Contact(s)
Conservation Area Status
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.
Laurel Creek is just minutes away from Waterloo, Kitchener and Mennonite Country, making it a great home base for explorations of these communities. The conservation area offers swimming, hiking, windsurfing and other activities. There is a sandy beach and three picnic shelters.
Conservation area information
- Season: Open year round, with camping from May 1 to October 15. Closed December 25 and 26.
- Hours: Open for day use from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- The gatehouse may not be open during all conservation area operating hours. When the gatehouse is closed, access the conservation area for day use through the automatic gate. You may use your Grand River Conservation Areas Membership or pay using your debit or credit card.
- Not all facilities are available during all conservation area operating hours.
- Location: 625 Westmount Road North, Waterloo - Google Map of conservation area location
- Conservation area fees
- Book a campsite on our camping reservation system
- Photo gallery on Flickr
- Events calendar
- Winter programs are open when conditions allow
- A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect on the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon). Read more about alcohol and cannabis use under "Camping" below.
- Download a conservation area map (500 KB PDF). (Please note this document may not be accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a disability and require this document in an alternate format, please contact us.)
Activities
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Camping |
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Campsites: Laurel Creek offers 114 campsites, ranging from heavily wooded to more open sites. This includes 38 unserviced and 76 serviced sites. Several lakefront sites have a beautiful view. One campground with 26 sites is set aside as a radio-free area. Up to six people are permitted per campsite with a maximum of sleeping units (one trailer only). Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.
Group camping: One group campsite is available for registered youth groups. Contact staff to make a reservation. Seasonal sites: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal camp sites. Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered seasonal campsites. Cannabis is permitted on seasonal campsites and in open spaces. 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). |
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Canoeing and kayaking |
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Laurel Creek reservoir is a good place to enjoy a quiet paddle. Please note we are currently not offering canoe or kayak rentals at this time. No motorized boats allowed. |
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Sailing |
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Sailing and windsurfing are popular activities, but beware of some underwater tree stumps. |
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Fishing |
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Fishing is limited, though carp can be found. |
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Hiking |
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The conservation area has 4.5 kilometres of trails. Outside the conservation area, trails crisscross Waterloo trails and Kitchener trails and connect to regional trails such as the Walter Bean Grand River Trail. |
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Cycling |
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Cyclists can enjoy themselves on conservation area roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet. There are 4.5 kilometres of trails. Outside the conservation area, trails crisscross Waterloo trails and Kitchener trails and connect to regional trails such as the Walter Bean Grand River Trail. |
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Swimming |
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There is a sandy beach on the reservoir. The beach is not patrolled so parents or guardians must keep a close watch on their children at all times. Please note we are currently not offering the life jacket loaner program. Learn more about beach conditions. |
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Picnicking |
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Picnic tables are located throughout the conservation area. For cooking purposes, day-use visitors may use barbecues in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. |
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Events and activities |
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There are no events scheduled at this time. |
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Winter programs |
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Laurel Creek offers winter hiking, skiing and snowshoeing.
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Facilities
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Gatehouse |
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This is the location of the pay telephone and lost and found. It is also the place to go to report problems or concerns, or get further information about the conservation area. |
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Group facilities |
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Three picnic pavilions are available for rent on a daily basis for family reunions or company picnics. The largest of the three facilities has washroom facilities attached; the two smaller pavilions have washroom facilities nearby. Please call well in advance to book your function. More information is available on our Group Facilities page. |
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Washrooms |
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The main washroom in Camping Area 1 has flush toilets and showers. Vault toilets are located throughout the conservation area. |
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Boat launch |
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There is a gravel boat launch for non-motorized boats available from May 1 - October 15. |
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Waste and recycling |
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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. |
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Dog policy |
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Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than two metres and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or swimming area. Please clean up after your dogs. Under a City of Waterloo bylaw, pitbulls and pitbull crosses are not allowed in the conservation area. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed. |
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Nearby services |
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Grocery, hardware and drug stores are in Waterloo. Medical services are available at Grand River Hospital, 835 King Street West, Kitchener. Visit the Waterloo Region Tourism website for more information about the area. |
