ACTIVITIES
Camping
Camp sites: Byng Island has approximately 380 campsites in four main campgrounds, each providing different features: forested, river front, serviced and access to Lake Erie. This includes 134 serviced sites (electricity and water) and 246 unserviced sites in a variety of locations. Some of the unserviced sites are considered premium due to their river front location and these are charged at a premium rate. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and check-out is before noon. Daily, monthly and seasonal rates are available.
Reserve a site: Sites can be booked online or by calling toll-free 1-877-558-GRCA (4722).
Maps showing the campground area and location of the campsites can be found by clicking the 'online' link above. Please review our Camping Reservation Policy prior to making your reservation.
Group camping: Five group campsites can be booked directly through conservation area staff for supervised youth groups or large gatherings that exceed 10 camping units. These are available by reservation only.
Monthly & seasonal campers: Please call the conservation area directly for availability of one of these seasonal sites.
Fees: Daily, monthly and seasonal rates are available. Click here for fee information.
Firewood: Firewood can be purchased at the gatehouse which is open daily.
Alcohol: Alcohol is permitted on registered campsites, except for a total alcohol ban from the start of Victoria Day weekend until the third Sunday in June as well as Labour Day weekend.
Waste: Garbage containers and recycling bins (for cans, glass and plastics) are located throughout the conservation area. Two trailer sewage dumping stations are available.
Canoeing
Many people use Byng Island as an overnight destination while canoeing down the Grand River. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats can be rented in the conservation area, and provide boaters of all ages with a chance to explore the river and the quiet waters of Sulphur Creek. Check the fee schedule for canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental cost.
For more information on canoeing in the Grand River watershed, please click here.
Boating
The conservation area provides excellent boating opportunities for power boating, waterskiing and personal watercraft. As well, Lake Erie is approximately seven km downstream from the park.
Sailing
Sailing and windsurfing are popular activities at Byng Island Conservation Area.
Fishing
The location of Byng Island allows anglers to go after both river and lake species. More than 20 species have been caught including walleye, pike, rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, three types of sucker, gizzard shad, white perch, white bass, Chinook and pink salmon, channel catfish, brown bullheads, black crappie, freshwater drum, longnose gar, bluegill, common carp and quillback.
Click here for more information on fishing in the Grand River watershed.
Hiking
A self-guided nature trail on the west side of the conservation area is about one kilometer in length.
For more information on Grand River trails, please click here.
Cycling
Biking on park roads is very popular with our patrons. Please obey the rules of the road and wear appropriate helmets.
Swimming
The two-acre pool (one of the largest in Ontario) has a large wading area and a spray pad for youngsters, as well as a deep area featuring a diving board. Lifeguards are on duty at all times when the pool is open. The pool is open between mid-June and Labour Day from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The pool is closed during inclement weather. A swimming pool entrance fee of $1 for those age 6 and up will be charged at the pool.
A life-jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life-jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask at the changerooms for information.
Picnicking
Approximately 400 picnic tables are scattered throughout the conservation area and there is parking for 500 cars. Garbage containers and recycling bins (for cans, glass and plastics) are located throughout the conservation area. To reserve picnic areas and for company picnics, please contact park staff at 905-774-5755.
Visitor Services
Join us in July and August for special family fun programs. From Pirate Day to water games to mini Olympics there are programs to keep you and your family busy while visiting Byng Island. Click for the 2011 program calendar (PDF) or check at the gatehouse for information. Note: the schedule is subject to change.
Birding/wildlife
Byng Island, the provincially significant Dunnville Marshes,and the Lake Erie shoreline offer birders a chance to observe many different wetland-dependent birds, including migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors.
A canoe trip south along the Grand from Byng Island will lead through the cattail marshes. These are inhabited by marsh species such as red-winged black bird, long-billed marsh wren, swamp sparrow, Virginia rail and common yellowthroat. Five swallow species (bank, barn, cliff, northern rough-winged and purple martin) may be found foraging on insects over the marshes. A good variety of gulls and terns may be found here as well. Notable species include bald eagle, least bittern and black tern.
Please take the time to report any rare or unusual
species to the so that we can keep our bird check list up-to-date.
FACILITIES
Gatehouse
This is the location of the community bulletin
board, one of our two pay telephones and the lost and found. It is the place to go
to get further information about the conservation area and report any problems
or concerns.
Group facilities
Byng Island has three areas available for group events such as corporate picnics, weddings and family reunions. These include the Pavilion with a full kitchen and washrooms nearby and two picnic areas.
Please click here to view pictures and read more about these and other group rental facilities in our conservation areas or call conservation area staff directly.
Washrooms
The conservation area has washrooms with hot and cold
running potable water and showers. Vault type toilets are also located
throughout the conservation area.
Concession
The food and boat concessions operate from late June until Labour Day, weather permitting.
Sports and fun
The conservation area features a play area for children, two sand volleyball courts, a baseball field, and large open areas which can accommodate group games.
Boat Launch
Two launches are on the river above the Dunnville Dam. A third boat launch, beside the Sulphur Creek Campground, allows access to Lake Erie and its abundant fishery, a short 7 kilometers downstream.
OTHER
Events calendar
Many conservation areas and nature centres host special events and family fun. Click for our online events calendar.
Dog Policy
Pets are allowed in the conservation area, but not in the swimming area and they must be kept on a 2 meter leash and controlled at all times. "Stoop and Scoop" applies. There is a fine for not obeying these regulations. Please check the Ontario Dog Owner's Liability Act regarding pitbull restrictions.
Tourism/Services
Visitors to Byng Island can enjoy the many attractions of Haldimand County,
including the Dunnville Market, the newly rebuilt Port Maitland pier at the
mouth of the Grand River and the historic Ruthven mansion National Historic Site near Cayuga.
Less than one hour away you can take in the wonders of
Niagara Falls. The Welland Canal has a working model display explaining the canal and how it works in nearby St. Catharines. The Royal Botanical Gardens is a short drive away. Native heritage is abundant with ceremonies and handicrafts located on the territory of the Six Nations of the Grand River.
Within a 10-minute drive of the conservation area you will
find churches, grocery and hardware stores, laundry facilities, restaurants,
golfing, miniature golf, fishing bait and tackle shops, fishing charters,
department stores, liquor and beer stores, gas stations and garages.
Dunnville War Memorial Hospital is located at 206 John Street, Dunnville.
Links:
Tourism Haldimand
Six Nations Tourism
Grand River Country Tourism
Ruthven Park National Historic Site
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