About Island Lake

Recreation in the Headwaters

Picturesque Island Lake Conservation Area is located in the rolling hills of Dufferin County in the Towns of Orangeville and Mono, and provides four seasons of recreation. It's 332 hectares of lake, wetland, forest and meadows play an important ecological role in protecting the headwaters of the Credit and Nottawasaga Rivers . Part of a six kilometer long series of vibrant wetlands and a source of upwellings of water from underground, this area feeds cool, clean, naturally-filtered water to these regionally important river systems.

Landscape

Island Lake 's varied landscapes lend themselves to interesting and educational hikes and outings. The lake is rich in life with healthy fish and wildlife populations, and abundant underwater plants. On shore, deer, red fox, raccoon, porcupines and even flying squirrels make their homes. Osprey, great blue herons, mallards and many other bird species are seen at Island Lake throughout the summer, as are painted turtles and leopard frogs. In spring and fall, migratory birds pause briefly, taking advantage of the diverse habitats and provide an opportunity for birdwatchers to enjoy.

Wetlands

Water dominates ILCA in the form of bogs, marshes, rivers, creeks and lake itself. These wetlands make up part of the provincially significant Orangeville Wetland Complex and act like a filter, purifying water and soaking up nutrients.

Photography and Filming

While CVC appreciates and benefits greatly from the strong partnerships shared with our tourism and marketing sector, it is in contravention of the Conservation Authorities Act to operate any private business activities on CVC owned lands or make a profit from the use of these public areas without expressed permission provided by CVC. Photography for personal use is encouraged and permitted but any private commercial photography needs to be approved and permitted by CVC.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact Sandy Camplin, Conservation Areas Programming Assistant, Credit Valley Conservation, 1 800 367 0890, scamplin@creditvalleycons.com.

History

Cleared for farming in the 1800s, the forested hedgerows, old fields, plantations and a remnant maple-beech forest are reminders of this past. In 1967, the local landscape changed dramatically with the construction of two dams. The dams flooded a large cedar swamp, deciduous thicket and the small lake creating a 182 ha reservoir, first known as the Orangeville Reservoir, but now named Island Lake, not for the Islands the flooding created but for an original settler to the area.

Located at the west end of the lake, the dams control water flow into the Credit River . Controlling the amount of water flowing into the river improves the water quality thereby enhancing the health and beauty of the Upper Credit watershed. The Conservation Area opened to the public in 1970 after the completion of these dams.

Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail

Trails (the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail)

More recently, in 2001, the first 2-kilometers of the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail opened with long-term plans to circle Island Lake and link to local trails in Orangeville, Caledon and Mono. It was named to recognize the outstanding contributions made by Credit Valley Conservation's retired General Manager. The trail is designed to offer opportunities for hiking, walking, cross-country skiing, bicycling and nature study.

Other trails provide a pleasant trip through upland forested areas. In winter, these trails are excellent for cross-country skiing.

The Future

In recent years, a management plan has been developed for Island Lake . This plan creates a vision to guide the conservation area's development, and combines the need for protecting this valuable natural resource while at the same time providing pleasant recreational opportunities for local residents and tourists.

Truly, Island Lake provides a balance between protection and recreation.

Visitor Opportunities

Water based:

• fishing - pike, perch, largemouth bass, black crappie
  (Click here for ILCA ANGLER SURVEY)
• children's wading beach - closed due to water levels
• boating - no gasoline motors; electric motors accepted.
• boat rentals - canoes and kayaks; electric motor boat rentals have been suspended during the fall due to lake conditions
• For inquiries and bookings - call 519-941-6329 or
  1-800-367-0890
• canoe and kayak storage
• boat launch and bait shop
• windsurfing

Land based:

• special events
• educational programs
• hiking
• Vicki Baron Trail plus an additional 8 kms of nature trails
• beach - closed due to current water levels
• picnicking:
• corporate and family
• groups reservations recommended - call
  519- 941-6329 and 1-800-367-0890
• picnic pavilion- hydro & running water by reservation.
• BBQ rentals
• volleyball court

Winter Activities (as ice conditions permit):

• ice-fishing - pike, perch, black crappie
• Fishing hole augering
• Live bait for sale
• For inquiries and bookings - call 519-941-6329 or
  1-800-367-0890
• ice skating - conditions permitting
• ice surfing - conditions permitting
• snack bar
• heated rest area
• cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
• 6 kms of marked groomed trails
• snowshoe rentals