Reconnect with Nature

Starting July 2025, people with a PaRx nature prescription can enjoy five free visits to NPCA conservation areas where admission fees apply: Ball's Falls, Binbrook, Chippawa Creek, and Long Beach. All other NPCA conservation areas are free to access year-round.

This partnership between NPCA and PaRx, an intiative of BC Parks Foundation, makes nature more accessible as part of your wellness journey. Time outdoors within natural areas has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and support overall mental and physical health. 

How it works:

• Ask your healthcare provider about getting a PaRx nature prescription.
• Receive your prescription and complete the NPCA PaRx Request form below
• Once submitted, NPCA staff will reach out via email providing five free visits to any of the following conservation areas: Ball's Falls, Binbrook, Chippawa, and Long Beach.
• Begin your walk toward better health in nature - one step, one breath, one day at a time.

If your healthcare provider has already prescribed a visit to nature, please complete the form below.

Complete NPCA PaRx Pass Request Form

Visit parkprescriptions.ca to learn more or talk to your healthcare provider today.

If you have any questions or need assistance to complete this form, please contact NPCA at conservationareas@npca.ca or call 905-788-3135 ext. 330.

If you have any questions about the PaRx program, please contact parx@bcparksfoundation.ca

Hiking

Nature’s medicine for the soul

There is no better way to nourish the mind and body than to explore the numerous paths throughout our properties across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.

Encounter diverse ecosystems and watch at how the symbiotic relationships between animals, vegetation and other key features work together to create the perfect atmosphere for recreational hiking.

The crisp crunch of snow underfoot as you glide through pristine scenery is the perfect way to spend a winter’s day. No rushing. No loud traffic. Just you and a beautiful natural environment.

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Cultural Heritage

If these walls could talk…

The Niagara Escarpment is responsible for creating stunning vistas and complex ecosystems full of lush life. Since the days of early settlement, people have been in awe of the unique landscape.

The history of the land is as robust as the landscape and has been captured at many of our parks in the form of signage and guided tours. 

Visit the original 1800s Glen Elgin Village located at Ball's Falls Conservation Area.

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Fishing

Take the bait

A tradition as old as time itself, fishing at NPCA parks provide the perfect atmosphere as you channel your inner hunter-gatherer. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon of catch and release with a loved one, or an exercise in farm-to-table, your unique fishing experience starts here. The most popular Conservation Areas for fishing are Binbrook and Chippawa Creek. 

Fishing opportunities are also available at:

• Long Beach
• EC Brown
• Jordan Harbour
• Mud Lake
• St. Johns
• Stevensville
• Wainfleet Wetlands
• Virgil

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Fishing Regulations apply at NPCA Conservation Areas and visitors are asked to consider catch and release fishing.

For more information on these, please visit Ontario Fishing and/or the Ontario Fishing Regulations webpage. Additionally, please review the Guide to Eating Ontario Fish to find out how to reduce the risk of consuming chemicals by knowing which fish to avoid eating.

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Cycling

NATURAL LANDSCAPES AND STUNNING STOPS ALONG YOUR TRIP

When you are planning your cycling routes, be sure to make time for eight of the NPCA’s gorgeous conservation areas that have amenities just for you.

Go for a hike, visit some waterfalls, hydrate, have a restroom break and even charge up your phone. For a list of sites providing bike racks and other essentials for cyclists click here.

The NPCA is proud to partner with The Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre to provide resources to visitors regarding Niagara’s cycling tourism. On their website you will find routes, interactive trail maps, cycle-friendly business services and travel information.

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Geocaching

Hide and seek for all ages

The ultimate scavenger hunt is on! Technology meets nature in a unique way as you use your Global Positioning Services device to discover treasures in the natural environments of our parks. 

You never know what kind of neat nuggets you’ll unearth, just make sure you put it back for the next explorer!

Geocaching policies, guidelines.

Send your application.

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