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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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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 1 - October 31, 2023Step 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
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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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Island Lake is the future site of the Crane Gathering Space, an Indigenous-led and collaborative project connected to experience planning along the Credit Valley Trail. This groundbreaking project is the first cultural feature along the trail that will recognize and honour Indigenous knowledge, ...history and present-day culture through placemaking. Once complete, the Crane Gathering Space will be an inclusive space for community-building, teaching, ceremony and events, and will nurture connections between #Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

LEARN MORE: https://cvc.ca/conversations/indigenous-placemaking-at-island-lake-conservation-area/

#NDTR #truthandreconciliation #trails #inclusionmatters

Ska-Nah-Doht Village at Longwoods Road Conservation Area features a recreation longhouse village, heritage log cabins, and an indoor museum. The Village is reflective of those inhabited by the Haudenosaunee along the Antler River (or the Thames River) close to 1,000 years ago. Ska-Nah-Doht is an ...interactive museum that engages the public in the preservation and presentation of local #Indigenous history through experiences on-site and in the community. Learn more: https://www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca/conservation-lands/ska-nah-doht-longwoods/

Join Ska-Nah-Doht's Advisory Committee! https://bit.ly/4685E9i
#NDTR #truthandreconciliation #stepintonature #ontario

Some #IndigenousPeoples refer to the Blanding's Turtle as "the turtle with the sun under its chin”. In Indigenous storytelling, the turtle was given its yellow chin when it returned the sun to the sky, returning warmth and light to the world. As a mark of courage, the little turtle’s ...throat was stained bright yellow by the sun. ☀️🐢 Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=kP8IpOwijPs #NDTR #truthandreconciliation #indigenous #WildlifeWednesday #biodiversity #stepintonature #turtles #blandingsturtles

The Crawford Lake Three Sisters Garden was planted in partnership with @ojibiikaan #Indigenous Cultural Network in 2018. The three main crops are corn, beans, and squash. The garden is planted according to Traditional Ecological Knowledge and ceremony. This initiative supports Indigenous farmers, ...food sovereignty, and heritage seed propagation. Learn about the Three Sisters Garden and Ojibiikaan here: https://www.conservationhalton.ca/experiences/three-sisters-garden/
#truthandreconciliation #ndtr #foodsovereignty #threesistersgarden #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