The sun rises over Sturgeon Lake from Ken Reid Conservation Area.
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Ken Reid Conservation Area

4.6
·254 reviews·Kawartha Lakes, Canada

Explore diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic wetlands at Ken Reid Conservation Area. Enjoy bird feeding and seasonal light displays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter evenings

Magical holiday lights

CrowdMedium
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The sun rises over Sturgeon Lake from Ken Reid Conservation Area.

Ken Reid Conservation Area

Best Time

Winter evenings

Magical holiday lights

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic wetlands at Ken Reid Conservation Area. Enjoy bird feeding and seasonal light displays.

4.6
(254 reviews)

"A peaceful place with beautiful scenery and wildlife, though trail maps can be confusing."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Birdseed! 🐦

Sunflower seeds are a hit with chickadees and nuthatches. Be ready for tiny birds to land on your hand!

Check Trail Status ⚠️

Trails can be closed due to damage. Confirm conditions before you go to avoid disappointment.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 254 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boardwalk Over Wetlands

Boardwalk Over Wetlands

Wetland areas

Stroll over tranquil wetlands, alive with birdsong and offering stunning sunset views.

Illuminated Forest

Illuminated Forest

Forest trails

Experience a magical holiday light display along the forest paths during the festive season.

Bird Feeding Opportunities

Bird Feeding Opportunities

Chickadee Trail, Cedar Trail

Attract chickadees and nuthatches by offering birdseed, creating intimate wildlife encounters.

Dragonfly Trail Lookout

Dragonfly Trail Lookout

Dragonfly Trail

Enjoy a pleasant walk with scenic views and a nice lookout point over a small pond.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Navigation

Some trails and the boardwalk may be closed due to damage. Maps can be outdated and confusing, so be prepared for potential detours or aimless walking. Look for 'You are here' markers if available.

Wildlife Encounters & Bird Feeding

Ken Reid is a haven for wildlife, including birds, turtles, and squirrels. Bring binoculars for better viewing and consider birdseed (sunflower seeds are a favorite) to attract feathered friends.

Best Times

When
Winter evenings
Why
Magical holiday lights
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Summer mornings
Why
Wildlife activity peaks
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant walking weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Love Bright Trail at Ken Reid Conservation Area opens Wednesday night, February 1, for the whole month in support of @kawarthalakesfoodsource Love Month. The initiative is to raise non-perishable food donations, much-needed funds, and awareness of food insecurity in the community. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the Administration Building between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday ...
kawarthaconservation
152 likes • 2K views

Bring Birdseed! 🐦

Sunflower seeds are a hit with chickadees and nuthatches. Be ready for tiny birds to land on your hand! Instagram+2

Check Trail Status ⚠️

Trails can be closed due to damage. Confirm conditions before you go to avoid disappointment. Reddit

The boardwalk at Ken Reid Conservation Area is the perfect place to catch the sunset - stretching over wetlands alive with birdsong and gentle ripples on the water. As you follow the lanes back through forested trails, the fading light filters through the trees, wrapping the whole park in a golden calm that feels worlds away from the everyday. #KenReidConservationArea #SunsetMagic #OntarioNature ...
natsnextstop_
40 likes • 350 views
👀 📍Illuminated Forest - Ken Reid Conservation Area Happy holidays from @outdoor_shorts! Hoping your festive season is full of outdoor adventures with loved ones 🥰. Friendly reminder that the Illuminated Forest 🎄 is open for the rest of December at Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay, Ontario. It’s the perfect way to get into the season ❄️ 🎅 🛷 #kenreidconservationarea #kawarthaconservation #...
outdoor_shorts
85 likes • 736 views

Map Confusion? 🗺️

Trail maps can be outdated. Pay attention to signage and be prepared for potential navigation challenges. Reddit

Sunset Views 🌅

The boardwalk offers beautiful sunset vistas over the wetlands. Instagram

• Ken Reid Conservation Area • Such a peaceful place minus the mosquitoes #trailblazers
thetrailblazingfamily
42 likes • 400 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Birdseed! 🐦

Sunflower seeds are a hit with chickadees and nuthatches. Be ready for tiny birds to land on your hand! Instagram+2

Check Trail Status ⚠️

Trails can be closed due to damage. Confirm conditions before you go to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Map Confusion? 🗺️

Trail maps can be outdated. Pay attention to signage and be prepared for potential navigation challenges. Reddit

Sunset Views 🌅

The boardwalk offers beautiful sunset vistas over the wetlands. Instagram

Pay for Parking 🅿️

Parking fees contribute to park upkeep. It's the right thing to do! Reddit

Binoculars Recommended 🔭

Enhance your wildlife viewing, especially for birds and from the lookout points. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(254 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ken Reid Conservation Area for its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and engaging trails, especially the boardwalk and bird feeding opportunities. However, some find the trail maps outdated and confusing, and certain areas may be closed due to damage, impacting the overall navigation experience.

"Very pretty place with lots of trails however a few items impacted our enjoyment - several trails are still blocked off, eg. The point trail and the boardwalk. I also was a little confused as I was never 100% sure where I was on the maps around...would be nice if they had a "you are here" star or sticker. I kind of ended up aimlessly walking around as the directions weren't clear and realized I was walking in the opposite direction than I had hoped for a couple times. I would like to go again and do the whole woodlands trail if I can. My dog and I went to a bridge and then went to the accessible look out point which were gorgeous.
Note: my photo of the boardwalk is just at the entrance where the barricade is. Hopefully it opens soon so I can explore that area!"

Olivia Winder

"My husband and I have visited this beautiful place many times throughout the year. One of my favourites was the Christmas Holiday Lights that are hung up through the path.

We have walked the boardwalk chasing birds and exploring through the trees to find pine squirrels.

Great family place.

Pay for parking. Its the right thing to do, signs are posted everywhere and the funds go back into the upkeep of the park."

Laura Montague

"My son was taking a water sampling course for a few days at the Ken Reid conservation area so while he was in class, I took advantage of the trails. A lot of them are closed due to damage from the spring ice storm but there were enough to keep me occupied for 2 days. I was able to enjoy part of the boardwalk and most trails can be hiked in under an hour. Greatly enjoyed all the beautiful wildlife, such as a great blue heron, a few snapping turtles, lots of wonderful birds and plants. I recommend bringing binoculars for the lookout!
There are plenty of picnic tables, an enclosed dog park, a children's playground and the staff in the administration building (where you can also find flushable toilets) are friendly and helpful."

Virginie Closson

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Abundant wildlife
Bird feeding

What People Dislike

Outdated maps
Confusing trails
Trail closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ken Reid Conservation Area is located between Lindsay and Cameron in Kawartha Lakes. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the Kawartha Lakes region. Reddit

Public transport options to Ken Reid Conservation Area are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling or checking local transit schedules if relying on public transport. Reddit

From Highway 7, take the exit for County Road 36 North. Continue on County Road 36 North, and the entrance to Ken Reid Conservation Area will be on your left. Always use GPS for real-time navigation. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of parking spots available throughout the large area. Remember that parking fees apply and contribute to the park's maintenance. Reddit

Yes, some visitors have been seen launching canoes and kayaks, particularly near the water reservoir area. It's a good spot for a paddle if you have your own equipment. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Ken Reid Conservation Area is free, but there is a parking fee. Signs are posted throughout the area indicating where to pay. Reddit

The conservation area is generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific event hours, like the Illuminated Forest, will vary. Check the Kawartha Conservation website for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

While there is no direct admission fee, a parking fee is required. This fee helps fund the upkeep and maintenance of the trails and facilities. Reddit

Yes, Ken Reid Conservation Area is open during holidays. Special events, like the Illuminated Forest during the Christmas season, are popular attractions. Instagram

Yes, special events like the Illuminated Forest during the holidays and falconry shows have been hosted. Keep an eye on local event listings and Kawartha Conservation's social media for announcements. Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular trails include the Dragonfly Trail for its pleasant walk and lookout, and the Cedar Forest trail which leads to the playground. The boardwalk offers wetland views, though it may be subject to closures. Reddit

Yes, some trails and the boardwalk have been closed due to damage from storms. It's advisable to check current conditions before your visit. Reddit

You can spot a variety of wildlife, including great blue herons, snapping turtles, numerous birds like chickadees and nuthatches, and pine squirrels. InstagramReddit

Yes, Ken Reid Conservation Area is dog-friendly. There is also an enclosed dog park available for your furry companions. InstagramReddit

Facilities include picnic tables, a children's playground, an enclosed dog park, and flushable toilets in the administration building. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The boardwalk offers scenic wetland views, especially at sunset. The lookout points on trails like Dragonfly Trail provide picturesque landscapes. The Illuminated Forest during winter is also a fantastic photo opportunity. InstagramReddit+1

Bird photography is very popular, especially with chickadees and nuthatches that are known to feed from visitors' hands. Wildlife like herons and turtles also present great photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Bring binoculars for better wildlife observation and photography. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural light. Be patient and quiet to get close to wildlife. Reddit

Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with Kawartha Conservation directly or review park signage for any restrictions on drone operation to ensure compliance. Instagram

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for landscapes and wildlife. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details of flora and fauna. Instagram

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