Winter activities at Grand River Conservation Areas

Winter activities are well underway at the six Grand River Conservation Areas that are open year-round, including Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake, Rockwood and Shade’s Mills conservation areas.

Several of these fee-for-use conservation areas offer cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing when conditions allow. Winter is also an excellent time of year for birdwatching and hiking.

Ice Fishing

Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Pinehurst Lake and Shade’s Mills conservation areas offer ice fishing when conditions allow. The public is encouraged to plan ahead and visit the GRCA Conservation Area Activities Status page for up-to-date information on which Grand River Conservation Areas are open for ice fishing. Conditions are being monitored closely at these locations to ensure that ice thickness meets safety requirements. When the ice is too thin or unstable due to reservoir operations, the program is suspended. Grand River Conservation Areas do not sell bait or rent ice fishing equipment such as huts.

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Guelph Lake, Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake and Shade’s Mills conservation areas offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with some trails groomed and/or track set, when conditions allow. The availability of these activities is weather dependent, and conditions change frequently. The public is encouraged to plan ahead and visit the GRCA Conservation Area Activities Status page for up-to-date information on which Grand River Conservation Areas are open, the current status of available activities, availability of equipment rentals, and other useful information.

The public is reminded that the status of activities is subject to change without notice based on weather conditions or other factors. Conservation areas or trails may close from time to time, without notice, for safety or other operational reasons. Visitors are reminded to heed all signage and trail condition postings.

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Media Contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca