CONSERVATION AREAS
ACTIVITIES
CANOEING
The provincially significant Lynde Creek Marsh at Lynde Shores Conservation Area is the only location where canoe/paddling opportunities are available within Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority's (CLOCA) Conservation Areas. Kayaks and Canoes are permitted in Lynde Marsh from July 15 to September 15 only due to marsh bird breeding. A CLOCA Annual Parking Pass is required for vehicle parking.
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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 within several of our Conservation Areas, but anglers are asked to please stay on the designated trails, carry out garbage, and fish only at approved locations. Anglers should be aware that while fishing is permitted in some Conservation Areas, it is still regulated through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, which includes the requirement of a fishing license and adherence to provincial catch limits. Check out the Fishing in Durham Map for more fishing locations.
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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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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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Nature Studies
The great outdoors is one of the world’s best classrooms and laboratories. That is why Central Lake Ontario Conservation is committed to supporting individuals or groups interested in carrying out nature studies within our conservation lands. Whether it’s someone wanting to work on their personal plant and wildlife identification skills, a high school student or class wanting to collect data for a project, or a PhD student wanting to answer a very specific question through field research, conservation areas provide a rich diversity of habitats and vegetation communities within which to investigate the answers to many ecological questions.​
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Those wanting to carry out their nature studies beyond the trail boundaries and established public activity areas are asked to apply for a Sensitive Areas Permit (no fee). An approved Sensitive Areas Permit gives the individual or group identified on the permit permission to access certain sensitive areas within the Conservation Area(s) for the purpose of carrying out their intended activities. 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.
Sensitive Areas Permit holders are also asked to provide Central Lake Ontario Conservation with a copy of the information collected or data generated and a copy of any reports completed using information collected within our conservation lands. This information will be incorporated into our existing databases and will be used to help us better manage our conservation lands and our watersheds in the future.
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Picnicking
What better way to enjoy the summertime season than by having a picnic with family and friends? Many of the Conservation Areas managed by Central Lake Ontario Conservation offer facilities that cater to this popular summer pastime. Picnic tables are found in most of the Conservation Areas, only a short distance from the parking areas. Or, for those wanting to get together with extended family, a large group of friends, or for a corporate event, serviced picnicking areas are available on a reservation basis at Enniskillen and Heber Down Conservation Areas.
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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: