Recreation Activities (8)
Probably one of the best types of exercise, and you won’t even notice the workout because you’ll be having so much fun! Make a splash in a lake or river — it’s a great way to cool off in the summer.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
Tips
- Watch for beach closure notices.
- Beaches are not supervised. Parents, ensure that children are supervised at all times.
- Use waterproof sunscreen.
- Always be aware of currents and undercurrents and know your limitations.
- Take your litter home with you.
Make the most of it when the snow falls; get out and enjoy it! Blaze your own trail and explore with snowshoeing and Cross-country skiing. Both are exhilarating ways to see the countryside and have an amazing workout at the same time.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
Tips
- Wear several thinner layers rather than one heavy layer – you may start out cold, but you’ll soon heat up with this activity.
- Take a bottle of water and a snack.
- Be prepared for a change in the weather.
Plan your outing around a picnic or take a break from all the other fun activities that you can enjoy at these Conservation Areas. Find a picnic table or just choose an attractive spot and throw down a blanket and break open the hamper. Planning a big group event? Consider the beautiful picnic area at Baxter Conservation Area.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Meisel Woods Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Motts Mills Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
- Portland Bay Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Take sunscreen, mosquito repellent and plenty of drinking water, as well as your picnicking goodies!
- Take your litter home with you.
Walking along Conservation Area trails is a fun, safe and healthy way to experience the outdoors in the Rideau Watershed. There is much to explore, from woodland trails and marsh boardwalks to lakeside beaches and meandering waterways. Walking is an easy and enjoyable way to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the beautiful natural areas that the region has to offer? Why go to a gym to walk on a treadmill when there are 50 kilometres of trails in your own backyard?
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Meisel Woods Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Motts Mills Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Go equipped with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and drinking water as well as comfortable shoes.
- Do not venture off the trails.
- Take your litter home with you.
- Take nothing but pictures.
You don’t need to go far in the Rideau watershed to find a good fishing spot. Our region is home to many types of fish species and everyone can enjoy the excitement of awaiting a bite! Adults and children alike have fun and relax while experiencing this time-honoured tradition.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Portland Bay Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Remember a valid Ontario Fishing License is required for those 18 years of age and over and Ontario Fishing regulations apply. See OMNRF site for more information. https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing
- If fishing from a boat, always wear a lifejacket.
Guides, Scouts and other groups are invited to enjoy our group camping areas. Get back to nature, sleep under the stars listening to the sounds of wildlife and wake up to the sun gently shining though the forest canopy. You don’t have to go far to have an overnight outdoor adventure.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
Tips
- Take sunscreen, mosquito repellent and plenty of drinking water.
The watershed boasts a network of beautiful lakes, rivers, creeks and tributaries. Whether you enjoy motor boats, canoes, kayaks or other sports such as sailing and windsurfing, there are many local water based opportunities.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Go equipped with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and drinking water as well as comfortable shoes.
- Do not venture off the trails.
- Take your litter home with you.
- Take nothing but pictures.
A fascinating pastime, bird watching is becoming increasingly popular. Our Conservation Areas are equipped with convenient parking areas, pleasant trails and good viewing areas. Some include viewing towers to help support in the pursuit of viewing our feathered friends.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Meisel Woods Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Motts Mills Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
- Portland Bay Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water, binoculars and camera.
- You may also want to take a bird identification reference book, a notebook and a pen.
- To see the most diverse array of birds, generally best to arrive earlier in the morning.
- Take your litter home with you.
Watershed Conditions
Current Watershed Conditions
STAY
INFORMED
Worried about spring flooding? Have flood messages sent directly to your home email address. Subscribe to the RVCA Flood Forecasting and Warning mailing list.
