The Kelso Conservation Area is a recreation and natural environment park that is protected and managed by Conservation Halton. The 980 acre park includes a dam and reservoir, built in 1961 for flood protection and to augment summer stream flows on 16 Mile Creek. Kelso is located on the Niagara Escarpment which has unique geological features and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The park also includes the Glen Eden Ski and Snowboard Centre, a lake for fishing, boating and swimming and 16 km of hiking and biking trails. The Halton Region Museum is also located in the park.

A Masterpiece Carved in Limestone

The limestone cliffs of Kelso are part of Ontario's Niagara Escarpment. This well-known landform winds 725 km from Queenstown near Niagara Falls to the islands off Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The escarpment was formed over 400 million years ago when a vast tropical sea covered much of North America. The erosive power of preglacial rivers and glacial melt waters sculpted this geological masterpiece. Kelso is located on an isolated rock outlier separated from the escarpment and overlooking the park and west Milton.

There are more than 100 parks along the Niagara Escarpment that protect its significant natural and cultural features. Most Of the parks are linked by the Bruce Trail, Ontario's longest footpath. Other conservation areas located on the escarpment near Kelso include Hilton falls, Crawford Lake, Rattlesnake Point and Mount Memo.

Biking and Hiking Trails 16 km

Many trail sections are challenging and technically difficult like Grunt Climb, Digger Downhill, Lora's Run and the new X-Treem trail, The overlapping trail loops have coloured signs to indicate the level of difficulty- Blue: easy, Yellow: moderate, Red: moderate to advanced. Persons use these trails at their own risk. Bike wash available at chalet.

Bruce Trail 725 km

White Blazes on Trees Ontario's longest foot path, the Bruce Trail passes through Kelso park. You can access the trail at the chalet tunnel and from the summit parking lot. From the tunnel the trail travels to the west side of the park and then north on Appleby Line on its way to Hilton falls Conservation Area, In the southerly direction, the Bruce Trail crosses the tracks and ascends the escarpment where the trail winds its way out of Kelso to Appleby Line and then proceeds west toward Rattlesnake Point.

Parking Access

Kelso has two access points. The main gate is located on -Kelso Road. The summit access is located on Steeles Avenue and is available from April 15 October 31.