ACTIVITIES
Canoeing
The lake is ideal for canoeing and non-motorized boats. Canoes can be rented with a valid driver's license for damage deposit. Rentals are available during the week and on weekends from gatehouse staff. Check the fee schedule for rental fees.
For more information on canoeing in the Grand River watershed,
please click here.
Fishing
Northern Pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie are all plentiful in Shade's Mills Reservoir. Good fishing spots are anywhere along the shore (away from the swimming area), around the islands, and up Mill Creek. Worms are for sale at the gatehouse during gatehouse hours. Fishing from the Head Office shore and the dam is restricted.
Shade's Mills also has ice fishing in
winter when conditions allow. Ice huts are available, but not bait. Popular spots are around the islands. Regular park entry fees apply. Check the Newsroom during winter for the winter activities update. Please contact the conservation area for hours of operation.
Click here for more information on fishing in the Grand River
watershed.
Hiking
There are 12 kms of trails for cycling and hiking.
For more information on Grand River trails please click here.
Cycling
There are 12 kms of trails for cycling and hiking.
Swimming
A sandy beach area is on the reservoir and an ideal place to cool off on hot days. The beach is not patrolled, so parents or guardians must keep a close watch on children at all times.
A life-jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life-jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask at the gatehouse for information.
Water quality is tested weekly during the summer. Check the newsroom
for beach conditions.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are scattered throughout the conservation area and waste bins are
provided.
Winter activities
Ten kilometres of cross country ski trails and a 2.5 km snowshoe trail loop around the 420-acre mature hardwood and pine plantations when conditions allow. Ski equipment can be rented for $13 a set and are available on weekends and daily during March break, but call ahead for other weekdays. Hot drinks and food are available on weekends.
Shade's Mills also offers ice fishing when conditions allow. Ice huts are available but not bait. Popular spots for ice fishing are around the islands. The regular park entry fees apply. For hours of operation during the winter please contact conservation area staff.
For more information on winter activities in our parks, click here.
Check current conditions in the Winter Activity Updates section of our Newsroom.
FACILITIES
Gatehouse
This is the location of the lost and found and it is the place to go to report problems or concerns, or get further information about the conservation
area.
Group facilities
Five group areas are available to rent and are ideal for corporate, church and family picnics, but they are often booked well in advance, so please contact the conservation area early to reserve. These range from an enclosed shelter with a kitchen that is fully serviced to three shelters and a picnic area.
All but the Pines picnic area have large barbecues located right beside them.
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
Along with three vault type toilets which are located throughout the conservation
area. There is also a main washroom equipped with flush toilets. A pop machine is located outside the washroom.
Sports and fun
These include a beach volleyball court and open areas for picnicking and games. A nine-hole disc golf course is available for use free of charge.
Boat Launch
A launch is available.
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 welcome in the conservation area but they must be leashed and under
control at all times. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the
swimming areas. Owners are asked to "stoop and scoop". There is a fine for not
obeying these regulations.
Tourism/Services
Lots of shopping is located nearby, including over 30 factory outlets as well as
in historic downtown Galt.
The nearest hospital emergency is Cambridge Memorial Hospital, 700 Coronation Blvd,
Cambridge.
Links:
Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail
Grand River Country Tourism
City of Cambridge
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