We own and manage a variety of conservation areas throughout Quinte watershed. These natural spaces are open to the public and provide outdoor recreational opportunities that help connect individuals to nature while promoting healthy living within the watershed.

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 6,000km2 watershed. Some of those properties are conservation areas that are open for public use and collectively make up 73km of nature trails.

Conservation Areas

What you need to know before visiting

Trail Guide
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
Things to keep in mind during your visit
  • 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.
Parking

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. 
Non-permitted activities

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.
Cross country trails and motorized vehicles

The cross-country skiing trails are not groomed and 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

See an issue?

Help us keep our outdoor spaces clean and our wildlife safe! Please report a non-emergency issue or a concern.