Contact(s)
Shade's Mills is a day-use park offering a great place to enjoy nature just a few minutes away from the city. Favourite activities include swimming, sport fishing and canoeing. Hikers and cyclists can enjoy 12 kilometres of trails through a mature hardwood forest along Mill Creek. Anglers can fish in the 32-hectare (80-acre) reservoir, which was created by the construction of Shade's Mills Dam. In the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Shade's Mills Conservation Area - Highway 401 jet fuel spill update - April 10, 2019
As a result of a Highway 401 jet fuel spill on January 13, 2019, surface water quality samples continue to be gathered and reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and the consultant hired by the company responsible for the spill. While sampling data show no on-going impacts immediately upstream and downstream of Shade's Mills reservoir from the spill, the full impact on the reservoir is still being assessed. The MECP anticipates that a shoreline assessment will be completed by the end of April, weather permitting.
In an abundance of caution, activities such as fishing, swimming and boating on the reservoir are not advised until the assessment of the reservoir has been completed. An update regarding water activities at Shade's Mills Conservation Area will be posted in early May or sooner when further information becomes available.
Under the Environmental Protection Act, the lead agency in the event of a spill is the MECP.
If you have questions or concerns relating to the spill, please contact the MECP Guelph District Office directly at 1-800-265-8658.
Park info
- Season: Open year round. 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 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April 1 to October 31, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November 1 to March 31. Closed December 25 and 26. (Not all facilities are available during all park hours. Call the park for info.)
- 450 Avenue Rd., Cambridge
- Park fees
- Brochure and park map (PDF)
- Photo gallery on Flickr
- Events calendar
Activities
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Canoeing |
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The reservoir is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Rent canoes and paddleboards at the gatehouse. Rentals are available during regular gatehouse hours, beginning May 1. Rentals are available on weekends only after Labour Day and until mid-October. For gatehouse hours, please contact the park at 519-621-3697. A driver's licence is required. Click for fees. |
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Fishing |
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Northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and black crappie are plentiful in the reservoir. Only electric motors are allowed. |
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Hiking and cycling |
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There are 12 kilometres of trails for hikers and cyclists. The map in the park brochure shows the trails. Cyclists can also enjoy themselves on park roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet. |
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Swimming |
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There's a long 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. |
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Picnicking |
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Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. Open air fires are not permitted without a permit. Day-use visitors may use barbecues for cooking purposes in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. |
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Events and activities |
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Shade's Mills Park offers many activities and events geared to children and families, including the popular Movie Night on Friday evenings. Check at the gatehouse for information or go to our Events Calendar. |
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Winter programs |
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Shade's Mills offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park has 10 kilometres of groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails and a snowshoe loop. Ski and snowshoe equipment can be rented on weekends and when conditions allow. 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, including hours of operation and fees. |
Facilities
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Gatehouse |
| This is the location of the lost and found and it is the place to go to report problems or concerns, or get further information about the park. |
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Group facilities |
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Four group areas are ideal for corporate, church and family picnics. They range from an enclosed shelter with a kitchen to three open-sided shelters and picnic area. An outdoor amphitheatre and stage with stone seating is available for corporate and group activities, wedding photos and other events. Contact park staff to reserve. More information is available on our Group Facilities page. |
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Washrooms |
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The main washroom is equipped with flush toilets. Three vault toilets are located throughout the park. |
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Playgrounds and sports fields |
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There are three professional beach volleyball courts, open areas for group games, and a "natural" playground. |
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Boat launch |
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The park has one boat launch. Only non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are allowed. |
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Dog policy |
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Dogs are welcome, but must be on a two-metre leash and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, in the swimming area or on the cross-country ski trails. Please clean up after your dog. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed. |
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Nearby services |
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