Baxter Conservation Area

Baxter Conservation Area Check here for updates on trails, the beach, day camps, events, education programs and more at Baxter and day cares/camps. During the winter we run PD day camps.

Baxter Conservation Area is located along the shores of the Rideau River. It is located 5 minutes south of Kars and North Gower, ON and is owned and operated by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. Baxter Conservation Area features 5 km of hiking trails through forests, meadows and wetland habitats, picnic areas, a sandy beach for swimming, scenic lookouts, environmental education programs, s

ummer and winter day camp programs, facility rentals and an Interpretive Centre

In the summer, go for a swim in the Rideau River at Baxter's sandy beach or a hike on the trails. In the winter, come snowshoeing on one of our forest trails. We also offer outdoor environmental education programs for schools (Kinders to grade 12), community groups (Scouting, Guiding, etc.) During the summer we run week long nature-themed day camp programs. Rental facilities are also available onsite. Call or e-mail us for more details about our programs. A valid day or annual pass must be displayed in the park. A day pass is $6/vehicle and an annual pass is $45. Both can be purchased on site at our pay machine or using our new "pay by phone" system. For more information about "pay by phone", visit http://rvca.ca/careas/paybyphone/index.html.

Just in time for the weekend! 🏖😎
08/13/2026

Just in time for the weekend! 🏖😎

Good news! Test results from Baxter Beach are below public health guidelines, and the swim advisory has been lifted. Remember: Water quality can change rapidly, so always assess for murky or stagnant water, excessive dog or wildlife p**p, or signs of blue-green algae. Use caution after heavy rain. Learn more: www.rvca.ca/beach

Another round of testing today has confirmed the Swimming Advisory must stay in place. Bacteria levels are very elevated...
08/07/2026

Another round of testing today has confirmed the Swimming Advisory must stay in place. Bacteria levels are very elevated due to recent rainfall, which pushes runoff into the river. We will continue to test and update the public to welcome you back when it is safe. Thank you for your cooperation.

SWIM ADVISORY EXTENDED: Bacteria levels remain elevated at Baxter Beach. Recent heavy rains are likely contributing to the ongoing elevations. We continue to monitor in order to get the beach back up and running, but so far Nature has other plans! Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

SWIMMING NOT ADVISEDBaxter Beach has been tested twice this week and e.coli levels remain elevated. Swimming and beach u...
07/24/2026

SWIMMING NOT ADVISED
Baxter Beach has been tested twice this week and e.coli levels remain elevated. Swimming and beach use is not advised at this time. Check back for updates next week as we continue to test.

Please note that swimming is currently not advised at Baxter Conservation Area due to elevated E.Coli levels, which can impact human health. Learn more about water quality testing & watch for updates at www.rvca.ca/beach.

Join us in Manotick THIS SATURDAY for a FREE community day at RVCA's head office featuring:🦉Two Birds of Prey shows from...
06/10/2026

Join us in Manotick THIS SATURDAY for a FREE community day at RVCA's head office featuring:
🦉Two Birds of Prey shows from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy
🌳Forestry & Species at Risk demonstrations
🐾 Outdoor education station
🌸 Native plant sale
🔬Wildlife discovery zones with microscopes and touch tables
🐟 Science and stewardship activities
👷‍♀️ Flood, hazard and septic demonstrations
😀 Snacks, music and more!

Reminder that the Fiddlehead Trail is currently partially closed as we extend the accessible boardwalk to the bridge! Cr...
05/28/2026

Reminder that the Fiddlehead Trail is currently partially closed as we extend the accessible boardwalk to the bridge! Crews are working hard to reopen as quickly as possible so everyone can access our beautiful trails.

NOTICE OF TRAIL CLOSURE: A section of Baxter's Fiddlehead Trail will be closed for construction as of Monday, April 20 as we build the final stretch of accessible boardwalk leading to our marshland bridge. Trail users can still access the bridge and lookout, but they'll have to go the long way around. Thank you for your patience as we make Baxter even more accessible to all!

NOTE: Woodpecker Way is currently closed.
05/04/2026

NOTE: Woodpecker Way is currently closed.

TRAIL CLOSURE: Please note that Woodpecker Way trail at Baxter Conservation Area is currently closed due to poor conditions. Thank you for your patience!

HEADS UP! A section of the Fiddlehead Trail will be closed as of Monday for boardwalk construction. Detours will be in p...
04/17/2026

HEADS UP! A section of the Fiddlehead Trail will be closed as of Monday for boardwalk construction. Detours will be in place. Thank you for your patience as we make Baxter even more accessible!

NOTICE OF TRAIL CLOSURE: A section of Baxter's Fiddlehead Trail will be closed for construction as of Monday, April 20 as we build the final stretch of accessible boardwalk leading to our marshland bridge. Trail users can still access the bridge and lookout, but they'll have to go the long way around. Thank you for your patience as we make Baxter even more accessible to all!

Address

7498 Carter Road
Ottawa, ON
K0A2E0

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

6134893592

Alerts

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