Categories: Travel

This Ontario park has a sand beach and trail that loops around a former quarry

Photo via @conservationhalton on Instagram

When outdoor spaces blossom, we can’t help but explore them. There’s a conservation area in the Milton region that was once a quarry. Now it has transformed into a lovely park with a trail that loops around the outside, and it even has a beach with boat rentals. Here’s what to know about Area 8 Conservation Area.

Exploring Area 8 Conservation Area

It’s a short drive away from Toronto, about 50 minutes, northwest of Mississauga. It’s the perfect day trip experience!

According to Conservation Halton, this park is temporarily known as Area 8 and was formerly known as Kelso Quarry.

The area has undergone a stunning transformation, but used to provide limestone as one of the largest aggregate producers in Canada.

You’ll find the beautiful natural area nestled into the escarpment with a 2.2-km-long trail that wraps around the park.

“Already, wildlife has begun to return to the area, with species like Widow Skimmer Dragonfly, Gray Tree Frog, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Greater Yellowlegs making use of the restored habitat,” according to Conservation Halton.

There’s also a sand beach in the park where you can lounge on the warm shore.

If you’d like to swim in the park, it is only permitted through the Wellness Series open-water swims. The Wellness Series is a great way to get outdoors and stay fit.

Depending on the park you visit, sessions include yoga, open-water swimming, trail running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and climbing sessions with OneAxe Pursuits.

“Wellness Series runs weekday evening fitness classes that include activities like guided trail runs, open-water swimming, HIIT classes, and yoga in the park,” Conservation Halton shares on Instagram about Area 8.

Though reservations are not required to visit Conservation Halton Parks, they are recommended. Plus, since the park is fairly new, it may not be too busy.

Nonetheless, it’s a park worth visiting, and this summer is the perfect time to do it.