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Ken Reid Conservation Area

Where Nature Inspires Adventure and Tranquility

Off-Leash Dog Park

Nature's Edge Disc Golf

Talking Forest

Facility Rentals

Parking

Explore

Ken Reid Conservation Area

Ken Reid Conservation Area offers a natural escape just 3 km north of Lindsay, where 110 hectares (272 acres) of diverse landscapes await. A sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, families, and explorers alike, this unique area preserves a stunning array of ecosystems, from dense forests and sprawling meadows to the remarkable McLaren’s Creek Wetland—a provincially significant treasure.

Visitors to Ken Reid Conservation Area can explore a thoughtfully designed network of 12 trails, covering nearly 12 kilometers, each with something unique to offer. Two popular boardwalks offer an immersive wetland experience, where the natural beauty and wildlife of the area come to life. Trails meander through scenic views, while the accessible observation platform invites you to pause and soak in the serenity of the wetland habitats.

The area is designed with community enjoyment in mind, featuring a playground, picnic spots, a group camping area, and a designated off-leash dog park. Ken Reid Conservation Area also hosts the engaging Talking Forest, a unique interpretive experience that brings local stories to life, and Nature’s Edge Disc Golf Course, an enjoyable 9-hole course set against the backdrop of nature’s beauty. With the Victoria Rail Trail intersecting the area, Ken Reid serves as a hub for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures.

Open year-round, Ken Reid Conservation Area is not just a destination for relaxation and recreation; it’s also home to the Kawartha Conservation Administrative Centre, ensuring it remains a vital part of the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Easily accessible from 277 Kenrei (Park) Rd., via Angeline St. or off Highway 35, Ken Reid Conservation Area is a gateway to nature where every visit promises a new discovery. Come, connect with nature, and see why Ken Reid is a cornerstone of conservation and community in Kawartha Lakes.

Off-Leash Dog Park

Bring your favourite four-legged friend and enjoy hours of fun at the Off-Leash Dog Park. Remember to bring your own water and don't forget to pick up after your dogs. Extra dog waste bags are available near the entrance to the Off-Leash Dog Park at Ken Reid Conservation Area

Facilities

The Off-Leash Dog Park offers:

  • Trails
  • Garbage bins
  • Benches
  • Dog waste bags
  • Separate area for small dogs and guide dogs

Rules of the run

To maximize enjoyment for all users, we ask that you please respect the following rules while using the off-leash area:

  • Keep dogs leashed when entering and exiting the park
  • Dogs must be at least four-months-old and have up-to-date vaccinations
  • Dogs must wear a current license tag
  • Dogs named under the Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act are not allowed
  • Keep your dog under control and within sight
  • There is a maximum of two dogs per person
  • Dogs must be neutered or spayed
  • Restrain aggressive dogs at once; dogs involved in a fight must leave the off-leash area
  • Promptly clean up after your dog by picking up and disposing of waste in the disposal bin
  • People food is prohibited
  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Use of the off-leash park is at your own risk

Report an incident

To maintain the safety of users, we ask that any violations or incidents be reported to Kawartha Conservation as soon as possible. File reports through our online reporting system or by contacting the Administration Centre

 

Nature's Edge Disc Golf

Nature’s Edge Disc Golf Course at Ken Reid Conservation Area offers an exciting blend of sport and nature that is perfect for newcomers and seasoned disc golf players alike. As one of the region’s newest courses, this 9-hole disc golf experience takes players on a scenic journey through Ken Reid’s mature woodlands, grassy clearings, and diverse landscapes, immersing players in the natural beauty of the area with every throw.

The thoughtfully designed course is set up with two sets of tees to accommodate different skill levels. The Red Tees are ideal for beginners and recreational players, providing a fun and accessible game that still lets you enjoy the twists and turns of the course. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Blue Tees offer advanced players a more technical and demanding game, with longer throws and tricky lines that test accuracy and skill.

Each hole of the Nature’s Edge course has been crafted to enhance the player’s connection to the environment, creating a unique outdoor activity that brings players close to nature’s edge—whether it’s through the towering trees, open fields, or the area’s rich wildlife. Players can also take advantage of various rest points along the course to enjoy the views, listen to the sounds of the forest, or learn more about the conservation efforts at Ken Reid.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely game with friends, a family-friendly outdoor activity, or a challenge that combines fitness with finesse, Nature’s Edge Disc Golf Course offers an enriching, enjoyable way to explore and appreciate the great outdoors.

