Chippawa Creek

Rules and regulations must be followed at all times. Admission fees apply.

• Limited day use capacity daily. Please call or visit social media in advance for updates or closures due to capacity.
• If you are feeling ill, or have been asked to selfisolate, please stay home.
• Day use guests are kindly asked to parking at the dayuse and beach area parking only.
• Washrooms are open. Visitors must wear a face mask at all times while in indoor public spaces and outdoors where physical distancing is difficult.
• Visitors are reminded to maintain physical distancing at all times.
• Picnic pavilions and areas, including picnic tables are not available.
• Sports courts and playgrounds are open.
• Individual, nonmotorized watercraft are permitted.

Please note: Fishing in Dils Lake is not permitted at this time. Fishing Season begins last Saturday in June. Alcohol is prohibited in dayuse areas.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) will be spraying an organic pesticide at Chippawa Creek Conservation Area to control growing populations of gypsy moth. Aerial applications by helicopter are planned over susceptible forest areas. Control of the current outbreak is required to protect and maintain affected forest cover in the conservation area. The organic insecticide Foray® 48B, whose active ingredient is a widely distributed soil bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk), will be applied by helicopter. Two applications will occur approximately three to seven days apart. Timing depends on insect and tree development, as well as weather conditions. The first application will occur on May 18, with several others occuring up until June 10, 2021.

It is important that people are not present during aerial spraying for safety and regulatory requirements related to low level flying. The spray treatment area between Concession 6 Road and Regional Road 45 will be closed for several hours while the spraying occurs. The campground area north of Regional Road 45 is not being treated.

Btk insecticide is not considered a human health risk and is not toxic to bees and other insects, birds, fish, mammals or adult moths and butterflies. Its application won’t impact moths and butterflies, like monarchs, whose caterpillars develop later in the season.  Btk insecticides have been in use for over 30 years in Canada and around the world.  Their use is approved by Health Canada including for aerial applications over urban areas. Lean more about Gypsy Moth on the Forest Management page. 

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Chippawa Creek is a splendid example of conservation in action. The NPCA’s resource management practices have fostered an ideal wildlife habitat that offers rare public access to the Welland River. Recreationalists and naturalists alike will enjoy a variety of opportunities and activities that is uncommon in the southernmost part of Ontario. Many visitors to Chippawa Creek used to think they had to drive north for the experiences available here.

Dils Lake, a 10 hectare man made reservoir, is the perfect spot for a variety of outdoor activities including non-motorized boating, swimming and fishing. Equipped with wheelchair-accessible fishing piers and trails, the lake is populated by a variety of fish species including large mouth bass, crappie and carp and is a favourite amongst area anglers, many of whom attend the annual Bass Derby held each July. Additional events hosted by the Campers’ Recreation Committee include Canada Day parade, Halloween Celebrations, and Christmas in July.

In addition to offering 156 campsites, the vast open areas can be used year round. Popular summer activities include hiking the 1.1 km trail around Dils Lake, group picnics, or just relaxing in the shade near the water. Please note, bookings open in April of every year.

A small boat launch and access to the Welland River entice explorers to check out one of Niagara’s main watercourses. A sheltered pavilion is available for public use or by reservation. Chippawa Creek Conservation Area is a dog-friendly park, but all four-legged friends must be on a leash.

Alcohol Ban: There is a total alcohol ban for Victoria Day and Labour Day Long Weekends.

It is recommended that guests refrain from using charcoal when bbqing and instead, opt for the use of propane. Please note there are no receptacles to dispose of hot coals on-site and this poses a fire hazard.

For information on hunting at this site, please visit npca.ca/administration/hunting-application.

NO FISHING DURING OFF SEASON AT CHIPPAWA CONSERVATION AREA. WHEN IN SEASON: 

MNRF Fishing Regulations apply at the Conservation Area. For more information, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing or https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary.