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.
Park Status
Parks are operating at a reduced capacity. 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.
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.
Park information
- Season: Open year round.
- Hours: Open for day use from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The gatehouse may not be open during all park operating hours. When the gatehouse is closed, access the park for day use through the automatic gate. You may use your Grand River Parks Membership or pay using your debit or credit card.
- Not all facilities are available during all park operating hours.
- Location: 450 Avenue Road, Cambridge - Google Map of park location
- Park fees
- Photo gallery on Flickr
- Events calendar
- Download a park map (700 KB PDF). (Please note this document is not an accessible PDF. Should you require this document in an alternate format, please contact us.)
Activities
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Canoeing |
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The reservoir is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Please note we are currently not offering canoe or kayak rentals at this time. |
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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. 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. 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 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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There are no events scheduled at this time. |
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Winter programs |
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Shade's Mills offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. The park has 10 kilometres of multi-use trails which are groomed and track-set for classic skiing, as conditions permit. Fishing is available on the reservoir when ice conditions are suitable. Temporary ice hunts are permitted and must be removed once fishing is completed for the day. 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 Park and Activities Status page for current ice fishing, skiing and snowshoeing conditions, and our winter programs page for more information on winter activities at Grand River Parks. |
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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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. |
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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 or in the swimming area. 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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