Vanderwater Conservation Area at 512 Vanderwater Road, Thomasburg ON is located along the banks of the Moira River. Visitors can explore a trail network consisting of 16 km that will lead them through mature forests and to the Moira River where the water cascades over a series of limestone steps.

Take a virtual tour with our guided hike story map.

Trail map

View the trail map for Vanderwater Conservation Area.

A smartphone enabled trail map is also available via the free app Avenza Maps. Once the map is downloaded, you can track your location on the trails without the use of mobile data. Instructions for use are as follows:

  • Install Avenza Maps onto your smartphone (available on iOS and Android).
  • Tap the + button on the bottom right of the "My Maps" page, then select "download or import a map".
  • Tap the QR icon on the top right and scan QR code provided below.
  • Alternatively, you can search for the Conservation Area in the keyword bar of the app's "Store" page.
  • Tap the "Free" button on the map's page, then confirm the download.
  • Use the map offline at the area, ensuring that location services are turned on.
Avenza Maps  Map QR CodeAvenza Trail Map QR Code 

Things to look for

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Cross country skiing and snowshoeing (trails are not groomed)
  • Dog walking (dogs must be leashed at all times)
  • Picnicking
  • Passive Biking
    • Passive Biking is recognized by Quinte Conservation as the activity in which individuals on bicycles traverse designated trails outlined by the Authority at a leisurely pace that would not pose a danger to trail users or wildlife, and would have minimal environmental impact.

Amenities

  • Parking lot
  • Picnic tables
  • Picnic shelter
  • Portable washroom

Parking

You must pay to park at this conservation area. There is a daily parking pass that you can use between areas. A daily pass is valid on the day of purchase between sunrise and sunset. Yearly parking passes are also available. Visit our parking page to learn more. 

See an issue?

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

Things to keep in mind during your visit

When visiting Quinte Conservation's areas, please make sure to:

  • 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

Please note:

  • Overnight camping is not allowed
  • Alcohol is not allowed
  • Campfires are not allowed

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