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ONTARIO’S

CONSERVATION AREAS
VISITORS GUIDE
NEARLY 300 CONSERVATION AREAS
JUST WAITING TO BE EXPLORED

Maps, Natural and


Cultural Features,
Attractions, Tips & More!

ontarioconservationareas.ca
conservationhamilton.ca
F rom the shores of Lake Ontario to the spectacular Niagara
Escarpment and beyond, the Hamilton Conservation Authority
(HCA) invites you to escape everyday life and reconnect
with the great outdoors!

Discover
● 145 km of trails ● 5 km of bike trails
● 2 Rail Trails ● 25 waterfalls ●20 natural areas
● 1 heritage village ● 7 major areas

Areas
● Christie Lake
● Devil’s Punchbowl
● Dundas Valley
● Eramosa Karst
● Fifty Point
● Spencer Gorge
● Valens Lake
● Westfield
Heritage Village

Visit www.conservationhamilton.ca Call 905-525-2181

#ExploreHCA
 3

52 - Old Baldy

STEP INTO NATURE


AT ONTARIO’S
CONSERVATION AREAS
Conservation Areas are more Areas are accessible to the
than pretty places. Across public. They play an important
Ontario you’ll find nearly 300 environmental, educational and
just waiting to be explored. recreational role in Ontario, and
Ontario’s 36 Conservation contribute to the physical and
Authorities collectively own and mental well-being of over seven
operate over 500 Conservation million visitors annually. Hidden
Areas with a total area of within these natural gems
more than 150,000 hectares, are lakes, rivers and streams,
making Conservation Authorities wetlands, sand dunes, beaches,
one of the largest property waterfalls, caves, forests and
owners in the Province. natural heritage sites. So, plan
Nearly 300 Conservation your visit and #StepIntoNature!

CONNECT WIT H US

  
Ontario’s Conservation Areas @conont @con_ont
/ Conservation Ontario

Plan your Conservation Area visit at


ontarioconservationareas.ca
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

Step Into Nature 3 Central Conservation Areas Chart 2 52


Show Us Your Healthy Hikes 7 Adventure Awaits at Conservation Areas 54
Conservation Areas at a Glance 9 Central Conservation Areas Chart 3 56
MAP 1 - Southern Ontario 10 Leave No Trace 58
MAP 2 - Southern Ontario 12 Dogs on Leash 59
Southern Conservation Areas Chart 1 14 MAP 6 - Eastern Ontario 60
About Conservation Authorities 16 Eastern Conservation Areas Chart 1 62
What's a Watershed 17 Indigenous History at Conservation Areas 64
MAP 3 - Southern Ontario 18 Eastern Conservation Areas Chart 2 68
Southern Conservation Areas Chart 2 20 Species at Risk 70
Southern Conservation Areas Chart 3 22 Identify the Invasive Species 71
Southern Conservation Areas Chart 4 24 Eastern Conservation Areas Chart 3 72
Self-Care In Nature 26 Fishing 74
MAP 4 - Southern Ontario 28 Things to Do This Winter 76
Southern Conservation Areas Chart 5 30 MAPS 7 & 8 - Northern Ontario 78
Southern Conservation Areas Chart 6 32 Northern Conservation Areas Chart 1 80
Hiking 34 MAPS 9 & 10 - Northern Ontario 82
Accessibility at Conservation Areas 36 Northern Conservation Areas Chart 2 84
Sun Safety 38 Less Screen Time & More Green Time 86
Be Tick Smart 39 Outdoor Education 87
Camping 40 On the Rocks 88
Great Lakes 42 Spelunking 89
MAP 5 - Central Ontario 44 Wildlife Photography 90
Central Conservation Areas Chart 1 46 Swim Safety 91
Flood Watch 48 Support Your Watershed 92
Wetlands 50 Benefits of Trees 93
MAP LEGEND

Admission Fee
 5

Lake/River/Reservoir
Education/Interpretive MAPS 1 - 4: SOUTHERN ONTARIO

Heritage/Museum Ausable Bayfield Long Point Region


Catfish Creek Lower Thames Valley
Wheelchair Accessible*
Essex Region Maitland Valley
Facility Rental Grand River Niagara Peninsula
Equipment Rental Grey Sauble Saugeen
Halton St. Clair Region
Facility & Equipment Rental Hamilton Upper Thames River
Picnic Facilities Kettle Creek
Camping
Group Camping
MAP 5: CENTRAL ONTARIO
Regular & Group Camping
Central Lake Ontario Lake Simcoe Region
Boating/Sailing/Paddling
Credit Valley Nottawasaga Valley
Swimming/Water Sports Ganaraska Region Otonabee
Hiking Kawartha Toronto and Region

Fishing
Sports Fields
Cycling MAP 6: EASTERN ONTARIO

Off-Road Cycling Cataraqui Region Quinte


Crowe Valley Raisin Region
Regular & Off-Road Cycling Lower Trent Rideau Valley
Geocaching Mississippi Valley South Nation
Dog Walking
Snowshoeing
Cross-Country Skiing MAPS 7 - 10: NORTHERN ONTARIO

Downhill Skiing Lakehead Region North Bay-Mattawa


Mattagami Region Sault Ste. Marie Region
* Accessible parking and washroom(s) are Sudbury
available. Additional accessible facilities may be
available, contact Conservation Area for details.
STEP INTO NATURE
Where: Your local Conservation Area

#StepIntoNature in three easy steps:

Visit a
Conservation Area
+ Snap a fun selfie or
nature image
+ Share it using the
hashtags #StepIntoNature
& #HealthyHikes

 Ontario's Conservation Areas  @conont  @con_ont


healthyhikes.ca
 7

SHOW
US YOUR
HEALTHY
HIKES
Every year, Conservation Ontario's
Healthy Hikes campaign runs from May
to October. The campaign encourages
Ontarians to experience the benefits
of nature at Conservation Areas.

HERE’S HOW YOU


STEP INTO NATURE!

1. Visit a Conservation Area

2. Snap a selfie or nature image

3. Share it on social media with hashtags


#StepIntoNature and #HealthyHikes

4. Tag Conservation Ontario in your


post and you’ll have a chance
to be featured on our page

Learn more about


Healthy Hikes or how you
can become a partner at
www.healthyhikes.ca.
Healthy
Communities
Littered cigarette butts contain
= Healthy
People
toxins that can be harmful or
even deadly if swallowed by
children or animals. There are more than
7,000
chemicals found in
cigarette smoke that
pollute the air we
breathe.

Cigarettes pollute the air


we breathe, the water we
drink and the soil we grow
our food in.
Conservation Areas
Healthy Places are great places for
people to be active
There is no safe level of
and engage with
exposure to secondhand
nature, but many
smoke - even outdoors!
Conservation Areas
are not smoke-free.
Recent surveys show
that there is growing
support for more
places in Ontario to
Healthy People become smoke-free!

Children and youth are “We all depend on


less likely to start clean air to breathe,
smoking if they don’t clean water to drink,
see the people they healthy food supplies,
look up to smoking. green spaces for
recreation and
Healthy Role Models contact with wildlife
to enrich our lives.”
Developed by the Provincial Smoke-Free Conservation Area
Workgroup & the Central East Tobacco Control Area Network Conservation Authority. (2018) Policy Priorities; EcoHealth
CONSERV AT ION
AREAS AT A GL AN C E
 9

545 3,510 KM
Conservation Areas managed of trails to be explored
by Conservation Authorities

Almost

8,088 8M
campsites available for booking visitors annually

SMOKING POLICIES AT CONSERVATION AREAS


Healthy ecosystems CENTRAL LAKE ONTARIO KETTLE CREEK
and healthy people CONSERVATION AUTHORITY: CONSERVATION AUTHORITY:
are our priority. Some All Conservation Lake Whittaker and Dalewood
Areas are smoke-free. Conservation Areas smoking and vaping
Conservation Authorities Smoking is permitted in are limited to registered campsites
are leading the way and designated areas only. and designated smoking areas.
have adopted outdoor
ESSEX REGION UPPER THAMES RIVER
smoking policies. Please
CONSERVATION AUTHORITY: CONSERVATION AUTHORITY:
plan your Conservation
All Conservation Fanshawe, Pittock and Wildwood Conservation
Area visits accordingly. Areas are smoke-free. Areas all forms of smoking are prohibited in
Smoking is permitted in all public spaces. Smoking is permitted on
designated areas only. registered campsites or in designated areas only.
3
MAP 1 Clinton
2
SOUTHERN
ONTARIO Lake 21

Bluewater
Huron
Exete
AUSABLE
1 BAYFIELD
5
21
133
6
Forest

136 135 Warwick


Sarnia 402
MICHIGAN Wyoming
U.S.A. 134 Strathroy
Corunna 9
Petrolia
132
40
ST CLAIR Alvinston

90
4
97 87
Wallaceburg D
West Elgin
Dresden 91
LOWER
40
THAMES
Lake VALLEY
St. Clair
Tecumseh
Chatham 89
Windsor Belle 101
19 River 20 21 92
12 22 Blenheim 98
13 94
3
88 99 Tilbury 95
LaSalle 18 401

Essex

22 Amherstburg
ESSEX REGION 102
3 77
17
15
Harrow 11
Leamington
10 14
16
Kingsville
Lake Erie

This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario


being a precise indicator of routes, locations of Map produced in co-operation
features, nor as a guide to navigation. with the Province of Ontario
Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.

26
27
Elora
11
23 6
29 33
Elmira 7

8 Wellesley Guelph
30 6 401 Milton
Mitchell Puslinch
Waterloo
4 Kitchener Hespeler HALTON
New (see map 4) 407
4 Stratford Hamburg 7 34
8
er 23
Cambridge
GRAND RIVER 6
8 403
139 32
St. Marys
401 Ayr Hamilton
24

7
HAMILTON
(see map 4)
Lucan UPPER THAMES 138 Paris
24
RIVER 403
4 Woodstock Brantford 109
137 Caledonia
Ingersoll
London 6
401 19
Haldimand
Norwich 86
96 100 80 Waterford
3
93 Belmont 24
Tillsonburg Delhi
Simcoe
3 79 3 LONG POINT 83
7 Aylmer 84
8 REGION 85
St. Thomas Port
9 Dover
401
82
Dutton- 81
Dunwich
KETTLE CATFISH
CREEK CREEK

ON

0 10 20 km

137 - Fanshawe 80 - Lake Whittaker



42

12
Chatsworth

124 Port
Elgin 52
129
44
128 43
Markdale
L a ke 6
130
Huron
SAUGEEN 10
Kincardine 126
127
Hanover 123 Southgate
Walkerton Durham
131
21

Mount
Forest 89

31

Wingham Gran
106 105

Goderich
MAITLAND VALLEY 6

103 Mapleton
Brussels

104 Listowel 28
26
27
Elora
3 23
Clinton Elmira
2
8 Wellesley
GRAN
21
30 RIVER
4 Mitchell
Waterloo
Bluewater
Kitchener
7
4
Stratford 8
New Hamburg
Exeter 23

AUSABLE 139
32
Ayr
BAYFIELD St. Marys
7
5 Lucan UPPER THAMES 138 Paris
RIVER 403
6 Woodstock
4
401
137
Ingersoll
402 London
24
19
Strathroy Norwich
96 100 80
93
ST CLAIR Belmont LONG POINT
401
REGION
79
3
Tillsonburg
400
187 Collingwood 180 11
Lake
183
MAP 2
26
Simcoe
Stayner 181
184 Barrie
4 185
190 188
SOUTHERN
Brock
182 Innisfil
179 Sutton
ONTARIO
48 7
186 Angus

This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario


Keswick
NOTTAWASAGA being a precise indicator of routes, locations of
features, nor as a guide to navigation.
Map produced in co-operation
with the Province
12 of Ontario
VALLEY Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.

