Windy Ridge

Panoramic Beauty, Endless Adventure

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Windy Ridge Conservation Area

Experience the beauty and diversity of nature at Windy Ridge Conservation Area. Featuring 1.8 km of multi-use trails, this remarkable destination offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and biking, all while taking in stunning panoramic views from the lookout atop one of the area’s tallest ridges.

Nestled in the picturesque Kawartha region, Windy Ridge is more than just a scenic retreat—it is a vital natural habitat that supports local wildlife and plant species. With a range of ecosystems, including open meadows and tranquil forests, the area serves as a haven for birdwatching, environmental education, and moments of quiet reflection.

The conservation area’s history is rooted in community stewardship and conservation efforts. In 1999, Hugo Germeraad generously donated 87 acres of land, laying the foundation for what is now Windy Ridge. This was followed in 2004 by a collaboration with Ontario Heritage Trust and Ducks Unlimited, who helped secure an additional 122 acres from the Tuckerman Family. Today, Kawartha Conservation proudly manages these lands on behalf of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Whether you're exploring its trails, taking part in community programs, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, Windy Ridge Conservation Area invites you to connect with nature and experience the unique beauty of the Kawartha region.

Windy Ridge Trail Map

Facilities

Windy Ridge offers:

Washroom
Picnic shelter
Garbage cans
Lookout
Hiking trails

Activities

Things to do at Windy Ridge:

Hike and bike the 1.8 km trail system
Birding
Dog-walking (on leash only)
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (trails ungroomed)
The Talking Forest
Word scramble course

Hours of operation

We are open daily all year.

May to October from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November to April from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A Prescription for Nature Program

PaRx

Kawartha Conservation is paving the way for residents to enhance their physical and mental health, through a new collaboration with Canada’s national nature prescription program, PaRx.

Visitors issued a PaRx nature prescription from their health care provider can receive a 25% discount on an annual parking pass from Kawartha Conservation, which is good for:

Ken Reid Conservation Area
Durham East Cross Forest
Windy Ridge Conservation Area
Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area

This collaboration will empower residents to reap the health benefits of spending time in nature.

To access your 25% discount please talk to your health care provider about getting a PaRx Prescirption, and then call Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 to complete your Annual Parking Pass process, or come into our Administrative Office Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Click here to visit the PaRX website for more information

Parking

Parking is $4 including HST per vehicle per day, or $84.75 including HST for an annual parking pass, which includes all Kawartha Conservation conservation areas. Seniors 65 + can get an annual Parking Pass, good for any of our conservation areas for $67.80. Visitors can pay for parking using the Passport Parking Mobile App or Passport Parking website. Once you had logged in, input Zone 3184 for Windy Ridge Conservation Area.

Getting here

Windy Ridge Conservation Area is located in the City of Kawartha Lakes at 998 Mount Horeb Rd., just west of 7A in Omemee and east of Highway 35.

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