The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is a property owned and permanently protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) .
Volunteers from the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) maintain the property at no cost to the public.
Bayfield River Flats Natural Area entrance and parking lot are closed temporarily
The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area entrance and parking lot are temporarily closed during the construction work on two exciting enhancement projects.
For the full Notice, click on the link below.
The area of construction is closed until further notice and it is anticipated the work will take about four weeks.
The two projects underway will benefit the nature area in the long term and the brief closure is required to make these improvements possible.
One of the enhancement projects is using innovative natural means to reduce riverbank erosion and the other concurrent project is to install a new canoe and kayak launch.
Watch new video (August 2025) about Bayfield River Flats
Enjoy a new overview video about the natural area:
Support the Canoe and Kayak Launch Project at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy are asking for your support to reach a fundraising goal of $20,000 towards a new canoe and kayak launch and related needs at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
Any funds raised in addition to this goal will go towards maintenance of the nature area.
A generous and significant donation from a local donor means that realizing the dream is within reach. Your support can help to complete the project and make the dream a reality.
There are easy ways for you to donate. Choose the way that works best for you.
You may donate to Bayfield River Valley Trails, through Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, and receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes.
(Please specify, when donating, that the donation is for Bayfield River Valley Trails Canoe and Kayak Launch Project).
You may donate by cheque, by credit card, by PayPal, by e-Transfer, or in person.
Donate by credit card or debit card or PayPal
You may donate by clicking the donate by credit card or debit card link.
If you click the link, there are options to ‘Donate with PayPal’ or to ‘Donate with Debit or Credit Card.’
Or you may donate by credit card by calling the Conservation Foundation office at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
Donate by e-Transfer
You may donate easily by e-Transfer.
If you would like to make a donation by eTransfer, please use the email address donations@abca.ca
(Please let the Conservation Foundation know the donation is for Bayfield River Valley Trails Canoe and Kayak Launch Project and provide them with your contact information to receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes).
Donate by cheque
You may mail a cheque to:
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF), 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3, Exeter, ON N0M 1S5
Make cheque payable to: Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation
(Please add, in the cheque memo line, that the donation is for Bayfield River Valley Trails Canoe and Kayak Launch Project).
You are welcome to come into the ABCF office at 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter, to drop off a cheque, or donate by cash, debit, or credit.
Learn more about the Canoe and Kayak Launch Project
Learn more about, and support, the community project to create a new canoe and kayak launch at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area:
A Giving Community
During the autumn of 2015, almost a quarter of the population of the Village of Bayfield donated to a fundraising campaign to purchase the 4.75-acre plot of land on the river, to the immediate southeast of the bridge, known as the Bayfield River Flats.
Community-minded people donated from all over North America, including families who cherish this small village and who recognized that this might be the last opportunity to ensure that the public would always have access to the river. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is now owned and protected in perpetuity by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy, working with the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association.
During Bayfield’s early years – until 1900 – this tranquil woodland setting was the site of Thomson’s Mill. Until the saw and gristmill were fully operational in the 1840s, area pioneers had to hand-saw their lumber and carry their grain on their backs on deer paths to Goderich for milling. The ruins of the mill and the old dam, which was also the first bridge across the Bayfield River, are still visible.
Anglers from all over Southwestern Ontario and beyond come to the Bayfield River to test their skills. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is especially popular because of the extensive restocking program at the upstream hatchery and because it is an important spawning area. The property features a small hiking trail, canoe launch, picnic areas and wide access to the river for fishing enthusiasts.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association led a fundraising campaign, in 2017, to purchase the Bayfield River Flats site. Community support was overwhelming, with donations of more than $70,000 to buy the property. The trail association manages the property and donated it to the land trust so the property will be preserved permanently.
In 2024, the Bayfield River Flats Pedestrian Walkway was completed. This walkway safely connects the community of Bayfield to the property, with a trail passing below the Highway 21 bridge. The connecting walkway was supported by the community through a successful fundraising initiative. The Bayfield River Flats property is an excellent example of what an engaged and mobilized community is capable of completing.
Today (in 2025) we are looking to the community once more to complete the Canoe and Kayak Launch Project at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
Canoe and Kayak Launch Project in the News
Here is some news, in 2025, about two projects to enhance Bayfield River Flats Natural Area:
Trail Association, Land Trust plan for canoe and kayak launch and project using innovative natural ways to reduce erosion at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area
Evening in Bayfield is meet-and-greet to celebrate, support Bayfield River Flats Natural Area canoe and kayak launch project
Imagine someone goes to beautiful Bayfield Flats Natural Area to experience the property by canoe or kayak … but they can’t find a convenient way to launch their canoe or kayak. Now imagine there is a new canoe and kayak launch so canoeists and kayakers can more easily enjoy this beautiful destination. A partnership of volunteers and donors is looking to make that dream a reality.
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) have announced two new projects, in 2025, to further enhance Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. A new canoe and kayak launch is one of those projects. The other project is to use innovative natural means to protect the riverbank from erosion.
Cathy Lalonde is Chair of the Canoe and Kayak Launch Project Fundraising Committee. She says a generous and significant donation from a community member means the finish line is in sight for the canoe and kayak launch project. Community donations are still needed, she said, to reach the $20,000 fundraising goal to make the dream reality and complete the project.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community for helping to make the canoe and kayak launch a dream that is within reach,” she said. “We are now looking for further donations to reach our $20,000 fundraising goal to complete the project.”
Any funds raised in addition to this goal will go to maintenance of the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
A meet-and-greet community celebration and fundraising evening, at Bayfield Town Hall, is taking place in support of the canoe and kayak launch project. The event is at Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
“We look forward to celebrating these two projects, with the community, at the meet-and-greet at Bayfield Town Hall,” Lalonde said.