175
Alliston
89
Bradford 174 LAKE SIMCOE Uxbridge
Shelburne
REGION
Tottenham
Newmarket 173
48
189 177 404 178
Aurora 176 Whitchurch-
9 400
204
Stouffville
206 201
7
Richmond Whitby
nd Valley Orangeville Caledon Markham
Bolton Hill
209 Ajax 401
407 Pickering
CREDIT
10 Vaughan 203 210
VALLEY 202 TORONTO 401
Erin (see map 5) 205
23 207 208 AND REGION
Fergus Brampton
Toronto
a Georgetown
Acton 407
29 33 7

ON
Mississauga
ND Guelph
QEW
R 6
Puslinch
401 Milton
407
HALTON Oakville
(see map 4)
34
Cambridge
Lake 0 10 20 km
6
Burlington
Ontario
8

24 Hamilton
HAMILTON St. Catharines Niagara-on-
(see map 4) 108 the-Lake
403 Stoney QEW 113
24 Creek 122
107 117
Brantford 109 Niagara
111 118 Falls
Caledonia
NIAGARA 406
PENINSULA Pelham QEW
6 110
Welland
Haldimand 119
86
Waterford
3
120 116 Fort Erie
25 112 121 Port 3
3
114 Colborne
Simcoe Dunnville 115
Port 83
Dover
SOUTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 1

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

1 Ausable River Cut Hiking trails along Ausable River Cut, access for fishing and canoeing, Carolinian forest

Bannockburn
AUSABLE BAYFIELD

2 Hiking, fishing, boardwalks, self-guided interpretive signage, marsh, river, forest

3 Clinton Picnic pavilion, hiking trails, Bayfield River fishing, canoeing, kayaking, disc golf course

4 Morrison Dam Hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, stocked nine-hectare lake, picnic pavilion

5 Parkhill 70 ha lake for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, scenic lookout

6 Rock Glen Scenic waterfalls, museum, woodland, fossil beds, boardwalks, accessible trails, Carolinian forest

7 Archie Coulter 4 km of trails, excellent location to view rare Carolinian flora and fauna
CATFISH
CREEK

8 Springwater Horseback riding, rare large tract of old growth Carolinian forest, sandy beach, 8.5 km of trails

9 Yarmouth N.H.A. Herb Kebbel Wetland, 24-acres of wetland flora and fauna, 3 scenic trails

10 Cedar Beach Sandy Lake Erie swimming beach

11 Cedar Creek Carolinian forest, Provincially Significant Wetland, bald eagles, canoe access

12 Devonwood Urban Carolinian forest with 8 species of oak, more than 4 km of trails

13 Greenway Trails Nearly 100 km of off-road nature trail, connects natural areas, woodland, wetlands, prairie

14 Hillman Marsh Excellent spring birding, visitor centre, 4.5 km marsh trail, excellent beach
ESSEX REGION

15 Holiday Beach Global important bird area, Fall hawk migration, demo farm, Carolinian forest, fishing, natural shoreline

16 John R. Park Homestead 1840's classic revival home, farmstead and blacksmith's shop, wetland, natural shoreline

17 Kopegaron Woods Excellent spring birding and blooming wildflowers, Carolinian forest

18 Maidstone Carolinian forest

19 McAuliffe Woods Carolinian forest

20 Ruscom Shores Carolinian forest

21 Tremblay Beach Excellent spring birding, new viewing tower, wetlands

22 White Sands 1 km of sandy beach on a Detroit River Island

2 - Bannockburn 8 - Springwater
OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  15

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29 - Guelph Lake 14 - Hillman Marsh
64 - Rattlesnake Point

ABOUT
CONSERVATION
AUTHORITIES
95% of Ontarians WHAT CONSERVATION
AUTHORITIES DO
live in a watershed
managed by a >> Develop and maintain programs
that will protect life and property
Conservation from natural hazards such

Authority as flooding and erosion

>> Ensure Ontario’s rivers, lakes and


Conservation Authorities are local streams are properly safeguarded,
watershed management agencies that managed and restored
deliver services and programs to protect
and manage impacts on water and other >> Protect, manage and restore
natural resources. They work with all levels Ontario’s woodlands, wetlands
of government, landowners and many other and natural habitat
organizations. Conservation Authorities
are legislated under the Conservation >> Provide opportunities for the public
Authorities Act, 1946. They began to be to enjoy, learn from and respect
established in the 1940s when Ontario Ontario’s natural environment
was experiencing significant flooding and
erosion problems as a result of earlier
years of environmental mismanagement.

17

WHAT’S A
WATERSHED?
A watershed is an area of land that catches
rain and snow, and drains or seeps into a
marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater.
A healthy watershed contributes to healthy
people, environment and economy.

DID YOU KNOW?


Conservation Authority
Watershed Report Cards
detail the health of Ontario’s
watersheds through the use of
key environmental indicators.
They are a management
and evaluation tool that
benchmark conditions, measure
environmental change,
identify issues and target
watershed programs, and
track progress of actions and
inform decision-makers.

Learn about the health of Ontario's


watersheds at www.watershedcheckup.ca
MAP 3
SOUTHERN
ONTARIO
6

56 9

41

55 39 1

1 50
Wiarton

13 6
17

1
45
46 35
48
47
57
26 Meaford
Owen
54 58 Sound
38 12
21
36 49 18
125
37 18 51 GREY SAUBLE
Southampton
6

Chatsworth
3
10
Port
Elgin
3
21 12

129 10

128 Markdale
25

12

20 6
3
10 SAUGEEN

3 4
126
127 4
Hanover 123
Durham
Walkerton 4
20
131
9
This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as
being a precise indicator of routes, locations of
features, nor as a guide to navigation.
Published May 2019
© 2019, Conservation Ontario
Map produced in co-operation
with the Province of Ontario
and Conservation Ontario.
0 10 km  19

ON

Penetanguishene

Midland
12

Georgian 6
93
Bay
40

7 53
The Blue
Mountains 27

Wasaga 29 400
Beach
13
Collingwood 22
42
187 180
7
124 26
183
2
Stayner 181
10
52 53
42
184
13
44 185 9 90
190
43 124
188
182 Angus
4
186 9
18
56
10

21
NOTTAWASAGA
VALLEY
124

Southgate
10

Alliston
9
89
SOUTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 2

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

23 Belwood Lake 12 km long lake with great boating and fishing

24 Brant Surrounded on three sides by the historic Grand River, 1.5-acre swimming pool

25 Byng Island Boat access to the extensive Dunnville marshes, boating access to Lake Erie, 2-acre swimming pool

26 Conestogo Lake Excellent for water sports and recreational boating

27 Elora Gorge Spectacular 70 ft gorge, rapids and excellent fly fishing, river tubing
GRAND RIVER

28 Elora Quarry Pristine swimming hole surrounded by 40 ft cliffs

29 Guelph Lake Sailing and windsurfing heaven, great swimming, can hold major events

30 Laurel Creek Peace and quiet on the edge of Waterloo

31 Luther Marsh The largest wetland complex in southern Ontario

32 Pinehurst Lake A mature Carolinian forest covers most of the area

33 Rockwood Towering limestone cliffs, caves and large glacial potholes

34 Shade's Mills Large hardwood forest with trails

35 Ainslie Wood Rocky beach, swimming and fishing on the shores of Georgian Bay

36
The Arboretum & Enjoy this educational interpretive trail displaying the trees and shrubs of Grey and Bruce Counties
Administration Centre
GREY SAUBLE

37 Arran Lake Sand beach, swimming and boat launch (by donation)

38 Bognor Marsh Boardwalk loop for a unique marsh-area hike with birds, plants and aquatic species

39 Bruce's Caves Explore expansive sea caves carved by post-glacial lake wave action, Bruce Trail

40 Christie Beach Sand beach and swimming on Georgian Bay, picnic pavilion and washroom facilities

30 - Laurel Creek 138 - Pittock


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  21

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27 - Elora Gorge 39 - Bruce's Caves
SOUTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 3

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

41 Colpoy's Lookout Easily accessible and offers spectacular views of Colpoy's Bay and escarpment cliffs

42 Epping - John Muir Lookout Learn about John Muir, stunning views of the beautiful Beaver River valley

43 Eugenia Falls Picturesque 30 m high waterfall, historic plaques and stunning views of the Cuckoo Valley

44 Feversham Gorge Unique property where the Beaver River flows through 25 m rock gorge filled with ferns and mosses

45 The Glen A nature lover's paradise, this property is home to many species of plants and waterfowl

46 Hepworth In winter, the Sawmill Nordic Centre hosts nordic skiing and snowshoeing

47 Hibou Enjoy this sand beach on Georgian Bay, complete with change rooms and interpretive trails

48 Indian Falls 15 m high horseshoe-shaped waterfall, ball diamond, tennis courts and rugged hiking trails
GREY SAUBLE

49 Inglis Falls One of Ontario's premier waterfalls, Niagara Escarpment Nodal Park, historic mill site

50 Kemble Mountain Hiking trails through a mature hardwood forest with many species of ferns, birds and wildflowers

51 Massie Hills Over 8 km to hike and track-set grooming for classic cross-country skiing in the winter

52 Old Baldy Amazing panoramic views of the Beaver Valley

53 Peasemarsh Sand beach and swimming on Georgian Bay, interpretive hiking trails and spring wildflowers

54 Pottawatomi/Jones Falls Jones Falls is a 12 m waterfall, and beautiful and dramatic sections of the Bruce Trail

55 Spirit Rock Stone ruins of historical estate home and unique spiral staircase down escarpment to Georgian Bay

56 St. Jean Point Peaceful and tranquil place to hike, property is good for appreciation not recreation

57 Trout Hollow (Bighead River) Beautiful light blue Bighead River and remnants of past industries

58 West Rocks Lookouts over Owen Sound and Georgian Bay

59 Crawford Lake Maple Syrup Festival, Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Trail, meromictic lake, forests, 15th century longhouses

60 Hilton Falls Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Trail, wetlands, 16 Mile Creek, forests, mill ruins
Treetop Trekking, Niagara Escarpment cliffs and slopes, waterfalls, forests, 35 ha lake,
Kelso/Glen Eden
HALTON

61
Bruce Trail, 16 Mile Creek, historic lime kilns
62 Mount Nemo Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Trail, pristine cliff ecosystem with scenic views

63 Mountsberg Maple Syrup Festival, 200 ha lake, wetlands, Bronte Creek, forests, raptor centre, sugar bush

64 Rattlesnake Point Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Trail, forests, rock climbing sites, scenic lookouts
OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  23

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SOUTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 4

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

65 Christie Lake Horseback riding, Niagara Escarpment, numerous wetlands and forests, trout ponds, dam, trails
On Lake Ontario, ponds, wetlands, paved recreational trail, Wild Waterworks,
66 Confederation Beach Park mini-golf, go-karts, restaurants
67 Dofasco 2000 Trail Devil's Punchbowl, Vinemount South Swamp, boardwalk, several lookouts and historic areas

68 Dundas Valley Horseback riding, meadows, forest, vistas, Carolinian forest zone, waterfalls

69 Eramosa Karst Karst features, forests, meadows, creeks/streams, trails, East Mountain Trail Loop

70 Fifty Point Lakefront with beach, woodlots and fields, marina, boat launch, restaurant
HAMILTON

71
Fletcher Creek Forests, creeks/streams, old quarry, boardwalk, trail
Ecological Preserve
72 Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail Carolinian forest, Dundas Valley, Grand River, rural countryside, links to Paris and Cambridge

73 Lafarge 2000 Trail Niagara Escarpment, drumlin field, Beverly Swamp, Fletcher Creek Swamp Forest

74 Spencer Gorge Niagara Escarpment, 2 gorges and waterfalls, spectacular views, trail to Dundas Peak

75 Tiffany Falls Waterfall, Niagra Escarpment, creek/stream, trail

76 Valens Lake Lake reservoir near headwaters of Spencer Creek, forested campground

77 Westfield Heritage Village 35 historic buildings, pine/spruce plantation, unspoiled woodlands/meadows, special events

78 Wild Waterworks Wave pool, tube slides, body slides, Eazy River and children's area, Lake Ontario shoreline, wetlands

79 Dalewood 700-acres, part of Yarmouth Crown Game Preserve, swimming pool, reservoir
KETTLE
CREEK

80 Lake Whittaker 26-acre natural kettle lake, plus 400-acres of forests and wetlands, sugar bush, supervised pool

81 Backus Heritage Heritage village, nature centre, special events, swimming pool, camping, cabin rentals
LONG POINT REGION

82 Deer Creek Scenic 80-acre reservoir, excellent fishing, canoe and kayak rentals, boat launch, special events

83 Haldimand Natural beach, Lake Erie shoreline, birdwatching, camping

84 Hay Creek Carolinian forest, rural countryside, nature trail

85 Norfolk Natural beach, Lake Erie shoreline, scenic views, volleyball court, camping
3 freshwater lakes on site, excellent fishing, canoe and kayak rentals,
86 Waterford North food concession, boat launch, camping

70 - Fifty Point 80 - Lake Whittaker


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  25

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86 - Waterford North 109 - Binbrook
SELF-CARE
IN NATURE
We challenge you to unplug,
disconnect and to recharge
by spending time in nature,
hiking or doing one of your
favourite outdoor activities.

Conservation Ontario is an
EcoHealth Ontario Partner
Research suggests that nature can help our brains and bodies
stay healthy. Recent studies have shown that spending time in
nature reduces stress, strengthens our immune system, improves
our fitness level, and helps us to lead more creative, meaningful
and happy lives. Learn more at www.ecohealth-ontario.ca. 59 - Crawford Lake
 27

TRY THESE
RESTORATIVE
ACTIVITIES AT
CONSERVATION
AREAS
62 - Mount Nemo
Hike
The great thing about hiking is that it
can be done alone or in a group of any
size and it doesn’t require any serious
equipment aside from sturdy shoes or
boots. Get those feet moving and go!

Yoga
During the warmer months, join Yoga
in the Park classes at participating
Conservation Areas. Or, grab your mat,
water bottle and sun protection, and get
your downward dog on or practice your
sun salutation outdoors. Namaste.
150 - Island Lake

Forest Therapy Walks


Forest Therapy or “Shinrin-yoku” means
spending time in nature that invites
healing interactions. This requires
mindfully moving through the landscape
in ways that cultivate presence, opening
all the senses and actively communicating
with the land. These walks are a slow
and mindful experience that can combine
walking, sitting, standing or laying down.
The walks are typically a kilometre or less
and range in duration from two to three
hours. Forest Therapy is currently being
offered by the following Conservation
170 - Ken Reid Authorities: Cataraqui Region, Credit Valley,
Kawartha, Quinte, and Toronto and Region.

6
28

Puslinch 63
401
60 61

59 64

7
Milton

HALTON
25

407
Oakville
9

71 62
QEW
1
76 97
6

Burlington
77
403
8
5
65
74
QEW
68 72 Hamilton
73 66 78
75
99 HAMILTON
70
67
Stoney
403 69 Creek 108

52

56

20

65
33 109
54
NIAGA
Caledonia
GRAND PENINS
RIVER
65

6
56

20 54
3

Haldimand

20

20 25 Dunnville

3
LONG POINT 53
3

REGION
6

Port 83
Dover
MAP 4
This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario
being a precise indicator of routes, locations of
features, nor as a guide to navigation.
Map produced in co-operation
with the Province of Ontario SOUTHERN
ONTARIO
Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.

0 10 km

ON

Lake Ontario

55

Niagara-on-
the-Lake
QEW

113
81
St. Catharines 122 405
107
73
117 70

69
Niagara
Falls
ARA 69

SULA 24 118
111 20

406
Pelham
20

QEW

110
Welland 98
27

119
3 140
116 116
Fort Erie
120 58

3
112 Port
3
121 Colborne
114
115
SOUTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 5

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

87 Big Bend Thames River, boat launch, floodplain lands, archaeology site, memorial forest, camping

88 Big 'O' A southwestern Ontario birding hotspot

89 C.M. Wilson Campground, memorial forest, woodlot, ponds, Children's Safety Village, pavilion rental

90 Dutton-Dunwich Floodplain land, fishing, day use

91 E.M. Warwick Rent main hall and 4 cabins, Lake Erie north shore, wooded ravine trail, day use

92 Lighthouse Outlet of Thames River, 200-year-old lighthouse; one of 3 oldest on Great Lakes, day use, picnic
LOWER THAMES VALLEY

93 Longwoods Road Ska-Nah-Doht Village, group camp, pavilion, wetland, Carolinian Arboretum & Trails, outdoor education

94 McGeachy Pond Major migratory bird route, wetland, north shore Lake Erie, viewing tower

95 Merlin Memorial forest, Tallgrass prairie, walking trail

96 Mill Stream Stream and ravine habitat, birdwatching

97 Mosa Forest Major Carolinian forest, wetland

98 Rondeau Bay Marshes Lake Erie shoreline, birdwatching

99 Rowsom's Tilbury West Carolinian forest, memorial forest, stream habitat, birdwatching

100 Sharon Creek Reservoir, Tallgrass prairie, walking trail, memorial forest

101 Sinclair's Bush Carolinian forest

102 Two Creeks Major migratory bird route, memorial forest, wooded creek system, summer theatre, trails

103 Falls Reserve Unique lower Maitland River Valley, low waterfalls, special events, excellent fishing, trails
MAITLAND

104 Naftel's Creek Mixed forest including mature cedar lowlands, extensive trail system, scenic Naftel's Creek
VALLEY

105 Wawanosh Park Scenic river frontage, hiking trails, fishing ponds, seasonal camping only

106 Wawanosh Valley Diverse natural habitats, Belgrave Creek, seasonal programs, trails
Niagara Escarpment & Centre for Conservation, hiking trails, historical buildings,
107 Ball's Falls guided tours, waterfalls, wedding and corporate venues, annual Thanksgiving Festival
Niagara Escarpment ridge, featuring breathtaking and panoramic views of 40 Mile Creek Valley and
108 Beamer Memorial Lake Ontario shoreline from viewing platforms, Good Friday Annual Hawk Watch Open House
NIAGARA PENINSULA

Treetop Trekking, start of Welland River, man-made lake, windsurfing, fishing derbies,


109 Binbrook nature trails, children's spray pad, playground, Boarder Pass Wakeboarding, FunSplash
148 ha, 10 ha man-made lake, boat launch to Welland River, pier fishing for disabled,
110 Chippawa Creek nature trails, 156 campsites, non-motorized watercraft rentals, annual bass derby
111 Comfort Maple Oldest sugar maple tree in Canada (over 500 years), heritage site
13 km "easy" hiking trail parallel to Lake Erie shoreline, birdwatching, picturesque woodlots,
112 Gord Harry Trail open fields and views of quarry lakes in the adjacent landscape
Public launch dock, non-motorized watercraft, kilometre-wide harbour in
113 Jordan Harbour Twenty Valley watershed, unique wildlife and tree species
OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  31

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May - Oct • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
May - Oct • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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May - Oct
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SOUTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 6

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

114 Long Beach 3,000 ft of sandy shoreline along Lake Erie, 225+ campsites, playground
Lake Erie shoreline, sand dunes, Tallgrass meadow, migrating birds and Monarch butterflies,
115 Morgan's Point boardwalk and trails, unique eco-tourism venue with distinctive educational opportunities
Marshland, trails, flight path of many migratory birds, located along old Welland Canal,
116 Mud Lake limited waterfowl hunting
NIAGARA PENINSULA

117 Rockway Bruce Trail, hiking, 2 waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna of the Carolinian forest, historical salt spring
Niagara Escarpment, Carolinian forest, rainbow trout fishing, bird and frog watching,
118 St. Johns rare/endangered flora and fauna
119 Stevensville Black Creek and fishing pond, nature trails, forest, picnic area, birdwatching, club house rental

