CONSERVATION AREAS
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
When it is time to breathe some fresh air, there is nothing better than getting out and hiking one of the many scenic trails that are available within Central Lake Ontario Conservation's numerous Conservation Areas. With over 45 km of trails between all the Conservation Areas, there is bound to be something of interest for everyone.
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The terrain and trail lengths vary considerably depending on where you choose to hike. Options include leisurely strolls along the shores of Lake Ontario or more rigorous terrain within the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Some Conservation Areas have links to the Waterfront Trail or the Oak Ridges Trail, providing access to a much longer trail network. Please remember to protect nature by staying on the trails, obeying all trail signs, carry out your garbage, and leave all plants (and wildlife) for others to enjoy after you.
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CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
What better way to enjoy a bright winter’s day than by gliding through a snowy forest on cross-country skis? CLOCA offers trails that are great for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. The trails are not groomed and conditions are weather-dependent. Skiers should be aware that the trails are multi-use trails at all times of the year. Skiers may encounter hikers or snowshoers (who are asked to walk to the side of the trail when skiing opportunities exist).​
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LEASHED PETS
Leashed pets are permitted at all our Conservation Areas, however at Lynde Shores Conservation Area pets are only welcome on the paved Waterfront Trail. For the enjoyment of everyone, pets must be kept on a leash (maximum two-metres long) at all times, and pet owners must clean up after their pets. Keeping pets on a leash also helps to minimize the disturbance of sensitive wildlife. This pet policy is enforced through the Conservation Authorities Act, with fines being issued by Conservation Authority Enforcement Staff.
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FISHING
Southern Ontario is known for having good fishing opportunities within many of the large creeks and rivers that empty into Lake Ontario. Many of the main creeks within the CLOCA watershed, including the Bowmanville, Oshawa and Lynde Creeks, pass through several of the Conservation Areas.​
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Fishing is permitted at Enniskillen and Heber Down Conservation Areas, but anglers are asked to stay on the designated trails and carry out garbage. Anglers should be aware that all fishing is regulated through the Province of Ontario and requires a fishing license and adherence to provincial catch limits. Check out the Fishing in Durham Map for more fishing locations.
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Mountain Biking
L​ooking for a great way to stretch your legs and your lungs? Mountain biking is one way to get the exercise you are looking for.
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Cyclists should be aware that the trails are open to multi-use activities. They may encounter other users (e.g., hikers and their pets) at any point along the trail. Please be conscious of speed, particularly around sharp corners and along downhill sections. Alert any slower-moving trail users to your presence and slow down and proceed with caution as you pass. If you are the first in a group, please let other trail users know how many are in your group.
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Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another great way to enjoy a nice winter’s day while getting plenty of exercise. Those taking advantage of snowshoeing opportunities should be aware that the trails are multi-use trails at all times of the year. When snowshoeing, please stay off the established cross-country ski track (if present) by only traveling along the side of the trail.
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Bird Watching
When you feel like it is time to get back to nature, there is no better place to go than a Conservation Area. From provincially significant coastal wetlands, to headwater tributaries in the midst of the provincially significant Oak Ridges Moraine, our Conservation Areas include a diverse array of habitats that attract a variety of bird species!
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Visitors within our Conservation Areas are asked to stay on marked trails or within established activity areas in order to avoid disturbing the more sensitive portions of the areas that are not open to the public. Those who are interested in bird watching in areas normally off limits to the public, may apply for a Sensitive Areas Permit (no fee). This permit is designed to protect both the sensitive areas (and their wildlife) within conservation lands from unwarranted disturbances and to protect the individual or group from unnecessary prosecution or embarrassing situations.
For those interesting species sightings both inside and outside of our Conservation Areas, please consider adding them to our Species Sightings Database.
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Groups involved in organized wildlife viewing and bird watching within and outside of Central Lake Ontario Conservation's watershed: