For a fourth straight year, Wildwood Conservation Area near St. Marys will extend its operating season by opening early for spring.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) announced its spring shoulder season will allow day-use access to Wildwood, as well as the Fanshawe Conservation Area in London, from April 1 until April 30. The UTRCA first introduced the shoulder season four years ago in response to visitor demand.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Fanshawe and Wildwood this spring," said UTRCA Conservation Areas Coordinator Damian Schofield. "Visitors are eager to celebrate the return of warmer weather and want to get outside and explore. We’ve had guests reach out expressing their appreciation in having access to the conservation areas alongside the additional amenities for an extended season.”
During the shoulder season customer service staff will be on-site and washrooms will be open. Visitors will have access to hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, BBQs, picnic areas, the boat launch, and the reservoirs for canoeing and kayaking. Rentals will not be available, UTRCA noted.
Wildwood will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Vehicles entering will be charged a reduced pass fee of $11 for up to four people while those walking or cycling will only pay $8 for entry. 2026 memberships which include day-use access for 12 months can be purchased online or at the Conservation Area Gatehouse.
The camping season will begin on May 1.
