Upper Thames River Conservation Areas
Pittock The first time we visited Pittock, it was blazing sunshine; the second time, pouring rain! And we can therefore say this CA is great, whatever the weather! Entry was free for day users, which was a bonus. The main path is tarmacked, and hence not muddy during the wet weather, and runs alongside the reservoir with plenty of opportunities for a dip. Roth Park sits on the South Side if you’d like a spot to stop for a picnic. With 10km of trails, and opportunities for kayaking, there’s lots to do.
Best for: long walks, rain or shine
Rita’s Rating: 4
Wildwood With 30km of trails, Wildwood puts all the other conservation areas to shame! Bring your boots though as it can get mucky! The best place to park for the Lake Trail is the car park on the right immediately after the main entrance. As we didn’t know this when we first visited, we drove on to the day use area. Here you can get the view of Wildwood Lake itself, as the trail is set back from the shore. Although a lake, it’s long and thin like a river and the trail runs alongside the shoreline, cutting across at the far end. We first did the red forest trail, which can be completed as its own loop or to take you onto the Lake Trail. Although it was a busy day at the park, the trail is so long we largely had space for ourselves.
Best for: Long solitary walks
Rita’s Rating: 4
Fanshawe We visited this park during our weekend in London. The greatest attraction of this park is the Pioneer Village, which showcases how early Irish settlers to Canada would have lived, following their lifestyles through a 100 year time period. There are often special events taking place so be sure to check the calendar. If you are spending the weekend at the park, perhaps at the campground, you might want to tackle the 21km Lake Trial, or simply a small section of it, like we did! Or for a shorter loop, try the Meadows or Pond trails. There’s lots to do for cyclists, fishermen and kayakers, or golfers can visit the bordering Fanshawe Golf Course.
Best for: History lesson, hiking and kayaking all in one weekend!
Rita’s Rating: 4
