Foster Parkland and Walking Trails

Take a hike on The Kensington Conservancy's Foster Parkland and Walking Trails! 
These hiking trails traverse two adjacent nature preserves. The Boyer Preserve is a 93 acre property featuring mixed forest, protected shoreline and Provincially Significant Wetland known as the Kensington Complex. The Foster Parkland and Walking Trails Preserve is a 40 acre property of diverse mixed forest and features interpretive signs to teach you about the local flora.
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LOCATION AND PARKING: The trailhead can be found at The Kensington Conservation Centre, located a 69 Boyer Drive in Desbarats, Ontario. There is a parking lot that fits several vehicles. 

LENGTH: ​There is approximately 3.5km worth of trails. The north loop (red) is 2.3km and the south loop (blue) is 1.2km. Completing the whole trail system may take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace. Click here to view the trail map.

TRAIL RATING: The trails are a moderate hike. The trails are natural (rocks, roots, etc.) with some steep changes in elevation. Rocky segments may be very slippery after rainfalls. There are a few low areas that are seasonally wet. These trails may not be suitable for everyone.

TRAIL RULES:
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times and picked up after
  • Take only photos, leave only footprints
  • ​Stay on the marked trails
  • No bikes or motorized vehicles 

OTHER NOTES:
  • The trails are open for snowshoeing in the winter
  • Washrooms, hiking poles, and tap water are available when staff are present at The Kensington Conservation Centre

Directions

 The trailhead for the Foster Parkland and Walking Trails is located at The Kensington Conservation Centre, 69 Boyer Drive in Desbarats, Ontario. Boyer Drive is accessed from Highway 17. There is a parking lot that fits several vehicles. ​
Click the link below or scan the QR code with another device to view the hiking trails in Google Maps.

Scenic Lookouts

The trails provide access to a variety of scenic lookouts, including a great look at the Portlock Flats at the north end of the trails and Lake Huron at the south end.

Education

A portion of the trail provides the opportunity for you to learn about the tree and shrub species found along the trail and how to identify them.

About the Property

These trails span two nature preserves owned by The Kensington Conservancy. One shares the same name as the trail system, the Foster Parkland and Walking Trails, which was donated in 2009 by Maurice and Janet Foster. The second is the Boyer Preserve, which was purchased in 2016, which is home to The Kensington Conservation Centre and the trailhead. These two nature preserves protect a combined 133 acres. Learn more about these two nature preserves, as well as all of The Kensington Conservancy's other protected properties, at the link below.

Volunteer 

We are always looking for volunteers to assist with trail maintenance. This includes clearing fallen trees, cutting back new growth, and making sure trail markers are visible. Thank you to our current volunteers for all of your hard work!

Support the Trails

The Kensington Conservancy is a non-profit, charitable organization that relies on the generosity of our community to conduct our conservation work and keep these trails open to the public. Consider making a financial contribution! 

Submit Your Sightings

You can help us build our list of species found on the Gravel Point Preserve. Bring your camera, take photos of plants and wildlife, and upload your sightings to iNaturalist or report them directly to us. There is lots to see here!