NOTICE: Vanderwater CA will be closed from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm on Wednesday, November 20th for hazard tree removal. 

Vanderwater Conservation Area at 512 Vanderwater Road, Thomasburg ON is located along the banks of the Moira River. 

 

Explore Vanderwater

Visitors can explore a trail network consisting of 16 km that will lead them through mature forests and to the Moira River where the water cascades over a series of limestone steps.

Things to look for:

Trail Guide

Beginner Trails 

  • Relatively even terrain
  • Wide trail

Intermediate Trails 

  • Some elevation gain
  • Some steep sections
  • Uneven terrain

Advanced Trails 

  • Elevation gain
  • Several long, steep sections
  • Rough terrain with muddy sections
  • Seasonal wet/water crossings
  • Narrow trail
Activities
  • Hiking
  • Cross country skiing and snowshoeing (trails are not groomed)
  • Dog walking (dogs must be leashed at all times)
  • Picnicking
  • Passive Biking
    • Passive Biking is recognized by Quinte Conservation as the activity in which individuals on bicycles traverse designated trails outlined by the Authority at a leisurely pace that would not pose a danger to trail users or wildlife, and would have minimal environmental impact.
Amenities
  • Parking lot
  • Picnic tables
  • Picnic shelter
  • Portable washroom
Things to keep in mind during your visit

When visiting Quinte Conservation's areas, please make sure to:

  • Keep your pets leashed and clean up after them at all times
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Take everything with you, including your pet's waste – there are no garbage bins
  • Never remove natural items

Please note:

  • Overnight camping is not allowed
  • Alcohol is not allowed
  • Campfires are not allowed
Cross-country trails and motorized vehicles

The cross-country skiing trails are not groomed and motorized vehicles are not permitted outside of designated parking areas.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • All-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes
  • Motorized or electric bikes
  • Snowmobiles
  • Cars and SUVs
  • Motorized aerial devices such as drones
Moira River at Vanderwater Conservation Area
Story Map
View here
Trail entrance at Vanderwater Conservation Area
Guided Audio Hike
Listen here
Vanderwater Conservation Area trail map
Trail Map
Download
Vanderwater Avenza Maps QR Code
Avenza Mobile Maps
Learn more

Parking

You must pay to park at this conservation area. Daily Passes and Annual Passes are available can be used between areas.

Parking gates are operational from:

  • 5 am to 9 pm (May 1 to September 1)
  • 6 am to 8 pm (September 2 to April 30)

Visit our parking page to learn more. 

See an issue?

Help us keep our outdoor spaces clean and the wildlife safe! Please report a non-emergency issue or a concern.