Contact(s)
The total number of daily visitors to our conservation areas is limited and access may be restricted. Get real-time capacity information, including whether the conservation area, or an activity, is open or has reached its operating capacity.
Byng Island offers campers, boaters, anglers and other visitors a chance to explore the Grand River and Lake Erie. The 190-hectare conservation area 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.
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: Five group campsites are available for supervised youth groups or gatherings. There is a maximum of 10 camping units per site. Group campsites can be booked on our camping reservation system. 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 on Labour Day weekend (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon). Radio free area: Campsites 301 to 338 More information and to book
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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. Motorboats are permitted and there is no horsepower limit in place. Call the gatehouse for more information. |
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 conservation area 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 conservation area 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.
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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. |
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 |
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. More information is available on our Group Facilities page. |
Washrooms |
The park has washrooms with flush toilets, running water and showers. Vault toilets are located throughout the park. The park has washrooms with flush toilets, running water and showers. Vault toilets are located throughout the park. |
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. Visit the Byng Island fee page for rental fees. |
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 boat 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 conservation area 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. |
Nearby services |
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