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January 19th 2021 Update:
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is continuing to monitor the latest COVID-19 developments and is taking precautions to keep our workplace safe for staff, visitors and partners across the watershed.
- The Ganaraska Forest remains open to all recreational uses with the exception of motorized-use, which is closed until May 1 2021.
- All visitors must obtain a day pass or membership to use the forest. Note that day passes must be purchased online and printed at home.
- Ganaraska Forest cross-country ski trails are open but are very icy under the layer of snow. Please use with caution. See trail map here. The Orange Trail and A, B & C loops were groomed on January 10th. When conditions change, updates will be posted here and the GRCA website. Note that rentals will not be available for the 20/21 season. When the ski trails are open, hikers, dog walkers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and snowshoers are not permitted on the ski trail system.
- Dogs must be kept on-leash on GRCA properties, including ALL sections of the Ganaraska Forest.
- Remember to practice social-distancing on the trails and in parking lots. A reminder that camping is not permitted on any GRCA properties.
- All GRCA buildings remain closed to the public, including the Ganaraska Forest Centre. Staff continue to operate through phone and email communications. Please see staff directory for a complete list of contact information.
Your patience, cooperation and support is appreciated during this time. Please continue to visit our website for updates. Stay safe.
About Ganaraska Forest Centre
The Ganaraska Forest Centre, owned and operated by the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, is a multi-use facility, located in the heart of the 11,000-acre Ganaraska Forest. Featuring overnight accommodations for over 80 people, the facility boasts a large Great Hall, four break-out classrooms, a commercial kitchen and expert culinary staff to look after any group's dietary needs.
The certified teachers at the Ganaraska Forest Centre offer over 25 Ontario curriculum-linked outdoor educational opportunities to students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, through day-use programming, or 2, 3, 4 or 5-day residential stays. The Ganaraska Forest Centres outdoor education programs meet or exceed the criteria of the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association's (OPHEA) Safety Guidelines. All instructors are Ontario-certified teachers, with outdoor education emphasis, and combined, have several years of practical, hands-on teaching experience. The facility is also available for private and corporate events and community and non-profit groups.
The Ganaraska Forest Centre is a fully accessible site, with users having access to an All Terrain Wheelchair, for those with mobility issues.
Notice to Ganaraska Forest Users
Cross-country ski trails are open. The Orange Trail and A, B & C loops were groomed on January 10th. Please be mindful of icy patches where snow depths are limited. When the ski trails are open, hikers, dog walkers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and snowshoers are not permitted on the ski trail system.
All trails leading up Lookout Hill and Thorpe Hill remain closed while the Ganaraska Region CA and it’s partners continue to focus on site rehabilitation and erosion control. Thank you for your cooperation; all users are asked to please continue to refrain from accessing the area until further notice. If you have any questions or concerns about these closures, contact GRCA's Forest Recreation Technician Ed Van Osch at 905.885.8173.
August 1st marks the opening of timber harvesting season (August to February) in the Ganaraska Forest. Four blocks totalling 325 acres are scheduled to be harvested this season. Users should note that recreational trails will be closed in these areas while operations are active. Additionally, users should be mindful of logging truck signage and exercise caution while utilizing forest roads around these areas. If you have questions or concerns regarding forestry, contact GRCA's Forester Gus Saurer at 905.885.8173.
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