Cedar Creek Conservation area is nature preserve located in Essex County in southern Ontario. It’s is the nicest conservation areas in Essex County and worth the day trip.
How to get to the Cedar Creek Conservation Area
To get to Cedar Creek from the 401. Take exit 34, Belle River Rd and head South. At the end of Belle River Rd turn right on Essex Rd 8. Once you get into the town of Essex you will turn left on Gosfield Townline (this turns into 23) continue for 14kms and the parking area will be on your right just after County Rd 20.
Things to do at the Cedar Creek Conservation Area
Kayaking in Cedar Creek Conservation Area
Kayaking is what brought me here at the Cedar Creek. The calm area with great shelter if a storm were to come in. This is what you call peaceful. There is a free launch for Kayaks, stand up paddle boards and canoes.
From the launch area at Cedar Creek Conservation Area parking, you can go east on the river or west. This day I decided to head east. As you make your way under the low bridge you will notice nests under it. Do not be alarmed we were not attacked by anything. The great thing about this area is the wildlife you can see which brings me to my next point.
Wildlife and Nature In Cedar Creek
I love being outdoors. I love the wildlife and what mother nature has in store for us. Cedar Creek Conservation Area provides a plethora of that.
Make to sure to bring your camera and binoculars. Here you will get a chance to see the amazing bald eagle. Or catch a egret wading through the water. Maybe glimpse a turtle soaking up the sun. For bird lovers this a great area to see some of the many migratory birds that pass through here.
Other things to not miss out on is the flora in the area. Lotus, swamp rose mallow are some of the stunning flora you can see in this area. If you take your kayak to the left from the launch and make your way down the river you will see to the right a branch off. Make your way to the left bank to see some beautiful flora.
Some animals to see while here.
- Bluegill (fish)
- Perch (fish)
- Catfish (fish)
- Herons (bird)
- Kingfishers (bird)
- Woodpeckers (bird)
- Swans (bird)
- Cardinals (bird)
- Hawks (bird)
- eagles (bird)
Now there are turtles in the area and once I educate myself on the species I can update this list.
Fishing
As I mentioned, you can find bluegill, perch and catfish here. If you are planning to do any fishing here keep in mind you do need to have your fishing license. The OPP (police) do come to this area often to check that everyone is following the rules and laws.
Hiking
There are hiking trails here. However over the years it has not been maintained and has been overrun by shrubbery. If you want to try it out there is a 1.6km loop. Some trail sights you may be able to see are mushrooms, moss and if you stop and take a moment to look up, maybe a bald eagle.
Things to bring to Cedar Creek on your adventure
We always forget that one thing at home. So here is a list I have put together. Things for everyone would include bug spray, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, camera, sunglasses, water and snacks
For Kayaking
- life vest
- knife
- rope
- towel
For hiking
- hiking boots
- extra socks
- hiking pole
Fishing
- fishing rod
- tackle
- net
Bird watching
- chair
- checklist of birds
Cedar Creek Conservation Area might be a small preserve in the area but it surely has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast. This is just one of those places that is so peaceful and a great place to relax.