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RVCA (1140)
Children categories
Department (68)
Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
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.
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RVCA
7498 Carter Rd,
Kars, Ontario
Phone: 613-489-3592
Open year round
dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
Situated on 80 hectares along the shores of the Rideau River, Baxter is a beautiful example of river floodplain. Explore, year-round, the mixed hardwood forests, meadows and wetlands over the 5 km of trails and visit the unique Filmore Park Nut Grove with its many species of nut and bean trees and shrubs. Join in the excellent environmental education programs, summer day camps and seasonal community group camping. Baxter boasts a large number of picnicking areas and large covered shelter adjacent to one of the cleanest and most attractive beaches on the Rideau. Visit the Patrick McManus Interpretive Centre which hosts the many programs and is available to groups for workshops, weekend rentals and social events.
Parking costs $8/vehicle. Annual passes are also available for $55. Parking passes can be purchased at our pay machine as you enter the park OR through our Pay-By-Phone system. Our pay machine takes coins and credit only. More information on the “Pay-By-Phone” system, visit the "Purchase a Pass" link to the right.
FAQ:
Are dogs allowed on the beach? No, dogs are not allowed on the beach; even when no one is there we want to keep our beach clean and healthy. Thank you.
Is there a place dogs can swim? Yes. If you are standing in front of the beach, facing the water, there is a small area to the left of beach that is open to the water’s edge where dogs can swim downstream from the beach (there's a clearing in the brush).
Can dogs be off leash at Baxter? No. Dogs must be on leash at all times on Baxter property.
Is there a lifeguard? There are no lifeguards. Swim at your own risk.
Is the water safe for swimming? Our beaches are tested weekly for E.Coli in the summer to ensure they're safe for visitors to swim. At Baxter Conservation Area, RVCA staff test the waters each week and will post notices online and on site if a closure is necessary. NOTE: Swimming is never recommended after a heavy rainfall event, in areas with heavy bird activity or if Blue Green Algae is suspected.
Trails: 5 km
Download the PDF 
Open Avenza map
Special Features
- Patrick J. McManus Conservation Centre
- Fillmore R. Park Nut Grove
- energy displays
- education programs
- day camps
- family programs
- sandy beach
- hiking and snowshoeing trails
- facility rentals
- group camping
- river cabin
- volunteer opportunities
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.
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Areas
At Baxter, we strive to provide students with a strong understanding of our natural world, how it functions and how we, as humans, fit into it. All our programs are interactive and experiential to provide students with a “hands-on” approach to learning about natural science in our “Ecology Lab.” If you don’t see a program that meets your group’s objectives, please give us a call — and our Interpreters will create one for you!
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Baxter CA
Kindergarten Nature Program
Your Kindergarten class will be led through a series of age-appropriate, interactive activities suited to the season. Investigate what animals need to survive in different habitats through an outdoor scavenger hunt, get hands-on with animal pelts and skulls, and explore nature through fun play-based activities. Can be offered as a half-day or full-day program.
Additional Info
- Grade K
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
March 27, 2017, EASTERN ONTARIO — The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) Board of Directors celebrated World Water Day with release of their 2017 Annual Report. The report highlights the many achievements and on-the-ground projects that happened throughout the over 4,000 square kilometres of the Rideau watershed — activities that focus attention on the importance of water and supports World Water Day values. “RVCA is committed to supporting watershed health and the principles promoted through World Water Day,” said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, RVCA General Manager. “It is fitting that we release our 2017 Annual Report on this special day and share…
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Media Release
Snowshoeing
Come and experience one of the oldest forms of transportation in Canada! Students will learn how to safely travel with snowshoes and, once comfortable, follow the snowshoe trail through the forest and maybe even try snowshoe games.
Additional Info
- Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Winter
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All Programs
Mosquito Creek Flood Risk Mapping from Mitch Owens Road to Rideau River
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The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by local municipalities under the Conservation Authorities Act, to develop and deliver watershed-based resource management programs on behalf of the Province and participating municipalities. The 18 municipalities located in the Rideau Valley watershed appoint representatives who serve on the Board of Directors to oversee the programs of the RVCA. These appointed directors, who are members of Council or citizen appointees, speak on behalf of all watershed residents along with an agricultural representative appointed by the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
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Governance
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Areas
Snowshoeing
Come and experience one of the oldest forms of transportation in Canada! Students will learn how to safely travel with snowshoes and, once comfortable, follow the snowshoe trail through the forest and maybe even try snowshoe games.
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Winter
EASTERN ONTARIO, March 12, 2018 — The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed hazard mapping studies for Flowing Creek and Hobbs Drains — tributaries of the Jock River. Members of the public are invited to an upcoming open house to review regulations and hazard maps. These studies provide new mapping that show areas that are prone to natural hazards such as flooding and erosion and have natural environmental features such as wetlands. The mapping will be used by the City of Ottawa when updating their Official Plan and Zoning Schedules and in the review of development applications under the Planning…
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Media Release
