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Laurel Creek

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Family in canoe on Laurel Reservoir, Laurel Creek Park

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.

Park Status

Some parks are closed for the season, but those that are open continue to operate at a reduced capacity. In addition, to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing, the total number of daily park visitors is limited. Before you arrive, check the status of any Grand River Park.

Laurel Creek 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 three picnic shelters.

Park information

  • Season: Open year round, with camping from May 1 to October 15.
    • Closed December 25 and 26.
    • Use your Grand River Parks Membership card for access, or pay at the automatic gate (credit or debit), when gate attendant not on duty.
  • Hours: Open for day use from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Gatehouse operation hours are weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Not all facilities are available during all park hours. Call the park for information.
  • Winter programs open when conditions allow.
  • 625 Westmount Road North, 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

Activities

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: Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, group camping will not be available this season.

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).

Book a site online

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing and kayaking

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.

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.

Please note we are currently not offering the life jacket loaner program. 

Learn more about beach conditions. 

Picnicking

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions will remain closed this season.

Events and activities

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Winter programs

Laurel Creek offers 4.5 kilometres of multi-use trails set in 300 hectares (750 acres) of hardwood and pine forests, for passive use such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching. The trails are groomed and track-set for classic skiing, as conditions permit. 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 Park and Activities Status page for current skiing and snowshoeing conditions, and our winter programs page for more information on winter activities at Grand River Parks. 

Facilities

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, or get further information about the conservation area.

Group facilities

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all picnic shelters and pavilions and group facilities will remain closed this season.

Washrooms

Due to changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are only limited washroom facilities available in day-use areas. 

Boat launch

There is a gravel boat launch for non-motorized boats available from May 1 - October 15.

Waste and recycling

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. 

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 or swimming area. 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 Street West, Kitchener.

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