The NPCA has temporarily suspended parking fees at Rockway Conservation Area, located along the scenic Niagara Escarpment and known for its forested trails and stunning waterfall views. Parking is typically $9 per vehicle and will now be free for the remainder of the 2025 season.
As part of this process, staff will assess the implications of this temporary change and bring forward recommendations for the 2026 budget discussions. In the meantime, NPCA will also prioritize the completion of comprehensive management plans for high-visitation conservation areas to help guide long-term stewardship and infrastructure decisions.
As NPCA works to better understand and enhance visitor experiences while protecting the area’s natural features, the temporary suspension of parking fees aims to encourage public access and awareness during the planning process. Community members will have opportunities to provide input into management plans and help inform our vision for the future.
The forthcoming management plan will guide infrastructure improvements, ecological protection, and recreational use at Rockway. Community feedback, visitor data, and environmental assessments will all play a role in shaping the plan, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
Revenue generated through paid parking—at Rockway and across NPCA’s conservation areas—plays a critical role in supporting ongoing site maintenance, visitor amenities, and conservation efforts. These funds help ensure that trails remain safe, facilities are maintained, and sensitive habitats are protected.
In the meantime, NPCA encourages visitors to consider a donation to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) in support of the Nature for All, for Always campaign. Donations help fund conservation projects, public education programs, and stewardship initiatives across the watershed.
For more information on Rockway Conservation Area and future updates on the management planning process, please visit npca.ca/conservation-areas/rockway. To donate to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, visit npcf.ca.