Stay up-to-date with the Latest Park Advisories
We provide regular updates about park conditions. Review this page before your visit for the latest updates. For more information, review our visitor rules.
Open during operating hours
Hours
- Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The last time for admittance is 8 p.m. daily.
Reservations are available
- Reservations can be made here.
- No same day reservations. Drive-in spots are available on a first come first serve basis when space allows.
Open during operating hours
Trail Status
- While construction of the linear works for the Erin Wastewater System Project and restoration is ongoing, the trail will be closed to the public. Sections of the trail are now closed until approximately September 2027. The CVC-owned portion of the ECT between 6th Line and Trafalgar Road in Hillsburgh and the portion between 10th Line, Erin Village to Cataract Road, Town of Caledon will remain open during construction. For more information on project timelines and construction updates, visit the Town of Erin’s Wastewater System Project webpage at erinwastewater.ca.
Open during operating hours
Lake Conditions
- Breezy, use caution on the lake. Yellow Flag.
Sales and Rentals
- Fishing rod rentals are available.
- Fat tire bike rentals are available. Online reservations can be made here.
- Stand-up paddleboard rentals are available. Online reservations can be made here.
- Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Online reservations can be made here.
- Electric boat rentals are no longer offered as a service at Island Lake Conservation Area. We are always reviewing and adjusting our services. Increased fluctuations in water levels are affecting our ability to ensure a high-quality and safe experience for visitors.
- Emerald Shiner minnows are temporarily available and worms are available for sale.
Activities
- Fishing from watercraft on the lake and shoreline fishing permitted from the southern shore; no fishing is permitted from any bridges, dams or from the Crane Gathering Site pier. Live bait from outside the conservation area is not permitted.
- Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Sunfish and Northern Pike are in season.
- Bass season opens on June 28, 2025.
- 2025 picnic bookings are now open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reservations can be made at cvc.ca/picnics or by calling 1-800-367-0890 extension 7. Bookings are available between May 3rd and October 26th, 2025. Reservations can be made here online.
Trail Status
- Trail conditions are a mix of dry and wet. Proper footwear is recommended.
- The Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail between station markers 3 and 33 is uneven in sections.
Tales on the Trail
- ‘Watch It Grow’ by Barbara Reid is currently on display.
Special Events
- Island Lake Bass Fishing Derby: July 12 to 13, 2025.
- $7500 in cash prizes.
- Tickets are now available at islandlakederby.ca
Extended wait times from approximately 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends
- For best access to Island Lake Conservation Area, we recommend arriving before 1 p.m. on weekends. Extended wait times are common from approximately 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Construction Closure
- Due to construction, there are some fenced off areas near the picnic spaces by parking lot P4. Please stay out of the fenced areas. The ground surface may be uneven in this area and there are limited picnic tables available.
Open during operating hours
Washroom Closure
- Washrooms at Ken Whillans are closed.
- An accessible portable washroom is available.
Lake Conditions
- Slight breeze, all watercraft permitted. Green Flag.
Activities
- Fishing is open. Live bait from outside the conservation area is not permitted.
- Trout, Sunfish and Northern Pike are in season.
- Bass season opens on June 28, 2025.
Sales and Rentals
- Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Online reservations can be made here.
- Worms are available for sale.
Park Hours Change
- Summer hours:
- 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Caledon Trailway access closed from May 14 to September 2, 2025
- The Caledon Trailway access at Ken Whillans CA will be closed from May 14th to September 2nd, 2025. Follow the link for project details and contact information.
Caledon Trailway Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project Information
Last updated on Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Open during operating hours
Park Status
- Please consider visiting on weekdays or early mornings/late afternoons on weekends and holidays.
- Please stay off the arch at the mill ruins; the infrastructure is not suitable or safe for people to stand on.
Trilliums are in bloom
- The trilliums are in bloom throughout the park with a large number of them being found on the Radial Rail Trail. Please stay on the designated trails and view them from a distance.
- Do not pick the flowers; picking or removing vegetation from the conservation area is strictly prohibited.
Open during operating hours
Invasive Species Management in May
- CVC is continuing to manage priority invasive species as directed by our Invasive Species Strategy (approved by CVC Board of Directors, December 2020). This spring, garlic mustard management and TreeAzin injections will take place in mid to late May.
- We are managing priority areas for garlic mustard. We hand-pull these plants to ensure they do not out-compete the native vegetation.
- We use TreeAzin injections to safeguard select ash trees from the emerald ash borer. Up to four trees adjacent to the trail system may be injected, depending on their current health.
- Managing invasive species and protecting native trees isn’t just good forestry management; it’s directly tied to better habitat quality and survival for deer, other mammals and the whole web of wildlife. If you have any questions, contact [email protected].
Trail Status
- Region of Peel construction work on the new pump station at the Silver Birch entrance is currently underway. The trail access from Silver Birch (Station 15 on the map) is closed to the public. Please use an alternate access to the conservation area. For inquiries about this project, please contact the Region of Peel at [email protected].
See Frequently Asked Questions About Rattray Marsh
Last updated on Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Open during operating hours
Parking may not be available during peak visitation. Avoid visiting on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Trilliums are in bloom
- The trilliums are in bloom throughout the park. Please stay on the designated trails and view them from a distance.
- Do not pick the flowers; picking or removing vegetation from the conservation area is strictly prohibited.
Open during operating hours
Facilities
- 2025 picnic facility bookings can be made daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by phone and 24 hours a day online. Reservations can be made at cvcparks.ca, or by calling 1-800-367-0890 extension 7. Bookings are available between May 3rd and October 26th, 2025.
Trail Status
- Trail conditions are a mix of dry and wet. Proper footwear is recommended.
Tales on the Trail
- ‘Nibi’s Water Song’ by Sunshine Tenasco is currently on display.
Sales and Rentals
- Park Store Summer Hours:
- Open weekends and holidays: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Park Hours Change
- Summer hours:
- 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Trilliums are in bloom
- The trilliums are in bloom along the A.F Coventry trail. Please stay on the designated trails and view them from a distance.
- Do not pick the flowers; picking or removing vegetation from the conservation area is strictly prohibited.
Open during operating hours
Dogs off leash reminder
- Keep all dogs on leash while visiting.