Mud Lake Conservation Area



(Photos: Samantha Stea)
 


A fallen tree across the stream running through Mud Lake Conservation Area. (Photos: Samantha Stea)
 


This is a close up shot of a dragonfly as it rests on a low lying leaf. The wings are almost completely transparent, allowing its body to camouflage almost perfectly. (Photos: Samantha Stea)
 


The sun shining through the trees onto the trail at Mud Lake, giving a picturesque view of the trees and shrubbery along the trail. (Photos: Samantha Stea)
 

General Information

Mud Lake Conservation Area offers visitors unique bird watching, fishing and hunting opportunities. There are 3 duck blinds located on the Eastern shore of the lake that provide a hidden and covered area for visitor use. These blinds are accessible by canoe. Guidelines for fishing and hunting can be found at http://www.npca.ca/wp-content/uploads/NPCA-Hunting-and-Angling.pdf

Mud Lake Conservation Area is a man made area dedicated to the preservation and biodiversity of vegetation and wildlife. The area has three different trails which range from 20mins to over an hour in length that all begin at the parking lot on Elm Street. Migratory birds frequently stop at Mud Lake for rest and food, making the area a great place for nature lovers, bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Visitors to Mud Lake Conservation Area will also have the opportunity to pass over bridges atop the Welland canal on their way to the site. Many of these bridges offer distinctive craftsmanship and unique experiences for those who have never been to the area before. Additionally, on route to Mud Lake, visitors will be able to stop at the newly built Welland International Flatwater Center where many boating events take place such as rowing or dragon boating championships.


Hours of Operation

Open year Round
8am - 8pm daily

Recreational Activities

- Hiking

- Water Fowl Hunting

- Wildlife Viewing

- Canoeing

- Cross country Skiing

- Snow Shoeing

Directions

  • 1.Head south on Bay Street towards Albert Street
  • 2.Turn right to stay on Bay Street
  • 3.Turn right onto Lake Share Boulevard West
  • 4.Slight Right towards the Gardiner Expressway West
  • 5.Take the Gardiner Expressway West ramp
  • 6.Merge onto the Gardiner Expressway West
  • 7.Continue onto the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)
  • 8.Merge onto the Queen Elizabeth Way
  • 9.Keep left to continue on the Queen Elizabeth way, following signs for Niagara/East Hamilton/Fort Erie
  • 10.Take exit 57 for Victoria Avenue/County Road 24 toward Vineland
  • 11.Merge onto Marina Boulevard
  • 12.Turn left onto Victoria Avenue (signs for County Road 24 South/Victoria Avenue South/Vineland/North Service Road)
  • 13.Continue onto Vineland Townline Road/Regional Road 24
  • 14.Turn left onto Forks road/Regional Road 23
  • 15.Turn right onto Elm Street/Regional road 80

Destination will be on left (East)

From Niagara Falls:

1.Head north on Stanley Avenue toward Spring Street

2.Turn left (west) onto ON-420 West

3.Keep right at the fork, following signs for Queen Elizabeth Way/ Fort Erie and merge onto Queen Elizabeth Way

4.Take exit 21 for Regional road 47 West/Lyon's Creek Road West toward Welland

5.Merge into Lyon's Creek road/Regional Road 47

6.Turn left (South) onto Montrose Road/ Regional Road 98

7.Turn right (West) onto Netherby Road/Regional Road 25

8.Continue onto Townline Tunnel road/ Regional Road 525

9.Turn left (South) onto Canal Bank Street

10.Continue onto Kingsway

11.Turn right (West) onto Forks Road West

12.Turn left (South) onto Elm Street/Regional Road 80

Destination will be on your left (East)

Ecological

Mud Lake Conservation area encompasses 60 hectares of wetland and 54 hectares of field and woodland. The area is located beside the old Welland Canal. The area is also frequented by many types of rare and migratory birds as well as waterfowl. There have been over 60 species identified at this site. Mud Lake Conservation Area is dedicated to the preservation of vegetation and wildlife, making it the perfect habitat for many species of birds, amphibians and mamals. The lake is also known to be home to many types of fish, such as Largemouth bass and pan fish.

Further Information

Ownership & Management

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Facilities

Free Parking
3 Hunting Blinds

Admission Fee

No admission fee

Contact

Phone: 905-788-3135
Website: http://www.npca.ca/conservation-areas/mud-lake/

Address

Elm Street/Regional Road 80
Municipality Port Colborne

GPS Co-ordinates

Latitude: 42.9295
Longitude: -79.2549

Map

Administration

Darcy Baker
Director of Land Management
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd floor
Welland, Ontario
Tel 905-788-3135
Email dbaker@npca.ca

Walking time: 20 mins - 1.5 hours

Surface features: Lake, trails, wooded area, marsh


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