Conservation Areas (77)
Book Mill Pond CA
Book Online
Phone : 613-692-3571
Toll Free : 800-267-3504
Whether you are planning a corporate picnic or family gathering, Mill Pond offers a unique option for your event. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Facilities available for reservation:
Picnic shelters – Our shelters feature a roof for protection from bad weather as well as space for approximately 10 picnic tables making them a perfect setting for a family reunion or corporate picnic.
Facilities
Group Camping
Take your youth group for an overnight camping adventure at Mill Pond Conservation Area. Enjoy access to 6km of wilderness trails and a quiet and private location.
- Outhouses
- Picnic tables
- Fire pit
Picnic Shelter
This covered shelter is located in Mill Pond Conservation with access to 6km of hiking trails through the quiet and peaceful forest.
- Outhouses
- Picnic tables
Book Rideau Ferry CA
Book Online
Phone : 613-692-3571
Toll Free : 800-267-3504
Whether you are planning a corporate picnic or family gathering, Rideau Ferry Yacht Club offers a unique option for your event. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Faciilities
Picnic Shelter
This covered shelter is steps away from the popular sandy beach on Lower Rideau Lake. Reserve it for your next family gathering or corporate picnic!
- Outhouses and change houses
- Boat launch
Whether you are planning a meeting, seminar, company picnic, youth group camping trip, family gathering or wedding, Foley Mountain offers unique options for your event. We have a variety of facilities and natural areas that provide a beautiful backdrop for a range of occasions. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
There are several different types of facilities available for reservation:
Interpretive centre – Located at Foley Mountain, our interpretive centre features a large common room as well as flush toilets and a full kitchen. The centre is available for meetings, social gatherings, and community group overnight bookings.
Group camping – Foley Mountain offers a group camp sites available to organized groups such as Guiding, Scouting, schools, church groups, and other associations.
Cabins and other buildings – Additional buildings can be rented along with group camping areas for extra shelter or by groups for other functions. These unique buildings may feature varying levels of service including off-grid energy and woodstoves.
Picnic shelters – Our shelters feature a roof for protection from bad weather as well as space for approximately 10 picnic tables making them a perfect setting for a family reunion or corporate picnic.
Facilities
Interpretive Centre
This cedar lodge with a cottage feel is located on the ridge overlooking Upper Rideau Lake in Westport. It is a beautiful setting for your meeting, family gathering, or youth group overnight adventure.
- Large with rolled rubber floor with folding tables and seating
- Full kitchen
- Washrooms
- 40 people for daily rentals/25 overnight
Group Campground
Located among the mixed forests of Foley Mountain, this year round group campground is centrally located for access to trails and park features. It is a great camping location for small and large groups.
- Off grid washroom building (Non-potable water)
- 4 campfire pits (one with log benches)
- Picnic shelter
- Access to potable water is available at the Interpretive Centre
- Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre available to rent at additional cost
Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre
This additional building can be rented along with the group camping area for extra shelter or by groups for other functions. This unique refurbished log barn features off-grid energy and a woodstove.
- Off grid washroom building (Non-potable water)
- Access to potable water is available at the Interpretive Centre
- Alternative energy source for electricity
- Large tables and built in bench seating
- Loft style second floor
- Woodstove
Picnic Shelter
Our shelter is located in the group camping area and features a roof for protection from bad weather as well as space for approximately 10 picnic tables making it a perfect setting for a family reunion or corporate picnic.
- Off grid washroom building (Non-potable water)
- Picnic tables
Rental Info
| Facility | Capacity | Cost plus applicable taxes | Washrooms | Hydro | Water | Heat | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interpretive Centre Day Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am – 4pm | 60 | $100 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Evening Meeting (Monday to Friday) – After 4:00pm | 60 | $100 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Extended Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am to 11pm | 60 | $180 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Day Meeting (Saturday/Sunday/Stats) | 60 | $180 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Social Rentals (i.e. family reunions, staff parties, etc.) | 60 | $225 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (1 night) | 25 | $250 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (1 ½ days) | 25 | $330 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (Weekend: Friday to Sunday) | 25 | $440 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Group Camping Areas | 100 |
1-15 people: $90/night |
flush, off-grid |
no | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | fire pit |
no |
| Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre Day Rental | 60 | $75 | flush, off-grid |
solar | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | wood stove |
no |
| Silversides Outdoor Learning Centre Overnight Rental Package | 30 |
$220/night |
flush, off-grid |
no | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | fire pit | no |
| Picnic Shelter | 100 |
$75 |
flush, off-grid |
no | yes (non-potable), potable tap 1.5 km | fire pit | no |
Whether you are planning a meeting, seminar, company picnic, youth group camping trip or family gathering, Baxter offers unique options for your event. We have a variety of facilities and natural areas that provide a beautiful backdrop for a range of occasions. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
There are several different types of facilities available for reservation:
Interpretive centre – Located at Baxter, our interpretive centre features a large common room as well as flush toilets and a full kitchen. The centre is available for meetings, social gatherings, and community group overnight bookings.
Group camping – Baxter offers group camp sites available to organized groups such as Guiding, Scouting, schools, church groups, and other associations.
River cabin – This rustic river cabin can be rented along with the group camping area for extra shelter or by groups for other functions. This unique building features a woodstove and an off-the-grid energy supply.
Picnic shelters – Our shelters feature a roof for protection from bad weather as well as space for approximately 10 picnic tables making them a perfect setting for a family reunion or corporate picnic.
Facilities
Patrick J. McManus Interpretive Centre
Nestled in the heart of Baxter Conservation Area along the Rideau River, the interpretive centre is the perfect setting for a meeting, youth group camp, or family gathering.
