Lynde Shores Conservation Area

Lynde Shores Conservation Area is a protected natural area in Whitby covering roughly 272 hectares with two main marshes, Lynde Creek and Cranberry, that together create a mosaic of wetland habitats. These spaces support populations of waterfowl, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive along Lake Ontario's shoreline.

This conservation area was established as a protected space in 1972 after the land served as recreational cottages and farmland. The transformation marked a shift toward environmental protection under Ontario's conservation framework.

The area held deep meaning for indigenous peoples, particularly the Mississaugas, who lived here for thousands of years as shown by archaeological findings. Visitors walking through the marshes today connect with this long human story.

The area can be reached from a parking lot on Halls Road South, where roughly 5 kilometers of walking paths begin throughout the grounds. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars if interested in observing birds in their natural habitats.

The area features several bird feeding stations where chickadees and woodpeckers come close to visitors regularly. This direct interaction allows for unusually close observation of wild birds going about their daily activities.