Baxter Outdoor and Environmental Education Programs
Baxter Conservation Area offers outdoor and environmental education programs for students and community groups from preschool to grade 12 and beyond. Join us in our outdoor classroom and give your students the opportunity to explore and connect with nature. Our education programs provide students and visitors with interactive, hands-on, curriculum-based experiences where they will learn about the natural world and their relationship with it. We also offer outdoor education programs where students will learn navigation and outdoor survival skills as well.
Baxter can accommodate up to 60 students per day. All equipment is included in our programs and each program runs approximately 1.5 hours in length. Below please find descriptions of each of the programs we offer. Descriptions are offered as general guidelines — if there are specific objectives that you would like to accomplish, please let us know. Although grade levels are recommended for each program, these are also only guidelines. Please select any desired fields to narrow your search.
| Half Day Program | $200 / group * | maximum 30 students, 90 minutes with an RVCA instructor |
| Full Day Program | $275 / group * | maximum 30 students, two 90 minutes with an RVCA instructor |
| Self-directed | $2.50/person * | Interested in just visiting the conservation area with your class but not booking a program? The cost is $2.50/person. This does not include the use of buildings other than access to public washrooms. To reserve facilities, contact staff. Staff must still be contacted to book a self-directed visit. |
| Overnight Tent Camping (accommodations only) | 1-15 people - $75/night * 16-30 people - $150/night * 30+ people - contact for pricing * Additional buildings also available for rent (link to facility rentals) |
Take you class on an overnight adventure to our group camping area! Plan your own activities or book our education staff to provide programming during your stay (see above for pricing). |
* plus applicable taxes
Baxter’s Cancellation Policy: A minimum of fifteen (15) business days notice is required to cancel education programs at Baxter Conservation Area.
This policy gives schools/groups on our waiting list sufficient time to try and fill the program opening. If Baxter Conservation Area is notified of a cancellation less than 15 business days in advance of your scheduled visit, a cancellation fee of $50.00 will be charged.
In the event of severe weather conditions (i.e. thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.), Baxter staff will make contact with your school/group by 7:00 AM the morning of your trip if we need to re-schedule or cancel the program on that day. There will be no charge for a cancellation made due to school bus cancellations or severe weather conditions on the day of your trip.
Baxter Education Program Descriptions
Rentals (4)
Book Mill Pond CA
Book Online
Phone : 613-692-3571
Toll Free : 800-267-3504
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.
Facilities
Group Camping
Take your youth group for an overnight camping adventure at Mill Pond Conservation Area. Enjoy access to 6km of wilderness trails and a quiet and private location.
- Outhouses
- Picnic tables
- Fire pit
Picnic Shelter
This covered shelter is located in Mill Pond Conservation with access to 6km of hiking trails through the quiet and peaceful forest.
- Outhouses
- Picnic tables
Book Rideau Ferry CA
Book Online
Phone : 613-692-3571
Toll Free : 800-267-3504
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.
Faciilities
Picnic Shelter
This covered shelter is steps away from the popular sandy beach on Lower Rideau Lake. Reserve it for your next family gathering or corporate picnic!
- Outhouses and change houses
- Boat launch
Whether you are planning a meeting, seminar, company picnic, youth group camping trip, family gathering or wedding, 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
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
Rental Info
| Facility | Capacity | Cost plus applicable taxes | Washrooms | Hydro | Water | Heat | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interpretive Centre Day Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am – 4pm | 60 | $100 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Evening Meeting (Monday to Friday) – After 4:00pm | 60 | $100 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Extended Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am to 11pm | 60 | $180 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Day Meeting (Saturday/Sunday/Stats) | 60 | $180 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Social Rentals (i.e. family reunions, staff parties, etc.) | 60 | $225 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (1 night) | 25 | $250 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (1 ½ days) | 25 | $330 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (Weekend: Friday to Sunday) | 25 | $440 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Group Camping Areas | 100 |
1-15 people: $90/night |
flush, off-grid |
no | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | fire pit |
no |
| Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre Day Rental | 60 | $75 | flush, off-grid |
solar | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | wood stove |
no |
| Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre Overnight Rental Package | 30 |
$220/night |
flush, off-grid |
no | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | fire pit | no |
| Picnic Shelter | 100 |
$75 |
flush, off-grid |
no | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | fire pit | no |
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 | 12 | $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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