Contact(s)
COVID-19 Alert
The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remain our highest priority. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page where you will find the most up-to-date information on impacts to GRCA programs and services.
Laurel Creek Park is just minutes away from Waterloo, Kitchener and Mennonite Country, making it a great home base for explorations of these communities. The park offers swimming, hiking, windsurfing and other activities. There is a sandy beach and there are three picnic shelters.
Learn about our goals for Laurel Creek Park by reading the Laurel Creek Management Plan (PDF).
Park info
- Season: Open year round. Closed December 25 and 26. Use your Grand River Parks Membership card for access or pay at the automatic gate (credit or cash) when gate attendant not on duty.
- Hours: Open for day use from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gatehouse operation hours are on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Not all facilities are available during all park hours. Call the park for info.)
- Winter programs open when conditions allow.
- 625 Westmount Rd. N., Waterloo
- Park fees
- Brochure and park map (PDF)
- Photo gallery on Flickr
- Events calendar
- 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 in the park under "Camping" below.
Park Status Updates
Our parks are operating at a reduced capacity and we have implemented a number of measures to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing, including limiting the number of daily visitors. If capacity is reached, our parks will close and not reopen for the rest of the day. Our parks are very busy on weekends and more likely to reach capacity. Consider planning your visit during the week when our parks are less busy.
To check the capacity status of our parks in real-time, visit www.grandriver.ca/parkstatus.
Activities
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Camping |
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Laurel Creek conservation area will not offer overnight camping in 2020. 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 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. |
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Cycling |
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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. |
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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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Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions will remain closed this season. |
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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 4.5 kilometres of trails set in 300 hectares (750 acres) of hardwood and pine forests, for passive use such as hiking, snowshoeing and birdwatching. Cross country skiing is not recommended as we do not groom or trackset the trails. The map in the park brochure shows the trails. Please note that winter activities are subject to change, based on weather conditions. In addition, the Conservation Area 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. |
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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Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions and group facilities will remain closed this season. |
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Washrooms |
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Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are only limited washroom facilities available in day-use areas. |
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Playgrounds and sports fields |
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The park has a ball diamond, two playgrounds and large open areas suitable for group games. |
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Boat launch |
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There is a gravel boat launch for non-motorized boats. |
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Waste and recycling |
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Garbage containers are located throughout the park 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, 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. |
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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 St. W., Kitchener. Visit the Waterloo Region Tourism website for more information about the area. |
