Conservation Area Use FAQs

Are NPCA conservation areas open to the public?
Can I still hike, walk my dog, kayak, fish, bird-watch, etc. at NPCA conservation areas?
Can I paddle or fish on local lakes and waterways, including the Welland River and Jordan Harbour?
Will you still be offering Outdoor Adventure Day Camp at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in 2022?
Who can I contact for more information on Conservation Area Use?

    Are NPCA conservation areas open to the public?

    All NPCA Conservation Areas are open for passive, day-use recreation such as hiking, dog-walking on leash, nature photography, and birdwatching. 

    The fishing season is now closed at NPCA Conservation Areas, and boat launches are closed to the public for the season.

    Chippawa Creek and Long Beach Conservation Areas are closed for the winter season, with passive recreation such as walking. Please be advised that there is limited parking available while the site is closed. Both parks will open for 2022 camping and fishing season on Victoria Day weekend.

    Limited washroom facilities remain available at Binbrook and Ball’s Falls Conservation Areas. Please plan your visit accordingly. Face masks required indoors at all times.

    Day-use admission fees apply at Ball’s Falls and Binbrook Conservation Areas.

    Visitors are asked to follow these guidelines when at NPCA conservation areas: 
    • Practice physical distance when possible
    • Stay on the trails, step off only if needed to allow others to pass safely
    • Keep pets on leash and clean up after them  
    • Do not litter
    • Take trash with you when leaving the property
    • Respect wildlife and plant-life   
    • All visitors must vacate by the posted closure time
    • Alcohol is strictly prohibited in all NPCA areas
    • Do not trespass on private properties adjacent to NPCA conservation areas

    For a full list of NPCA conservation areas and trails visit: www.npca.ca/parks

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    Can I still hike, walk my dog, kayak, fish, bird-watch, etc. at NPCA conservation areas?

    All NPCA conservation areas permitted for public use are open for passive recreational use only such as hiking and bird watching.

    Boat launches are now closed for the fall/winter season.

    Please refer to our Parks webpage for information on seasonal activities permitted at your preferred conservation area www.npca.ca/parks, and select your preferred park.

    Please refer to the first FAQ in this section for more information on amenities and services available at each park. 

    Children’s play areas and structures are open but will not be sanitized regularly so guests are advised to use at their own risk.

    Visitors are asked to follow these guidelines when at NPCA conservation areas: 

    • Practice physical distance when possible
    • Stay on the trails, step off only if needed to allow others to pass safely
    • Keep pets on leash and clean up after them  
    • Do not litter
    • Take trash with you when leaving the property
    • Respect wildlife and plant-life   
    • All visitors must vacate by 8 p.m. 
    • Alcohol is strictly prohibited in all NPCA areas
    • Do not trespass on private properties adjacent to NPCA conservation areas 

    The NPCA asks that visitors enjoy their time on the trails and in nature and allow other users to access the site and trails safely.

    For a full list of NPCA conservation areas and trails, visit www.npca.ca/parks 

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    Can I paddle or fish on local lakes and waterways, including the Welland River and Jordan Harbour?

    The NPCA does not oversee recreational activities such as paddling or fishing on local waterways and access points that are not on NPCA property.

    Boat launches are now closed for the season. The fishing season is now closed at NPCA Conservation Areas.

    Visitors are asked to follow these guidelines when at NPCA conservation areas: 
    • Practice physical distance when possible
    • Stay on the trails, step off only if needed to allow others to pass safely
    • Keep pets on leash and clean up after them  
    • Do not litter
    • Take trash with you when leaving the property
    • Respect wildlife and plant-life   
    • All visitors must vacate by the posted closure time
    • Alcohol is strictly prohibited in all NPCA areas
    • Do not trespass on private properties adjacent to NPCA conservation areas

    For a full list of NPCA conservation areas and trails visit: www.npca.ca/parks

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    Will you still be offering Outdoor Adventure Day Camp at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in 2022?

    The NPCA will be offering Outdoor Adventure Day Camps at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in 2022, along with other fun and educational programs and activities for the whole family, school groups, and special interest groups/clubs too!

    More information about NPCA education and recreation programs and contact information can be found at www.npca.ca under the Learning tab.

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    Who can I contact for more information on Conservation Area Use?

    Please use the Q&A tool and we will get back to you soon. 

    If you prefer to reach out to someone directly, call or email Alicia Powell at apowell@npca.ca or 905-788-3135 ext. 326.

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