GRCA - GRCA Conservation Areas

Grand River Conservation Areas

See more pictures of Grand River parks here.

Nature...at your doorstep

The GRCA conservation areas offer all the best the Grand River watershed has to offer, from the quiet solitude of Luther Marsh, to the rush of water as it roars through the cliffs of the Elora Gorge, to the broad sweep of the Grand as it nears the end of its journey at Byng Island.

GRCA conservation areas offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors: camping, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing and birding, to name a few.

View a map showing the location of our conservation areas.

Click on a conservation area on the left, or below in the chart, for detailed information on what activities and facilities are available at each of our conservation areas.

Info at-a-glance

Park locations:
See a map showing park locations.

Camping:
We offer unparalleled camping experiences in 8 conservation areas.

Please read the camping reservation policy and firewood notice before booking.

Reserve your campsite online
or phone 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

Hiking:
There are trails throughout GRCA conservation areas. In addition, the GRCA owns four former rail corridors that have been converted to trails.

Fishing:
GRCA reservoirs and the Grand River contain an astonishing diversity of fish. Click here for more information on fishing the Grand River watershed.

Canoeing/kayaking:
To learn more about canoeing the Grand, visit the canoeing pages of our website.

Winter activities:
Please click here for information on ice fishing, cross-country skiing and other winter activities.

Group facilities:
Planning a corporate or family picnic, wedding or other group event? View our group facilities page.

Fees:
View the fee schedule for prices.

GRCA Conservation Areas - activities and facilities

Click on a conservation area for detailed information

Belwood Lake

1,347

beach

yes

Brant

184

230

126

yes

pool

yes

F-B

Byng Island

190

246

134

yes

pool

yes

F-B

Conestogo Lake

2,348

yes

beach

yes

F-B

Elora Gorge

200

312

165

yes

none

yes

F-T

Elora Quarry

beach

Guelph Lake

1,607

305

135

yes

beach

yes

F-B

Laurel Creek

294

yes

beach

yes

4.5k

Luther Marsh

5,200

27k

Pinehurst Lake

140

169

yes

beach

yes

13k

Yes

F-B

Rockwood

yes

beach

yes

10k

F-B-G

Shade's Mills

177

beach

14k

10k

yes

Legend: M - motorized; NM - non-motorized; F - Food; B - Boat; G - Miniature Golf;
T - Tubing rentals

Special Notices

Please read our notice about firewood and help protect our trees

Please click here to complete a brief survey. This will help us make improvements to your conservation area experience.

There is NO beach patrol at GRCA conservation areas. Children are the responsibility of the parents/guardians/adults.

Check the Newsroom for information on beach conditions and tubing (at Elora Gorge only).

Info on West Nile Virus

Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. Alcohol is banned in all campgrounds during the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends. Early season bans (Victoria Day weekend to late June) are in place at Guelph Lake, Byng Island and Laurel Creek. A season-long ban applies to Elora Gorge Conservation.

Other Conservation Areas in Ontario

The GRCA's conservation areas are among hundreds in the province, operated by 36 Conservation Authorities.