Laurel Creek

Camping

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 park staff to make a reservation.

Seasonal sites: Please contact the park directly to inquire about seasonal site availability. 

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 beach area. A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect from May 1 until the third Sunday in June, as well as Labour Day weekend (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon). 

Book a site online or call 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing and kayaking

Laurel Creek reservoir is a good place to enjoy a quiet paddle. Canoes and equipment can be rented at the gatehouse. There are no canoes available for rent after Labour Day weekend. No motorized boats allowed. Click for fees. 

Sailing

Sailing and windsurfing are popular activities, but beware of some underwater tree stumps.

Fishing

Fishing is limited, though carp can be found.

Hiking

The park has 4.5 kilometres of trails. The map in the park brochure shows the trails. Outside the park, trails crisscross Waterloo and Kitchener and connect to regional trails such as the Walter Bean Grand River Trail.

Cycling

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on park roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet.

Outside the park, trails crisscross Waterloo and Kitchener and connect to regional trails such as the Walter Bean Grand River Trail.

Swimming

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.

A life jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life jackets is free with a small, refundable deposit. Ask for information at the gatehouse.

Learn more about beach conditions. 

Picnicking

Picnic tables are located throughout the park. Visitors are reminded that conditions remain very dry. For cooking purposes, day-use visitors may use barbecues in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. 

Events and activities

There are plenty of activities for children and families throughout the season. For information, go to the gatehouse or check the online Events Calendar.

Winter programs

Laurel Creek offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on eight kilometres of groomed and trackset trails set in 300 hectares (750 acres) of hardwood and pine forests. Ski and snowshoe equipment can be rented on weekends and Family Day. The map in the park brochure shows the trails.

Please note that winter programming is subject to change, based on weather conditions. In addition, the parks and/or trails may close from time to time during the operating season, sometimes without notice for safety reasons following a storm, or due to a special event.

Check our winter programs page for more information.

Gatehouse

This is the location of the pay telephone and lost and found. It is also the place to go to report problems or concerns, to purchase firewood, ice or soft drinks, rent canoes, or get further information about the conservation area.

Group facilities

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.

Washrooms

The main washroom in Camping Area 1 has flush toilets and showers. Vault toilets are located throughout the park.

Playgrounds and sports fields

The park has a ball diamond, two playgrounds and large open areas suitable for group games.

Boat launch

There is a gravel boat launch for non-motorized boats.

Waste and recycling

Recycling bins and garbage containers are located throughout the park. Recyclable items include plastics, glass and cans. Garbage bags are provided to campers upon arrival. Please deposit all refuse in the provided bins, as there is no collection directly from the campsites. A dumping station for trailers is located within the serviced campground.

Dog policy

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, swimming area or on the cross-country ski trails. Please clean up after your dogs. Under a City of Waterloo bylaw, pitbulls and pitbull crosses are not allowed in the park. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed.

Nearby services

Grocery, hardware and drug stores are in Waterloo.

Medical services are available at Grand River Hospital, 835 King St. W., Kitchener.

Visit the Waterloo Region Tourism website for more information about the area.