Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Ontario
A Kawartha Conservation property on Sturgeon Lake just north of Lindsay, with about 12 km of trails, a floating wetland boardwalk and lookouts. Pay-and-display parking; fishing isn't allowed.
Ken Reid Conservation Area covers forest, meadow and the McLaren Creek wetland on the shore of Sturgeon Lake, a few minutes north of Lindsay. The scenery is gentle rather than dramatic, and visitors come for the lake views, the birds and the quiet trails.
There are about a dozen connected trails, most walkable in under an hour, plus gravel roads that suit a bike. The floating boardwalk through the wetland is a favourite, and reviewers mention herons, snapping turtles, squirrels and plenty of songbirds. A lookout is good for binoculars. There are picnic tables and an enclosed dog park.
Families return through the year, and the holiday light display along the paths in winter gets a special mention. Paddlers can launch a canoe or kayak on Sturgeon Lake after a short carry from the parking areas. Fishing and hunting aren't permitted on the property.
Storm damage closed several trails recently, including the boardwalk and the Point trail for a time, so check for closures. One visitor found the maps confusing without a you-are-here marker. Parking is pay-and-display, and regulars ask visitors to pay since it funds upkeep.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 305 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
