July 28, 2021 - Recently there was a report of a tick bite in Laurier Woods Conservation Area. The North Bay-Parry Sound Health Unit has confirmed that the tick tested positive for Lyme's Disease.
Service Disruptions at Conservation Areas & Trails - Effective November 1, 2021
All conservation areas open to the public during the winter months. All washrooms and amenities are closed for the season. The dock at Papineau Lake has been removed for the season and will be put back in next spring. Gates have been closed at Elk's Beach Park, La Vase Portages Conservation Area and Eau Claire Conservation Area.
Please note: None of our trails and Conservation Areas are maintained during the winter.
Brochures will not be stocked at conservation areas during COVID-19. Maps and information for many of NBMCA’s conservation areas are available on-line at https://www.nbmca.ca/conservation-areas-trails/find-a-conservation-area/
Thank you for your understanding. This page will be updated with any changes as Ontario's reopening progresses.
For an up-to-date list of our trail closures, visit the Service Disruptions page for details.
There are 15 conservation areas and trails for you to discover throughout our watershed from urban, accessible paved multi-use trails to rugged, wilderness trails and nature preserves.
Conservation Areas encourage people to get outdoors and be active, as well as enjoy and appreciate nature! They provide outdoor recreational opportunities for people of all ages and a range of abilities, including picnicking, geocaching, bird-watching, boating, swimming, hiking, fishing, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking. Although some Conservation Areas have limited access in order to protect sensitive lands and/or wildlife, many provide important public recreational opportunities at no cost.
When you visit our Conservation Areas, remember...
- Our Conservation Areas protect forests, wetlands, plant life and wildlife, and improve the overall health of our watersheds, including the quality and supply of our water resources such as recharge areas. It’s important to stay on the trail and not pick any plants or trees.
- Dogs are allowed in Conservation Areas provided they are leashed. Please help us keep Conservation Areas clean by picking up and disposing of pet waste.
- Be bear aware! Be sure to pay attention when you're on the trails for wildlife, particularly in the fall when they're foraging in preparation for hibernation. Be sure to place your garbage in the bear-proof garbage cans. If you see a bear in a conservation area, please let us know. 705 474-5420. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have helpful hints on living in bear country and dealing with bear encounters. BearAware.
