Activities and Amenities

The Meisel Woods Conservation Area is 130-acres of excellent Precambrian Shield land. It is a forested natural area with plants, animals and landscape typical of the headwaters of the Tay and Upper Rideau watershed. The property surrounds a 60-acre, headwaters lake known as Beaver or Bass Lake and includes additional waterfrontage on Crow Lake.

The property was generously donated to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation by John Meisel in 2000. Mr. Meisel’s interest is that the property remain undeveloped. That wish will be respected. The goal of the new Meisel Woods Conservation Area is environmental protection. The only improvements foreseen are along the trail, with the creation of a small parking lot and a sign.

Trails: 5km

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Special Feature - In Loving Memory — The Sandi Slater Memorial Walk

Joe and Sandi Slater, neighbours of Mr. Meisel, regularly walked through the woods and around the lake for recreation and tranquility. On the sudden passing of Mrs. Slater in the spring of 2003, and with the collaboration of Mr. Meisel, memorial gifts were directed towards the establishment of the Sandi Slater Memorial Walk. The Walk is now a central feature of the new Meisel Woods Conservation Area and more safety and access improvements are planned in the future. Phase one is complete, and with your generous donations, we can complete phase two of the trail that will lead around Bass Lake — that same trail of peace, quiet and reflection that the Slaters had enjoyed for many years.

With Thanks

The opening of this new public property in Central Frontenac is the result of a whole community of effort and all involved are to be heartily congratulated on their thoughtful and generous gesture. In particular, Mr. John Meisel, Professor Emeritus of Queens University, Mr Joe Slater, dedicated and hardworking community gentleman, and the many donors and volunteers to the cause deserve our heartfelt gratitude. The property is a major investment in the quality of life in Central Frontenac and the upper Rideau watershed.

Activities and Amenities

This wonderful 23-acre parcel of conservation land is located on the west bank of the Rideau River on Prince of Wales Drive between Winding Way and Lodge Road. It consists mainly of natural river shoreline, wetlands and flood plain areas that are unique in the City of Ottawa. It forms a passive recreational area for the Chapman Mills community. Parking is located off Winding Way. Come enjoy the picnic shelter, scenic lookouts along the trail, walkways and boardwalks that lead pedestrians on a 1.5 km stroll through some sensitive and beautiful habitats, and read the interpretive signs telling the environmental story at points along the path.

The land for Chapman Mills Conservation Areas was a gift to the people of the Rideau Valley from the South Nepean Development Corporation, along with additional land ceded from Parks Canada. Minto Development Inc. provided the development funds necessary to carry out the improvements for public use of Chapman Mills Conservation Area.

Trails: 1.5km

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Please use caution on the water! The Rideau River is part of a busy navigation channel.It is every boater's responsibility to know the hazards along their route and to ensure they have proper safety equipment on board. For a list of required equipment and complete rules and regulations, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety and read the Safe Boating Guide. Please note that swimming is prohibited at Chapman Mills Conservation Area. 

Special Feature - Fish Habitat Creation Projects

Chapman Mills Conservation Area is the site of two “fish habitat compensation projects” to improve the quantity and quality of fish habitat along the Rideau River shoreline within the City of Ottawa.

Interpretive signs created for the projects

 Fish Habitat Creation at Chapman Mills (click to enlarge)Habitat Enhancement at Chapman Mills - click to enlarge

With support through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program/Avec l’appui du Programme d’infrastructure communautaire de Canada 150. 

Activities and Amenities

W. A. Taylor is set along the beautiful Rideau River and is one of the best spots to launch your boat or enjoy a quiet picnic with the family. Picnic tables and privies are on site.

Trails: 1.0km

Special Features

• short nature trail
• boat launch
• picnic area

Activities and Amenities

Bask on the beach and listen as the water laps onto the shore at the Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area. The former Rideau Ferry Yacht Club donated this 10 acre shoreline property located at Rideau Ferry to RVCA in 1976 for the purpose of providing a public day use recreation area with access to Lower Rideau lake. Rideau Valley Conservation Authority maintains a public beach, boat launch, and picnic area at this popular summer park.