120 Wainfleet Bog Class 1 wetland, part of largest peatland in Southern Ontario, rare/endangered plants and wildlife
Class 1 wetland attracts large variety of songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl,
121 Wainfleet Wetlands unique open rock history featuring rock formations and coral fossils
122 Woodend Niagara Escarpment site, Bruce Trail access, 2 self-guided trails, Carolinian forest, birdwatching

123 Allan Park Horseback riding, upland forest on Horseshoe Moraine, over 160 ha of hardwood forest, 12 km trails

124 Brucedale Lake Huron, sand beach

125 Denny's Dam Mouth of Saugeen River, dam and fishway

126 Durham Exposed bedrock and waterfall


SAUGEEN

127
Greenock Swamp Single largest forested wetland in Southern Ontario
(Schmidt Lake)
128 Kinghurst Horseback riding, upland forest includes 4.6 km of trails

129 Saugeen Bluffs Horseback riding, scenic bluff lookout over Saugeen River, 100 ha mature sugar bush

130 Stoney Island Mixed forest adjacent Lake Huron shoreline, 39 ha forest along Lake Huron, 6 km of trails

131 Sulphur Spring 87 ha of hardwood forest, spring-fed streams and fen, 8 km of trails

132 A.W. Campbell Maple Syrup Festival, swimming pool, spacious serviced campsites, playground, mature woodlots
ST. CLAIR REGION

133 Highland Glen Lake Huron beach access, boat ramp, MacKay Pay

134 Lorne C. Henderson Swimming pool, playground equipment, wildlife ponds, great trail loop

135 Warwick Large, well-treed campsites, swimming pool, playground equipment, great day use area

136 Wawanosh Wetlands Birdwatching, memorial forest, wetland, trails


570 campsites, reservoir, camper programs, pool for camper use, trails, day use area,
Fanshawe
THAMES RIVER

137
splash pad, canoe and kayak rentals
UPPER

250 campsites, 10 km hiking/biking trails, free day use area, spray pad, 18-hole disc golf,
138 Pittock canoe/kayak rentals, beach volleyball, special events and educational programs
413 campsites, 4 back country campsites, 3 group campsites, day use facility rental,
139 Wildwood 30 km hiking/biking trails, day use area, canoe, kayak, paddle board and mountain/fat bike rentals
OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  33

May - Oct • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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May 1 - Weekend
after Thanksgiving • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
May 1 - Weekend
after Thanksgiving • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
May 1 - Weekend
after Thanksgiving • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
HIKING
Good for the
body and mind

35

DID YOU KNOW?


Ontario’s Conservation
Areas are home to

ls
ai
f tr
3,510 km o 242 - Massassauga Point

HIKING CHECKLIST

It doesn’t matter if you’re out on


the trails for an hour or on an
intense day hike. Be prepared for
anything with these essentials:

Hiking backpack
281 - Gillies Lake
Weather-appropriate
clothing

Hiking boots or shoes

Food and water

Sunscreen

Trail maps

76 - Valens Lake
ACCESSIBILITY AT
CONSERVATION
AREAS

6 - Rock Glen 14 - Hillman Marsh

81 - Backus Heritage 218 - Crowe Bridge


 37

143 - Heber Down 254 - Foley Mountain

Conservation Authorities are committed to creating and providing


inclusive programs, services and spaces for Ontarians to experience
and enjoy. Check out these accessible Conservation Areas trails:

6 Rock Glen 109 Binbrook 204 Bruce’s Mill

8 Springwater 135 Warwick 218 Crowe Bridge

14 Hillman Marsh 139 Wildwood 221 Bleasdell Boulder

49 Inglis Falls 143 Heber Down 232 Morris Island

59 Crawford Lake 150 Island Lake 250 Cooper Marsh

70 Fifty Point 160 Ganaraska 254 Foley Mountain


Forest
79 Dalewood 275 Cascades
170 Ken Reid
81 Backus Heritage 281 Gillies Lake
188 Tiffin Centre
93 Longwoods Road 285 Lake Laurentian
196 Jackson Creek Trail
103 Falls Reserve 295 Fort Creek
DID YOU KNOW?
The sun’s rays are the strongest
between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

SUN SAFETY
Tips to minimize
sun exposure
SEEK SHADE
Relax under a tree at a Conservation Area, take
an umbrella to the beach, eat at a covered picnic
table. TIP: If your shadow is shorter than you, this
means the sun’s rays are at its strongest.

COVER UP
You don’t need to bare all to stay cool! Clothing can
protect you from sun exposure – cover up as much skin as
you can with clothing that is made of tightly woven fabric or
buy clothing labeled with a UPF (UV protection factor).
And, don’t forget your hat!

WEAR SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses make a great addition to any look, but
make sure you choose close-fitting ones with UVA
and UVB protection in a wraparound style.

USE SUNSCREEN PROPERLY


Lather up! Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
to any uncovered skin. Sunscreen absorbs UV rays and
prevents them from penetrating the skin. Wear water-
resistant sunscreen or reapply if you’re going in the water.

Get more sun safety tips from


the Canadian Cancer Society:
www.cancer.ca
BE TICK SMART
 39

Prevention is better than cure!


If you love being outdoors, you’ve >> Check your clothes for ticks – they
probably heard of Lyme disease, which will climb upwards until they find
is an inflammatory infection that spreads an area of exposed skin.
to humans through tick bites. But, by
taking the right precautions you can >> Wear light-coloured clothing to
protect yourself from Lyme disease. make it easier to spot ticks.

Take these steps to protect your health >> Walk on pathways or trails when
possible staying in the middle. Avoid
>> Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. low-lying brush or long grass.
Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent
ticks from getting inside your pants. >> Apply insect repellent to your skin and
clothing, especially at the openings
such as ankle, wrist and neck.

MYTH TRUTH
All Lyme victims
develop a “bull’s
eye” rash > Although rashes are fairly common,
only 30% of Lyme patients report
experiencing a rash, and only 9%
develop the classic “bull’s eye” rash

HIGH-RISK AREA FOR TICKS

Wooded areas
Learn more at the
Nature parks Canadian Lyme
Grassy fields Disease Foundation:
www.canlyme.com
Beaches
CAMPING

CAMPFIRE TALES

Tents, campfires, s’mores, hotdogs, starry nights, sing-alongs, quality time, laughter, family
and friends – this is the making of a great camping weekend. There are 8,088 Conservation
Area campsites to choose from across Ontario. Create lasting memories, book a campsite!

Discover
Falls Reserve

camping reservations available | hiking and biking trails | excellent fishing


stocked pond | seasonal sites available

80900 Falls Reserve Line, Benmiller


1-877-325-5722 • mvca.on.ca
 41

FIREWOOD ALERT
Campsites are located in natural areas
that protect fragile plants and wildlife, and
firewood is one of the easiest ways for
insects to travel. Dormant insects or eggs can
be moved via firewood from infested trees.

Prevent the spread of


infestations and disease

>> Don’t move firewood TRAIL SNACK


>> Buy firewood from the Conservation
Area you’re visiting No Bake, Apple Cookies
Try a great alternative to store
bought cookies. Whip up this quick,
BUG OFF! tasty and healthy snack the next
time you go camping or anytime.
Being outdoors requires us to share
nature with wildlife, including bugs. 1 apple
Most insects mind their business, but
mosquitoes, black flies and ticks can 1/4 cup peanut butter
be a nuisance, ruining a good time.
1/4 cup almonds, sliced
Keep pesky bugs away
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
>> Use bug spray
1/4 cup shredded coconut
>> Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (or
clothing with insect repellent in the fabric) 1/4 cup chocolate chips
>> Light candles and mosquito coils,
position strategically Slice apple into thin rings and remove
>> Pack mosquito head nets and a screen core. Spread peanut butter over one
tent, for when the going gets tough side of ring. Top with almonds, walnuts,
coconut, and chocolate chips. Enjoy!

Credit: www.rachelschultz.com
LET’S PICNIC
Many Conservation Areas provide
covered and uncovered picnic areas,
or find a nice shaded spot on the grass
and enjoy your delicious eats.
240 - Little Bluff

GREAT LAKES
We love our Great Lakes!

and their watersheds. This area is rich with


DID YOU KNOW? forests, wetlands, rivers, streams, aquifers,
Ontario’s watersheds are and plants and animals that supply us
nestled into the Great Lakes with water for drinking, manufacturing,
and St. Lawrence River basin agriculture, energy production, fishing,
food processing and many other uses.
Conservation Authorities programs and activities We are also drawn to these waters for
help Ontario to protect the important resources recreational activities such as swimming,
within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, boating, camping and picnicking.

Camp St. Clair

Family Campgrounds
overnight and seasonal sites
swimming pools
www.scrca.on.ca playground equipment
nature trails
GREAT LAKES FACTS  43

More than
+4,000
get their drinking water from
Lakes Superior, Species of Ontario has over
80% Huron, Erie 10,000km of
of Plants, Fish & Wildlife
Great Lakes &
Ontarians & Ontario in the St. Lawrence River
Great Lakes Basin shoreline

Great Lakes waters replenish

= 20% FRESH almost

of the
WORLD’S
SURFACE
WATER
S L O W L Y
AT A
RATE OF <1% PER
YEAR

NEARSHORE THROW IT IN THE TRASH


MONITORING
The five most common items found
The nearshore is a dynamic area that on the Great Lakes shorelines are:
stretches from the beach through
the shallow water. It is an area 1. Tiny plastic or foam
where people and nature intersect 2. Cigarette butts
regularly. We monitor the nearshore
environment to ensure the health and
3. Plastic beverage bottles
integrity of this important ecosystem. 4. Food wrappers
5. Plastic bottle caps

DRINKING WATER SOURCE


PROTECTION IN ONTARIO

The Clean Water Act, 2006 is part of the multi-barrier approach


to ensure clean, safe and sustainable drinking water for
Ontarians, by protecting sources of municipal drinking water
such as lakes, rivers and well water. As you travel across Ontario,
you will notice Drinking Water Protection Zone road signs,
which raise awareness about protecting our drinking water
sources. Learn more at www.protectingwatermatters.ca.
Midland 12
11

MAP 5
GCENTRAL
eorgian 93 12

ONTARIO
Bay Orillia
12

26 Wasaga
Beach
400
Collingwood 11
187 180 Springwater Lake
26 183 Simcoe
Stayner 181
Barrie
185 184
190 188
Angus 179 48
182 Innisfil Sutton
186

Keswick

NOTTAWASAGA
VALLEY LAKE SIMCOE
175 REGION
89
Alliston
10 Bradford
Shelburne Beeton
174 48

173
89 Newmarket
Tottenham 189 177 178
10 404
400 Aurora 176
Wh
9
St
204
150 206 201 King City

