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Summary

8 Beautiful Conservation Areas Near Toronto Where You Can Escape To A Peaceful Nature Oasis

Time for an adventure!

Person standing on a boardwalk. Right: Person sitting on a rock by the water.

Person standing on a boardwalk. Right: Person sitting on a rock by the water.

Lead Writer, Travel

These conservation areas near Toronto are beautiful places to get lost in nature. You can escape the bustle of the city and enjoy fresh air, scenic landscapes, and more at these spots.

From towering cliffs to swimming holes and rare lakes, these conservation areas are filled with things to see and do. Plus, they're only a short road trip away from the city.

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

Price: Free

Address: 1180 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can follow an elevated boardwalk trail through lush trees and scenic landscapes at this conservation area located just outside the city. It leads to a cobble beach filled with flat, round rocks.

Rattray Marsh website

Hilton Falls Conservation Area

Price: $10.50 per adult

Address: 4985 Campbellville Rd., Milton, ON

Why You Need To Go: Boasting a beautiful waterfall and historic mill ruins, this conservation area is a dreamy place to escape the bustle of the city. You can hike along scenic trails and picnic by a blue reservoir. Reservations are required.

Hilton Falls website

Rockwood Conservation Area

Price: $7.08 per adult

Address: 161 Fall St. S., Rockwood, ON

Why You Need To Go: There is so much to explore at this nature oasis. Rockwood Conservation Area features glacial potholes, towering cliffs, a small sandy beach, caves, and more.

Rockwood website

Crawford Lake Conservation Area

Price: $10.50 per adult

Address: 3115 Conservation Rd., Milton, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can venture along an elevated boardwalk to a rare turquoise lake in this conservation area. Don't forget to make a reservation in advance.

Crawford Lake website

Belfountain Conservation Area

Price: $7 admission fee per adult

Address: 10 Credit Park St., Belfountain, ON

Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for somewhere magical to explore then you'll want to head to this scenic conservation area. You can cross a waterfall on a swing bridge and stroll along beautiful trails.

Belfountain website

Kelso Conservation Area

Price: $10.50 per adult

Address: 5234 Kelso Rd., Milton, ON

Why You Need To Go: From mountain biking to swimming and hiking, this beautiful nature escape has tons of activities to enjoy. Reservations are required.

Kelso website

Elora Quarry Conservation Area

Price: $9.29 per adult

When: Reopening June 10, 2023

Address: 319 Wellington County Rd. 18, Elora, ON

Why You Need To Go: This magical swimming hole is a popular summer destination. You can take a dip in a turquoise pool surrounded by white cliffs. Don't forget to make a reservation before visiting.

Elora Quarry website

Limehouse Conservation Area

Price: Free

Address: 12169 Fifth Line, Limehouse, ON

Why You Need To Go: Located along the Bruce Trail, this area lets you explore rocky crevices and wander past historic lime kilns.

Limehouse website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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