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

Parking
Weddings
Picnic
Sailing
Fire
Boating
Water Skiing
Canoeing
Fishing
Geocaching
Camping
Forest
Hiking
Birding
Swimming
BBQ
RV
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Beach
Volleyball
Playground
Hunting
Winter
Splashpad
Ziplining
Wakeboarding
Paddleboarding
Washroom

HUNTING SEASON

Hunting is permitted at this conservation area by NPCA Permitted Hunters ONLY. See NPCA's hunting brochure to learn more about permitted species and conservation area rules and regulations. We encourage you to visit MNRF's website for hunting information, as well as the Fall 2024-Winter 2025 Regulations Summary.

 

Winter Weather Notice

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 maintained 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.


Conservation Area Strategy

The NPCA developed a Conservation Area Strategy (CA Strategy) focused on sustainable management, long-term planning, and alignment with NPCA's strategic goals, ensuring compliance with the Conservation Authorities Act. The CA Strategy provides high-level guidance for managing NPCA conservation areas, focusing on biodiversity, climate change, invasive species, and greenspace accessibility, with specific site priorities to be outlined in future management and action plans starting in 2025. LEARN MORE.

Land Inventory

NPCA’s Land Inventory identifies every parcel of land that NPCA owns and includes some basic information for each parcel, such as location, acquisition date, method, and land use category, among others. The Land Inventory will be reviewed and updated from time to time and is an internal document that is not available online. 
 

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 2024

  • Migratory Waterfowl season for NPCA district begins Saturday, September 28, 2024.
  • Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations: Ontario
  • Valid 2024 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 2, 2024.