October 16, 2024

Shoulder Season returns to UTRCA Conservation Areas, Offering Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities 

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has scheduled another six weeks extension to its day-use access for Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas this fall. Effective Sunday, October 20th the Shoulder Season will run until Saturday, November 30th.  

“Last year was our pilot Shoulder Season project and the extended access was so well received we’re doing it again this year. Guests expressed that they appreciate having amenities available to them longer into the fall and we’re really happy to be able to provide this. This includes recreational opportunities, customer service staff being available, 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 Fanshawe reservoir for canoeing and kayaking (pending reservoir conditions and water levels), 

• Access to day-use areas including a playground, BBQs, picnic areas, and green space, and 

• Washroom facilities. 

A reduced vehicle day pass fee of $10 (up to four people), or a reduced pedestrian/cyclist day pass fee of $5 for those walking or biking will be charged during this extended season.  

Hours of Operation will be as follows: 

Fanshawe CA 

• Open daily from October 21 to November 20: 8 am to 4:30 pm 

• Open daily from November 21 to November 30: 8 am to 4 pm 

• Dam gate will be closed at 4 pm daily 

Wildwood CA

• Monday through Thursday: 8:30 am to 4 pm 

• Friday through Sunday: 7:00 am to 4:30 pm 

• Gate to day-use will be closed at 4 pm daily 

Visitors can also purchase a 2025 Seasons Pass Mirror Hanger now at the current 2024 rates, which includes free day use entry for the rest of 2024! Available at the Conservation Area Gatehouse or in our online store.

Contact: 

Damian Schofield, Conservation Areas Coordinator 

519-451-2800 ext. 312