Officially opened in June 2006, the Bowmanville / Westside Marshes Conservation Area is over 80 hectares in size and includes two provincially significant coastal wetlands (Bowmanville Marsh and Westside Marsh) and their surrounding lands. The Westside Marsh, originally owned by St Marys Cement and recently dedicated to the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, has undergone extensive restoration activities over the last several years.

Continuing restoration work within Westside Marsh and the land connecting it to the Bowmanville Marsh will provide more quality wildlife habitat areas, and enhance existing habitat areas that are already important to many wildlife species for both breeding and feeding activities. This Conservation Area provides good habitat for nesting birds and acts as an important stopover point for waterfowl and shorebirds migrating along the north shore of Lake Ontario.

In addition to their importance to wildlife, both Bowmanville Marsh and Westside Marsh provide many other important functions that are typical of the few remaining coastal wetlands found along this northern section of the Lake Ontario shoreline. As result, these two marshes are designated as provincially significant wetlands and are part of a long-term study, the Durham Region Coastal Wetland Monitoring Project.

To help you get a closer look at this important area, the Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area has a 1.5 Km looping trail around the upland area between the two wetlands. This trail is just the right length for little ones and is generally stroller and wheelchair friendly. Two raised viewing mounds give visitors to the area good views into the two wetland areas. Looking for more of a workout? Why not hop onto the Waterfront Trail, which is directly accessible from the Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area parking facility. Remember to bring a camera, because you just never know what you might see!

Click for more information on the Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area Management Plan (June 2006). (PDF - 1.3 MB)

  HIKING: A short, level and looping trail that is generally stroller and wheelchair friendly makes the Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area a convenient destination for those looking to get close to nature with minimal effort. There is also quick access to the Waterfront Trail from the Conservation Areas main parking facility!

  PICNICKING: No formal picnicking facilities are provided at Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation. However, mowed areas directly surrounding the parking area provide a nice spot to lay out your picnic blanket. Here you can enjoy a cool lake breeze with nice views into the adjacent Bowmanville Marsh. Stone benches located along the trail overlooking Westside Marsh also provide a nice venue to enjoy a picnic. No reservations are required. Please refrain from feeding any interested wildlife.

  WILDLIFE VIEWING: Two provincially significant wetlands on the shores of Lake Ontario help make Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area an important place for many different wildlife species. This area is also an important migratory stopover point for thousands of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. A visit to the Westside Marsh viewing mound gets you within close proximity to the wetland. From here you might see an osprey in action on one of the elevated nesting platforms located within the wetland.

  NATURE STUDIES: Both unique plants and wildlife can be found at Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area as a result of these two provincially significant coastal wetlands. Please apply for a Sensitive Areas Permit if you would like to venture beyond the designated trail system and activity areas.

This conservation area is open year round.

Download the Bowmanville/Westside Marshes C.A. Brochure (PDF - 1.75 MB)
(Includes Trail Map)

Copyright © 2005 Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, All Rights Reserved.
Webmaster   |   Photo Credits   |   Anti-Spam