RVCA (1141)
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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
253 Winding Way
Ottawa, Ontario
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Open year round
Dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
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
Download the PDF
Open Avenza map
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.
3240 River Road
Ottawa,Ontario
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Dawn to dusk
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
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.
133 Yacht Club Rd
Rideau Ferry, Ontario
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
Dawn to dusk
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 PDF
Open 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.
100 Wild Life Rd,
Perth, ON
Phone: 613-692-3571 ext. 1100
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
Download the PDF
Open Avenza map
Special Features
- Tay Marsh lookout
- Wildlife
- Self-guided trail brochure available
- Interpretive signs
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.
Foley Mountain Lane
Westport, ON K0G 1X0
Phone: 613-273-3255
Open year round
8:30 a.m. to dusk
subject to winter conditions
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 PDF
Open Avenza map
Special Features
- Spy Rock scenic lookout
- Interpretive centre
- Discovery Centre
- Education programs and day camps
- Natural swimming area
- Hiking and snowshoeing trails
- Facility rental
- Group camping for organized groups such as Guiding, Scouting, and community organizations
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:
- No dogs on beach or in the water
- All dogs must be on leash
- Please clean up after your pet
- Closed dusk to dawn
- All garbage in cans and recycle containers
- All visitors must pay fee before using site facilities
- All group activities are by permit only
- Camping by permit only
- No motorized vehicles allowed on trails
- Authorized use of trail only (hiking/walking)
- Do not damage property
- Do not remove or destroy the wildlife/vegetation
- No Hunting
- Access to water in designated areas only
- Fires allowed by permit only
- Open year round but subject to winter conditions
- No overnight parking
Explore with confidence using Avenza Maps
Visitors to RVCA’s conservation areas can now navigate even our most remote trails with confidence thanks to a new partnership with Avenza Maps. The Toronto-based mobile app offers GPS-enabled maps that can be used offline and without cell service to help you keep your bearings even in the deepest woods.
The app is supported by Android and iOS. Instructions on how to get started and use the mobile app can be found at https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/how-it-works.html. QR codes for the RVCA’s Avenza maps can be found at the trailheads of eight conservation areas, and can also be found on their property-specific webpages. Scanning these QR codes will download RVCA’s maps to your phone to take out onto the trail. If you don't have Avenza Maps, you will be guided through the installation process. To avoid installation issues, the RVCA encourages visitors to download the free app before leaving home.
Traditional trailhead maps and printed brochures will continue to be available, as well as downloadable PDF maps.
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, 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
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 |
|||||
| 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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More...
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.
Volunteers are an essential component to the operation of RVCA
The RVCA collects, monitors and manages watershed information, access it here.
Watershed Information
Programs to enhance and protect the land.
