Summer is a wonderful time to explore the Kawartha Conservation watershed. There is so much to see, do and explore.
The abundance of lakes and rivers, parks, conservation areas, and trails make the Kawartha watershed the perfect summer destination.
Plan a visit to one of the historic towns and villages that make the Kawartha Watershed a unique and wonderful place to visit.
Whether you're looking to go exploring on a day trip, find a new trail, or spend some time near the water, you've come to the right place.
As well, if you're planning a trip to the Kawarthas, save 10% at the Days Inn and Suites By Wyndham Lindsay when you use Discount Code: 1000068806 online or mention 'Ken Reid Conservation Area' when you phone the hotel at 705.328.0100.
Explore our Watershed this Summer
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Explore Kawartha Lakes |
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Located just 90 minutes North East of Toronto, Kawartha Lakes has a variety of beautiful communities, each with their own unique charm. You can enjoy a day on our trails or experience some of the best locally-grown food you've ever tasted. If that weren't enough, our 250 lakes and rivers offer endless opportunities for exploration. Memories made in Kawartha Lakes will last a lifetime but we suspect, once you experience all we have, you'll want to return year after year. |
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Explore Scugog |
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In the Township of Scugog, just an hour northeast from Toronto – where the skyline has trees and rolling hills – there are a lot of possibilities. And simple things make for wonderful memories, like walks in the forest where you can watch for deer and rabbits, picnics by the water or lunch in one of our fine dining establishments. Because life doesn’t have to be complicated. |
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Explore Brock |
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Nestled on the east shore of Lake Simcoe and the Trent-Severn Waterway, and only a one-hour drive from Toronto, the Township of Brock offers beautiful rolling countryside, shoreline parks, historic hamlets and villages. Visit our community and discover all that we have to offer. |
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Explore Trent Lakes |
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For the best moments of your life, there’s a wonderful assortment of things to do in Trent Lakes. Nature, relaxation, culture and arts, on and off the water, long walks, longer talks, and soaking up all of life’s goodness. Trent Lakes is a land of opportunity and exploration for families, seniors and singles, and the best ending to a perfect day is the amazing sunset and evening star gazing. |
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Explore Cavan Monaghan |
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The Township of Cavan Monaghan boasts attractions within its rural environment. |
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Explore Clarington |
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The Municipality of Clarington offers a rich blend of history, rural living and vibrant downtown cores. Conveniently located less than an hour from Toronto, Clarington is a great getaway for a day trip or a week-long vacation. Enjoy the return of summer by supporting local businesses, shopping our historic downtowns, exploring ways to give back, and finding joy as you rediscover your hometown. There's no time to waste. Visit Clarington for an escape. |
Family and Children's Activities
| The Talking Forest |
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Visit Ken Reid Conservation Area or Windy Ridge Conservation Area and experience the Talking Forest, an interactive iOS and Android app that allows visitors to hear the trees in their own words. |
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Summer Scavenger Hunt |
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Looking for some fun summer activities to add a little nature to your routine? Try our Summer Scavenger Hunt. |
| Birding Checklist |
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With over 170 listed species, information on season and location, our Bird Checklist is the ultimate guide for finding the birds of Ken Reid Conservation Area, all year round. Start your birding adventure today. |
| Kawartha Quest |
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Kawartha Quest is a fun, interactive outdoor adventure series for all ages. Combining your skills in animal tracking, wildlife identification, map building and more, explore Ken Reid Conservation Area and complete your quest. |
| Fairy Garden Craft |
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Fairies are small, magical creatures that can be very hard to find, unless of course you build a Fairy Garden. Follow along with the instructions and learn how to build your own Fairy Garden at home. |
| Create a Journey Stick |
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A journey stick is a fantastic way to remember your adventures in nature, and all of the things you saw along the way. Explore your favourite trail, find the perfect stick, and build your journey stick today. |
| Summer Bucket List at Ken Reid |
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Check out the Summer Bucket List to see all of the top things to do at Ken Reid Conservation Area this summer. Can you do them all? |
Explore Our Conservation Areas
| Ken Reid Conservation Area |
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Ken Reid Conservation Area is a fantastic place to visit this summer, and with nearly 11kms of trails to explore, facilities such as the off-leash dog park, and fantastic views of the McLaren Creek Wetland, it’s hard not to fall in love with nature at Ken Reid. Whether you are walking, running, or biking, Ken Reid gives you the opportunity to explore at your own pace and see for yourself why summer in the Kawarthas is so memorable. |
| Windy Ridge Conservation Area |
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If you’re looking for a quick hike with stunning panoramic views of Pigeon River, Oak Ridges Moraine, rolling hills and never-ending forests, Windy Ridge Conservation Area has you covered. Located just west of 7A in Omemee and east of Highway 35, visitors can stand atop the area’s tallest ridge, exploring 1.8 km of trails. |
| Durham East Cross Forest |
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Durham East Cross Forest is a beautiful place to visit in the summer, with over 7km of marked trails for you to explore. Located along the Oak Ridges Moraine, it is home to fresh springs, lively wetlands and vital forests intersected by East Cross Creek and Pigeon River. |
| Pigeon River Headwaters |
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Pigeon River Headwaters is a natural and rustic area located approximately 30 minutes from Port Perry to the southeast of Lake Scugog. Visitors can look forward to exploring 3.4 kilometers of trails and boardwalks, surrounded by the sights and sounds of colourful flowers, chirping birds, and rushing water. |
| Fleetwood Creek |
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Fleetwood Creek is a top destination for those looking for refreshing hiking trails, exciting birding opportunities and sweeping views of budding treetops. Just over an hour from Toronto, people come from near and far to experience Ontario’s best treetop lookout in all seasons. |
How To Resources
| Apply for a permit |
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Thinking of building a new deck this summer, adding or removing a pond from your property, or anything in-between? Do you have questions about if your summer project requires a permit? Learn more about applying for a permit before you get started. |
| Create a healthy, native garden |
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Create healthy, natural, and stunning gardens on your property using our free garden guides. Complete with design templates, species lists, maintenance tips, and more, it's never been easier to create gardens that support pollinators, strengthen shorelines, and absorb pollutants and runoff. |
| Staying Safe in the Sun |
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Summer means that its time for sunshine, blue skies, and long days outside. Make sure that you're protected from the elements this summer by reading up on the best tips and tricks for sun safety. |
| Water Safety |
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Jumping in the pool or lake on a hot summer day is one of the best ways to cool down, relax, and enjoy the summer weather. Learn more about how to stay safe in and around the water this summer with the Canadian Red Cross. |
| Harmful algae bloom: What is it? |
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Harmful algae can grow rapidly in water over the summer and fall, releasing toxins into the water and making it unsafe for use. Learn all about harmful algae and ensure you know how to identify it, report it, and keep yourself safe. |
| Farmers' Markets in the Kawartha Lakes |
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Enjoy the best local fruit, vegetables, meats, crafts, baked goods and more that the Kawartha Lakes has to offer. With a handful of farmers markets and dozens of vendors to choose from, you'll be thrilled with the friendly atmospheres and vast selection available across the region. |