Explore the Ganaraska Watershed
The GRCA owns approximately 5000 hectares of conservation land in order to protect ecologically significant, sensitive and unique areas, for current and future generations. Nine of these areas are conservation areas, where watershed residents and visitors can explore, learn and recreate passively for free. The Ganaraska Forest represents the largest area of conservation lands and where multi-use recreational trails can be accessed by purchasing a day pass or membership.
Regardless of where you visit, the following rules must be followed for the protection of these lands and everyone’s enjoyment:
- Access is only permitted on marked trails. Staying on the trail will help protect these spaces but also reduce your exposure to noxious plants (e.g., poison ivy and nettles) and ticks.
- Respect the privacy of our neighbours by staying on marked trails and avoiding excessive noise.
- Off-trail use is not permitted.
- Do not climb fences or take shortcuts.
- Obey all posted signage.
- Give the right of way to smaller and slower users. Stay right when approaching oncoming users.
- Pack out what you pack in. Garbage cans are not present in most locations in an effort to keep wildlife wild and avoid illegal dumping.
- Keep pets on a maximum two-meter leash. Stoop, scoop and take home all pet waste.
- No hunting or motorized use in any conservation area, and only where permitted in the Ganaraska Forest.
- No BBQ’s, camp stoves, fires or fireworks.
- Events and professional photographers require a permit.
- Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy. No foraging.
- Possession and or consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
- Our Conservation Areas are smoke free, which includes cigarettes, cannabis and vaping.
- Before you leave give invasive species “the boot” by cleaning your footwear, pets and recreational equipment.
Important Links
Contact Information
Administration Office
2216 County Road 28
Port Hope, ON L1A 3V8
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.885.9824
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Road
Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.797.2545