Island Lake

Experience nature at its finest at Island Lake Conservation Area. Located at the Town’s northeast corner, you’ll discover an outdoor oasis with over 300 hectares of lake, wetland and forest offering four seasons of recreation.

Part of Orangeville’s landscape since 1970, the development of the conservation area began in 1967 with the construction of two dams. The manmade reservoir was created through the flooding of a large cedar swamp, deciduous thicket, and small lake to help augment the low flow conditions in the Credit River. In 1975, two trails were completed, and the following year the education centre was built. Island Lake Conservation Area has continued to evolve over the past 50 years to include the construction of new roads, parking lots, picnic areas, washroom facilities, and a significant expansion of the trail system.

Year-round hiking options

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy the park’s signature eight-kilometre loop, the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail. This well-maintained accessible route gives hikers and cyclists a natural opportunity to experience expansive boardwalks, wildlife sightings, and dynamic views. Two shorter trails are also available. The Memorial Forest loop provides a leisurely two-kilometre walk through meadowland and takes hikers past unique features like a living memorial wall. The three-kilometre Sugar Bush trail offers a more rugged route. Note that this route is closed in the winter. Cyclists can bring their own bicycles or rent a fat tire bike. For families, there’s a 1.17-acre nature-inspired play area that features Indigenous design elements and includes a climbing wall, two sideways climbing trees, an obstacle course, and outdoor musical instruments. Find all routes and locations using this online map.

Take to the lake

In the summer, explore the waters by canoe or kayak. With 400 acres of lake to enjoy, paddlers can take to the open water or weave around the islands. A variety of waterfowl call Island Lake home and sightings of loons, osprey, and ducks are common. On the banks of the islands, frogs, turtles, and muskrats can be observed in their natural habitats. The quiet open waters are also ideal for paddle boarding and wind surfing.

Bait your hook at this popular fishing spot. The conservation area offers many choice fishing spots and anglers can cast a line from the shore or on the water. The lake is rich with a variety of fish species, including Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Black Crappie. Watercraft and fishing rentals are available.

No time for hibernation

The winter activities available at Island Lake ensure that the colder months can also be spent in the great outdoors. The flat terrain and gentle inclines of the eight-kilometre Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail are ideal for snowshoeing, cross-county skiing, or an excursion on a fat tire bike. Once frozen, kilometres of trails are cleared on the ice for leisure skating and hockey. Ice fishing is a popular winter pursuit on the lake and can be enjoyed on the open ice or from a hut. All winter activities are weather permitting.

A natural event venue

Island Lake also acts as a venue for many seasonal events. The spectacular waterfront amphitheatre provides an idyllic outdoor space for activities like outdoor yoga. The stage also hosts live theatre performances and outdoor concerts. For general family fun, sprawling greenspaces are available for picnics. 

The Crane Gathering Space is an Indigenous cultural feature located at the northern trailhead of the Credit Valley Trail (CVT). The space helps nurture connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, provides a space for ceremonial practices and unique recreational experiences, and serves as a publicly accessible site available for hosting innovative educational opportunities.

Fishing enthusiasts can participate in competitive derbies, held twice annually and an outdoor bonspiel invites curlers to take their game outdoors in February. Check our calendar to find outdoor events that are scheduled during your visit. 

Recreational opportunities are abundant no matter the season. It’s easy to enjoy the great outdoors in Orangeville.