Established in 1972, the 272-hectare Lynde Shores Conservation Area, together with the adjacent Cranberry West Tract (40 hectares) is well known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. Including both Lynde Creek Marsh and Cranberry Marsh, the Lynde Shores Conservation Area provides excellent 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 Lynde Creek Marsh and Cranberry 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, Lynde Shores Conservation Area has a number of looping trails (5 km including the 1 km looping trail within the Cranberry West Tract). These trails are just the right length for little ones and are generally stroller and wheelchair friendly. Or, take a walk along the boardwalk to get a sense of what it feels like to be out in the middle of the Lynde Creek Marsh. Bring a camera, because you just never know what you might see! “WEB OF LIFE” (LYNDE SHORES CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN) (coming soon).

NO DOGS ALLOWED POLICY AT LYNDE SHORES CONSERVATION AREA

There are many good reasons why a “no dogs allowed” policy is in place at Lynde Shores Conservation Area. This Conservation Area includes two provincially significant wetlands – Lynde Marsh and Cranberry Marsh. Because of their location on the shores of Lake Ontario and because of their diversity in both wetland and upland plant communities, these two wetland areas a extremely important to many wildlife species including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Although the wetlands themselves provide critical habitat for many species, the upland areas (both grasslands and woodlands) adjacent to the wetlands area are also critical to many water-dependent wildlife. Many ground-nesting birds, including some duck species, require these upland habitats adjacent to wetlands for nesting and food gathering. Dogs have been known to destroy these nests, or scare the female off the nest causing her to never return.

So, to help keep Lynde Shores Conservation Area a wildlife friendly zone, please leave your pets at home when visiting this important wildlife area.

  HIKING: Short, level and looping trails that are generally stroller and wheelchair friendly make the Lyndes Shores Conservation Area a convenient destination for those looking to get close to nature with minimal effort. The Birdfeeder Trail is a favourite with young families. Watch your children’s expression as birds feed from their hands!

  PICNICKING: Several picnic tables are located adjacent to the main parking area off of Victoria Street and at a picnic area on the trail at the Cranberry West Tract. No reservations are required. Please refrain from feeding any interested wildlife.

  FISHING: Several designated fishing spots are located within the Lynde Creek Marsh only seconds from the parking area. Please stay on the designated trails, take your garbage with you, and fish only at approved locations. Ontario Fishing Regulations apply. Fishing is not permitted within Cranberry Marsh.

  EDUCATION: The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority can arrange to run school programs at Lynde Shores Conservation Area. Click here for more information on the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Education Program.

  CANOEING/PADDLING: A seasonal canoe launch, with access to Lynde Creek Marsh, is located near the main parking area. This launch is only open from July 15 to September 15 in order to minimize the disturbance to wildlife during their sensitive breeding and migration periods.

  WILDLIFE VIEWING: Two provincially significant wetlands on the shores of Lake Ontario help make Lynde Shores Conservation Area an important place for many different wildlife species. This area is also an important stopover point for thousands of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Why not join members of the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch (mid-August – November 30th) as they identify and record the number of raptors that fly over this important area every fall.

  NATURE STUDIES: Both unique plants and wildlife can be found at Lynde Shores 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 Lynde Shores C.A. / Cranberry Marsh Brochure (PDF - 411K)
(Includes Trail Map)

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