- Large carpeted room with tables and seating
- Large tiled foyer area
- Full kitchen
- Washrooms
- 60 people for daily rentals/25 overnight
Group Camp Area
Organized community and youth groups can enjoy our year-round group camping area that is located on the shore of the Rideau River.
- Outhouses
- Open grassy area with some shade
- Accommodates 60 – 100 people
- Campfire pit
- River Cabin available to rent at additional cost
River Cabin
This rustic cabin is located in the group camping area along the shore of the Rideau River and makes a great complement to your camping adventure.
- Outhouses
- Alternative energy source for electricity
- Tables and chairs
- Small woodstove for heat
- No heat or running water
Picnic Shelter
This large shelter is across from the popular sandy beach and is a great backdrop for a family gathering or corporate picnic.
- Outhouses at beach
- Picnic tables
Rental Info
| Facility | Capacity | Cost plus applicable taxes | Washrooms | Hydro | Water | Heat | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interpretive Centre Day Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am – 4pm |
60 | $140 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Evening Meeting (Monday to Friday) – After 4:00pm |
60 | $140 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Extended Meeting (Monday to Friday) – 8am to 11pm |
60 | $195 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Weekend Meeting (Saturday/Sunday/Stats) |
60 | $200 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Social Rentals (i.e. family reunions, staff parties, etc.) | 60 | $275 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (1 night) |
25 | $300 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Interpretive Centre Community Group Overnight (Weekend: Friday to Sunday) |
25 | $470 | flush | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Group Camping Areas | 100 | 1-15 people: $75 16-30 people: $150 $7 for each additional person over 30 people |
|||||
| River Cabin (Baxter) – Day Rental | 25 | $75/day | outhouse | solar/ wind | tap 0.5 km | no | no |
| River Cabin (Baxter) – Overnight Rental | 12 | $125/night | outhouse | solar/wind | tap 0.5 km | no | no |
| Picnic Shelter | 100 | $85 |
With parking for 1-10 vehicles: $150 |
||||
Pay Machines
Pay machines are located at Foley Mountain, Baxter and Rideau Ferry conservation areas. You can purchase a day pass at all three sites or an annual pass at Foley Mountain using COIN or CREDIT CARD. Our machines DO NOT accept bills.
NOTE — credit card purchases are processed via cell networks. Some of our locations are remote and connections are sometimes slow. Please be patient!
A New Way to Pay at Conservation Areas
The new paybyphone service is going to make visits to conservation areas as easy as one, two, three!
No cash required, as long as you have your phone, you’re covered. There are three easy ways to use paybyphone. You chose what works best for you.
You can buy a day pass or you can opt to get an annual pass. (The advantage our annual passes is that it gives you access to all five conservation areas all year round.)
With paybyphone, you won’t need to keep track of a day pass ticket or an annual pass card.
Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
| Location Type | Location/Lot Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Baxter Day Pass |
5200 | $8 |
| Foley Mountain Day Pass |
5204 | $8 |
| Perth Wildlife Reserve Day Pass |
5205 | $8 |
| Rideau Ferry Day Pass |
5203 | $8 |
| WA Taylor Day Pass |
5201 | $8 |
| Annual Pass | 5222 | $55 |
Three ways to pay!
1. Call
Call
1-866-234-7275
Respond to the prompts. Existing users will be prompted to enter the 4 digit location/lot number, and parking time required (1 DAY). New users will be guided through a registration process. Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Wait for your parking to be confirmed Wait until you have heard the confirmation then your visit begins. You can extend your visit by calling the same number, your account will be recognized and you’ll have the option to extend your visit or start a new one.
2. Online
Visit the PayByPhone website First time users will have to register to create a PayByPhone account and use it to pay for parking. Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Enter your parking requirements.Enter the LOCATION/LOT number (see on-street signage) and the DURATION (1 DAY).
Enter your security code Finalise your transaction by entering the 3 digit security code on the back of your payment card.
3. Use the App
Download the app now from the Blackberry, Google Play or iOS App Store.
Enter your location/lot number. (Location/lot numbers are listed on signs at each conservation area or at www.rvca.ca/paybyphone). Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Enter your parking duration (enter 1 DAY)
Parking details will be sent to the handheld units the Parking Enforcement Officers patrol with.
7498 Carter Rd,
Kars, Ontario
Phone: 613-489-3592
Open year round
dawn to dusk
subject to winter conditions
Activities and Amenities
FAQ:
Are dogs allowed on the beach? No, dogs are not allowed on the beach; even when no one is there we want to keep our beach clean and healthy. Thank you.
Is there a place dogs can swim? Yes. If you are standing in front of the beach, facing the water, there is a small area to the left of beach that is open to the water’s edge where dogs can swim downstream from the beach (there's a clearing in the brush).
Can dogs be off leash at Baxter? No. Dogs must be on leash at all times on Baxter property.
Is there a lifeguard? There are no lifeguards. Swim at your own risk.
Is the water safe for swimming? Our beaches are tested weekly for E.Coli in the summer to ensure they're safe for visitors to swim. At Baxter Conservation Area, RVCA staff test the waters each week and will post notices online and on site if a closure is necessary. NOTE: Swimming is never recommended after a heavy rainfall event, in areas with heavy bird activity or if Blue Green Algae is suspected.
Trails: 5 km
Download the PDF 
Open Avenza map
Special Features
- Patrick J. McManus Conservation Centre
- Fillmore R. Park Nut Grove
- energy displays
- education programs
- day camps
- family programs
- sandy beach
- hiking and snowshoeing trails
- facility rentals
- group camping
- river cabin
- volunteer opportunities
Please use caution on the water! The Rideau River is part of a busy navigation channel. It is every boater's responsibility to know the hazards along their route and to ensure they have proper safety equipment on board. For a list of required equipment and complete rules and regulations, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety and read the Safe Boating Guide.
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