Download the PDFOpen Avenza map

Trails: 0.3km

Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Trail Map

Special Features

• sandy beach
• boat launch
• picnic shelter, picnic tables and barbeques

Beach Advisories and Boat Safety

For listings of current advisories, please visit the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit.

Please use caution on the water! The Rideau River is part of a busy navigation channel. It is every boater's responsibility to know the hazards along their route and to ensure they have proper safety equipment on board. For a list of required equipment and complete rules and regulations, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety and read the Safe Boating Guide.

Activities and Amenities

Located on the Tay Marsh, this watery environment nurtures a variety of diverse plant and wildlife species. Deer, ducks, Canada geese, rabbits, bluebirds and wild turkeys are some of the wildlife that is found in this 257-hectare reserve. This conservation area is specifically geared to wildlife management. This is an area for quiet observations. Take your time and keep your eyes open.

Trails: 3.5km

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• Tay Marsh lookout
• Wildlife
• Self-guided trail brochure available
• Interpretive signs 

Activities and Amenities

High atop a granite ridge overlooking the historic Upper Rideau waterway and Village of Westport is Foley Mountain. Foley is famous for its dynamic, hands-on, education programs for school children and youth groups. Enjoy the scenic lookout, hiking trails and picnic areas.

Purchasing a Pass

• $8 day pass / $55 annual pass
• Pay machine on site that accepts COIN and CREDIT CARD. Credit card purchases are processed via cell networks. Due to our remote location, connections are sometimes slow.  Please be patient! 
• Go high tech with PayByPhone and purchase your pass online, using the app, or over the phone.

Trails: 10km

Download the PDFOpen Avenza map

Special Features

Beach Advisories

For listings of current advisories, please visit the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit.

Outdoor recreation in a natural setting has proven physical, mental and spiritual health benefits. It’s important to ensure these special areas are being properly to protect the significant species found in our Conservation Areas, while allowing everyone to enjoy and benefit from them.

Conservation Area Rules include:

Whether you are planning a corporate picnic or family gathering, Mill Pond offers a unique option for your event. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Facilities available for reservation:

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. 

Whether you are planning a corporate picnic or family gathering, Rideau Ferry Yacht Club offers a unique option for your event. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Whether you are planning a meeting, seminar, company picnic, youth group camping trip, or family gathering, Foley Mountain 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 Foley Mountain, 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 – Foley Mountain offers a group camp sites available to organized groups such as Guiding, Scouting, schools, church groups, and other associations.

Cabins and other buildings – Additional buildings can be rented along with group camping areas for extra shelter or by groups for other functions.  These unique buildings may feature varying levels of service including off-grid energy and woodstoves. 

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
• Rental Info
• Photos

• Facilities
• Rental Info
• Photos

Facilities

Interpretive Centre

This cedar lodge with a cottage feel is located on the ridge overlooking Upper Rideau Lake in Westport. It is a beautiful setting for your meeting, family gathering, or youth group overnight adventure.

• Large with rolled rubber floor with folding tables and seating
• Full kitchen
• Washrooms
• 40 people for daily rentals/25 overnight

Group Campground

Located among the mixed forests of Foley Mountain, this year round group campground is centrally located for access to trails and park features. It is a great camping location for small and large groups.

• Off grid washroom building (Non-potable water)
• 4 campfire pits (one with log benches)
• Picnic shelter
• Access to potable water is available at the Interpretive Centre
• Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre available to rent at additional cost

Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre

This additional building can be rented along with the group camping area for extra shelter or by groups for other functions. This unique refurbished log barn features off-grid energy and a woodstove.

• Off grid washroom building (Non-potable water)
• Access to potable water is available at the Interpretive Centre
• Alternative energy source for electricity
• Large tables and built in bench seating
• Loft style second floor
• Woodstove

Picnic Shelter

Our shelter is located in the group camping area and features a roof for protection from bad weather as well as space for approximately 10 picnic tables making it a perfect setting for a family reunion or corporate picnic.

• Off grid washroom building (Non-potable water)
• Picnic tables