Super User
Baxter Facility Rentals
Whether you are planning a meeting, seminar, company picnic, youth group camping trip or family gathering, Baxter offers unique options for your event. We have a variety of facilities and natural areas that provide a beautiful backdrop for a range of occasions. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
There are several different types of facilities available for reservation:
Interpretive centre – Located at Baxter, our interpretive centre features a large common room as well as flush toilets and a full kitchen. The centre is available for meetings, social gatherings, and community group overnight bookings.
Group camping – Baxter offers group camp sites available to organized groups such as Guiding, Scouting, schools, church groups, and other associations.
River cabin – This rustic river cabin can be rented along with the group camping area for extra shelter or by groups for other functions. This unique building features a woodstove and an off-the-grid energy supply.
Picnic shelters – Our shelters feature a roof for protection from bad weather as well as space for approximately 10 picnic tables making them a perfect setting for a family reunion or corporate picnic.
Facilities
Patrick J. McManus Interpretive Centre
Nestled in the heart of Baxter Conservation Area along the Rideau River, the interpretive centre is the perfect setting for a meeting, youth group camp, or family gathering.
- Large carpeted room with tables and seating
- Large tiled foyer area
- Full kitchen
- Washrooms
- 60 people for daily rentals/25 overnight
Group Camp Area
Organized community and youth groups can enjoy our year-round group camping area that is located on the shore of the Rideau River.
- Outhouses
- Open grassy area with some shade
- Accommodates 60 – 100 people
- Campfire pit
- River Cabin available to rent at additional cost
River Cabin
This rustic cabin is located in the group camping area along the shore of the Rideau River and makes a great complement to your camping adventure.
- Outhouses
- Alternative energy source for electricity
- Tables and chairs
- Small woodstove for heat
- No heat or running water
Picnic Shelter
This large shelter is across from the popular sandy beach and is a great backdrop for a family gathering or corporate picnic.
- Outhouses at beach
- Picnic tables
Rental Info
| Facility | Capacity | Cost plus applicable taxes | Washrooms | Hydro | Water | Heat | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interpretive Centre Day Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am – 4pm |
60 | $140 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Evening Meeting (Monday to Friday) – After 4:00pm |
60 | $140 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Extended Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am to 11pm |
60 | $195 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Weekend Meeting (Saturday/Sunday/Stats) |
60 | $200 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Social Rentals (i.e. family reunions, staff parties, etc.) | 60 | $275 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (1 night) |
25 | $300 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (Weekend: Friday to Sunday) |
25 | $470 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Group Camping Areas | 100 | 1-15 people: $75 16-30 people: $150 $7 for each additional person over 30 people |
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| River Cabin (Baxter) – Day Rental | 25 | $75/day | outhouse | solar/ wind | tap 0.5 km | no | no |
| River Cabin (Baxter) – Overnight Rental | 10 | $125/night | outhouse | solar/wind | tap 0.5 km | no | no |
| Picnic Shelter | 100 | $85 |
With parking for 1-10 vehicles: $150 |
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Purchase A Pass
Pay Machines
Pay machines are located at Foley Mountain, Baxter and Rideau Ferry conservation areas. You can purchase a day pass at all three sites or an annual pass at Foley Mountain using COIN or CREDIT CARD. Our machines DO NOT accept bills.
NOTE — credit card purchases are processed via cell networks. Some of our locations are remote and connections are sometimes slow. Please be patient!
A New Way to Pay at Conservation Areas
The new paybyphone service is going to make visits to conservation areas as easy as one, two, three!
No cash required, as long as you have your phone, you’re covered. There are three easy ways to use paybyphone. You chose what works best for you.
You can buy a day pass or you can opt to get an annual pass. (The advantage our annual passes is that it gives you access to all five conservation areas all year round.)
With paybyphone, you won’t need to keep track of a day pass ticket or an annual pass card.
Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
| Location Type | Location/Lot Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Baxter Day Pass |
5200 | $8 |
| Foley Mountain Day Pass |
5204 | $8 |
| Perth Wildlife Reserve Day Pass |
5205 | $8 |
| Rideau Ferry Day Pass |
5203 | $8 |
| WA Taylor Day Pass |
5201 | $8 |
| Annual Pass | 5222 | $55 |
Three ways to pay!
1. Call
Call
1-866-234-7275
Respond to the prompts. Existing users will be prompted to enter the 4 digit location/lot number, and parking time required (1 DAY). New users will be guided through a registration process. Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Wait for your parking to be confirmed Wait until you have heard the confirmation then your visit begins. You can extend your visit by calling the same number, your account will be recognized and you’ll have the option to extend your visit or start a new one.
2. Online
Visit the PayByPhone website First time users will have to register to create a PayByPhone account and use it to pay for parking. Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Enter your parking requirements.Enter the LOCATION/LOT number (see on-street signage) and the DURATION (1 DAY).
Enter your security code Finalise your transaction by entering the 3 digit security code on the back of your payment card.
3. Use the App
Download the app now from the Blackberry, Google Play or iOS App Store.
Enter your location/lot number. (Location/lot numbers are listed on signs at each conservation area or at www.rvca.ca/paybyphone). Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Enter your parking duration (enter 1 DAY)
Parking details will be sent to the handheld units the Parking Enforcement Officers patrol with.
Get Involved Volunteer
Volunteers are an essential component to the operation of RVCA
Watershed Information
The RVCA collects, monitors and manages watershed information, access it here.
Watershed Information
Landowner Grants & Stewardship Services
Programs to enhance and protect the land.
Outdoor Education
Where fun, adventure and learning comes naturally.
Conservation Areas
Looking for new interesting outdoor recreation for the family?
Welcome
RVCA is one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities. We are a community based environmental protection agency that works closely with municipal, provincial and federal government partners, landowners and community groups to maintain and improve the natural resources in the Rideau watershed.
Facility Rental Brochure
Admission Fees
Day Pass - $6 / vehicle
Display receipt on dashboard
How to Purchase an Day Pass
From Pay Machines located at park entrances
Annual Pass - $45 / year
Where to Purchase an Annual Pass
- Interpretive Centre (where applicable)
- Pay Machines located at the park entrance (receipt can be redeemed for permanent pass)
- Rideau Valley Conservation Centre (3889 Rideau Valley Dr. Manotick, ON K4M 1A5)
