Check here for updates on trails, the beach, day camps, events, education programs and more at Baxter and day cares/camps. During the winter we run PD day camps.
Baxter Conservation Area is located along the shores of the Rideau River. It is located 5 minutes south of Kars and North Gower, ON and is owned and operated by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. Baxter Conservation Area features 5 km of hiking trails through forests, meadows and wetland habitats, picnic areas, a sandy beach for swimming, scenic lookouts, environmental education programs, s
06/22/2026
25 summers and counting! Bob Harlow has been serving Baxter Beach from his famous Ice Cream Float since 2001. Don't miss out - make some core memories this summer at the best beach on the Rideau!
Full story: https://www.rvca.ca/news/stories/ice-cream-float-serves-scoops-of-joy-at-baxter-beach
06/10/2026
Join us in Manotick THIS SATURDAY for a FREE community day at RVCA's head office featuring:
🦉Two Birds of Prey shows from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy
🌳Forestry & Species at Risk demonstrations
🐾 Outdoor education station
🌸 Native plant sale
🔬Wildlife discovery zones with microscopes and touch tables
🐟 Science and stewardship activities
👷♀️ Flood, hazard and septic demonstrations
😀 Snacks, music and more!
05/28/2026
Reminder that the Fiddlehead Trail is currently partially closed as we extend the accessible boardwalk to the bridge! Crews are working hard to reopen as quickly as possible so everyone can access our beautiful trails.
NOTICE OF TRAIL CLOSURE: A section of Baxter's Fiddlehead Trail will be closed for construction as of Monday, April 20 as we build the final stretch of accessible boardwalk leading to our marshland bridge. Trail users can still access the bridge and lookout, but they'll have to go the long way around. Thank you for your patience as we make Baxter even more accessible to all!
05/04/2026
NOTE: Woodpecker Way is currently closed.
TRAIL CLOSURE: Please note that Woodpecker Way trail at Baxter Conservation Area is currently closed due to poor conditions. Thank you for your patience!
04/17/2026
HEADS UP! A section of the Fiddlehead Trail will be closed as of Monday for boardwalk construction. Detours will be in place. Thank you for your patience as we make Baxter even more accessible!
NOTICE OF TRAIL CLOSURE: A section of Baxter's Fiddlehead Trail will be closed for construction as of Monday, April 20 as we build the final stretch of accessible boardwalk leading to our marshland bridge. Trail users can still access the bridge and lookout, but they'll have to go the long way around. Thank you for your patience as we make Baxter even more accessible to all!
04/10/2026
Spring has sprung - our Forest Schoolers found their first frogs yesterday! 🐸 There are still a few spots left in our spring session, as well as drop-in opportunities. Learn more and register: https://www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/baxter-forest-school
| Monday | 8am - 8pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 8pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 8pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 8pm |
| Friday | 8am - 8pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 8pm |
| Sunday | 8am - 8pm |