Why I love Conservation Areas
Earlier this summer, I picked up Credit Valley Conversation (CVC) parks pass that gives me access to 10 different conservation areas throughout Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon and Orangeville. The pass grants you entry to the park without having to pay an entrance fee. Memberships start at $75 for individuals and go up to $135 for a family pass that admits up to six people in one vehicle. Each park has its own unique features and set of activities. The thing they all have in common are great hiking trails. From light strolls to hilly climbs, the Credit Valley Conservation parks have something for everyone including your four-legged bestie.
So far, Louie and and I have visited three of the ten CVC parks - Island Lake Conservation Area, Ken Whillans Resource Management Area, and Silver Creek Conservation Area. Our favourite so far is Island Lake. We have walked the 8 kilometre long Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail that features lake spanning bridges and beautiful vistas. If you love photography, this trail is for you. There are many places along the trail to stop and take gorgeous photos. Don’t forget to bring some water for you and your dog. It is moderately challenging and took us about an hour and forty-five minutes to complete. There were tons of things for Louie to sniff and many dogs at the park for him to greet. So that added a bit of time to our hike. Island Lake is also a great place to do some paddling in your kayak or canoe. And, if you love to fish, there are plenty of spots along the shore to cast your reel or hop into a small boat and fish out in the lake.
The CVC parks are very clean. I don’t have to worry about my dog finding random trash while out for a walk. The trails are also very well marked making it easy to stay on course and reduces the likelihood of getting lost. Both are important especially when walking with a pup. Another bonus is washrooms! Just make sure to bring a mask as you will have to wear one to enter the washroom facilities.
The added bonus of getting a CVC pass is that it also gets you entry into Toronto and Region Conservation Authority parks. These parks are located throughout the Greater Toronto Area and offer great hiking trails just like the CVC parks.