Trails at Fanshawe Conservation Area

Fanshawe Conservation Area offers more than 30 kilometres of hiking trails and 20 km of biking trails. Remember trail etiquette - take only pictures and leave only footprints!

Trails for Hikers Only - There are four trails for hikers only: Blue (1.5 km), Red (2 km), Yellow (2 km) and Green (3 km).

Fanshawe Lake Trail (20 km, hiking/biking) - Trail open to both hiking and biking. The Lake Trail circles all the way around Fanshawe Reservoir, going through mature forests, open meadows and along three stretches of roadway.

For biking, travel direction alternates depending on the date - on even numbered days traffic travels clockwise; on odd numbered days traffic travels counterclockwise (e.g. June 6 is clockwise; June 7 is counterclockwise).

It is highly recommended that anyone hiking or biking this trail have a copy of the Lake Trail guide with them. Remember, bikers: helmets are mandatory, regardless of age or experience.

Please be advised that a section of the Fanshawe Lake Trail has been moved due to construction of the new UTRCA administration building. The area around the administration building, from the main park road (yellow gates south of the dam) to the bridge east of the Rowing Club is now closed. This closure also affects part of the Red Trail.

Click HERE to view the map.

Please follow the blue arrows around the construction zone. The re-routed trail goes south of the construction zone, following park roads to the Rowing Tower Road, where it resumes the usual route along the reservoir.

Please park in the day-use area and access the Lake Trail there.

Trails at Wildwood CA
Trails at Pittock CA
Fees & Rules

Trails at Wildwood CA

Wildwood Conservation Area has three biking/hiking trails that range in length from 1.2 km to 22 km. All trails are multi-purpose and can be used by both hikers and cyclists, by permit only.

Trail maps are available at the conservation area's front gate, or by clicking the following links:

Trail Map
Brochure Text

Dr. R.S. Murray Forest Trails (1-3 km) - The Green and Red Trails vary from 1 to 3 km in length and are fairly flat, allowing for a leisurely hike while remaining close to the campground. These trails explore a variety of ecosystems and natural features within the Dr. R.S. Murray Forest, which is home to many species of birds and mammals.

Wildwood Lake Trail (24 km) - The Lake Trail begins at the campground gatehouse and follows the reservoir shore. This trail visits an array of habitat for wildlife, making it a perfect walk for viewing nature. Follow the blazes that mark this trail as it meanders from reclaimed forests to plantations, through agricultural fields to a naturalized quarry. You can even get a close-up view of the working components of the Wildwood Dam, which is the structure responsible for the reservoir. There are opportunities for photographs at the look-out point or perhaps a picnic lunch at one of the ponds found along the way. The level of difficulty for this trail is considered easy to moderate, but its length makes it a challenge!

The Lake Trail crosses or travels along short portions of roadways. Please use caution when traveling these parts of the trail.

Trails at Pittock CA

Staff at Pittock Conservation Area are undertaking extensive work on the Pittock trail system, developing three new trails and lengthening the Husky Trail. All the trails will be connected so you can hike the entire system. Once the trail work in completed, updated trail brochures will be available.

Fees & Rules

A park admission fee, payable at the front entrance gates, is required in order to use any trails. Season’s passes, also available at the gatehouses, give you unlimited yearly entrance to Fanshawe, Pittock and Wildwood CAs. Entry fees help us to maintain and improve the conservation areas' trails and facilities.

Always carry your Cyclist/Pedestrian Pass
Trails are open from dawn to dusk (night riding is prohibited)
Slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking other trail users
Travel only on marked trails and respect trail closures
Do not disturb wildlife or pick or transplant flowers
Bikers must wear and use appropriate safety equipment - helmets are mandatory and bike bells are recommended
Do not climb fences
Keep dogs on leash and under control at all times, and remember to stoop and scoop
Keep trails free of litter