Ontario is the perfect place to be if you love adventures. There are so many scenic trails and vast landscapes to explore. This majestic woodland is tucked away in the province's south-west, and it's filled with all sorts of hidden gems. With a cascading waterfall and ancient fossils, this is one spot that needs to be on your bucket list. Ontario's Rock Glen Conservation Area is the perfect place to spend your sunny days.

Located in the small town of Arkona, Rock Glen Conservation Area will transport you back in time with its historic trees and rocks.

You can wander through a unique forest, along scenic trails, and down a winding staircase to waterfall views.

The lush Carolinian forest is filled with plants and wildlife that are distinct to this provincial area. You can find over 50 types of flowers blooming along the trails, as well as tulip trees, ash, and maple.

A wooden stairway leads down to the gorge, where a cascading waterfall rushes peacefully over the rocks.

You can relax beneath the falling water and take a dip in the surrounding blue pool.

The area is home to tons of ancient fossils that date back over 350 million years, making them older than dinosaurs.

Visitors are permitted to take one fossil home with them, but extracting tools are prohibited.

You can also discover Native American artifacts spanning thousands of years, and ruins of houses and mills built by European settlers.

There's a museum on-site filled with Devonian Era fossils, minerals, and more historic artifacts from the area.

The conservation area is usually open from May to October. However, you should always check the website to ensure that the park is open before visiting.

There is a $4 admission fee per person.

You can get more waterfall views by visiting this majestic cascade at the edge of a historic mill.

Travel back in time by exploring Rock Glen Conservation's wonderous fossils and rare forests.

Rock Glen Conservation Area

Price: $4 per person

When: May - October 

Address: 8680 Rock Glen Rd., Arkona, ON

Why You Need To Go: Explore ancient forests and prehistoric fossils at this hidden gem.

Website

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.