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: 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

• Read more about camping in Grand River Conservation Areas.

• Book a campsite on our camping reservation system.
• Read our Camping Reservation Policy and our Regulations and Guidelines.
• View nightly and seasonal camping rates.

Canoeing

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. 

• The pool will tentatively be open June 17, 2023 until Labour Day, September 4, 2023. 
• Pool hours are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The pool is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Everyone aged 4 and older must pay an purchase a wristband for $2.50 to enter the pool area.
• Registered campers are able to pre-purchase their wristbands at the gatehouse from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• All day users (and campers who did not pre-purchase wristbands) can purchase their wristbands in the pool area beginning at 11:00 a.m. 
• The total number of daily visitors to the pool is limited and access is not guaranteed if capacity is reached. For real-time capacity information, see our Conservation Area and Activity Status page.
• For your safety, the pool will be closed if there is lightning, thunder or heavy rainfall. The pool will remain closed until staff see the last bolt of lightning or hear the last sound of thunder. Refunds will not be issued if you choose to leave due to light rain or cool weather. Closure details will be posted on our Conservation Area and Activity Status page.
• No floaties, puddle jumpers or water wings are allowed. Only Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) approved floatation devices are permitted in the pool.
• All pool visitors must follow our Pool Rules and Regulations (180 KB PDF). 

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.

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

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