Contact(s)
Conservation Area Status
The total number of daily visitors to our conservation areas is limited and access may be restricted. Get real-time capacity information, including whether the conservation area, or an activity, is open or has reached its operating capacity.
Shade's Mills is a day-use conservation area 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 conservation area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Conservation area information
- Season: Open all year (day use only)
- Hours:
- See real-time hours on our Conservation Area Activity Status page.
- The gatehouse may not be open during all conservation area operating hours. When the gatehouse is closed, access the conservation area for day use through the automatic gate. You may use your Grand River Conservation Areas Membership or pay using credit card.
- Not all facilities are available during all operating hours.
- Location: 450 Avenue Road, Cambridge - Google Map of conservation area location
- Conservation area fees
- Photo gallery on Flickr
- Events calendar
- Download a conservation area map (400 KB PDF). (Please note this document may not be accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a disability and require this document in an alternate format, please contact us.)
Activities
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Paddling |
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The reservoir is ideal for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There is a boat concessionaire, Serene Watersports, that offers canoe, kayak, paddle board and pedal boat rentals. Boat rentals include a lifejacket at no extra cost. We offer lifejackets on loan at the gatehouse for a deposit of $20 which is given back when lifejackets are returned. Lifejackets are available on a first come, first served basis. |
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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 conservation area 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.
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Picnicking |
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Picnic tables are scattered throughout the conservation area.
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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.
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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 conservation area. |
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Group facilities |
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Four group areas are available 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 conservation area 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 conservation area. |
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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 conservation area 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.
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Nearby services |
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