Conservation Areas (81)
Team Building
Students will be led through a series of team building and problem solving exercises. These activities are designed to help groups work more effectively together while developing useful communication and problem solving skills. NOTE: Normally, offered as a full day program. Please ask about options.
Additional Info
- Grade 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Overnight Camping
The possibility for a more extensive visit exists at our group camping area. The large clearing offers a campfire area, outhouses, and cut firewood. Take an evening stroll on the trails or gather round the campfire for some fun and games.
Additional Info
- Grade 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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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2024 Forest Explorers Summer Camp Ages 6-12 | Five-day program | $250 All fees are plus applicable taxes.
Baxter’s Forest Explorers Summer Camp gives campers the opportunity to enjoy summer adventures immersed in nature while playing, exploring, and making new friends. Camp will include a number of organized activities like our pond study, insect study, crafts, etc. and unstructured, child-directed time where our camp counsellors will follow the campers’ interests while providing a safe and fun summer camp experience. Campers will enjoy swimming at Baxter beach supervised by two certified lifeguards.
Our Forest Explorers Summer Camp will be offered for 6- to 12-year-old children. If your child turns 6 during the calendar year (by December 31st), they are eligible to register for our summer camp programs this year. We will have a 1:8 ratio with 24 campers and 3 staff each week. One week of camp will run from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. One week of camp costs $250 per camper. We also offer before and after care for summer camp. Before care ($5/camper/day) is available from 8:00-9:00 am and after care ($5/camper/day) is available from 4:00-5:00 pm. The maximum cost for before and after care is $100 per family. All fees are plus applicable taxes.
Interested in volunteering?
Looking to get your high school volunteer hours or just add some great experience to your resume? Email .
| Date | Program | Age | Camp Hours | Cost* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8 to 12, 2024 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp WAITLIST ONLY |
6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| July 15 to 19, 2024 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp WAITLIST ONLY |
6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| July 22 to 26, 2024 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp WAITLIST ONLY |
6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| July 29 to August 2, 2024 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp WAITLIST ONLY |
6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| August 12 to 16, 2024 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp WAITLIST ONLY |
6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| August 19 to 23, 2024 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp WAITLIST ONLY |
6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
To Register
Click here to request registration.
PLEASE NOTE that Baxter’s summer camp is small and very popular. Spaces are limited and fill up very quickly once registration opens. Please check back here for the link to our registration request form.
PLEASE NOTE that filling out our registration request form does not guarantee you a space in our summer camp program. Registration requests are time stamped and processed in order they are received. Our staff will contact you ONLY if you are able to obtain a space in our summer camp. We will begin notifying families if they have obtained a space in our summer camp programs on February 5, 2024.
Additional Information
- Before and After Care is available at an additional fee. - Before Care 8:00-9:00 am - After Care 4:00-5:00 pm
Qualified and experienced outdoor education and camping staff Regular camp hours — 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - All fees are plus applicable taxes
Foley Mountain Day Camps
2024 Summer Day Camp Registration Now Open!
Join our qualified and experienced outdoor educators for some summer fun in the forest! Designed for children aged 6 – 12, we spend our time outside exploring, playing, and learning through experiential, hands-on opportunities. Each themed week is full of nature-based activities that could include discovering creatures that live in the beaver, searching for salamanders, playing Instincts for Survival, learning to build a shelter, crafts, and more! Our ratio of staff to campers is 1:8 and we accept 24 campers per session.
| Date | Program | Age | Camp Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
July |
Outdoor Adventurers |
6-12 | 9am - 4pm | $220/week $195/week for additional children in the same family |
| July 22 – 26 WAITLIST ONLY |
Nature Explorers |
6-12 | 9am - 4pm | $220/week $195/week for additional children in the same family |
| August 12 – 16 WAITLIST ONLY |
Forest Fun | 6-12 | 9am - 4pm | $220/week $195/week for additional children in the same family |
| August 26 - 30 WAITLIST ONLY |
Junior Naturalists | 6-12 | 9am - 4pm | $220/week $195/week for additional children in the same family |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list or wait list for camps that are currently full. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Interested in volunteering?
Looking to get your high school volunteer hours or just add some great experience to your resume? Fill in our volunteer information form at https://bit.ly/3RY4zuh to connect with our camp staff
| Our Community Partner | ||
 |
The outdoor environmental education program at Foley Mountain provides students with interactive, experiential, curriculum-based experiences that will help them to understand our natural world and their relationship with it. The Program can accommodate up to 60 students per day and all equipment is provided. All programs are approximately 1.5 hours in duration. 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 only guidelines. Please select any desired fields to narrow your search.
