Mud Lake

Notice

Waterfowl hunting is permitted at this conservation area, with a valid NPCA permit.

905-788-3135

3031 Elm St, Port Colborne, ON L3B 5K7

info@npca.ca

Year round,Sunrise to Sunset

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Winter
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Winter Weather Notice

Winter Weather Notice: Monday, January 26, 2026

NPCA Main Office & Park Offices are Closed Due to Weather

Please be advised that due to current weather conditions, all NPCA offices and conservation areas are closed effective immediately. Staff remain available via phone and email. Please check back for updates.

During winter storm conditions, NPCA conservation areas including trails, facilities, and parking lots may not be maintained immediately. Some facilities may be required to close and programs or events may be cancelled or postponed.

Maintenance activities such as parking lot plowing and site servicing occur on an as‑required, priority‑based schedule, and significant delays should be expected during active storm conditions and after heavy snowfall.

For public safety, visitors are strongly discouraged from accessing conservation areas during storms or when other adverse conditions are present. Facilities including trails, pathways, and parking areas may remain snow‑covered, icy, and unmaintained until it is safe for staff to begin winter operations.

Visitors should monitor forecasts and follow alerts, warnings and recommendations issued by Environment Canada.

Please plan accordingly and consider postponing your visit during winter weather events. 

Please visit npca.ca for more information, or check NPCA conservation area pages on Facebook for closure postings, as these are updated regularly.


Conservation areas remain open daily from sunrise to sunset for passive winter recreation such as hiking and birdwatching. However, note that natural trails are not groomed for winter recreation such as cross-country skiing, and parking lots and sidewalks will be maintained on a ‘as-required’ basis.

Visitors are reminded to take precaution and prepare appropriately for the weather and trail conditions, especially when inclement weather and conditions may arise. In the event of inclement weather, NPCA conservation areas remain open, but activities and services may be limited and facilities may be closed. Please expect maintenance delays in the event of heavy snowfall.

Check NPCA conservation area pages on Facebook for closure postings, as these are updated regularly.


Located in Port Colborne beside the Old Welland Canal, Mud Lake is a conservation area dedicated to the preservation of vegetation and wildlife. Encompassing over 60 hectares of wetland and 54 hectares of field and woodland, Mud Lake offers nature trails, superb bird watching, fishing and fall waterfowl hunting.

NPCA Waterfowl Hunting Program Policies

This man-made wetland is an important resting and feeding stop for migratory birds, claiming numerous rare bird sightings, and providing a unique setting for both novice and expert bird watchers. Explore three trails ranging from twenty minutes to over one hour of nature hiking. Three wildlife viewing blinds/waterfowl blinds are accessible by canoe.

Waterfowl Hunting Season 2025

Migratory Waterfowl season for NPCA district begins Saturday, September 27, 2025.

  • Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations: Ontario
  • Valid 2025 NPCA Hunting Permit Required and must be carried at all times while hunting.
  • Hunting permitted on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays only at Mud Lake Conservation Area.
  • Hunting time ½ hour after sunrise to ½ hour before sunset at Mud Lake Conservation Area.
  • To participate in the hunting lottery, please complete the online application form by September 8, 2025. 

Fishing

Visitors are encouraged to practice catch-and-release fishing.