canoe

Canoeing, hiking and caving at Rockwood Conservation Area

With towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, it’s no wonder that Rockwood Conservation Area is a popular destination for an outdoor adventure! From camping and picnicking to canoeing and swimming, this park is filled with tons of activities to enjoy. 

Within the Conservation Area, there are two trails: Pothole Trail and Cedar Ridge Trail. Offering impressive views of the park, they take you around the reservoir, along the tops of cliffs, across boardwalks through wetlands and beside big glacial potholes, glacial bluffs and caves. The trails are of moderate difficulty can be accessed from the beach or the Harris Woolen Mills ruins. 

If you’re looking to try something different, you can rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat and explore the Eramosa River. You can find the rental kiosk on the beach. We rented a canoe for one hour and managed to see everything. Once you hit the water, there's a few neat views to check out. We found a cave, a dam with a waterfall and beautiful views of the natural geological features. 

When you're feeling ready to wind down, you can always hit the beach on a hot summer day to swim or relax in the sun or grab a bite to munch on from the concession stand. Get out and enjoy the outdoors! 

NOTES:

  • The park offers camping, hiking, canoe/kayaking, fishing, cycling, swimming, mini-golfing and picnicking. 
  • It's opened all-year round from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. 
  • Entrance fees: $6 for adults, $5.25 for seniors and $3 for children (6-14).
  • Dogs are allowed and must be leashed. They're not allowed in the beach area. 
  • Boating rental fees (canoe/kayak/paddle boat): $15/hour for weekdays and $20/hour on weekends. They also require a $50 deposit fee. In the fall, the kiosk is only opened on weekends. 

Happy Adventuring! 

Canoeing at Awenda Provincial Park

Not many people are willing to go on an adventure at 4 p.m. on a weekday. Lucky for us, we're not like most people. A spontaneous decision led us to drive up North to Awenda Provincial Park for the evening. 

We rented a canoe and paddled out towards the middle of the calm water to enjoy the view and peacefulness of the outdoors. We brought our bubbles, our GoPro and an adventurous attitude. Except for the black flies constantly biting us, it was an amazing way to escape from the city life. There isn't a better way to end the day than watching the sunset from a beach. 

Happy Adventuring!