoying the outdoors with these sun safety tips:

🧴 Wear sunscreen (SPF 30+ and reapply often)
🕶️ Rock those shades to protect your eyes
👒 Grab a hat and cover up when you can
... 🌳 Take breaks in the shade to cool down during peak sun hours from 11-3
⛲Stay hydrated (pets too!)

Download the Step Into Nature App today! 📱

Camp Responsibly. Planning a campfire? Buy your firewood where you burn it! Transporting firewood might seem harmless, but it can spread harmful pests like insects, plants, and diseases. Let’s keep our forests safe and healthy! 🌲 #healthyhikes #stepintonature

Download the Step Into ...Nature App today! 📱

Camp Responsibly. Planning a campfire? Buy your firewood where you burn it! Transporting firewood might seem harmless, but it can spread harmful pests like insects, plants, and diseases. Let’s keep our forests safe and healthy! 🌲 #StepIntoNature #HealthyHikes

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Did You Know?


Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and psychological well-being.

Time in nature can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.

Time spent in nature and being active outdoors is beneficial to children’s health and overall well-being, and helps improve their resiliency, academic performance, and social skills.

Conservation Areas At a Glance