COVID-19 RESPONSE:
The latest information from the Office of the Premier indicates that green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and Conservation Areas can remain open for walk through access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres (six feet) apart from others.
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) fully supports the public health recommendations that everyone stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.
If you do continue to use our trails and Conservation Areas, you must:
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maintain the minimum recommended physical distance from others,
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keep dogs on-leash at all times and pick up after your pet, and
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remove all of your garbage after visiting.
Benches and pavilions may be used, so long as minimum physical distancing of 2 metres is maintained. Washrooms remain closed until further notice. Washrooms will not be monitored or maintained.
Conservation Areas (including trails) are not being monitored or maintained; however, if you see any major damage, please email us at info@lakeheadca.com .
Mission Island Marsh
Walk along the boardwalk & surround yourself with a beautiful ecosystem
The shallow water and aquatic plants of Mission Island Marsh are essential for waterfowl and fish. Walk along the boardwalk for a closer look at the colourful aquatic vegetation and follow the self-guided Mission Marsh Learning Trails through the various ecosystems present in the Conservation Area, including Forest, Coastal Wetland, Lagoon and Meadow. Mission Island Marsh is a must for recreation walkers, nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, naturalists clubs and education groups.
The Interpretive Pavilion at Mission Marsh contains colourful displays about water, as well as the history of the area.
Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area now features an AODA-compliant, paved, wheelchair-accessible loop trail. The 580 metre trail extends from the parking lot to the pavillion, through the meadow and forest down to the lagoons where a wheelchair-accessible bench and viewing scope are located.
Accessibility Information:
Paved Trail Length - 580 metres
Surface Type - Hot Mix Asphalt
Minimum Trail Width - 2.0 metres
Running Slopes - Average = 2%; Maximum = 5%
Maximum Cross Slope - 2%
Use caution. Natural trails may be uneven and slippery. Trails are not maintained during the winter. Prepare for how the weather may affect your visit. Advise others of how long you expect to be in this area. Be aware of possible encounters with wildlife and insects such as bears and ticks; plants such as poison ivy may also be present. Conservation Areas operate from dawn until dusk. Pets must be on-leash at all times. Alcohol is prohibited in Conservation Areas. Campfires and overnight camping is also prohibited. Trails are for recreational use only; no bicycles, motorized vehicles, etc. Harvesting of any kind is prohibited.Visitors must adhere to all Conservation Area Rules & Regulations.
Visitors to a Conservation Area acknowledge and understand the risks associated with visiting and recreating at the Area, including but not limited to: weather, trip hazards, wildlife, insects, actions of other people, the inherent risks associated with participating in various activities while on Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) property and operators of motor vehicles around the parking area. Being aware of these hazards, visitors voluntarily elect to fully accept and assume all risks and responsibility for any injury, loss and/or damage to persons or property that incur as a result of visiting and recreating at the Area. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is not responsible, nor held liable, for any injury, loss and/or damage to persons or property incurred by visitors to a Conservation Area.
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
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.
