Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas Overview

PLEASE NOTE: Parks and paths may be slippery please use with caution and always wear the proper gear to keep you safe.

The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.

Check out the map below and come visit a Conservation Area near you! For more information on recreational opportunities such as birding, hiking, swimming, and fishing, visit npca.ca/recreation.

Visitors are encouraged to experience the Niagara Peninsula watershed with a NaturePlus Pass - a fantastic value for regular conservation area visitors, providing unlimited access to our conservation areas. Membership Passes are now available!

Our Conservation Areas are currently open for passive recreation only, such as winter hiking, nature photography, and bird watching.

Please note that during the winter season, there are no washroom faciltiies available, trails are not maintained and parking lot and sidewalks will be maintained on an as-required basis in the event of snow. The NPCA cannot guarantee timeframe of snow removal. During the winter months, visitors are using the areas at their own risk and they must comply with CA rules and regulations and opening/closing times.

Visitors are asked to follow these guidelines when at NPCA conservation areas: EN FRANÇAIS

• Wear a mandatory face mask or covering in all public enclosed spaces, including washrooms, buildings, and gatehouses 
• Practice physical distance by staying 2 metres (6 feet) apart from other visitors
• Do not gather in large groups of more than 10 people
• All visitors must vacate conservation area by posted park closure time.
• Stay on trail. Respect wildlife and plant-life.
• Dispose of trash in designated receptacle or take your trash with you when leaving the property.
• Littering is prohibited.
• All pets must remain on leash at all times, and owners must clean up after them. Pets are not permitted on swimming beaches.
• Alcohol is prohibited at all NPCA Conservation Area day-use areas.
• Damage to or removal of wildlife, vegetation or natural features is prohibited.
• Gas-powered watercraft, all-terrain and off-road vehicles are prohibited.
• All visitors must adhere to provincial and municipal public health guidelines at all times.
• NPCA reserves the right to restrict access to Conservation Areas at any time due to capacity limits, public health restrictions, and/or health and safety purposes.

Research within NPCA Conservation Areas

If you are a student, member of a research group or academic institution seeking to conduct research within an NPCA conservation area, you will need to apply for an NPCA Research Permit and receive approval in advance. Please contact NPCA Ecologist Kim Frohlich at kfrohlich@npca.ca or at 905-788-3135 ext. 241