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Parkhill Conservation Area

Parkhill Reservoir photo.

Each season brings something new at Parkhill Conservation Area.

The 800-hectare conservation area is result of efforts to control serious flooding and erosion problems downstream. The Parkhill Dam and reservoir were constructed in 1969 to create a storage area to regulate the waterflow of Parkhill Creek.

The recreational opportunities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and bird watching. 

A rest area for travellers, known as the Scenic Lookout, is located on County Road #81, just north of Parkhill.

The conservation area is open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted. The boat launch is open from April until November, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.

Download the brochure now: 

Within the conservation area is a campground, known as the Great Canadian Hideaway, for more information, visit their website:

Where is Parkhill Conservation Area (Scenic Lookout and Boat Launch)?

Address: 32910 Centre Road, Parkhill, Ontario

The scenic lookout is located just north of Parkhill, on the east side of County Road #81.

For entrance to the boat launch take McGuffin Hills Drive off County Road #81. 

For entrance to the conservation area, take Centre Road off County Road # 7.

Also - you may find this Google Map link helpful:

Recreational Trails 

There are no trails here but the scenic lookout offers a chance to stretch your legs and check out the view.

CAUTION: These are no formal trails here. Be especially careful during windy, wet and icy conditions. 

  • Wear appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment for your preferred trail activity. 
  • Stay away from fast-flowing water. 
  • Ice conditions on Parkhill Reservoir are not monitored. 
Picnicking 

Parkhill Creek Conservation Area, Scenic Lookout and Boat Launch is a great place for a picnic. Pack your blanket and basket and enjoy some bird watching along the shores of the Parkhill Dam Reservoir. 

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation. Outdoor Cards and Fishing Licences can be purchased from Service Ontario and other licence issuers. Please release any fish caught out of season.
You may find a number of native species in the Parkhill Dam Reservoir. 

Geocaching

Geocaching is a worldwide game of hide and seek that uses GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to help people find hidden treasures called ‘caches.’ There is one geocache at the Parkhill Scenic Lookout and Boat Launch. Caches are of different sized waterproof containers and are hidden in a safe spot close to trails. They often contain a logbook and simple treasures like coins or toys inside. If you find a camouflaged cache by accident, have a look and put it back in the place you found it for others to enjoy.

Visit geocaching.com to find and download coordinates and clues to find these ‘treasures’ at the Parkhill Conservation Area. 

Interested in setting up a new geocache at an ABCA property? Check out this fact sheet for guidelines on how to do it:

Commemorative Woods

The Commemorative Woods at Parkhill Conservation Area is a place for family and friends to plant trees as a living memorial and legacy. Trees can also commemorate special occasions where a long-lasting natural tribute is appropriate. 

Visit the Commemorative Woods web page link 

to find out more on how to plant a commemorative tree. 

Rules and Regulations

CAUTION: These are nature trails. Trail surfaces and boardwalks may be slippery or uneven. Be especially careful during windy, wet and icy conditions. 

  • Wear appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment for your preferred trail activity. 
  • Stay away from fast-flowing water. 
  • Ice conditions on Parkhill Reservoir are not monitored. 
Rules 

Rule protect the environment, you and your fellow users. These rules must be followed and are enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass of Property Act. 

  • Motorized vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, hunting, drones, alcohol use, fires and camping are not permitted
  • Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog. Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with plants and wildlife and does not affect other people on the trail. 
  • Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures
  • Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners
  • Fishing is permitted following all relevant and applicable provincial laws
  • Do not litter. Any waste materials should be put into provided containers or taken home with you. 
  • Smoking is permitted following applicable provincial laws. Be sure to dispose of butts properly.
  • The property is closed to the public between sunset and sunrise. 
  • Motorized vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, hunting, drones, alcohol use, campfires and camping are not permitted. 
  • Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog. Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife and does not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
  • Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures. 
  • Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners. 
  • Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation.  
  • Don’t litter.

Please report vandalism and incidents to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.

For a list of permitted activities, please visit the ‘Permitted Uses’ web page at this link:

Watch the video now:

 

 

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