Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area
Officially opened in June 2006, the Bowmanville / Westside Marshes Conservation Area is over 80 hectares in size and includes two provincial significant coastal wetlands, (Bowmanville Marsh and Westside Marsh) and their surrounding lands. The Westside Marsh, originally owned by St Marys Cement and recently dedicated to the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, has undergone extensive restoration activities over the last several years.
Continuing restoration work within Westside Marsh and the land connecting it to the Bowmanville Marsh will provide more quality wildlife habitat areas,and enhance existing habitat areas that are already important to many wildlife species for both breeding and feeding activities. This Conservation Area provides good habitat for nesting birds and acts as an important stopover point for waterfowl and shorebirds migrating along the north shore of Lake Ontario.
To help you get a closer look at this important area, the Conservation Area has a 1.5 Km looping trail around the upland area between the two wetlands. This trail is just the right length for little ones and is generally stroller and wheelchair friendly. Two raised viewing mounds give visitors to the area good views into the two wetland areas. Looking for more of a workout? Why not hop onto the Waterfront Trail, which is directly accessible from the Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area parking facility. Remember to bring a camera, because you just never know what you might see!
Winter Notice: Parking lot and trails at Bowmanville/Westside Marshes CA are not maintained in the winter.
Link to Clarington trails map: https://www.clarington.net/en/your-community/resources/Maps/Clarington-Trails-Map-EXEMPT.pdf
Trail Location:
180 West Beach Road, Clarington: Exit Hwy. 401 at Liberty Street exit in Bowmanville, turn east onto Lake Road (south of Hwy. 401), turn Right onto Port Darlington Road, turn Right (west) onto West Beach Road and travel 0.75 km, turn Right into Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area parking facility.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Durham RegionNearby towns and cities: Bowmanville | Clarington | Oshawa
Trail feature tags: Interpretive signage | Marsh | nature trail
Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area characteristics
Length: 1.5 kmDifficulty: Easy (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking, Cross-country skiing, and Mountain biking
Accessibility Notes: not wheelchair accessible
Fees: Pay and Display Parking is in effect at a cost of: Max. - $6/ vehicle/day or $3.00/hour
Flora & Fauna:
Not reported yet
Amenities: None
Attractions: Marshes, Interpretive signage
Contact:
mail@cloca.com
Central Lake Ontario Conservtion Authority Tel:(905) 579-0411
Find it: 180 West Beach Road, Clarington (See more info above)
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.8897350
Longitude: -78.6722150