Plan your Family Day Weekend adventure in the Kawarthas

FEBRUARY 14, 2022 – The Family Day long weekend is quickly approaching, and with dozens of snow-covered trails, sweeping views and interactive outdoor family activities, now is the perfect time to plan your visit to one of our conservation areas throughout the Kawartha Lakes region.

Located less than an hour-and-a-half from both the GTA and Peterborough, each of our conservation areas offers a unique experience for families looking to spend time together on a Family Day outing.

“One of the greatest things about exploring our conservation areas in the winter is the amount of activities that are available for people of all ages to enjoy,” said Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands, Kristie Virgoe. “Aside from walking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country-skiing and birding, families can look forward to exploring The Talking Forest, Word Scramble and Story Walk trail, each of which were designed with families and children in mind.”

Family Day Weekend is also the perfect time to begin your Kawartha Quest, an outdoor adventure series for all ages that includes animal tracking, wildlife identification, map building and more. Launched in December 2021, participants will explore the trails of Ken Reid Conservation Area, completing challenges along the way in hopes of solving the secret code word.

Everybody is welcome to explore our conservation areas, with a diverse selection of trails for all skill levels, as well as accessible trails and an off-leash dog park at Ken Reid Conservation Area.

“Spending time outside in the winter is important because it improves our immune system, relieves stress and increases energy,” continued Virgoe. “These benefits, paired with spending time with those you love in the great outdoors, makes for an awesome Family Day Weekend.”

When visiting our conservation areas this winter, remember to wear warm winter clothing and check the weather forecast to ensure a comfortable experience. A reminder that Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area is closed for the winter season and will reopen in Spring 2022.

For more information on activities available at our conservation areas this winter, as well as upcoming events, visit our Winter in the Kawartha’s webpage and Event Calendar.