The Talking Forest

Explore the trails throughout our Conservation Areas like never before, taking in the tales of trees that call the parks home. The Talking Forest is an interactive trail that allows users to hear some of the different stories the trees in our parks have to share, from the trees themselves. There are currently Talking Forest trails located at Ken Reid Conservation Area, Windy Ridge Conservation Area, and most recently Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area.  Along the trails you will be greeted by the voices of various trees who will provide you with fun facts, historical information and may even direct you to other points of interest in the parks. Enhancements and development of The Talking Forest are supported by the RBC Tech for Nature program. Download the app today to see what the trees have to say. 

The Talking Forest app is free to download and is currently available on Android and IOS platforms. Subscribe to this page for updates on The Talking Forest and new trails. 

Trail Information

Ken Reid

Original Talking Forest Trail

  • 15 Stations along Woodland Loop and Marsh Lookout trails
  • Approximate total length of trail: 2.22 km
  • Approximate time to complete total trail: 1 hour (walking consistently at an average adult's pace)

First Nation's Trail

  • 8 Stations along the Point Loop Trail
  • Approximate total length of the trail: 2.7 km
Pigeon River Headwaters
  • 7 Stations located along the Brown Trail
  • Approximate total length of trail: 1 km
Windy Ridge
  • 11 Stations located around the loop trail
  • Approximate total length of trail: 1.5 km
Join the fun, download the app

Visit the Google Play Store or App Store. 
  1.  Search for and download "The Talking Forest" app.
  2. Make sure your location services are turned on. This allows you to follow along the trail.
  3. Select the talking trail you would like to follow. 
  4. Leave your phone in your pocket as you explore the trails or use it as a guide to help pinpoint stops along the trail. 
  5. Turn your volume up and listen carefully. 

Download The Talking Forest for Android
Download The Talking Forest for Apple.

 

Kawartha Quest

Welcome to Kawartha Quest, where your adventure begins!

Kawartha Quest is a fun, interactive outdoor adventure series for all ages.

Combining your amateur skills in animal tracking, wildlife identification, map building and more, participants will be guided through the trails at Ken Reid Conservation Area where they will complete a series of challenges to reveal letters to a secret code word.

Once complete, participants can upload the secret word on the Kawartha Conservation website to receive a Certificate of Completion and a participant button.

To begin your adventure today, download the Kawartha Quest Passport and head to Ken Reid Conservation Area for a visit filled with fun, adventure and learning for the whole family. Passports are also available in the brochure racks at the Administration Centre and the map kiosk at the main parking lot. See you soon.

We would LOVE to see pictures from your adventures at Ken Reid Conservation Area. Share your adventures by tagging us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and using #KawarthaQuest.

Download the Kawartha Quest Passport

Submit your Kawartha Question Keyword Here

Facilities

Ken Reid offers:

  • Year-round paid parking 
  • Hiking trails
  • Accessible trail
  • McLaren's Marsh Accessible Lookout
  • Boardwalks
  • Playground 
  • Outdoor Classroom
  • Group Camp
  • Field Centre
  • Washrooms
  • Accessible washrooms (located at the Sturgeon Lake parking area)
  • Picnic shelters
  • Garbage cans
  • Administrative Building 

Facility rentals

Rent one of our facilities for your next celebration, corporate event or field trip. Ken Reid Conservation Area offers a number of different facility rentals to meet your needs. Not sure if Ken Reid Conservation Area can host your event; contact our Conservation Areas Technician to see if we can help.

Facility Rental

Facility rental rates – parking fee not included

Facility

Rental Fee
Outdoor Classroom $80.00 + HST
Field Centre $175.00 + HST
Greenspace or Pavilion  $85.00 + HST
Group Camp - Overnight  $150.00 + HST
Special Events $250.00 - $3000.00 + HST 

 

Discover the perfect backdrop for your event at Ken Reid Conservation Area! Our Greenspaces and Pavilions are ideal for gatherings that keep things simple – no need for third-party vendors or exclusive access. We have three fantastic locations: Group Camp, Escarpment Pavilion, and Lakeview Site.

Each site comes with basics like vaulted privies, picnic tables, and garbage bins. The Group Camp offers non-potable water and an extra pavilion. The Escarpment Pavilion is close to the Administration building and an off-leash dog park. Meanwhile, the Lakeview Site features accessible privies, beautiful views of Sturgeon Lake, and a playground.

Book a Greenspace or Pavilion

 

An outdoor blackboard with several wooden tables and seating.

The Outdoor Classroom is located behind the Field Centre at Ken Reid Conservation Area. With access to a chalkboard, seven tables and seating for approximately 30 people, the Outdoor Classroom makes a great addition to any field trip. 

 

Book the Outdoor Classroom

Large wooden building with several windows, man door and garage door.

Consider booking the Field Centre for your next event at Ken Reid. Located directly across from the Administrative Building and the main parking lot, the Field Centre offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space for your different event needs. 

 

  • Equipped with heat and electricity.
  • Tables and seating available for approximately 30 people. 
  • Max capacity of 60 people with no fixed seating. 
  • Access to port-a-toilet on site. 

 Book the Field Centre

Group camp provides a unique outdoor setting with ample privacy and lots of space for groups looking for an overnight camping experience. Ideal for organized groups such as the Scouts, Girl Guides. etc. 

Brown wooden pavilion with several picnic tables and garbage cans.

Tucked away in the back of Ken Reid, Group Camp offers guests with access to a variety of amenities including: 

  • gated access to site 
  • private parking
  • picnic shelter
  • picnic tables
  • garbage cans
  • four vaulted privies
  • non-potable water
  • tent camping
  • fire pit 
  • open space 

Stay for the day or bring your tent and spend the night; group camp is available for daily and overnight rentals. 

Book Group Camp

Looking to host an event that will require restricted access, third party vendors or host groups of 500+ people?  Consider booking a special event at one of our conservation areas. Kawartha Conservation has been host to a variety events, ranging in size, such as weddings, charity runs, Christmas at Ken Reid, Trillium Lakeland District Schoolboard's Eco Summit and annual cross-country runs.

With access to open greenspace and facilities such as garbage cans, vaulted privies and picnic shelters, there's something for every occasion. 

Book your private event

Activities

Ken Reid has lots to offer. You can:

  • Hike or bike on 12 km of trails
  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (trails ungroomed)
  • Try birding with our free Bird Checklist
  • Walk your dog on leash along our trails or at the Off-Leash Dog Park
  • Launch a canoe or kayak on Sturgeon Lake - access points accessible from the Dragonfly parking lot (to the Iron Bridge), or the Sturgeon Lake parking area. A brief portage from the parking lot is required to reach both access points.
  • The Talking Forest

Please note that fishing and hunting within Ken Reid Conservation Area is not permitted. 

Events at Ken Reid

We host a variety of events at Ken Reid, Including:

For a full list of events, please visit our Events Calendar

How to pay for

Parking

Parking is available at multiple locations at Ken Reid Conservation Area from April to November. Annual parking passes and daily parking can be purchased in a number of ways for your convenience. Those looking to purchase Senior Annual parking passes may do so by contacting the Administrative Centre

Parking is $4 including HST per vehicle per day, or $96.05 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.

Parking Type Cost (HST Included)
Daily Rate $4
Annual Pass $96.05
Seniors Annual Pass (65+) $67.80

Pay for your daily parking pass using our pay and display machine. As you enter the park, stop at the pay and display machine to purchase your daily parking pass using coins, Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Place your ticket on your dash, face up, so information is visible through windshield. 

Annual parking passes can be purchased by contacting our Administrative Centre. 

Visitors can pay for parking using the Passport Parking Mobile App or Passport Parking website. Once you had logged in, input Zone 3181 for Ken Reid Conservation Area.

The Passport Parking Mobile App is available for Android and Apple.

Contact us at our Administrative Centre during regular business hours to purchase your Annual or Senior Annual parking pass. 

Save 10% on Stays when booking at

Days Inn

Visiting Ken Reid Conservation Area, mention Ken Reid when booking, or use the Discount Code: 1000068806 when booking online at Days Inn and Suites Lindsay and receive a 10% discount on your stay.

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