Explore Clarington's outdoor trails, parks and fishing spots safely

Clarington, Ontario –  As we head into a week-long April break, Clarington has lots of opportunities for residents to enjoy the open air and embrace a world of adventure safely, outdoors and in our community. As we cope with another Provincial State of Emergency and all its corresponding restrictions, there are lots of outdoor trails, parks and fishing activities for residents to explore without leaving our community.

"With this beautiful weather, Clarington has vast outdoor open spaces for you to enjoy the fresh air, get exercise and feel less restricted. I know that we are all feeling fatigued and frustrated with the latest restrictions imposed. But we must continue to stay safe and allow our medical professionals to vaccinate our residents so that we can finally turn a corner in this pandemic," said Mayor Adrian Foster.

Here's everything you need to know to explore Clarington outdoors.

• Clarington has more than 20 kilometres of off-road Municipal recreational trails, which are made of mostly asphalt and limestone surfaces and are easy to navigate. Our trails meander along creek valleys and the waterfront.
• Fishing in Clarington opens the fourth Saturday in April, except for fishing allowed year-round but ONLY south of the Canadian National Rail tracks to Lake Ontario. Clarington falls under Zone 17 of the Provincial fisheries management system. Lake Ontario falls under Zone 20. Valleys 2000 offer a wheelchair-accessible fishing area. Please maintain a mandatory two-metre physical distance and only fish with members of your household.
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) trails and conservation areas are some of our favourites as you're completely immersed in nature but close to all our urban amenities. CLOCA has several popular trails in Clarington, including:

• Bowmanville Westside Marshes is located at 180 West Beach Road in Bowmanville, with a trail that spans 1.5 kilometres and connects to the Waterfront Trail.
• Enniskillen Conservation Area is located at 7274 Holt Road in Enniskillen. It's a picturesque 5.5-kilometre trail.
• Long Sault Conservation Area is located at 9293 Woodley Road in Bowmanville, with trails spanning 18 kilometres.
• Stephen's Gulch Conservation Area is located at 360 Stephens Mill Road in Bowmanville and has three kilometres of trails.

Please maintain physical distancing and ensure that you are only enjoying these trails with members of your household. View CLOCA's COVID-19 guidelines. The conservation areas are open from dawn until dusk, but washrooms and picnic sites remain closed. If there's crowding and you're unable to maintain a two-metre physical distance, masks are required outdoors for your safety and protection.

• Darlington Provincial Park is open for day use with free day-use Monday to Thursday, from May 1 until September 1, 2021. The park has various trails that include the waterfront, a scenic lookout onto Lake Ontario, and a trail right in the midst of a marsh ecosystem. You can enjoy fishing and bird watching, too. Overnight camping is closed at the park currently, and all COVID-19 protocols must be followed.
  
  
• Ganaraska Forest is open to the public for hiking, and it's located at 10585 Cold Springs Road in Campbellcroft. While the address is not in Clarington, a huge portion of the forest is, in fact, in our community. Visitors must obtain a day pass or membership to use the forest. Day passes can be purchased online and printed at home or through the self-serve kiosk at the Forest Centre gatehouse. All buildings remain closed, and physical distancing is mandatory on all trails. The trails are navigable for people of all hiking abilities. Watch out for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a variety of songbirds.
  
  
• Orono Crown Lands offers 13 kilometres of well-marked trails open for hikers. You can enjoy birdwatching and geocaching. Physical distancing is mandatory.
• Samuel Wilmot Nature Area is open with 2.1 kilometres of walking trails with viewing platforms.

Residents looking for more information on outdoor amenities and activities can contact Clarington Tourism at tourism@clarington.net or by calling 905-623-3379 ext. 2252.

– 30 –

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Basia Radomski
Communications Manager
905-623-3379 ext. 2214 or bradomski@clarington.net