Stoney Island

Stoney Island

The Conservation Area has reopened, but trail and forest remediation is ongoing.  Please exercise caution while enjoying the property!

May 16th, 2025 - Update

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) is celebrating a $100,000 investment from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support critical improvements at Stoney Island Conservation Area. Announced in October 2024, this investment is enhancing accessibility and amenities to create a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor recreation experience for visitors.

The project focuses on strengthening Ontario’s tourism sector by improving visitor access, safety, and engagement in natural spaces. Stoney Island Conservation Area is a key destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing, attracting visitors from across the region.

Project Highlights:

  • Bridge Replacements – Three existing bridges in deteriorating condition will be removed and replaced with new, safer structures, ensuring secure passage for visitors.
  • Trailhead Kiosk – The installation of a new kiosk will provide essential trail maps, safety information, and environmental education, improving visitor navigation and awareness.
  • Parking Lot Expansion – The existing parking lot will be expanded and regraded with proper aggregate to enhance capacity, improve stability, and facilitate snow removal, addressing long-standing accessibility challenges.
  • Inclusive Facilities – A gender-neutral privy will be installed to ensure that all visitors have access to appropriate facilities, reinforcing SVCA’s commitment to inclusivity in outdoor spaces.

“These upgrades at Stoney Island Conservation Area are a major step forward in creating a safer, more accessible, and visitor-friendly conservation area. With this support from FedDev Ontario, we can continue to enhance our natural assets while providing meaningful conservation and tourism amenities that benefit both the environment and local communities.”
- Erik Downing, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, SVCA

By improving key infrastructure and increasing capacity, SVCA aims to extend the tourism season, attract new visitors, and foster economic growth in rural areas. These enhancements are helping to ensure that Stoney Island Conservation Area remains a premier outdoor destination for years to come. 

For more information, please contact:
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
Email: media@svca.on.ca Cell: 519-369-4295 

There are many bird watching opportunities from spring to fall at Stoney Island Conservation Area.  In winter, the trails are reserved for cross-country skiing and 5 km of snowshoe trails. There are several creeks running through this property and are traversed by hand-crafted bridges.

 The following links provide more information on Stoney Island Conservation Area.

  • GPS 44.2261,-81.6058
  • Stoney Island Conservation Area is located 5 km (3 miles) north of Kincardine Hospital on the west side of County Road 23 (the "B" line).

  • Over 6 km of all-season recreational trails.
  • Used for walking, jogging, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing.
  • The Kincardine Cross-Country Ski Club helps SVCA perform trail maintenance.
  • Please note that skiers have the right of way on the trails.
  • Hikers must stay to the side of groomed ski trails.
  • Recreational Trail Map

  • There are no fishing opportunities at this property.
  • Visit our Fishing page for more information.

  • Hunting is NOT permitted on this property.
  • Visit our Hunting page for more information.

Only $5 a day or $55 for the year! Your Annual Membership Pass expires 365 days from day of purchase. For example: If you purchase your Annual Pass on July 31, 2023, your pass will expire on July 31, 2024.

Your support through the payment of membership fees, whether for a single day or via an annual membership, is invaluable in helping Saugeen Conservation sustain our trails and maintain our 21,000 acres of land, despite limited income sources and the necessity to cover property taxes. We thank you for your contribution, ensuring accessibility and the continued enjoyment of our natural spaces.

 

Pay Membership Fees Online:
Pay for single vehicle one day access to all Saugeen Conservation Areas: click here.
Pay for single vehicle annual membership at any and all Saugeen Conservation Areas: click here.

 

One pass, all access!

Day Use Areas:

  • Allan Park
  • Bell's Lake
  • Brucedale
  • Denny's Dam
  • Durham
  • Mildmay/Carrick
  • New conservation area at Glenelg
  • Hardwood Hill
  • Kinghurst
  • McGowan Falls
  • Saugeen Bluffs
  • Schmidt Lake
  • Stoney Island
  • Sulphur Spring
  • Varney

 

There are no facilities on this property.... but there will be! (See announcement above).

  • SVCA bought his 40 ha (98 acres) property in 1977. It is a 5 minute drive from Kincardine.
  • While you visit, see if you can solve the great disappearing island mystery.  The Conservation Area's namesake does exist, but where?
  • Captain Duncan Rowan travelled to a small natural harbour in Kincardine township in 1849. A small island and a shoal created this harbour. The location is south of the present day Stoney Island Conservation Area.
    • The little community named Port Head, had a good sized steam sawmill and a post office.
    • A mighty gale demolished the island in 1857.
    • After this storm, the island disappeared. The mill was closed in 1858.
  • Stoney Island is a Conservation Area and Managed Forest property.

Contact Us

Address: 1078 Bruce Rd. 12
Box 150
Formosa, Ontario
N0G 1W0

Phone: (519) 364-1255

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