Kelso Conservation Area
Set along the rocky Niagara Escarpment, Kelso Conservation Area is a three-square kilometre outdoor recreation park that packs in a lot of outdoor fun.
With the hilly escarpment terrain surrounding Kelso Lake, visitors are spoiled for choice with the selection of activities like paddle-boarding, swimming, camping, mountain biking and picnicking. Its extensive network of trails is perfect for hiking, plus there’s great skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Take in the views around the lake with a stroll down the boardwalk or enjoy a tranquil afternoon on the sandy shores of Kelso Beach.
Kelso Conservation Area
How to get to Kelso Conservation Area
Location: 5234 Kelso Road, Milton
By car: Kelso Conservation Area is located just outside of Milton, off the ON-401 highway. Parking is available onsite.
Know before you go
Reservations for visiting Kelso Conservation Area are not required but are recommended. Book online in advance to reserve your spot and save money on gate fees.
Kelso Conservation Area has 14 tent campsites available in the spring, summer and fall. Reservations can be booked by contacting Visitor Services by email or over the phone.
Things to do at Kelso Conservation Area
Discover more activities and experiences.
Hike a nature trail
Immerse yourself in fresh air and nature views by hiking on one of Kelso’s trails and hiking loops. Dogs are welcome, provided they are properly leashed.
Explore on the water
Take advantage of the sparkling blue waters of Kelso Lake by swimming or boating. Canoes, kayaks, peddleboats and paddleboards are available to rent onsite.
Climb an aerial rope course
Climb to new heights with Kelso’s Challenge Course. This experience includes an aerial ropes course and a climbing tower with features that takes you more than 13 metres in the air.
Go mountain biking
Learn to ride on rugged trails with the Kelso Mountain Bike School. Book a guided ride with expert instructors or choose your own adventure from the extensive network of bike trails.
Take in scenic views
Take a ride on a chairlift to the top of the hills during the fall and enjoy the season’s spectacular colours. Get your camera ready to capture breathtaking views of the Escarpment.
Articles and itineraries
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Interesting facts about Kelso Conservation Area
Kelso Conservation Area is home to Kelso Lake, a human-made reservoir built to mitigate the flooding of nearby Sixteen Mile Creek. This river flows from the Niagara Escarpment through Milton and Oakville, emptying into Lake Ontario.
Kelso has transformed into a multi-purpose lake for both function and fun, with locals and visitors frequenting its sandy beach and swimming or kayaking in its calm waters.
In the winter, the park operates as Glen Eden, a family-friendly ski resort with three chair lifts and carpet lifts for beginners. The ski resort typically opens in January.
Ramps
An inclined plane that allows wheelchair users and others to access buildings and navigate between different levels.
Wide doorways and hallways
A sufficiently wide, hard-surfaced, unobstructed path to allow for easy travel.
Automatic doors
Main entrance doors and other accessible entrances and exits are power assisted to allow easy access.
Elevator access
Elevators should be designed to be usable independently by and accessible to persons using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes or crutches, to enter and exit all public facilities. Controls/buttons should include tactile information to ensure easy use by persons who have visual limitations. Controls/buttons should be easy to reach and push, be raised and require minimal strength to activate.
Accessible parking space
Accessible parking provides a place for people with disabilities to park and space to get in and out of their vehicles safely. It also provides access to the main accessible entrance and/or any other accessible entrances. Most users of wheelchairs need at least three feet of clearance to get in and out of their vehicles.
Accessible beach access routes
Pathways with a firm and stable surface designed to provide access across the sand, potentially extending to the water's edge, depending on the facility. Beach access routes are routes constructed for public pedestrian use that provide access to public beaches from off-street parking facilities, recreational trails, exterior paths of travel and amenities. To select this feature, you should have at least one accessible beach access route at your site that you maintain.
Accessible recreation trails
Trails with a firm and stable surface, designed to be accessible for individuals of all abilities. These trails are intended for public use, offering opportunities for leisure and recreation. To qualify as an accessible recreational trail, your site must have at least one such trail that is regularly maintained.
Accessibility mat/Beach wheelchair
Accessibility mats provide a stable, slip-resistant surface for easier movement across the sand, while beach wheelchairs are designed to navigate sandy terrain and can assist individuals in getting closer to or into the water.
Accessible campsites
Sites should be level with adjacent grades and have a firm, well-draining surface and include adjacent accessible parking. Picnic tables and barbecue pits should be in close proximity to the campsite and wheelchair accessible. A firm surface, roadway or path should also connect the accessible campsite to key amenities, such as accessible washrooms, showers, and other campground amenities.
Last updated: September 2, 2025