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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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Canadian Shield

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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Step away from the city and step into nature! 🚣‍♀️ Visit Chapman Mills Conservation Area for scenic views and paddling on the water. 🚣‍♀️ With the free cost of admission, there's no better excuse to treat yourself. #wellnesswednesday ...https://www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/chapman-mills?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_ppzaxquoon

DYK the Black-eyed Susan is an iconic native plant? Its striking black and yellow flowerhead makes it a perfect addition to your garden. Get ahead of the spring and plant these seeds to help your local pollinators. 🐝

🌧️ Be on the lookout for urban solutions to urban flooding! Permeable pavement helps absorb heavy rainfall, filter water into the soil and reduce runoff. 🌊 Conservation authorities use solutions like this to build flood-resilient communities and help keep our neighbourhoods safe. ...#FloodFactsFriday

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Conservation Ontario honours Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.

Today, we reflect on our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation, recognize the enduring connections Indigenous ...Peoples have with the lands and waters, and deepen our commitment to caring for the natural environment for generations to come.

May this day be an opportunity to listen, learn, remember, and reflect on the work that remains on the path toward reconciliation.

#NDTR

Step outside and learn where the wild things are! 🦉🌿 Conservation Authorities’ outdoor education programs bring learning to life in conservation areas, where students can explore nature, discover wildlife, and build a deeper connection to the world around them.

Your next outdoor adventure is just a tap away! 🌿📱Download the Step Into Nature app on your Apple or Android device to discover Conservation Areas across Ontario, plan your next visit, and explore nature with ease. Download the app! ...https://ontarioconservationareas.ca/step-into-nature-app/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_wkb3jsdbu2

🌊 Happy World Rivers Day! 🌎

Today, we’re excited to celebrate our rivers — and announce something special coming to Toronto in 2027.

Conservation Ontario is proud to be partnering with the International River Foundation (IRF) to co-host the 27th International River ...Symposium (IRS), taking place September 20–23, 2027.

For more than 25 years, the IRS has brought together river and freshwater leaders from around the world to exchange knowledge, accelerate solutions and inspire action for healthier rivers and waterways.

As conservation authorities across Ontario work every day to protect and restore our watersheds, we’re looking forward to welcoming global river changemakers to Toronto to share ideas, build connections, and advance lasting freshwater impact.

💧 Save the Date: September 20–23, 2027
📍 Toronto, Canada

What better way to celebrate World Rivers Day than by looking ahead to a global gathering dedicated to the future of our rivers?

We look forward to welcoming river and freshwater leaders from around the world to Toronto in 2027!

https://www.riverfoundation.org.au/2027-international-river-symposium/

Happy World Rivers Day! 💧 Explore a conservation area and discover the rivers, streams, and watersheds that connect us all. 🌊 Conservation authorities protect and monitor these vital waterways—helping keep our water healthy for people, communities, and nature. 🌿

Dock

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