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 2024! 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 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 views of the escarpment and it is just a short drive from the GTA. There are a number of activities offered on site, including swimming, boating, hiking and mountain biking. Kelso offers pristine picnic sites located throughout the park that are available by reservation. The sites range in price based on size and access to amenities divided into Regular, and Large sites. You can view the details of each site when you go to book your picnic site.
Pricing
| 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 range in price based on size and access to amenities divided into Regular and Large Sites. An updated site map will be available in the coming weeks. Please contact Visitor Services at 905-878-5011 ext. 1273 for a detailed description of each site.
How to Book your Picnic Site
Picnic reservations for 2024 are available to book over the phone at 905-878-5011 ext. 1273. The site fee must be paid at the time of booking.
Gate Admission is not included in the price of the site. This is a separate fee that must be paid upon arrival at the gate or in advance by the organizer.
Gate Fees:
$10.50/adult
$8.25/senior
$7.25/child (age 5-14)
Free/ child 4 and under
*all prices are subject to HST.
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 three days 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 9:00am and must leave before 7:00pm.
- 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 in the parks.
- 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.
- 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 72 hours 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