Recreation
Enjoy the Wealth of Nature Close to Home
The St Williams Conservation Reserve has several opportunities for day-use recreation that are compatible with natural heritage and restoration values.
Some activities include hiking, biking, bird watching, and hunting. Recreational users are asked to always follow the CODE OF CONDUCT while on the property.
There are also trails designated specifically for equestrian use, bicycle use, as well as multi-use trails that permit motorized vehicles under 300kg. Trail maps can be found HERE. Please follow our guidelines below to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all.
Recreation Opportunities
There are many opportunities for recreation within the St Williams Conservation Reserve.
Examples include:
Nature Observations & Photography
Hiking & Dog Walking
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
ATV & Dirt Bike Riding
Hunting & Fishing
General Rules for All Users/Visitors
Respect other trail users and the sensitive natural environment.
Do not harass, chase, or disturb wildlife.
Stay on authorized trails and avoid creating new trails.
Use trails only for the designated activities as displayed on our TRAIL MAPS.
Respect neighbouring landowners. Stay within the SWCR boundaries and keep noise levels reasonable.
Pack out everything you bring in; leave no trace.
Observe seasonal or temporary trail closures due to forestry operations or environmental conditions.
Hunting is permitted; if visiting during hunting seasons, wear high-visibility clothing for safety.
Check trail conditions before use: if your tracks are deeper than 1 cm, avoid the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are allowed in the St. Williams Conservation Reserve?
Day-use recreational activities compatible with conservation and restoration values are welcome. These include hiking, nature viewing, and hunting. Some trails are specifically designated for equestrian use, bicycle use, or multi-use (permitting motorized vehicles under 300 kg).
Can I camp in the St. Williams Conservation Reserve?
No, camping is not permitted within the Conservation Reserve.
Is hunting allowed?
Yes, hunting is allowed throughout the St. Williams Conservation Reserve in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, except in areas surrounding the leased land and nursery. Please refer to the map for restricted zones.
Are firearms allowed?
Firearms may only be used for lawful hunting activities. Target shooting, trap shooting, skeet shooting, sighting-in, and any other non-hunting use of firearms are not permitted.
Do I need to follow any specific rules while visiting?
Yes. All visitors must follow the St. Williams Conservation Reserve Code of Conduct to ensure safety and the protection of natural heritage values.
Trail Resources
Click on the resources below to find more information on each topic:
Prohibited Activities
- Motorized Vehicles Over 300 KG
- Camping
- Open Fires
- Use of Unauthorized Trails
- Collecting Plants/Animals/Materials
- Foraging for Commercial Use
Cycling / Mountain Biking
In addition to the dedicated Mountain Bike Trail located within the Turkey Point Tract, cycling is permitted on all multi-use trails.
Please respect the authorized trail network while visiting the Reserve: Off-trail riding can damage sensitive habitats, introduce invasive plants and animals, and is hazardous to other visitors.
Code of Conduct for Cyclists
Prepare accordingly – know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding.
Slow down if your vision of the trail ahead is restricted. Always assume there may be another trail user ahead and be prepared to stop.
Yield the trail to hikers and horseback riders. Use your bell or speak when you are about 30 feet away to alert them.
Be careful when passing children and dogs, especially from behind. Allow the owner to control the dog before passing.
Stay on designated trails. Off-trail riding can damage vulnerable plants and wildlife.
Motorized Vehicles
Motorized vehicles under 300 kg, including ATV’s, dirt bikes and snowmobiles, are permitted on multi-use trails only.
Code of Conduct for Vehicle Operators
All motorized vehicle operators must be fully licensed and insured.
Obey all provincial regulations and local by-laws.
Be aware and ride with care.
Stay on authorized trails. Unauthorized trail riding can injure vulnerable plants and wildlife.
Avoid sudden maneuvers that damage the trail or increase risk of collision.
Slow down when your vision of the trail ahead is restricted, at night or over unfamiliar terrain.
Always assume there could be other trail users ahead and be prepared for a controlled stop.
Slow down and be courteous when approaching or passing other trail users. Keep your speed and engine rpm low and steady when approaching and passing other trail users, homes, etc. Communicate with other trail users.
Park and dismount from your machine and walk to sensitive, scenic, historic and cultural areas.
Remove your helmet when talking to other trail users.
When parking along a trail, park machines in single file over to the right as far as possible to avoid obstructing the trail. Ensure you are visible and turn off your machine.
Equestrian Riding
Equestrian trails are located at the Zavitz Nursery Tract. Horse riders are also permitted to use the multi-use trails at the Turkey Point Tract, which are also used by ATVs, dirt bikes, and bicycles.
Code of Conduct for Equestrians
Ride at a leisurely pace. Keep to a walk unless safety is certain and ground conditions rule out trail damage. Never gallop.
When your vision of the trail ahead is restricted, slow down and control your horse. Always assume that there may be another trail user ahead.
