Thanks to a significant financial donation last summer, Dalewood Reservoir is now home to Elgin county’s first canoe/kayak trail. The $155,000 gift from the Estate of Donna Vera Evans Bushell allowed for the launch earlier this month of the Evans Sisters’ Water Trail at Dalewood Conservation Area.
Elizabeth VanHooren, General Manager of the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, says it’s the ideal opportunity to enjoy spectacular vistas, minutes from St. Thomas.
The water trail is your opportunity to explore the Dalewood Reservoir and Kettle Creek while taking you through 25 hectares of provincially significant wetlands.
VanHooren says the water trail will take you north past Ron McNeil Line.
It’s the ideal venue for a variety of unique Instagram moments and provides the public not only access to the water, but an opportunity to see bald eagles, osprey and enjoy creative photo opportunities.
She adds a new day use area has been added featuring a dock for fishing, seating areas and canoe and kayak rentals.
VanHooren notes the a day use area can be reached at no cost from the trail entrance north of the Dalewood Bridge or via the Dalewood campground gatehouse to give you to the dock area.
Kettle Creek Conservation Authority has posted the following in terms of equipment rentals…
You must be 19 years of age to rent the watercraft.Life jackets and safety equipment are provided. However, due to COVID-19 users are encouraged to bring their own lifejackets.Rates are $16/hour or $40 for a half day.2 canoes, 2 tandem kayaks and 4 single kayaks are available to rent.
