Hiking Island Lake Conservation Area: Best Place to Hike in Orangeville
Imagine a slice of Ontario nature that showcases nearly all of what this incredible province has to offer. That’s how I felt while hiking Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville. Set on over 300 hectares this conservation area has everything from a massive lake to enchanted wooded trails.
Island Lake Conservation Area
Located just outside the historic downtown of Orangeville, Ontario, Island Lake Conservation Area makes for a great day trip from Toronto. At only an hour and a half north-west of Toronto, you can pack a lunch and spend the day hiking the conservation area or pop out to grab lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes in town.
Island Lake Conservation Area has a variety of trails, a large lake to swim, fish or paddle, and its home to an amphitheatre where you can enjoy a magical performance outdoors. You can also rent boats, canoes, kayaks and in the winter snowshoes and ice huts.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, from fox to deer and osprey to flying squirrels. But with the large lake, wetlands, and forests it’s also home to a wealth of bird species, from waterfowl to migratory birds. Island Lake Conservation Area plays a vital role in protecting the headwaters of both the Credit and Nottawasaga Rivers.
Hiking Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail
My friend and I set out early to avoid the heat and humid of the summer and wanted to see the most of Island Lake Conservation Area that we could. So, we opted for the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail which is an 8.3 kilometre loop trail that circles the park’s lake.
We took the loop counter-clockwise from the parking lot near the snack shack. The trail was wider than I am used to and of packed gravel most of the time, making for an easy pace. The conservation area is filled with marshy areas, making spotting waterfowl and turtles fun.
The first surprise while hiking Island Lake Conservation Area was when the trail lead to a sweeping curved beach. And there atop the water and shore stood a towering amphitheatre with a brilliant white canopy. Later I learned that A MidSummers Night’s Dream is playing in the park this summer and thought what a wonderful and magical experience to attend theatre in the park.
The trail never ceased to change, from forested trail, passed multiple lake lookouts, and over boardwalks. The first long boardwalk was splendid. Robins shuffled along the shoreline, as did lily pads, and crossing one of the best Ontario boardwalk trails with the water stretched on both sides towards the horizon.
The boardwalk even stretched into the forest on the other side. Towering trees with an intense green canopy that nearly blocked out the sky wrapped around us as we strolled along. Birds sang in the tree just beyond our sight and even a chipmunk chattered away to us when we passed below him.
Coming out of the woods we were met with yet another boardwalk. A lone kayaker eased by while painted turtles basked on a log in the morning sun. The further along we hiked the more I fell deeper in love with Island Lake Conservation Area. I loved the wealth of birdlife, wildlife, and its diversity in trails.
For the first time, the trail began to gain elevation. The trees subsided and we were wandering through a meadow that gave us all-encompassing views over the conservation area. It was impressive to see the 300 hectares from this angle.
As we wrapped our Island Lake Conservation Area hike the trail continued to change, from a long dike to cedar forest and past hints of the city on the outskirts. We ended back at the parking lot after over 8 kilometres. I felt rejuvenated, my mind calm, and my heart filled with joy after exploring such an Ontario gem of a park.
Make sure you have everything you need for a great hike when you pack for your day hike! Here are my hiking essentials!
Hiking Trails in Island Lake Conservation Area
Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail – 8.3 kilometre loop – 2 hours
- This is the park’s main trail and is a great way to see much of the conservation area. It is a four season trail and is great for bikes, strollers and even wheelchairs.
Sugar Bush Trail – 2km
- This is a nice quick trail and is perfect during the spring when the Maple Syrup Festival is going on.
Memorial Forest Trail – 3km
Where to Park
If you’re hiking Island Lake Conservation Area there are a few different options for parking. There is the main entrance to the park where there are a couple of large parking lots. Entering the park through here you’ll have to pay per person. The cost is minimal, around $6, and helps to maintain the park.
Free parking options:
Free South Shore Access: Trail entrance off Highway 10 across from 4th Avenue, Orangeville
Free North Shore Access: 246306 Hockley Road, Mono (across the street from Mono Amaranth Public School)
Where to Eat after Hiking Island Lake Conservation Area
There are many options to eat near Island Lake Conservation Area. The town of Orangeville is only a five minute drive away and has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and fast food options. If you’re looking for something light and a cold refreshing drink my favourite choice is Mochaberry Coffee & Co. But if you’re looking for something a little heartier then head to Pia’s On Broadway. This is the perfect lunch spot with delicious sandwiches. It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and fresh local grub.
More Places to Hike Nearby
Cheltenham Badlands
Hockley Valley Provincial Park
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