Note: Due to our comfort stations and water system undergoing maintenance, we are unable to accept further picnic bookings at this time. Vault toilets are available. Washrooms with flush toilets are open beside the Visitor Centre.
Picnics are more than just potato salad at Conservation Halton Parks! Our parks offer incredible views, trails and activities for you and your guests to enjoy together as part of your experience.
Picnicking is officially open at Kelso Conservation Area for summer 2025! Our picnic sites are perfect for groups to enjoy a delicious meal at their spacious picnic area and have all-day access to our parks. You can even add on boat rentals, archery, or the Challenge Course order for a full day of fun!
Food always tastes better when you enjoy it outdoors, so come picnic and stay all day to cook, play, and enjoy everything the parks have to offer.
Picnicking at Kelso offers spectacular escarpment views, just a short drive from the GTA. There are several activities available at the park, including swimming, boating, hiking and mountain biking. Kelso offers beautiful picnic sites for pre-booking in our reserved picnic area. The sites vary in price depending on size (regular or large). They also vary in their access to amenities, such as picnic shelters or electricity. You can view information about each site on our picnic site booking system at the link below.
Click here to download map
| Pricing | Site Fee | Site Numbers |
| Regular
Up to 100 people, 6 tables |
$189 (Plus HST) | 4-14 |
| Large
Up to 300 people, 12 tables |
$299 (Plus HST) | 1-3 |
The sites vary in price based on size (regular or large), and they also vary in their access to amenities (e.g. picnic shelters or electricity).
Please note that gate admission is not included in the site fee. This is a separate per-person fee that must be paid in advance online or at the gate.
Online
| Age Group | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (15-64) | $10.50 +HST |
| Senior (65 and over) | $8.25 +HST |
| Child (5-14) | $7.25 +HST |
| Child Under 5 | Free |
At Gate
| Age Group | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (15-64) | $12 +HST |
| Senior (65 and over) | $9.75 +HST |
| Child (5-14) | $8.75 +HST |
| Child Under 5 | Free |
Please note we do not offer group admission for picnic sites. We do offer physical picnic vouchers that can be purchased by the organizer for their event. Vouchers are $7.25 (plus HST). One voucher is needed per guest over the age of five.
Rules:
- A minimum of 40 vouchers needs to be purchased
- The physical voucher must be distributed to each guest before the day of event
- Organizers cannot hand the vouchers out anywhere on our premises
- We do not accept stacks of vouchers at the gate
- Un-used vouchers can be used at any park before December 31, 2025
Vouchers can be purchased over the phone at 905-878-5011 ext. 1273 and will be couriered to purchasers after payment has been received.
Picnic reservations for 2025 are available to book online or over the phone at 905-878-5011 ext. 1273. The site fee must be paid at the time of booking.
Gate admission (per-person) is not included in the price of the site. This is a separate fee that must be paid in advance online or at the gate.
All picnic reservations require the signature of a person 21 years of age or older at the time of processing and issuing of permit. This person must also be present for the day the site is reserved.
Cancellations require at least one week’s notice to be eligible for refund. A $25 administration fee applies to all cancellations and booking changes.
- Always park in designated parking areas. Do not park on the grass unless it is posted to do so.
- Visitors who have reserved a picnic site can arrive after 9:00 am and must leave before 7:00 pm.
- Propane and charcoal stoves and barbeques are permitted but must be monitored at all times.
- Please keep music at a volume level that allows you to speak to each other without shouting.
- We ask that you please avoid any activities that could be disruptive to visitors at other picnic sites.
- Please leave the picnic site how it was when you arrived. Damage or mess could result in a $100 charge.
- Any and all fires at the picnic site must be thoroughly extinguished before leaving the park.
- Make sure that stoves and barbeques have had time to cool before loading them back into vehicles.
- Dogs and other pets are required to remain on a leash (no more than 2m or 6ft) at all times while in the park.
- All activities planned for your picnic (i.e. bouncy castle, animals in park, microphones, tent, etc.) must be identified at least one week prior to your event. Proof of Third Party liability insurance coverage of 2 million dollars, naming Halton Region Conservation Authority as additional insured, 2596 Britannia Road, Burlington, Ontario and a permit required. Approval from other agencies may also be necessary.
- Food Trucks are permitted and must be identified at least one week prior to your event.
- No placing of pegs or stakes over 6″ without prior approval. Tents 20 x 30’ or over require a permit from Kelso and the Town of Milton.
- Alcohol is not permitted.
Conservation Halton staff reserve the right to ask you to leave if you are unwilling to adhere to any of the posted rules or for other issues that arise during your visit. Misuse of park memberships or park reservation system may result in suspension or cancellation of membership, or park access.
Conservation Halton reserves the right to cancel park visits and picnics site reservations due to site or park conditions. If your reservation is cancelled, you will be notified and fees will be refunded. If you wish to cancel your reservation for any reason, cancellations must be made at least one week before the day of the reservation to receive a refund. Please note that certain amenities (trails, beach, attractions, and activities) may be unavailable at different times of year or due to weather. Closure of these amenities will not qualify for cancelling or refunding