Conservation Areas

Conservation Lands of the Lakehead Region

  • 2500 hectares of land owned by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
  • 10 Conservation Areas comprise over half of lands
  • other lands include floodplain, forest, nature reserves, office and undeveloped lands
  • estimated 400,000+ visitors annually
  • Conservation Areas are used for recreation, environmental education, water management, habitat and other values
  • acquired by donations, purchase or lease
  • 5 Conservation Areas along Lake Superior (Hurkett Cove, Little Trout Bay, MacKenzie Point, Mission Island Marsh and Silver Harbour)
  • Conservation Areas may feature scenic waterfalls, rivers and lakeside settings
  • most have nature trails with easy-to-moderate terrain
  • excellent bird watching sites (including the renowned Hurkett Cove Conservation Area)
  • 2 Conservation Areas feature boat launches (Silver Harbour and Little Trout Bay)
  • fishing, canoeing, kayaking and other activities can be undertaken at some of our Conservation Areas
  • field trips by elementary, secondary and post-secondary students, as well as community groups, senior groups, etc.
  • forested areas with great opportunities to observe wildlife
  • over 28 kilometres of combined hiking trails throughout the LRCA's recreational Conservation Lands

Conservation lands serve many important roles

  • Habitat protection
  • Water management
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Conservation education

Things to remember while you enjoy our conservation lands

  • Day use only
  • No camping, overnight parking or boat mooring
  • Do not litter
  • No alcohol
  • Pets must be on a leash and under control at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up pet waste
  • Visitors must adhere to all Conservation Area Rules & Regulations

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Conservation Areas in the Lakehead Region are privately owned by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA). They are not City Parks or Crown Land.
  • The LRCA pays property taxes on all land owned by the Authority, including Conservation Areas.
  • The LRCA maintains the trails, parking areas, boat launches and other facilities located within our Conservation Areas without the support of Federal or Provincial funding.
  • Your purchase of an Explore Card Parking Pass or payment of the per vehicle parking fee supports development, maintenance and improvements to the LRCA’s existing trail networks, as well as general Conservation Area maintenance and upkeep.
  • A $5.00 per vehicle parking fee is required, or display your Explore Card Parking Pass.
  • PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLINE PARKING PAYMENT IS NOT VALID FOR CASCADES OR MISSION ISLAND MARSH CONSERVATION AREAS. Please display the receipt from the on-site pay and display units, or display an Explore Card Parking Pass. 

Thank you in advance for your generous support. Our Conservation Areas depend on it.