Ensure your horse is well mannered. Kicking, biting and excessive spooking are not safe on trails. Train your horse to accept various experiences and other users. Ride with an experienced horse if your horse is nervous.
Keep to the right to allow other users to pass on your left. Help other users by telling them the safest and easiest way by.
Pass other users on the left in single file, after receiving their permission. Allow them to get control of any pets and be especially alert for children.
Kindly remove manure from the trail.
Never leave horses unattended.
Hiking, Dog-walking, & Nature Viewing
All trails are open to low-impact activities such as walking, hiking, and bird watching. Please be alert and aware of other trail users!
Code of Conduct for Walkers & Hikers
Be aware of shared use: horses, dogs, bikes and motorized vehicles may be present.
When approaching horses from the front, stop an allow them to pass unless advised otherwise by the rider.
“When approaching horses from behind, ask permission before passing, and pass on the left when safe.
Keep pets under control. Carry a leash and use it as needed.
Dispose of pet waster responsibly: use the “stop & flick” method off the trail, or bag it and dispose of it properly.
Hunting & Fishing
Fishing and hunting within the Conservation Reserve are regulated under provincial and federal legislation. See our maps to become aware of no-hunting zones.
Code of Conduct for Hunters & Anglers
Always hunt and fish safely, legally and ethically. Obey posted signs.
Hunting and angling is subject to Provincial policies and regulations. All hunters and anglers must be properly licensed.
Respect the rights of other Conservation Reserve users. Show consideration for non-hunters.
Do not hunt in high traffic areas.
Respect the environment, property owners’ rights and other hunters and anglers.
Support wildlife and habitat conservation.
Pass on an ethical hunting tradition.
Trail Density
While individuals and groups enjoy trails and the beauty of nature, all activities—including walking, mountain biking, horseback riding, dirt biking, and ATV use—affect forest vegetation and wildlife.
St Williams Conservation Reserve Community Council’s View
Based on available research, SWCRCC believes that the trail network in the SWCR exceeds trail density thresholds for wildlife and habitat impact. While this perspective is conservative, SWCRCC prioritizes ecosystem sensitivity.
Further research defining trail density and human usage impacts on unique sites similar to the SWCR is encouraged. Until conclusive studies are available, the following common-sense research findings remain relevant.
Human Usage
Passive trail use is preferable in the SWCR, including walking, hiking, jogging, wildlife viewing and photography. Active use, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorized vehicle activities like dirt biking and ATV-ing, has a greater impact.
Introduction of Non-native Species
Mountain bikes, dirt bikes, hooves, ATVs, and footwear all spread non-native species, which outcompete native plants and extend beyond trails into forests. A best practice is to wash boots and tires before entering the SWCR trails, similar to boats needing a power wash before moving between lakes.
Impacts on Vegetation, Soil, Water, and Wildlife
All recreational activities influence vegetation, soil, water, and wildlife.
Non-aggressive mountain biking on well-maintained trails has a comparable impact to hiking.
Mountain biking on flat trails causes less disruption than on hills, especially uphill riding.
High-speed biking involving turning, braking, and skidding creates rutting, leading to erosion, soil loss, and off-trail re-routing, which damages vegetation.
Fat biking on snow has minimal environmental impact, though shoulder-season riding can damage muddy trails.
Horseback riding and dirt biking contribute to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and fauna and flora loss.
ATVs and horses cause significant ecological harm.
Initial trail construction has the highest impact on vegetation and soil.
Trails near streams introduce soil, nutrients, and pathogens into the water, threatening fish eggs, aquatic organisms, and oxygen levels.
Wildlife disturbed by trails flees prime feeding areas, expending vital energy in colder months when food is scarce. Animals may also associate people with food, returning to sites in search of scraps and plastics.
These research findings, based on Canadian, American, and Australian studies from 2007–2016, offer baseline insights into trail impacts on forest ecosystems. While none focus exclusively on the SWCR and its Carolinian habitat, further research is needed to refine conservation approaches specific to the St. Williams Conservation Reserve.
Ontario Parks Management
The St Williams Conservation Reserve is managed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserve Act, 2006, for the purpose to:
“Permanently protect a system of provincial parks and conservation reserves that includes ecosystems that are representative of all of Ontario’s natural regions, protects provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage, maintains biodiversity and provides opportunities for compatible, ecologically sustainable recreation.”
For further information, view the Act here.
Permitting
Ontario Parks require permits for large organized gatherings or for performing research while on Conservation Reserve lands. Please contact Ontario Parks Southwest Zone office for more information
(Jefferey Pickersgill, Park Superintendent – 519-426-5938
Application to conduct research: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/scienceandresearch/application
Get Involved Today!
The St. Williams Conservation Reserve Community Council is always looking for helpful volunteers and directors. Are you looking to give back to your community?
