New Extended Season at UTRCA Conservation Areas Offers Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities 

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has added an extra six weeks of day-use access to Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas this fall. Effective Monday, October 16th, the Extended Season will run until Thursday, November 30th.  

“The past three years have seen a marked increase in day-use visitors to our Conservation Areas, and many of these guests have expressed that they would appreciate having amenities available to them longer into the fall. In response to this feedback, we are extending our day-use operating season until November 30th so the community can continue accessing recreational opportunities, customer service staff, and washroom facilities at these beautiful Conservation Areas,” shares Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator with the UTRCA. 

Amenities offered to visitors during this extended season will include:  

• Customer service staff on site, 
• Access to hiking and biking trails, 
• Access to day-use areas including a playground, BBQs, picnic areas, and green space, 
• Access to Fanshawe reservoir for canoeing and kayaking (pending reservoir conditions), 
• Access to Fanshawe reservoir boat launch (pending reservoir conditions), and 
• Washroom facilities. 

A reduced vehicle day pass fee of $8 (up to four people), or a reduced pedestrian/cyclist day pass fee of $4 for those walking or biking will be charged during this extended season.  

Hours of Operation will be as follows: 

• Fanshawe CA 

• • Daily: 7 am to 4 pm 
  • Dam gate will be closed at 4 pm daily. 

• Wildwood CA 

• • Daily: 7 am to 4 pm 
  • Gate to day-use will be closed at 4pm daily 

Visitors can also purchase a 2024 Seasons Pass Mirror Hanger now at the current 2023 rates, which includes free day use entry for the rest of 2023! Available at the Conservation Area Gatehouse or online here.

Contact: Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator