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Conservation Areas

Conservation lands were created to protect local ecosystems and keep our watersheds healthy. We own and manage a variety of conservation areas throughout Quinte watershed. These areas are open to the public.

Quinte Conservation areas offer outdoor activities that help people connect with nature and support healthy living. Across Ontario, conservation authorities privately own these lands. What you can do and what’s available at each site may vary by region.

Conservation lands were established with the purpose of protecting the natural ecology and the overall health of our watersheds. Lands that had potential for recreational activities like hiking, birdwatching, and, picnicking are known as conservation areas. Conservation authorities throughout Ontario privately own these lands and activities, amenities, and use vary depending on the region.

Quinte Conservation owns just over 30,000 acres of land throughout the 6,000 km² watershed. Some of those properties are conservation areas that are open for public use and collectively make up 75 km of nature trails.

Our Areas

View of a serene wetland at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, featuring vibrant green vegetation and a clear blue sky.

Beaver Meadow
View of a serene lake with ripples on the water, surrounded by dense forests under a partly cloudy sky.

Deerock Lake
A serene view from a red canoe on a calm lake, with reflections of surrounding trees under a clear blue sky.

Depot Lakes
Panoramic view of a serene wetland covered with water lilies and lush green vegetation under a clear blue sky.

H.R. Frink
A serene view of a calm lake with a pebbly shore curving towards a cliff covered in greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Little Bluff
A serene landscape view featuring a small pond surrounded by lush greenery and trees, under an overcast sky.

Macaulay Mountain
A serene view of a large lake with clear skies and scattered clouds above. The foreground features a rocky shore with green foliage and a fallen tree branch.

Massassauga Point
Scenic view of a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery with a wooden bridge in the background under a clear blue sky.

O'Hara Mill
Scenic view of a pond surrounded by wildflowers and grasses with lush trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Potter's Creek North
View of the Bay of Quinte on a sunny day with clear skies, surrounded by trees and a rocky shoreline.

Potter's Creek South
A scenic view of Sheffield Conservation Area featuring a vast expanse of lush greenery surrounding a serene blue lake, with rocky terrain in the foreground under clear blue skies.

Sheffield
A scenic path winding through a lush, green forest with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Sidney
View of naturally occurring rock formations, with clear water and lush green trees in the background.

Vanderwater

Quinte Conservation has partnered with Paddle Pod Canada to introduce self‑serve kayak rentals at Depot Lakes and Massassauga Point Conservation Areas. The two‑year pilot project brings affordable, on‑demand access to kayaking through a simple mobile app that lets visitors unlock a kayak, paddle, and life jacket, along with receiving real‑time weather and water safety notifications.

The Paddle Pods will be available from May through late September in both 2026 and 2027, with rentals starting at $29.99 for the first 2 hours. This new amenity complements recent improvements at Depot Lakes and supports Quinte Conservation’s commitment to promoting wellbeing by encouraging more people to enjoy time outdoors and experience local conservation areas from the water. If successful, the program may become a permanent feature at select locations.

Kayak (Single):
• 2-hour minimum: $29.99 + HST
• 4-hour rental: $49.99 + HST
• Additional hours: $14.99 + HST per hour

Kayak (Tandem):
• 2-hour minimum: $39.99 + HST
• 4-hour rental: $69.99 + HST
• Additional hours: $19.99 + HST per hour

 

Beginner Trails

  • Relatively even terrain
  • Wide trail

Intermediate Trails

  • Some elevation gain
  • Some steep sections
  • Uneven terrain

Advanced Trails

  • Elevation gain
  • Several long, steep sections
  • Rough terrain with muddy sections
  • Seasonal wet/water crossings
  • Narrow trail

  • Keep your pets leashed and clean up after them at all times
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Take everything with you, including your pet's waste – there are no garbage bins
  • Never remove natural items
  • Overnight parking and camping is not allowed
  • Alcohol is not allowed
  • Campfires are not allowed

For more information, please refer to O. Reg. 688/21 Rules of Conduct in Conservation Areas under the Conservation Authorities Act.

There is a standard parking and boat launch fee at most areas. 

Daily Passes and Annual Passes are available can be used between areas.

Parking gates are operational from:

  • 5 am to 9 pm (May 1 to September 1)
  • 6 am to 8 pm (September 2 to April 30)

Visit our parking page to learn more. 

These natural spaces are not parks and shouldn't be considered as such. Non-permitted activities can have a serious impact on plants and wildlife and can be detrimental to rare and endangered species.

Non-permitted activities are chargeable offences under Section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Those in violation of the Act may be subject to a fine.

Motorized vehicles are not permitted outside of designated parking areas.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • All-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes
  • Motorized or electric bikes
  • Snowmobiles
  • Cars and SUVs
  • Motorized aerial devices such as drones

The cross-country skiing trails at North Potter's Creek and Vanderwater Conservation Areas are groomed after significant snowfall for passive cross-country skiing uses. Trails are multi-use and skiers may cross paths with other pedestrians. 

Do you love our conservation areas? Interested in making a lasting impact? 

Learn more about Conservation Area Sponsorship Opportunities!

Conservation Area Upgrades graphic with multiple photos.

Conservation Area Upgrades
White canvas with 'Quinte Conservation Areas' written and the Quinte Conservation logo.

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