Outdoors

Cold Creek Conservation Area is an ecologically diverse and sustainable natural area, home to a wide array of plant and animal species, that consists of 190 hectares within the Humber River Watershed (a designated Canadian Heritage River). A portion of the property lies within the "Natural Linkage" policy area of the Oak Ridges Moraine. It is significant due to its unique natural feature that includes a mixed coniferous swamp, including the rare black spruce. We strive to balance the natural environment while providing outdoor education, recreation and cultural and heritage experiences.

Cold Creek Conservation Area Facility Rentals - great for events, meetings, school functions, community groups and family gatherings including the Education Centre, Visitor Centre, Picnic Shelter and special offers such as the  high ropes challenge course! 

Facility Rental Booking: 
facilitybooking@king.ca
Book a Facility 

Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe rentals - during the winter season, cross country skis and snowshoes can be rented through the Township! 

Cold Creek Programs - come and experience the outdoors in an interactive way! Whether you are looking for recreational, educational, team building initiatives, or nature based programs, Cold Creek has everything to meet your needs. 

www.coldcreek.ca website
 

The Oak Ridges Moraine stretches for over 160 kilometres across the most populated area of Ontario. It is the source of 65 major streams or rivers and provides clean, safe drinking water to over a quarter of a million people living on the Moraine. The Moraine forest, wetlands and open meadow are vital in maintaining a healthy ecosystem for Toronto and the GTA. It also provides beautiful space for recreation use.

The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail is a key water resource, a rich bank of bio-diversity, and a beautiful landform ideally suited for hiking.  Much of the surface is said to have a kame and kettle relief.  Hummocky hills (kames) are interspersed with hollows (kettles). The hills are composed of sandy and gravelly materials with the underlying till or boulder clay sometimes protruding to form high ridges. A kettle forms where a huge block of ice broken off the glacier is surrounded or buried by materials released by the melting glacier.  When the ice melts, a hole is left, often forming a lake, such as Mary Lake and Lake Seneca in King.   

There are 7 different trails for hiking in King

The Oak Ridges Trail Association offers guided hikes on a year round basis. These are a fabulous way to get close to nature, meet new people, and have some fun exercise.

Before joining a hike, you are advised to:

• Select a hike according to your own physical ability
• Arrive at hike 15 minutes before the start time to complete registration requirements
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Bring sufficient water, snacks/lunch (for longer hikes) and suitable equipment according to the terrain and weather conditions (snowshoes after heavy snow falls and icers for most winter/spring hikes).

See Hike Schedule

Look for the distinctive signposts marking entrances to the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail.  You will find these signposts at:

• Dufferin Street - on the west side, north of Bloomington.  This walk will take you to Lake Seneca and the historic Eaton Hall
• Keele Street - on the east side, north of Bloomington.  This hike is a continuation of the one from Dufferin Street.
• Keele Street - on the west side, north of Bloomington.  This hike will take you up to the 16th Sideroad.  You could stop into Pine Farms Orchard for lunch, or walk west along the 16th Sideroad to get to Happy Valley.

The Dufferin Marsh is a 5 ha natural area located in the centre of the Village of Schomberg steps from the downtown Main Street. It is a remnant feature of the Schomberg River isolated when the river was channelized in the 1800’s.  Through natural processes and man-made influences the old river bed developed into a wetland. The land was historically used for farming and was bisected by the Schomberg and Aurora Railway in 1902. Through the years the Marsh has flourished despite adjacent development.

Visit the Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection.

The Trisan Centre is the local community centre, and on its east side is a large pond that is the home to swans and attracts many migratory birds.

King Township is part of the Greenbelt Route, and is part of the 59 kilometre York Loop. 

See the maps of the Greenbelt Route.

York Region has also created map for fantastic cycling routes.

Map side 1

Map side 2

Cycling the Holland Marsh

If you prefer to cycle on the flats, Holland Marsh is perfect!  Park at Holland Marsh Wineries, and after your journey, reward yourself with a glass of wine.