Byng Island

Camping

Campsites: Byng Island has 380 campsites in four main campgrounds, each providing different features: forested, riverfront, serviced and access to the Grand River. This includes 134 serviced sites (electricity and water) and 246 unserviced sites. Some unserviced sites with a riverfront location are charged at a premium rate. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.

Group camping: Six group campsites are available for supervised youth groups or large gatherings that require a minimum of 10 camping units. Contact park staff to make a reservation.

Seasonal sites: Please contact the park directly to inquire about seasonal site availability. 

Alcohol: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. An alcohol ban is in effect from the Thursday before the Victoria Day weekend until the third Sunday in June as well as the Labour Day weekend (Thursday to Monday).

Radio free area: Campsites 301 to 338

Book a site online or call 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing

Boating

Three concrete boat launches provide access to the Grand River (above and below Dunnville Dam) as well as Lake Erie, which is about 7 km downstream.

Sailing

Sailing and windsurfing are popular activities. Lake Erie is about 7 km downstream.

Fishing

Anglers can go after more than 20 species in the Grand River and Lake Erie including walleye, pike, rainbow trout, bass, salmon channel catfish and others.

See our Fishing section for more information.

Hiking

A two kilometre nature trail on the west side of the park offers an opportunity to discover a Carolinian forest. The map in the park brochure shows the trail. For more information on other trails in the area, visit the Haldimand County Trails and Pathways website.

Cycling

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on the park roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet.

Swimming

The two-acre swimming pool is the largest outdoor pool in Canada. It has a wading area and spray pad for youngsters, as well as a deeper zone with a diving board. It is open between mid-June and Labour Day. The pool entrance fee is $1 for those ages six and older.

Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The pool closes during inclement weather.

Lifeguards are on duty whenever the pool is open. A life jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask at the change rooms for information.

The change rooms and pool are wheelchair accessible.

Pool Admission and Supervision Policy

To ensure that children have a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, Brant Park has implemented a Pool Admission and Supervision Policy. This policy is based on the age of the child, and a facility swim test that is administered by a lifeguard. The swim test consists of swimming 20 metres continuously.

Red wristbands

• Children five and under must wear a red wristband, and must be within arm's reach of a supervising caregiver at all times. The caregiver must be at least 16 years old.
• Six- to nine-year-olds who do not take the facility swim test or who do not pass it, must also be within arm's reach of a supervising caregiver at all times. The caregiver must be at least 16 years old. Note that children with red wristbands are not permitted on the diving board.

Green wristbands

• Children six to nine years old who pass the 20 metre facility swim test may swim without direct supervision; however, a caregiver who is at least 16 years old must be in the pool or the pool viewing area.

Supervision

• Children 10 and up are not required to take a swim test or wear a wristband. However, all children under 12 years of age must be accompanied in the pool or pool viewing area by a caregiver who is at least 16 years old.
• View the sign that is posted by the pool (pdf).

Picnicking

More than 400 picnic tables are available in the day use area, primarily near the swimming pool. Byng Island is an ideal place for large events such as family gatherings and corporate picnics with parking for more than 500 cars. Contact park staff to reserve an area for a group picnic event. Visitors are reminded that conditions remain very dry. Day-use visitors may use barbecues for cooking purposes in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution.

Events and activities

There are plenty of programs to keep children and families busy throughout July and August, from Pirate Day to a mini-Olympics.
Check at the gatehouse or go to our Events Calendar.

Birding and wildlife viewing

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 cattail marshes where visitors might be rewarded by the sight of a bald eagle, various marsh species, swallows, gulls and tern.

Go to our Birding section for more information. Please report any rare or unusual species so we can keep our bird checklist up-to-date.

Gatehouse

This is the location of the community bulletin board, a pay telephone 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

Washrooms

The park has washrooms with flush toilets, running water and showers. Vault toilets are located throughout the park.

Food Concession

Boat Concession

Adults can rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboats with all safety equipment supplied. Rental requires an equipment deposit and photo ID. Rentals are available on weekends from Victoria Day weekend to mid-June, and every day from mid-June to Labour Day weekend. For fees, view the Park Fees page.

Playgrounds and sports fields

There is a play area for children, two sand volleyball courts, a baseball field and large open areas for group games.

Boat launch

Two launches offer access to the Grand River above the Dunnville. A third board launch offers access to the river below the dam and Lake Erie, which is 7 km downstream.

Waste and recycling

Garbage containers and recycling bins (for cans, glass and plastics) are located throughout the conservation area. Two trailer sewage dumping stations are available.

Dog policy

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than two metres and under control at all times. They cannot be allowed to disturb other patrons. Dogs are not allowed in the swimming areas. Please clean up after your dog. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed.

Nearby services

• Grocery, hardware and drug stores are in Dunnville.
• Medical services are available at the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, 206 John St., Dunnville.
• Visit the Haldimand County Tourism website for more information on the area.