GRAND Orangeville
Bolton
Richmond
157 Caledon Hill Markham
RIVER
10 209 407
Vaughan
151 203
Erin 148 TORONTO
149 AND REGION
202 401
CREDIT 205
23 207 208
156
410 407 DVP
155 Brampton
Toronto
6
Georgetown 401
Acton 152
33
VALLEY 153
29 7

HALTON Mississauga
Guelph
QEW 154
60 61
6 Milton 407
Puslinch
59 64
401
63
35

Pigeon
 45

28
Lake Stony Lake
Bobcaygeon
Ramara
Balsam
Lake 192 198 200
35
Sturgeon 195 Warsaw
Lake Buckhorn
170 Lake 197
28
Lindsay
193
7 7
196 7
191 194
KAWARTHA 172 Peterborough
CONSERVATION
Lake OTONABEE
Scugog
35
12 199
Rice
Cavan-Millbrook Lake
171 169 115
7A
Uxbridge Port
Perry 168 164
160
162
144 165
141 146 158
Hamilton
142 115
166 161
hitchurch- GANARASKA 159
147 163
touffville CENTRAL Cobourg
167
143 LAKE ONTARIO 401
Port Hope
7
Whitby Oshawa 140
Bowmanville
Ajax 145

210 Pickering

ON

Lake Ontario

This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario


being a precise indicator of routes, locations of Map produced in co-operation
0 10 20 km features, nor as a guide to navigation. with the Province of Ontario
Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.
CENTRAL ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 1

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

140 Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Provincially Significant Coastal Wetlands on Lake Ontario, connects to waterfront trail

141 Crow's Pass Enjoy a 3 km trail on the crest of the Oak Ridges Moraine and roadside parking only
CENTRAL LAKE ONTARIO

142 Enniskillen Headwaters of Bowmanville Creek, mixed forest on Oak Ridges Moraine, ponds, 3 km of trails

143 Heber Down Provincially Significant Wetland, mixed forest, Lynde Creek, fishing pond, 7.5 km of trails

144 Long Sault Headwaters of Bowmanville Creek, mixed forest, 18 km trails, connects Oak Ridges Trail

145 Lynde Shores Provincially Significant Coastal Wetlands, Lake Ontario shoreline, connects to waterfront trail

146 Purple Woods Spring Maple Syrup Festival, 1.8 km of hiking trails, connects to Oak Ridges Trail

147 Stephen's Gulch Forested Soper Creek valley and 3 km of hiking trails

148 Belfountain Niagara Escarpment river valley, suspension bridge, waterfall, historic sites, cold water fishery

149 Elora Cataract Trailway 47 km year-round trail, multi-use, non-motorized in summer, links watersheds of Credit and Grand

150 Island Lake Maple Syrup Festival, headwaters, lakeside trail, waterfront amphitheatre, groups, boat rentals

151 Ken Whillans R.M.A. Niagara Escarpment fishing for Trout/Bass, access to Caledon Trailway, canoe/kayak rentals
CREDIT VALLEY

152 Limehouse Black Creek, Niagara Escarpment outcrops, mature forests, Bruce Trail, heritage lime kilns

153 Meadowvale Diverse plant life, birdwatching, hiking, heritage sites, access to Culham Trail

154 Rattray Marsh Lake Ontario shoreline, shingle bar beach, significant wetland, waterfront trail, birdwatching

155 Silver Creek Niagara Escarpment, mature forest, wildlife, Bruce Trail

156 Terra Cotta Maple Syrup Festival, Niagara Escarpment, forest, wetland, Bruce Trail, pond skating, amphitheatre

157 Upper Credit Credit River, significant wetland, hiking trail (*trails not maintained in winter)

158 Ball's Mill Cobourg Creek, natural area, pond, dam

159 Cobourg Cobourg Creek, open recreation field


Treetop Trekking Ganaraska, Maple Syrup Festival, Oak Ridges Moraine,
160 Ganaraska Forest Centre first Canadian watershed to be studied, 11,000-acre multi-use forest and facility
GANARASKA REGION

161 Ganaraska Millennium Ganaraska River, wetland, hiking trail

162 Garden Hill Eastern headwaters of Ganaraska River, Oak Ridges Moraine, spring-fed pond

163 Port Hope Ganaraska River, fish ladder/dam

164 Rice Lake Oak Ridges Moraine, Rice Lake, Class 2 wetlands, Environmentally Significant Area

165 Richardson's Lookout Great views of Oak Ridges Moraine and Lake Ontario

166 Sylvan Glen Ganaraska River, natural area

167 Thurne Parks Wilmot Creek, natural area


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  47

Year Round
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FLOOD  FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT
Early notice of the potential for flooding

WATCH based on weather forecasts calling for


heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other
conditions that could lead to high runoff,
cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

 FLOOD WATCH
FLOOD MESSAGES Flooding is possible in specific watercourses
or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency
 NORMAL services and individual landowners in
Conditions are within normal limits. flood-prone areas should prepare.
No flooding is expected.
 FLOOD WARNING
 WATER SAFETY STATEMENT Flooding is imminent or already occurring
High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other in specific watercourses or municipalities.
factors could be dangerous for recreational Municipalities and individuals should take
users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, action to deal with flood conditions. This
children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected. may include road closures and evacuations.

FLOOD WARNING

DID YOU KNOW?


Conservation Authorities
protect people and minimize
property damage from
flooding and erosion.
Flooding is the
leading cause of
>> Monitoring conditions
>> Computer modeling and
 49

forecasting flooding
public emergency >> Issuing of flood messages
in Ontario. >> Regulating of development
in flood-prone areas
Conservation
>> Providing planning support
Authorities prevent and advice to municipalities to

flood damages by: minimize the impact of flooding

>> Acquiring flood-prone lands


>> Protecting significant ecosystems such
as wetlands and forests that help to
control flooding and educating the public

FLOOD MESSAGES PROTECT YOURSELF


Keep a safe distance from the
What if a flood message is
banks of lakes, rivers and reservoirs
issued for your area? during flood incidents.
1. Take heed of the message issued
GET THE SCOOP
2. Be prepared to follow the
Stay up-to-date on flood messaging
instructions of emergency
for your watershed through your local
response officials Conservation Authority and municipality
websites, news outlets and social media.
38 - Bognor Marsh

WETLANDS
DISCOVER FOUR TYPES OF
WETLANDS IN ONTARIO

>> Marshes, which usually have open


areas of water with floating plants,
like water lilies and emergent plants
(standing above the water) like cattails

>> Bogs are peat-covered areas low


in nutrient and strongly acidic

>> Fens are also often found on


peat, but are less acidic and
richer in nutrients than bogs

>> Swamps, which are dominated


by trees or shrubs

Wetland benefits include: preventing flood


damage, improving water quality, water
storage in times of drought, giving wildlife a
home, providing valuable economic products
like timber and furbearers, as well as
recreational opportunities like birdwatching,
fishing and nature appreciation.

51

136 - Wawanosh

Visit these
amazing wetlands

31 Luther Marsh
Grand River
Conservation Authority

120 Wainfleet Bog


Niagara Peninsula
Conservation Authority

136 Wawanosh Wetlands


St. Clair Region
120 - Wainfleet Bog
Conservation Authority

154 Rattray Marsh


Credit Valley
Conservation Authority

183 Minesing Wetlands


Nottawasaga Valley
Conservation Authority

232 Morris Island


Mississippi Valley
Conservation Authority

250 Cooper Marsh


Raisin Region 154 - Rattray Marsh
Conservation Authority
CENTRAL ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 2

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

168 Durham East Cross Forest Horseback riding, headwaters of East Cross Creek, Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core Area

169 Fleetwood Creek N.A. Fleetwood Creek headwaters, lowland forests, meadows, steep valley slopes, scenic lookout
KAWARTHA

170 Ken Reid Sturgeon Lake, McLaren Creek Wetland, osprey nest, mix of forest and meadow, off-leash dog park

171 Pigeon River Headwaters Mix of mature hardwood forests, open meadows, wetlands, river

172 Windy Ridge Pigeon River and Fleetwood Creek, wetland, view of Omemee Esker and Oak Ridges Moraine

173 Mabel Davis Holland River, Nokiidaa/Tom Taylor Trail


Natural area with forests, wetlands, and the East Holland River, the Nokiidaa
174 Rogers Reservoir
LAKE SIMCOE REGION

Trail, and a historic site containing locks, canal and swing bridge
175 Scanlon Creek Trails and boardwalk through forests and wetlands, off-leash dog park, Discovery Play Garden

176 Sheppard's Bush Mature sugar bush located in the Holland River Valley, soccer fields, trail link to the Oak Ridges Trail

177 Thornton Bales Rugged natural area along Oak Ridges Moraine that connects to the Koffler-Bales Side Trail (ORT)

178 Whitchurch Wooded area, pond, birding, picnic pavilion, connected to large York Region Forest tract

179 Willow Beach Lake Simcoe shoreline, sandy beach

180 Edenvale Site of historic Glengarry Landing, boat ramp to Nottawasaga River, pavilion

181 Fort Willow National Historic Site, interpretive panels highlighting strategic War of 1812 military outpost, pavilion

182 Glencairn Natural area with old growth cedars, located along Mad River

183 Minesing Wetlands World-class wetland featuring diverse wetland/forest habitats, major waterfowl staging area
NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY

184 New Lowell Beach area on 40-acre reservoir and seasonal camping
Scenic hiking area along Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trail including the Keyhole Side Trail,
185 Nottawasaga Bluffs cliff, forest and meadow habitats
186 Osprey Wetlands Natural wilderness area that serves as a headwaters to the Mad, Saugeen, Grand and Beaver rivers

187 Petun Scenic hiking along Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trail
Forested hiking trails, disc-golf course, annual Maple Syrup Festival, day camp program,
188 Tiffin Centre wedding and event venue
189 Tottenham Family-friendly park, walking trails, beach on large reservoir, waterfowl viewing

190 Utopia Picturesque old mill, gentle hiking trails, wetland area

150 - Island Lake 185 - Nottawasaga Bluffs


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  53

Year Round
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174 - Rogers Reservoir 60 - Hilton Falls
ADVENTURE AWAITS AT
CONSERVATION AREAS
If you’re after fun and thrilling experiences
at Conservation Areas, we’ve got you
covered! Whether on land or water, there’s
something for everyone, from mountain
biking to tubing and everything in-between.

61 - Kelso/Glen Eden

NOTTAWASAGA
...Naturally

World-class wetlands, Niagara


Escarpment trails & family-friendly parks
Enjoy year-round outdoor recreation &
events at NVCA’s Conservation Areas! Nottawasaga Valley
Conservation Authority
Tiffin Centre, Minesing Wetlands, Nottawasaga Bluffs, Petun,
Fort Willow, Glencairn, New Lowell, Edenvale, Utopia nvca.on.ca/recreation
 55

Mountain Biking at Kelso/Glen Eden Wild Waterworks

Treetop Trekking at Heart Lake Swimming at Charlottenburgh Park

Geocaching at South Nation


Conservation Lands Tubing at Elora Gorge

Equipment rentals are available


at many Conservation Areas.
CENTRAL ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 3

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

191 Beavermead Campground Camping in the heart of Peterborough; close to downtown and access to trails

192 Gannon's Narrows Forested trail along Trent-Severn Waterway shoreline, pond, parking

193 Harold Town Peterborough's premier mountain biking area, drumlin is predominent feature
Circa 1835 operational water-powered sawmill, woodworking tool
194 Hope Mill collection, children's workshop, lumber sales
OTONABEE

195 Imagine the Marsh Provincially Significant Wetland along Lakefield Trail and viewing tower

196 Jackson Creek Trail 4 km walking/cycling trail, part of The Great Trail, goes through wetland/woodland

197 Miller Creek Wildlife Area Provincially Significant Wetland, viewing tower, linear trail for discovery of wetland complex

198 Selwyn Beach Sandy beach, picnic areas, boat launch, group camping, access to Chemong Lake

199 Squirrel Creek Access to Otonabee River (Trent-Severn Waterway), boat launch, baseball field rentals, picnic areas

200 Warsaw Caves Hiking trails feature limestone caves, kettles, scenic lookout, family camping, comfort station

201 Albion Hills Caledon Hills, Humber River/Centreville Creek, Bruce Trail, Pool and Splash Pad

202 Black Creek Pioneer Village Restored buildings, water-powered grist mill, meeting rooms

203 Boyd Scenic Humber River Valley, 19 picnic areas, shelters, woodland trails
TORONTO AND REGION

204 Bruce's Mill Historic mill, Maple Syrup Festival, driving range, Treetop Trekking, picnic areas

205 Claireville Claireville dam and reservoir, hiking and nature viewing

206 Glen Haffy Stocked trout ponds, tackle, no fishing licence required, Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Trail

207 Heart Lake Boathouse and boat rentals, fishing, pool and splash pad, fitness trail, picnic areas

208 Indian Line Campground Humber River, Claireville Reservoir, close to Toronto with good highway access

209 Kortright Centre Humber River, sugar bush, large education centre, exhibits, special events

210 Petticoat Creek Petticoat Creek, Lake Ontario, waterfront bluffs and trail, swimming pool and splash pad

200 - Warsaw Caves 204 - Bruce's Mill


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  57

May - Oct • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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May 1 - Dec 23 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
May - Thanksgiving • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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May - Thanksgiving • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
May - 1st week Nov • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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May - Thanksgiving • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
207 - Heart Lake
LEAVE NO
TRACE
Visits to Conservation Areas are on a
steady increase with more and more
people wanting to experience nature. But,
sometimes with more people, comes more
problems such as litter, invasive species
and trail erosion. Some things to keep in
mind when planning your next visit:

1. Plan ahead and prepare


2. Travel and camp on marked
trails and campsites
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife

Nature
64 - Rattlesnake Point
7. Be considerate of other visitors

Spend Time in

Explore 75 km of
trails throughout
the Moira River,
Napanee Region,
and Prince
Edward Region
Watersheds

QuinteConservation.ca
 59

DOGS ON
LEASH

Dog walking is one of the many activities that Conservation Areas users enjoy. Dogs are
welcomed at Conservation Areas, but for the safety of visitors and your pet, they must be kept
on leash at all times, with the exception of designated off-leash areas. Also, please remember
to dispose of all pet waste in garbage bins. Help to keep it safe and clean for everyone!

PLAN AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR PET

1. Keep your dog on a leash and Roam Leash Free


under control at all times.
170 Howlers Corners
2. Stay on marked trails to minimize
Ken Reid Conservation Area
the impacts to our environment.
3. There are natural risks to your pet Scanlon Creek Bark Park
175
from steep drops, encounters with Scanlon Creek Conservation Area
wildlife and being in unfamiliar
surroundings with new smells.
245 Pooch Path
4. Be aware that there are diseases Potter's Creek Conservation Area
which naturally affect our native
wildlife and can pose a risk to dogs. 282 Rainbow Lake Loop
5. Your dog may be friendly, but not Hersey Lake Conservation Area
all visitors like dogs and some
may be afraid of them. Please be
respectful of fellow visitors.
Pembroke

MAP 6
EASTERN Whitewater
Region
ONTARIO
60
41 232
Renfrew 17 Arnprior

White
62 Lake
231
41
Hastings
Highlands
Carle
28
Mississ
Lake
Bancroft
Weslemkoon Lanark
Lake
233

MISSISSIPPI
VALLEY
41

Perth
220 Central
Frontenac
219 Big Ridea
235 255 Lake
62 254
7
28 CROWE Bobs
Lake

Stony VALLEY
Lake 247 236
243
244
217
Tweed 211 CATAR
Havelock
248
REG
218 Stone Mills
Warsaw 62 QUINTE
7 225 37
213 Ga
239
Odessa
Rice 228 Napanee 401
Lake 227 216 212
Campbellford
230 Kingston
221 222 245 242
LOWER 223
Belleville
229
TRENT 237 238 33
226 Trenton 62
401 241 246
Hamilton Brighton
224 234 Picton
240

Lake Ontario
QUÉBEC

Ott
aw
aR
ive
r
Clarence-
Rockland 266
Hawkesbury  61

Orleans
Ottawa Gloucester
417

Alexandria
Casselman 264
263 417
417 Kanata Nepean 253
265 274 Embrun 271
1
Mississippi
Stittsville Russell 269 273 RAISIN
267
Mills 259 138 REGION 250
eton Place
Richmond 261 SOUTH NATION 249
7 252
262 401 251
sippi
e Kemptville 268
15
Cornwall
RIDEAU VALLEY 416
270
272
257 Merrickville- Morrisburg
260 Smiths Wolford
h Falls r
ive
256 eR
nc ON
au Prescott re
258 aw
.L
401 St
Rideau Lakes 215

Charleston 214
15 Lake Brockville

NEW YORK
RAQUI U.S.A.
GION

ananoque

This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario


being a precise indicator of routes, locations of Map produced in co-operation
0 10 20 km features, nor as a guide to navigation. with the Province of Ontario
Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.

243 - O'Hara Mill Pioneer Village 233 - Purdon


EASTERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 1

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

211 Gould Lake Rugged Canadian Shield, old mica mines, small lake for canoeing and fishing, Rideau Trail
CATARAQUI REGION

212 Lemoine Point Over 2,000 ft of Lake Ontario waterfront, wildflowers

213 Little Cataraqui Creek Sugar bush, Outdoor Education Centre, summer day camp, Class 2 wetland, moraines

214 Lyn Valley Local swimming hole located in a worked-out gravel pit

215 Mac Johnson W.A. Activity and educational centre, large wetlands, Trumpeter swans

216 Parrott's Bay Class 3 wetland, scenic views of bay

217 Callaghan's Rapids Limestone bedrock river, caves, sink holes, rapids
CROWE VALLEY

218 Crowe Bridge River, rapids, rolling terrain, scenic lookouts

219 Gut Breathtaking scenic gorge, rapids, trails, lookout

220 McGeachie Newly developed walking trails, hardwood forest, rental cottage, beaver pond, stream

221 Bleasdell Boulder Site of one of the largest glacial erratics in North America

222 Glen Miller Access to Trent River shoreline, boat launch

223 Goodrich-Loomis Cold water stream, 12 km of trails, prairie remnants, Oak Savanna, conservation centre

224 Haldimand View and access to Lake Ontario, canoeing/kayaking


LOWER TRENT

225 King's Mill Site of former grist mill; mill still standing, Squire Creek and wetland

226 Proctor Park Proctor House Museum, mature maple/beech forest and cedar swamp, cold water stream

227 Sager Drumlin is one of the highest points in the area, scenic lookout, tower

228 Seymour Woodland, stream, swamps on limestone plain, limestone quarry, annual fishing day

229 Trenton Greenbelt Waterfront trail, access to Trent River, shoreline, boat launch

230 Warkworth Warkworth Flood Control Dam, Mill Creek

223 - Goodrich-Loomis 221 - Bleasdell Boulder


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  63

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211 - Gould Lake 217 - Callaghan's Rapids
59 - Crawford Lake

INDIGENOUS
HISTORY AT
CONSERVATION
AREAS
 65

93 - Longwoods Road

DID YOU KNOW?


Ska-Nah-Doht is from
the Oneida word Ska
na: tote and it means "a
village stands again"

SKA-NAH-DOHT VILLAGE AND MUSEUM

The Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum, located in the Longwoods Road


Conservation Area, is an interactive museum that engages the public in the
preservation and presentation of local First Nations history. It features a
two-acre Haudenosaunee village reflective of settlements found along the
river 1,000 years ago. This village, created with the information gathered by
archaeologists and shared by First Nations Traditional Knowledge Keepers,
offers tours, workshops and a glimpse into the life of the areas earliest farmers.
In the 1980s, archaeologists excavated two settlements in Longwoods, dating
back to the same time period depicted through Ska-Nah-Doht. Artifacts
from those digs are exhibited along with nature and conservation displays.
The museum is located in the Resource Centre and also includes a gift shop
featuring local First Nations beadwork, leather crafts and stained glass.
State-of-the-art Deer Clan Longhouse features seasonal exhibits
that explore contemporary Indigenous art and culture.

EXPERIENCE A 15TH CENTURY VILLAGE

At Crawford Lake Conservation Area, you can visit the reconstructed 15th century
longhouses and explore local history. From 1973 to 1987, excavations uncovered
11 longhouses on the site and over 10,000 artifacts from the day-to-day lives
of the people who once lived in the village. Three of the longhouses have been
reconstructed based on the archaeological findings. Wander around the village
and learn about what daily life was like over 600 years ago through Interpretive
programs, including simulated digs and fire starting demonstrations. The state-of-
the-art Deer Clan Longhouse features seasonal exhibits that explore contemporary
Indigenous art and culture. Longhouse tours are offered on weekdays.
 67

59 - Crawford Lake

WHAT’S A MEROMICTIC LAKE?

