PARKS & NATURE:
​SPRINGWATER CONSERVATION AREA

Springwater Conservation Area

8079 Springwater Rd  •  Aylmer, Ontario  •  N5H 2R4

​🌲 Forest trails, camping, and nature in the heart of Elgin County


Spanning 370 acres of protected Carolinian forest and wetlands, Springwater Conservation Area is one of Southwestern Ontario’s most cherished natural escapes. Managed by the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA), this year-round destination seamlessly combines rich environmental biodiversity with full-service outdoor recreation—from summer beach days and pond fishing to 8 km of forest trails and seasonal camping under the stars.


🥾 Springwater Forest Trails & Wildlife

​Step into one of the rarest forest ecosystems in Canada! Designated an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), the Springwater Forest features 8 km of well-maintained trails—including the wheelchair-accessible Millpond Trail, the Arboretum Trail, and forest loops. Walk beneath massive tulip trees, sassafras, and American sweet chestnuts while listening for pileated woodpeckers, hooded warblers, and chorus frogs in the marshlands. (A modest $2–$3 trail fee or Passport Parking pass directly supports forest conservation and trail safety).

🌊 Springwater Pond, Beach & Day Use

​At the heart of the park lies a 14-acre stocked pond and 100 meters of sandy beach. Day-use visitors can rent canoes and kayaks, cast a line off the fishing platforms for panfish and bass, or relax at shaded picnic pavilions. Families will love the open playground and green space right along the shoreline.


🏕️ Camping & Special Events

​Springwater offers 182 serviced (hydro/water) and 82 unserviced campsites from Victoria Day weekend through Thanksgiving. It’s also famous across the region as the host site for the annual Springwater Maple Syrup Festival every March, where visitors can ride wagons, tour sugar shacks, and taste fresh local syrup cooked over open fires.
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nearby attractions

​🌟 What to Expect at Springwater Conservation Area:
  • 🌲 370 Acres of Rare Carolinian Forest (ANSI Designated Site)
  • 🥾 8 km of forest trails with interpretive signage and seasonal wildlife
  • ⛺ Full-service campground with both serviced and un-serviced sites
  • 🛝 Playground & comfort Stations with washrooms & showers
  • 🏖️ Sandy beach area & 14-acre stocked fishing pond
  • 🚶‍♀️ Carolinian forest ecosystem ideal for hiking and nature walks
  • 🧺 Covered picnic pavilions & historic 1885 schoolhouse rental
  • 🍁 Maple Syrup Festival and other seasonal events
  • 🛶 Access to nearby outdoor experiences like paddling and fishing
  • ♿ Wheelchair Accessible Trail Options
  • 💚 Trail use fee of $2/person supports trail safety and forest conservation
📞 519.773.9037 
✉️ EMAIL
🌐 WEBSITE
🕖 HOURS
Day Use & Camping  May - October
Trails open all year
 DETAILS
🦅 Birdwatching
⛺ Camping
🛶 Canoeing / Kayaking / Paddling
🎣 Fishing Access
🏊‍♀️ Swimming
🥾 Hiking Trails
🎿 Cross-County Skiing
🧺 Picnic Facilities
​🛝 Playground
💡​ Education / Interpretation
🚻 Public Washrooms​
🚗 Parking On-Site