Smith Ness

Friday, January 23, 2026

Winter Weather Notice:

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.