Non-Camping Season offers Plenty of Recreation Opportunities at UTRCA Conservation Areas

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to continue with its day-use access to Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs) this fall. Effective Monday, October 19th, the Non-Camping Season will run until Sunday, November 30th.

"The camping season may be over but people can continue to enjoy our Conservation Areas. We are happy to offer this to our patrons who not only appreciate many of the amenities and recreational opportunities they are used to during the summer months being available, but also the thrill of experiencing the fall colours and continuing to get out into nature," shares Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator with the UTRCA.

Amenities offered to visitors during this extended season will include:

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

A reduced vehicle day pass fee of $11 (up to four people), or a reduced pedestrian/cyclist day pass fee of $8 for those walking or biking will be charged during this extended season.

Fanshawe CA day-use will be available as follows:

Daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Customer Service staff (limited availability) at front gate – membership passes accepted and day passes available for purchase.
Daily from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Gate Down – not staffed. Membership passes accepted and day passes are available for purchase at the pay station from 4:30pm – 6:00pm.
Closed daily from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am
Conservation Area closed to the general public. No day permits can be purchased after 6:00pm.

Wildwood CA day-use access will be available as follows:

Daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Customer Service staff (limited availability) at front gate – membership passes accepted and day passes available for purchase.
Daily from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Gate Down – not staffed. Membership passes accepted and day passes are available for purchase at the pay station from 4:30pm – 6:00pm.
Closed daily from 6:00 pm to 8:30 am.

Visitors can also purchase a Membership Pass, which includes day-use entry for 12 months from the date of purchase! Available at the Conservation Area Gatehouse or in our online store.