Crawford Lake is a meromictic lake. Meaning that the lake is deeper than
its surface area, so the lowest levels of water are very rarely disturbed, and
little oxygen reaches the lowest levels. Researchers and scientists found
ancient corn pollen deep in the sediment of the lake. The presence of corn
indicated that First Nations groups settled in this area over 600 years ago.
Today, enjoy a stroll around the lake on the boardwalk and contemplate
how science and natural history brought us to the park we have today.
EASTERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 2

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

Museum/historical building, McKenzie/Naismith collection, Indian River,


231 Mill of Kintail
MISSISSIPPI

education programming, summer day camps


VALLEY

232 Morris Island Picturesque islands and bays on the Ottawa River, fishing platforms, trails

233 Purdon 16,000 Showy Lady Slipper Orchids, wetlands, hiking, lookouts, interpretive trails

234 Beaver Meadow W.M.A. Wetland/woodland, wildlife management area, water control weir built in 1982

235 Deerock Remains of old mill dam, picnic tables, Skootamatta River

236 Depot Lakes Fishing, interior and seasonal camping, 3,000-acres, 9 km of trails, 3 lakes, significant bog

237 Harry Smith Surrounded on 3 sides by 25 m escarpment

238 H.J. McFarland 183 m shoreline on Picton Bay, boat launch, seasonal parking, washrooms

239 H.R. Frink O.E.C. Provincially Significant Wetland with boardwalk, 13 km trails, Moira River, drumlin

240 Little Bluff 18 m bluff, pebble beach, 915 m on Prince Edward Bay, remains of 1860s-90s grain bin
QUINTE

241 Macaulay Mountain Lowland, stand of hemlock, steep escarpment, alvar, mixed forest

242 Massassauga Point 1,200 m of shoreline fronting on the Bay of Quinte, alvar, Bur Oak Savanna, boat launch

243 O'Hara Mill Pioneer Village 9 pioneer buildings, 1850s sawmill, historic mill pond, picnic tables, Deer Creek

244 Portland 56 scenic acres, picnic shelter, year-round parking, portage to Hambly Lake

245 Potter's Creek Bay of Quinte, Potter Creek, 6 km of trails, Quinte Conservation office

246 Rutherford-Stevens Lookout Panoramic scenic lookout of Smith's Bay and Waupoos Island

247 Sheffield Scenic area of Canadian Shield, 5 lakes, 4 km of rugged trails, 1,000-acres, seasonal parking

248 Vanderwater Series of small steps rapids, Moira River, 15 km of trails

249 Charlottenburgh Park Provincially Significant Wetland, Lake St. Francis, mixed forest, meadows, beach, interpretive signage
REGION
RAISIN

250 Cooper Marsh & Visitors Centre Provincially Significant Wetland, Lake St. Francis, mixed forest, meadows

251 Gray's Creek & Marina Complex Grey's Creek/St. Lawrence River access, marina, winter activity centre, model aircraft runway

247 - Sheffield
OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  69

Year Round • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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250 - Cooper Marsh 231 - Mill of Kintail
SPECIES 238 - H. R. Frink

AT RISK IN
ONTARIO
Conservation Authorities tackle a
number of invasive species that pose
a growing threat to Ontario’s economy
and native biodiversity. Invasive species
damage important natural ecosystems
such as wetlands, forests, lakes, rivers
and streams, and threaten agricultural
practices, infrastructure, tourism,
fisheries, and water quality and quantity.

DID YOU KNOW?


15 Conservation Authorities
are members of the
Ontario Invading Species
Awareness Program

Conservation Authorities address invasive


species with the following programs:

>> Watershed plans


>> Habitat restoration and rehabilitation
>> Forest management, tree
and shrub planting
>> Natural heritage/invasive
species strategies
>> Water quality and quantity programs
>> Natural lands management
>> Community outreach and education
>> Monitoring and reporting
>> Technical advice
The Blanding's Turtle is listed
as threatened on the Species
at Risk in Ontario list.
IDENTIFY THE  71

INVASIVE SPECIES
Help prevent the spread of invasive plants by staying on trails and keeping pets on leash.
AQUATIC
PLANTS

a. b. c.
INVASIVE
FISH

d. e. f.
PATHOGENS
PESTS &
FOREST

g. h. i.
INVERTEBRATES

j. k. l.
PLANTS

m. n. o.

Report sightings of invasive species at: www.eddmaps.org/Ontario

a. Water Soldier e. Goldfish i. Butternut Canker m. Purple Loosestrife


b. European Frog-bit f. Sea Lamprey j. Zebra Mussels n. Phragmites
c. Yellow Floating Heart g. Emerald Ash Borer k. Rusty Crayfish o. Dog-strangling Vine
d. Asian Carps h. Oak Wilt l. Blood Red Shrimp
EASTERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 3

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

252 Baxter Sandy beach, picnic areas, 5 km of trails adjacent to the Rideau River, mature nut grove

253 Chapman Mills Boardwalk trail through wetland and shoreline along the Rideau River

254 Foley Mountain Scenic lookout atop granite ridge, natural swimming area, 10 km hiking trails, beautiful fall colours

255 Meisel Woods Forested trail around secluded lake with scenic lookouts
RIDEAU VALLEY

256 Mill Pond Enjoy peaceful paddles on Mill Pond, 6 km of wilderness trails, sugar bush

257 Perth Wildlife Reserve 257 ha wildlife reserve, 3.5 km interpretive trails, butterfly gardens, Provincially Significant Wetland

258 Portland Bay Park and picnic area on Big Rideau Lake

259 Richmond Large picnic area with dock to launch canoes and kayaks for a quiet trip on the Jock River

260 Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Lower Rideau Lake waterfront, sandy beach, large picnic area, boat launch, fishing derbies

261 W.A. Taylor Rideau River waterfront, boat launch, large picnic area, fishing derbies

262 Cass Bridge South Nation River, dock, picnic tables, children’s play structure, geocache, ice cream shop nearby

263 Findlay Creek 400 m boardwalk through a Provincially Significant Wetland

264 High Falls South Nation River, dock, picnic shelter, fishing, geocache

265 J. Henry Tweed Beautiful nature trail, stream running through park, old growth trees, geocache

266 Jessup's Falls South Nation River, geocache, trilliums and crocuses, raspberry and blackberry bushes
SOUTH NATION

267 McIntosh Park Urban park featuring large picnic shelter and trail system

268 Oak Valley Pioneer Park One of Ontario's three butternut archives, over 25 species of trees and shrubs, picnic shelter

269 Reveler 3.2 km of nature trails, birdwatching, geocache

270 Robert Graham 6.5 km serene nature trail, abundant wildlife, geocache

271 St. Albert South Nation River, fishing derbies, nature trails, geocache

272 Two Creeks Forest 4 km of nature trail to explore by foot, ski, or snowshoes, marsh boardwalk, active forest management

273 Warwick Forest 3.5 km nature trail to explore by foot, horseback, ski, or sled, geocache

274 W.E. Burton Castor River, pine forest, nature trails, geocache

219 - Gut 254 - Foley Mountain


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  73

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151 - Ken Whillans 263 - Findlay Creek
228 - Seymour

FISHING
 75

109 - Binbrook 248 - Vanderwater

82 - Deer Creek 110 - Chippawa Creek

There are many 1. Keep fishing areas clean


great fishing spots at 2. Consider other anglers
Conservation Areas to and waterfront users
reel in a big catch. Help 3. Know where you can fish legally
ensure the protection 4. Understand your rights as an angler
of fisheries, wildlife and
5. Prevent the spread of
enjoyment by other invasive species
users by practicing
6. Share your knowledge and
responsible fishing. enjoyment of the sport
Learn more about fishing in Ontario from the Ministry 7. Provide proper care and handling
of Natural Resources and Forestry at www.ontario.ca.
of the fish you catch

DID YOU KNOW?


You can participate in the Learn to Fish
program at Heart Lake Conservation Area
THINGS TO
DO THIS
WINTER
61 - Kelso/Glen Eden
 77

A bit of cold weather and snow


shouldn’t stop you from enjoying
the outdoors. There are so many fun
76 - Valens activities to enjoy at Conservation
Areas during the winter months and
it’s a great time to try something
new... like snowshoeing or ice
fishing. While some Conservation
Areas are not operational during
the winter months, there are still
many where you can enjoy your
favourite outdoor activities.

ON ICE ACTIVITIES
213 - Little Cataraqui Creek >> Ice fishing
>> Ice skating

ON TRAIL ACTIVITIES
>> Hiking
>> Running
>> Fat biking
>> Cross-country skiing
>> Snowboarding
251 - Gray's Creek >> Snowshoeing
>> Ice climbing
>> Winter camping
>> Seasonal events

160 - Ganaraska Forest


MAPS 7 & 8
This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario
being a precise indicator of routes, locations of Map produced in co-operation
features, nor as a guide to navigation. with the Province of Ontario
Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.

NORTHERN
ONTARIO

17
277
Dog Lake

17

17
276

102 275 280


17

Oliver-Paipoonge

17
279 Thunder
Thunder Bay
Bay
61

LAKEHEAD
REGION
61

278

Lake ON
Superior

0 10 20 km
Frederick
House Lake
Iroquois Falls

11

Black River-
Matheson
 79

101
282 284
283
Timmins 281
Porcupine

Night Hawk
Lake
11

101
Kirkland
Lake
144

MATTAGAMI 66
Horwood
Lake REGION

65
Mattagami
Lake

Lady Evelyn
Lake
Biscotasi
Lake
144

Ramsey
Lake
ON

Obabika
Lake
Onaping
Lake

SUDBURY
This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as Wanapitei
being a precise indicator of routes, locations of
features, nor as a guide to navigation. Lake Lake
Published May 2019 Temagami
© 2019, Conservation Ontario Capreol
Map produced in co-operation with the Province
of Ontario and Conservation Ontario.

Chelmsford
0 10 20 km
Sudbury
144 285 17

Elliot Lake 17 Lively

64
69
17
Espanola
6 Lake
Lake
Panache
French Nipissing
River
NORTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 1

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

275 Cascades Kilometre-long rapids, rock outcrops, Current River, poplar and birch forest

Hazelwood Lake 3 km2 lake, rolling hills, mixed forest, fishing, canoeing
LAKEHEAD REGION

276

277 Hurkett Cove On shallow water bay of Lake Superior, sandspit, large wetland, excellent birdwatching

278 Little Trout Bay Secluded, sheltered bay on Lake Superior, high ridge with lookout and trail, fishing, launch
Large shoreline wetland, man-made wetland lagoons, scenic lake view,
279 Mission Island Marsh bird rarities and migration, study kit
280 Silver Harbour Lake Superior, scenic view, old quarry, boat access

281 Gillies Lake Large urban lake, parkland, trails, beach, marshlands
MATTAGAMI

Hersey Lake Kettle lakes, sandy uplands, bog ecosystems, beach, extensive trail system
REGION

282

283 Mountjoy Historical River views and access, parkland, trails, picnicking

284 White Waterfront Lake access, extensive marshlands, parkland, picnicking, beach, wildlife viewing

285 Lake Laurentian Many wetland areas, excellent lookouts, 4-season trails, 950 ha, environmental education
SUDBURY

247 - Sheffield 282 - Hersey Lake


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  81

Year Round • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Year Round • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Seasonal • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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275 - Cascades 285 - Lake Laurentian


MAPS 9 & 10
NORTHERN
ONTARIO

63 QUÉBEC

Ot
w

ta
11 a
Ri
ve
r

63

17 290 292
288
291 289 17
North Bay
286 17
287
East Ferris
Lake 11

Nipissing 293

NORTH BAY-MATTAWA

Powassan 294

11

ON
124

This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario


being a precise indicator of routes, locations of Map produced in co-operation
features, nor as a guide to navigation. with the Province of Ontario 0 10 20 km
Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.
 83

17

556
Lake
Superior

297
17

SAULT STE MARIE 17

296 REGION 295


550
550

299
565 Sault Ste. Marie
298

er
Riv
ary’s
M
St.

MICHIGAN
U.S.A.

ON
0 1 2 3 4 5 km

This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as © 2019, Conservation Ontario


being a precise indicator of routes, locations of Map produced in co-operation
features, nor as a guide to navigation. with the Province of Ontario
Published May 2019 and Conservation Ontario.
NORTHERN ONTARIO
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES - CHART 2

# CONSERVATION AREA UNIQUE FEATURES

286 Corbeil La Vase River headwaters, mixed forest, wetlands

287 Eau Claire Gorge Eau Claire Gorge, Amable du Fond River, historical logger's shanty
South shore of Dugas Bay, access to Trout Lake, historical portage route linking
288 Elks Lodge Family Park
NORTH BAY - MATTAWA

Trout Lake/Lake Nipissing


289 La Vase Portage Provincially Significant Wetland, historical portage route

290 Laurentian Escarpment North Bay Escarpment, chalet, downhill ski, snowboard, mountain bike, Natural Classroom

291 Laurier Woods Lookout overlooking the wetland area

292 Mattawa Island Natural recreation area on the Mattawa River, finish of Mattawa River Canoe Race

293 Papineau Lake Public access to Papineau Lake, boat launch and dock

294
Powassan Mountain Spectacular views from the top of Powassan Mountain
(The Pines)
295 Fort Creek Fort Creek Dam and reservoir, Algonquin terrain, Korah Bench, John Roswell Hub Trail
SAULT STE. MARIE

296 Gros Cap Gros Cap Batholith, Lake Superior views, rare plants
REGION

297 Hiawatha Highlands Canadian Shield, sugar bush, Red Pine plantation, pioneer farm

298 Marks Bay St. Marys River Shoreline, wetlands, rare plants, unsupervised beach

299 Shore Ridges Nipissing Ridge, St. Marys River shoreline, beach ridge, wetlands complex

298 - Marks Bay 289 - La Vase Portage


OPEN/CLOSE

For more information and directions to Conservation
Areas, visit ontarioconservationareas.ca  85

May - Oct • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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May - Nov • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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219 - Gut
LESS SCREEN TIME
& MORE GREEN TIME
Recent reports indicate that excessive screen time is having negative health impacts on children.
They are spending less time playing outside and more time indoors, sedentary and screen-based.
The Ontario Student Health survey reports that students in grades seven to 12 are spending up to seven
hours a day on screens, more than three and a half times the recommended limit of two hours per day.

Spending so much time on WAYS TO HELP KIDS


smartphones, video games, tablets, CONNECT TO NATURE
computers and televisions affects:
>> Set up a bird feeder on the
>> Disrupts eating habits balcony or in the backyard
>> Displaces physical activities >> Collect some colourful fall leaves
>> Limits children’s opportunities and pinecones for crafts
to interact with each other >> Discover Conservation Area trails
>> Increases the incidence of mental health and explore them year-round
issues such as anxiety and depression >> Join a local nature club
Researchers agree that spending time in >> Plan a scavenger hunt, join a geocaching
nature and being active outdoors is beneficial group or enroll in outdoor education
to children’s physical and mental health, >> Volunteer with a nature organization,
and helps improve their resiliency, academic or submit nature photos to contests
performance and social skills. Time spent
exploring in nature evokes curiosity and Credit: Nature Canada, The Health Impacts
of Too Much Screen Time
a sense of wonder. With less time spent
outside in nature, children are losing
opportunities to learn, explore, discover
and understand our natural environment.
DID YOU KNOW?
Conservation Authorities operate
38 interpretive centres, 22 are
87

permanent and the remainder seasonal.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION AT
CONSERVATION AREAS
Conservation Authority Education Programs SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
meet Ontario’s curriculum standards and
Curriculum-connected programs and
focus on environmental issues that are
services for K-12 students and teachers.
important today. Education programs are
delivered to more than 320,000 students
across Ontario annually, and complement COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
and enhance classroom learning by
providing students with hands-on activities A wide array of learning opportunities
and experiences. Education programs for children, youth and adults in areas
and services offer unique learning where they live, work and play.
opportunities to schools and community
groups within your watershed.
ON THE
ROCKS
DID YOU KNOW?
Rattlesnake Point Conservation
Area is one of the most popular
rock climbing spots in Ontario.
At Rattlesnake Point, there are three designated
sites with more than 235 routes where
experienced rock climbers can scale challenging
cliffs under a canopy of rich woods. You can

89

also rock climb at Kelso and Mt. Nemo.

Equipment:
Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, ropes and
protection devices to ensure safe climbing

Beginners:
Lessons should be taken from
a certified professional
39 - Bruce's Caves

SPELUNKING AKA CAVING


Get your headlamp ready!
There are many impressive caves to explore
at Conservation Areas. Don’t be afraid to
get down, low and a bit dirty while caving,
and bring a headlamp or flashlight.

39 Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area


These caves derive their significance from
the unique formations found along the
escarpment face. These caves were formed
by the wave action of post-glacial Lake
Algonquin, 7,000 to 8,000 years ago.

69 Eramosa Karst Conservation Area


Karsts are geological formations including
underground drainage, caves and passages
caused by dissolving rock, found in 69 - Eramosa Karst
limestone formations like the Niagara
Escarpment. The Eramosa Karst contains
examples of 16 different karst features.

200 Warsaw Caves Conservation Area


A series of seven caves are located
in the park. The caves were formed
thousands of years ago at the end of the
last ice age by the rushing melt waters
of a glacier that covered Ontario.

CAVING SAFETY TIPS


1. Never go caving alone
2. Stay out of caves that are flood-prone
3. Avoid piles of rubble or anything
that looks unstable
200 - Warsaw Caves
WILDLIFE
PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s very common to capture experiences and to
share them online, and we agree Conservation Areas
are beautiful and provide the perfect backdrop. As
you collect memories keep these tips in mind.

GET THE SHOT WITHOUT DISTURBING NATURE

1. Don’t bait and feed wildlife 4. Don’t introduce non-native species


to get their attention to Conservation Areas (refer to #3)
2. Don’t trample sensitive habitat to get the 5. Don’t cause traffic jams on roadways
perfect photo – stay on marked trails to get the perfect shot – it’s unsafe
3. Don’t “dress” nature, it’s beautiful 6. Don’t get too close to animals
already, photograph as is 7. Don’t use bird call recordings
to get birds to come closer

Share your images on social media with #StepIntoNature and #HealthyHikes

challenge yourself.
Explore the Ganaraska Forest from above.
treetoptrekking.com/ganaraska
grca.on.ca/forest
 91

SWIM
236 - Depot Lakes
SAFETY
PARENTS YOU ARE YOUR
CHILD’S LIFEGUARD!

Always watch your children when they


are near water or swimming. Drowning
can happen in seconds and it is silent.

For non-swimmers, have them wear


a lifejacket and make sure you are
within arm's reach of them.

If they are strong swimmers, watch for


changes in behavior or if they are struggling.
Drowning is silent so they are not likely
210 - Petticoat Creek
to call for help. Be their lifeguard. Be
attentive. Put your book or phone down
and keep your eyes on them at all times.

ALWAYS SWIM WITH A BUDDY

Even strong swimmers can get into trouble.


Never swim alone. Always have someone
with you to watch you and be ready to
get help if you get into trouble. Drowning
is silent and it can happen in seconds.

103 - Falls Reserve


60 - Hilton Falls

SUPPORT
YOUR
WATERSHED
BE AN ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARD
Conservation Authorities provide
enriching opportunities for everyone
to get involved in activities happening
in and around their watershed.

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER EVENTS
Lend a hand and help with Get social at events such as guided
a Conservation Area clean hikes, Yoga in the Park, water festivals,
up or tree planting event. holiday or seasonal events or workshops
offered at Conservation Areas.

DONATE TREE PLANTING


Recognize the great work of your
DID YOU KNOW?
local Conservation Authority with a
Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities
donation. Every dollar goes towards
plant almost 2 million trees annually.
keeping your watershed healthy.
BENEFITS OF TREES
 93

Research has linked trees to the following benefits

Protecting Biodiversity Reducing Managing Increasing


Obesity Levels Stormwater Property Value

Reducing Filtering Cooling Reducing Rates Of


Stress Pollution City Streets Cardiac Disease, Strokes
and Asthma Due to
Improved Air Quality

JOIN THE COUNT


BioBlitz events bring together taxonomic experts, citizen scientists
and the general public to inventory all species (plants, animals,
fungi and more) in a particular area over a 24-hour period.

CITIZEN SCIENCE APPS 4. Ontario Reptile &


TO HELP YOU IDENTIFY Amphibian Atlas
AND MONITOR WILDLIFE Report sightings of turtles, frogs,
salamanders, snakes and lizards
1. EDDMaps Ontario
Report invasive species 5. eBird
Real-time online checklist that includes
2. iNaturalist birds from around the world
Explore ecosystems from
around the world 6. Journey North
Monitor the Monarch migration
3. Leafsnap
Guide to more than 130 Ontario trees 7. Bumble Bee Watch
Tracks North American bumble bees
opg.com @opg @opgpics
STEP INTO NATURE
Where: Your local Conservation Area

Visit a Snap a fun selfie Share it using the


Conservation Area or nature image hashtags #StepIntoNature
& #HealthyHikes

61 - Kelso/Glen Eden

healthyhikes.ca

Plan your visit at ontarioconservationareas.ca

C O N NECT W ITH U S

  
Ontario’s Conservation Areas @conont @con_ont
/ Conservation Ontario FPO

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