Knee High Navigation
It is never too early to learn the basics of navigation! Students try their hands at using map and compass to work their way through a mini-orienteering course.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Orienteering Part 1
Give your students the chance to lose themselves in the ways of map and compass work! Students will learn the basics of how to properly use a map and compass and will practice these skills while navigating through orienteering courses of varying difficulties.
Additional Info
- Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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 |
Fall Colours at Foley Mountain, 2023
Foley Mountain is spectacular in fall, but visitors should plan ahead to avoid crowds.
During the peak season (end of September to mid-October), staff will be on-site to assist visitors with purchasing passes, managing parking, and helping things run smoothly. Visitors may be asked to park in auxiliary parking at the Interpretive Centre and other areas away from Spy Rock to ease congestion.
See the Foley Fall Colours map for alternative parking and trail directions (click map to download a PDF):
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, follow these tips:
AVOID PEAK TIMES:
Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest time of the year at Foley Mountain, with weekends on either side of the holiday also attracting large crowds. Avoid line-ups and crowds by visiting at off-peak times, such as early in the morning or in the evening, and mid-week instead of weekends.
PARKING:
The Spy Rock parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Come prepared with coins instead of credit cards for the pay machine, or use www.PayByPhone.com to reduce long line-ups (location code 5204).
You may also be asked to park in auxiliary parking areas at the Interpretive Centre, group camping site or at designated spots along the main road to reduce congestion. Be prepared to hike a short distance back to Spy Rock, either along the road or using one of the park’s other trails.
SPY ROCK:
As one of the most popular lookouts at Foley Mountain, Spy Rock can be a busy spot during fall colours. Please be considerate of other visitors and resist the temptation to linger a long time when others are waiting. Take your time to enjoy the view and take some photos, and then let others have a chance!
EXPLORE THE PARK:
There’s more to Foley Mountain than Spy Rock: explore it! Check out this blog outlining three alternative fall hikes to try: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/beyond-spy-rock-three-fabulous-fall-hikes-at-foley-mountain
STAY INFORMED:
For maps and general park information visit www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/fee-required/foley-mountain-ca. For the most up-to-date information follow our Facebook pages at @FoleyMountain and @RideauValleyConservationAuthority or follow RVCA on Twitter at @RideauValleyCA.
More...
NEW Summer Programs at Foley Mountain!
New this summer, Foley Mountain Conservation Area will offer an exciting suite of family and children's programming throughout July and August, including summer Forest School sessions for several age groups. Join our qualified and experienced outdoor educators for some summer fun in the forest! Registration is required and will close the Wednesday prior to the program date. Fees vary by program. All program fees are subject to applicable taxes.
Family Programs:
Join us the first Saturday of the month and two Fridays per month throughout the summer for our exciting family programs! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required by the Wednesday prior to the event.
Submit a Family Program registration request form to get started. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including payment instructions. Please note that filling out this form this does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
| Date | Program | Age | Time | Costs |
| Saturday, July 6 | Weekend Wanders - Outdoor Survival Skills |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, July 19 | Forest Fridays - Beaver Pond Bonanza |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, August 2 | Forest Fridays - Outdoor Survival Skills |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Saturday, August 3 | Weekend Wanders - Beaver Pond Bonanza |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, August 9 | Forest Fridays - A Bug's Life |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, August 23 | Forest Fridays - GPS and Geocaching |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
Summer Forest School Programs:
If you've always wanted to try Forest School, this is your chance! We are offering one-day registrations for our bi-weekly Forest School programs, which are organized by age. You can register for all four sessions for your age group, or one at a time.
Submit a Forest School registration request form to get started. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including payment instructions. Please note that filling out this form this does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
| Date | Program | Age | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuesdays |
Family Forest School |
2 to 5, with guardians |
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. |
$18/child |
| Wednesdays (July 17, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 21) |
Forest Kindergarten | 4 to 5 | 9 a.m. - noon | $30/child |
| Thursdays (July 18, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 22) |
School Age Forest School | 6 to 12 |
Full day: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Full day: $55/child |
| Our Community Partner | ||
| |
GPS and Geocaching
Weave together technology, the outdoors, and physical activity! Get an introduction to GPS technology and how it can be used to navigate your way through the environment . Discover the fun of geocaches as your students explore the grounds at Baxter!
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Orienteering Part 2
Give your students a greater orienteering challenge! Take the skills learned in Orienteering Part One and build on them by learning to use bearings to navigate through the wilderness.
Additional Info
- Grade 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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
