RVCA (1140)
Children categories
Department (68)
Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
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
RVCA is one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities. Under Ontario's Conservation Authorities Act, the RVCA is responsible for furthering the "conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in the watershed." We are responsible for protecting people and property from natural hazards like flooding and erosion.
For over 50 years, the RVCA has worked to protect the health of our watershed and the people who live in it. Through environmental monitoring and reporting, on-the-ground restoration and stewardship, conservation lands and education, development review and approval and flood forecasting and warning working in close partnerships with our member municipalities, other levels of government and academia has made this work possible.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a thriving watershed with clean abundant water, natural shorelines, rich forests and wetlands, diverse habitat and sustainable land use that is valued and protected by all.
Our Mission
Our mission is to understand, manage, protect, restore and enhance the Rideau watershed through science, stewardship, education, policy and leadership.
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 |
Foley Mountain is spectacular in fall, but visitors should plan ahead to avoid crowds.
During peak season (end of September to mid-October), staff are on-site every day 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 below for alternative parking and trail directions (click map to download a PDF):
Tips For An Unforgettable Foley Mountain Visit:
1. 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.
2. Plan ahead for 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 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.
3. Share 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!
4. Explore the whole park
There’s more to Foley Mountain than just Spy Rock: explore it! Foley Mountain offers 10 kilometres of trails ranging from our accessible 400-metre Mobility Trail (including a Story Trail for the youngest visitors) to more rugged treks across the top of the mountain.
Check out these three alternative fall hikes: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/beyond-spy-rock-three-fabulous-fall-hikes-at-foley-mountain
5. 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.
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 | ||
 |
“Moderate” Drought Conditions Persist into August
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
More...
Request for Proposal
RVCA Website Development and Support
RFP Inquiry Addendum
Question 1: What is the budget/budget range for website development and support?
Response: We have estimated costs associated with this RFP to be between $60,000 - $90,000.
Question: Can you provide specific information for your requirements for these:
- Public engagement functionalities
- Project management capabilities
- Performance management tool
Response: Although listed in section 2.2 as required deliverables, we don't have any large need for these functionalities or capabilities. It would be reassuring to know the CMS has the capability to add these elements should it become a need.
Question: Google says there are 4,000 pages of content [on the current site]. Will all this content be included in the new website or will you audit and streamline the content? Do you need assistance with this and if so, to what extent? Will your team input the content after training or do you need assistance with this?
Response: We anticipate reducing content significantly. RVCA’s communication staff are currently working to edit and streamline content. This includes restructuring the menus and flow of the site, although we look forward to sharing that with our successful contractor to gain their input and insight on how to best to present information to improve user experience. We do not anticipate inputting large amounts of content during the initial design stage but rather during the testing phase and following the website’s launch. However, this could be a cost-saving option should our anticipated budget be insufficient.
