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.
Conestogo Lake Conservation Area is located in the heart of Mennonite Country. It offers visitors the chance to camp, boat, sail, waterski, canoe and fish on a y-shaped reservoir that stretches six kilometres up each arm. The reservoir is created by Conestogo Dam, which has a viewing area providing a unique vista of the river and surrounding forests and farms.
Drinking Water Advisory:
Water samples taken from the Conestogo Lake Conservation Area water system indicate that sodium levels in the drinking water are approximately 21 miligrams per litre. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health requires operators to notify users when sodium levels are above 20 miligrams per litre, especially those with severe hypertension, congestive heart failure, or sodium-restricted diets. For more information, please speak with conservation area staff, or contact your local Public Health unit.
Camping |
Campsites: Conestogo Lake has 28 serviced and 35 unserviced nightly campsites throughout the Maples and Ash campgrounds. There is a comfort station with showers in each campground, along with a trailer dumping station located in the Ash campground. A maximum of six people is permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.
Group camping: Conestogo Lake has three non-electric group campsites available to accommodate groups up to 50 people. Water taps and vault privies are close by, with comfort stations and showers located a short distance away in the Maples or Ash campgrounds. Group campsites can be booked through our online reservation system. Seasonal camping: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal sites. Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered seasonal campsites. Smoking of cannabis is not permitted near playgrounds or in the beach area. A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect on the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon). |
Boating and Canoeing |
Conestogo Lake is a great place for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, power boating and waterskiing. There is easy water access for non-motorized boats into the river below the dam or along the shoreline of the reservoir. There are two ramps each having two lanes available for motorized boats the launch into the reservoir. Please note that water level frequently changes in the reservoir, so please check the signage located at the boat launch for hazard areas. Conestogo Lake is home to the Conestogo Lake Sailing Club. Please note that we are no longer offering boat rentals. |
Fishing |
Fishing is allowed in the river below the dam and in the reservoir. While fishing in the reservoir you may catch perch, walleye, crappie and smallmouth bass. When fishing below the dam you can try your luck at brown trout, smallmouth bass, pike, catfish and the occasional walleye. Check the Ontario Fishing Regulations for seasons and restrictions. If you need a rod or reel you may borrow one from Tackle Share Program available at the gatehouse. Worms are available for purchase at the gatehouse. |
Hiking |
The Forest Green Trail is a 1 kilometer loop and takes less than 1 hour to walk. Designed for a quick, easy walk through the woods from the picnic shelter parking lot with a view of the reservoir along the way. Avid hikers might want to visit some of the regional trails outside of the conservation area. |
Cycling |
Cyclists can enjoy themselves on conservation area roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet. |
Swimming |
There is a large, sandy beach which is perfect for swimming. Please remember the beach is not patrolled, so parents or guardians must keep a close watch on their children at all times. Pets are not allowed within the designated swimming area or sand portion of the beach. Please note that we are currently not offering the life jacket loaner program. Learn more about beach conditions. |
Picnicking |
There is one picnic shelter with electricity for corporate or family gatherings by reservation only. There are also ten unsheltered sites in the lower park available for reservation which include a firepit and picnic tables for smaller groups. There are picnic tables throughout the conservation area and small barbecues for cooking in designated areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. |
Events and activities |
Please check the Events Calendar. |
Hunting |
There is a controlled hunting program during the open season on 930 hectares of conservation land. Please see our Hunting pages for information. |
Snowmobiling |
Conestogo Lake is home to the Lake Conestoga Snowmobile Club which operates the OFSC trails through the area. Snowmobiling is only permitted on designated OFSC trail with a valid permit. |
Birding |
Birding has become very popular activity at Conestogo Lake where you will find a wide range of birds from cardinals, blue jays, orioles, hawks, osprey, eagles, owls, along with various ducks both above and below the dam. |
Gatehouse |
This is the location you can purchase permits, ice, firewood and worms. You will also find a lost and found, community bulletin board with activities and general information posted about the area. If you need any information about the conservation area, or would like to report a problem or concern please see the gate attendant on-duty. A first aid kit and AED is also available at the gatehouse. |
Group facilities |
There is one picnic shelter with electricity for corporate or family gatherings by reservation only. There are also ten unsheltered sites in lower park available by reservation which includes a firepit and picnic tables for smaller groups. There are picnic tables throughout the conservation area and small barbecues for cooking in designated areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. Visit our Group Facilities page for more information. |
Washrooms |
There are two comfort stations with showers available in the Ash and Maples Campgrounds. Throughout the conservation area you will also find eight vault privies. |
Concession stand |
The food concession is available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays. It is located near the boat launch. |
Playgrounds and sports fields |
There is a playground and volleyball court near the beach, along with a playground, horseshoe pits and sports field/baseball diamond located in the lower park picnic area. |
Boat launch |
There are two concrete boat launches, each with two lanes for launching your motorized boat into the reservoir. Non-motorized boats can access the shoreline of the reservoir from a number of locations. |
Waste and recycling |
Garbage and recycling containers are located throughout the day-use area, however people are reminded to visit responsibly and encouraged to reduce their waste or dispose of it at home. Garbage and recycling bins for campground users is located near group site 501, along the main campground roadway. |
Dog policy |
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than two metres (6 feet) and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the sand portion of the beach or in the designated swimming area. Please be respectful of other users and nature when bringing your dog to the conservation area and clean up after your dog. Dog owner violating regulations may receive a fine. |
Nearby services |
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