Property Access Details
Find out how to access TKC's protected properties.
The Kensington Conservancy protects almost 1,200 acres of ecologically sensitive land in the St. Joseph Channel area. Many of our protected properties feature a wide variety of wildlife, plants, and scenic views that many nature enthusiasts would enjoy. However, due to a variety of factors, we currently do not allow unregulated access to most of them. We still want those who are interested to be able to experience our properties though, so please reach out to us to request access, which can usually be given on a case-by-case basis. Most often, we will offer a free guided tour of the property that you are interested in seeing.
Below are some further details about access to each of our protected properties:
Below are some further details about access to each of our protected properties:
Archibald Homestead - this preserve is closed to unregulated access by the public. Those who have purchased their annual parking pass (for accessing boat access only cottages) may use the road and parking lot as per terms of the pass. Any other access may be granted on a very limited case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.
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Black Hole Preserve - due to the sensitive nature of the ecosystems and absence of established hiking trails, this preserve is closed to unregulated access by the public. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.
This is our most popular preserve for guided hikes, so do not hesitate to request one if you are interested in visiting! For those who are interested in visiting the old bridge on this property, which is located on the south side of Highway 17 over Anderson Creek, just east of the intersection with Smith Road, please contact us beforehand. For anyone who is visiting to conduct professional photography, we will ask that a donation be made to The Kensington Conservancy in exchange for permission to access. |
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Boyer Preserve and Foster Parkland and Walking Trails - these are two adjacent but separate preserves, but share a hiking trail system, which is also named the Foster Parkland and Walking Trails. The trailhead is located at 69 Boyer Drive in Desbarats, which is the home of The Kensington Conservation Centre. The trails are open to the public to use at all times for no charge, but donations are accepted. Please stay on the designated trails. They can be snowshoed during the winter months. For more information about the trails, please click here.
Coatsworth Island Preserve - due to the absence of established hiking trails, this preserve is closed to unregulated access by the public. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.
Dawson Island Preserve - due to the absence of established hiking trails, this preserve is closed to the unregulated access by public. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.
Hole in the Wall and Fishnet Island Easements - The Kensington Conservancy only holds conservation easements on these properties and does not own them, therefore no access can be permitted without consent of the landowners. Please contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you require more information, but please understand that we may not be able to disclose landowner contact information directly to you.
Gravel Point Preserve - this nature preserve features a 1.5km loop hiking trail that is open to the public. The parking lot and trailhead are located about 300m south of Old Orchard Road on Highway 548 near Hilton Beach on St. Joseph Island. For more information about the trails, please click here.
Lang Family Preserve - due to the sensitive nature of the ecosystems and absence of established hiking trails, this preserve is closed to unregulated access by the public. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.
Phelps Preserve - due to unsafe terrain and the absence of established hiking trails, this preserve is closed to unregulated access by the public. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.
Ripple Rock Preserve - due to the sensitive nature of the ecosystems, unsafe terrain, and the absence of established hiking trails, this preserve is closed to unregulated access by the public. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.
Stobie Creek Preserve - due to the sensitive nature of the ecosystems, unsafe terrain, and the absence of established hiking trails, this preserve is closed to unregulated access by the public. Access may be granted on a case-by-case basis, therefore contact us at 705-782-2200 or [email protected] if you wish to inquire further about access.