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.
- Corbeil Conservation Area Map
- Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area
- JP Webster Nature Preserve
- Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area
- Laurier Woods Conservation Area
- La Vase Portage Conservation Area
- Powassan Mountain Conservation Area
- Shields Mc Laren Conservation Area
Keep your pets on a leash and scoop the poop!
NBMCA wants all members of the public to enjoy bringing their dogs with them on hikes in its conservation areas and trails but asks that pet owners respect other hikers and wildlife by keeping their dogs on leash and cleaning up after their pet.
It's a good time to remind pet owners that poop-and-scoop rules apply and pets are to be leashed and under control at all times.
Pet waste stations are available at Laurier Woods, Laurentian Escarpment and Eva Wardlaw Conservation Areas as well as on the Kinsmen Trail/Chippewa Creek EcoPath at the corner of Regina and Second Ave. E. Lisa's Doghouse makes an annual donation towards the pet waste bags which support the on-going operation of the pet waste stations.
November 6, 2024 - Winter is around the corner and our staff closed some of the amenities at our Conservation Areas. Conservation Areas remain open during the winter, but trails aren't cleared/maintained in the winter.
EAU CLAIRE GORGE CONSERVATION AREA - Gate and washroom now closed till spring.
ELK'S LODGE 25 FAMILY PARK - Gate and washroom now closed till spring.
LA VASE PORTAGES CONSERVATION AREA - Gate now closed till spring.
PAPINEAU LAKE CONSERVATION AREA - Dock has been removed until next spring.
MATTAWA ISLAND - Bathroom remains closed.
