Chippawa Creek

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: 

As Niagara Region, Hamilton and Haldimand enter Phase Three of the Province of Ontario's reopening framework, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is excited to expand the ameninties available at its four flagship properties — Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Chippawa Creek, and Long Beach Conservation Areas. As of Friday, July 24, NPCA conservation areas will open its play structures/playgrounds and observation structures. Please note these will not be regularly sanitized so visitors should use at their own risk.

As of Monday, June 29, 2020, reservations for transient and weekend camping are being taken. Camping will begin as of Monday, July 6. The campground will be operating at 50 per cent capacity for the duration of the camping season, from July 6 – October 11. Provincial and local public health unit guidelines and restrictions apply. Physical distancing of 2 m must be maintained at all times, group gatherings of over 10 people are not permitted. For more information on Camping Rules and Regulations please visit Get Involved Portal. 

Please be advised that some services and amenities remain UNAVAILABLE at NPCA campgrounds including:

• Shower facilities
• Waste water pumping
• Children’s play structures
• Concession sales
• Pavilion and picnic area reservations 

Facilities, amenities, and services that are OPEN include:

• Gates with regular day-admission applied 
• Membership pass sales and activations 
• Washrooms (limited to one family/household at a time) 
• Beach areas
• Fishing pier and onshore fishing
• Picnic areas (Bring your own picnic blankets, tables are not deployed at this time)
• Paddling and non-motorized watercraft use (Bring your own, no rentals)

To contact staff while in at the property, please contact the Park directly via phone or email. Staff are limiting in-person and close contact with members of the public. 

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 parase, 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. For more information about camping, or to reserve a site, visit the NPCA Reservations Service page. 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.

Beach Conditions and Water Quality 

Natural bodies of water are great places to play, swim and cool off on a hot sunny day. However, swimming in these areas is not risk-free. There is always a level of risk when swimming in a natural water body, whether it's on the shores of Lake Erie, jumping off a dock at a cottage or going to an NPCA beach.

Natural water bodies, such as rivers and reservoirs, are exposed to contamination from various sources. The conditions and quality of the water can change quickly due to a number of environmental factors. These factors can influence the level of bacteria in the water to the point where it increases the risk of getting sick. LEARN MORE. 

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.

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. 

Buy your NATUREPLUS Annual Membership Pass here.