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Byng Island

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Father and son kayaking

COVID-19 Alert

The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remain our highest priority. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page where you will find the most up-to-date information on impacts to GRCA programs and services. 

Byng Island offers campers, boaters, anglers and other visitors a chance to explore the Grand River and Lake Erie. The 190-hectare park encompasses Carolinian forests, the river, wetlands and creeks. Byng Island has the largest outdoor swimming pool in Canada, which can hold up to 1,000 people and has a diving board.

Park information

 

Activities 

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: Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, group camping will not be available this season.

Seasonal sites: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal camp sites. 

Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. Cannabis is permitted on campsites and in open spaces. Smoking of cannabis is not permitted near playgrounds or in the pool area. A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect from May 14 until the third Sunday in June, as well as Labour Day weekend (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon). 

Radio free area: Campsites 301 to 338

Book a campsite on our camping reservation system.

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing
Byng Island is a popular overnight destination for people canoeing down the Grand River. Please note we are currently not offering canoe or kayak rentals.  

Boating

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

Sailing

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

Please note the swimming pool will remain closed for the 2021 season.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available in the day use area. 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 no events scheduled at this time.

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.

 

Facilities

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

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions and group facilities will remain closed this season.

Washrooms

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are only limited washroom facilities available in day-use and camping areas. Shower facilities are currently open. 

Food Concession

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the food concession stand will remain closed this season.

Boat Concession

Please note we are currently not offering boat rentals.  

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 kilometers downstream.

Waste and recycling

Garbage containers are located throughout the park and will be emptied as frequently as possible, however people are reminded to visit responsibly and if garbage bins are full, to take their waste with them and dispose of it at home. Recycling bins are located in the campgrounds and at the dumping station. Please use the bins, as there is no collection from the campsites.

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.

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