Thanks go to the sponsor of the evening, Michael Finkbeiner, Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus.
Cash bar is provided by Tyler Hessel and 1851 Bayfield Landing.
In addition to the new canoe and kayak launch, there is also a project to use innovative natural techniques to reduce riverbank erosion. The project will restore 300 square metres of riverbank and improve fish habitat there.
The project includes planting of native species of trees and shrubs.
“The project for natural protection of the riverbank, from erosion, at Bayfield River Flats is possible thanks to support from provincial and county partners,” Lalonde said.
The project team would like to acknowledge all granting organizations, for the natural protection from erosion project, including the lead funder for that project, the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF).
“The project to prevent erosion, using innovative natural means, addresses environmental stewardship of the property while the canoe and kayak launch adds recreation and nature appreciation opportunities to the nature area,” Lalonde said.
The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by HTLTC as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination. BRVTA volunteers maintain the trail at no cost to the public. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is the most used property maintained by BRVTA. Thousands of people visit the area in a single year.
To learn more, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website.
Meet-and-greet evening at Bayfield Town Hall celebrates Bayfield River Flats Natural Area projects, raises funds for canoe and kayak launch project
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) invite the public to an evening to celebrate and support projects to further enhance the Bayfield River Valley Flats Natural Area.
The meet-and-greet event, at Bayfield Town Hall, takes place Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The evening runs from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is billed as “ … an evening of fun, togetherness, learning, and positive community action …”
There will be chances to mingle and to hear brief remarks from presenters about the history of the Bayfield River Flats and about the trail association and land trust. There is also a chance to learn about two projects taking place at the nature area: one to build a canoe and kayak launch; and another to protect fish habitat and to use innovative natural means to protect a stretch of riverbank from erosion.
Cathy Lalonde is Chair of the Canoe and Kayak Launch Project Fundraising Committee. “We invite you to attend this enjoyable evening to learn about exciting improvements at Bayfield River Flats, to share fellowship with your neighbours, and to show your support,” she said.
Thanks go to the sponsor of the evening, Michael Finkbeiner, Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus.
Tyler Hessel and 1851 Bayfield Landing will provide a cash bar at the event. There will also be hors-d’œuvres served.
A generous and significant donation from a community donor means the canoe and kayak launch is a dream that is poised to become reality. The BRVTA fundraising team is asking the Bayfield and area community to help the project reach a $20,000 fundraising goal to complete the canoe and kayak launch project. Any funds raised in addition to this goal, will go towards maintenance of the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by HTLTC as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination. BRVTA volunteers maintain the trail at no cost to the public. To learn more, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website.
Protection, enhancement of Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is possible thanks to vision, generosity of Bayfield and area community
There are two new projects, in 2025, to further enhance Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. One project is to create a canoe and kayak launch. The other project is to use innovative natural means to protect the riverbank from erosion. These enhancements are the latest community-supported improvements to a property that has a long and important history for Bayfield.
People walking the trails can learn about the rich historical tapestry, of this riverfront property, by reading interpretive signs at the nature area. From its use by indigenous people hundreds of years ago to its use by anglers today, Bayfield River Flats has been a thriving habitat for fish. It has been site of a dam and a river crossing. It was home to the former Thompson’s Mill. The ruins of the mill and the old dam, which was also the first bridge across the Bayfield River, are still visible at the site. The Flats was also used for marina storage for many years.
At one time, in 1820, this site was even proposed to be the naval harbour. During Bayfield’s early years, until 1900, “ … this tranquil woodland setting was the site of Thomson’s Mill. Until the saw and gristmill were fully operational in the 1840s, area pioneers had to hand saw their lumber and carry their grain on their backs on deer paths to Goderich for milling.”
The illustrious history of the Bayfield River Flats is featured in an article, by Ben Forrest, in Huron-Perth Boomers magazine. The article is called ‘Preserving the Huron Tract: Land Trust Conservancy is preserving donated land in the Huron Tract for future generations.’ The article includes an historical illustration of Thomson’s Mill, circa 1890. It also includes an historical photo of the Bayfield Fish Reel. People walking the trail can even see a fishing net drying reel installed there.
Today, the nature area is a place to enjoy flora and fauna and reflect on a rich local history. This historic site might not have been preserved if it weren’t for the vision of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and the generosity of the Bayfield and area community. The natural area is owned by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and maintained by BRVTA volunteers at no cost to the public.
A fundraising campaign in 2017, led by the trail association, received donations from more than 220 individual donors and raised more than $70,000 to purchase the River Flats so the trail association could donate it to the land trust to be preserved permanently. Later, in 2023, a fundraising campaign was launched to create a new pedestrian walkway to make it possible for people to walk to the nature area from the village of Bayfield. The fundraising campaign raised more than $50,000 to make the walkway possible and the walkway was added in 2024.
In 2025, the project funders are asking the Bayfield and area community to help them reach a $20,000 fundraising goal for the canoe and kayak launch. A generous and significant donation from a local donor has the dream within reach and further donations are needed to complete the project.
A meet-and-greet community celebration and fundraiser is taking place in support of the project. The event is at Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Thanks go to the sponsor of the evening, Michael Finkbeiner, Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus.
Cash bar is provided by Tyler Hessel and 1851 Bayfield Landing.
Any donations received in excess of the funding goal will support long-term maintenance of the nature area.
To learn more, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page. Visit the Land Trust website and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website to find out more.
Pedestrian Walkway Project
This is also the web page for the 2023-2024 successful community fundraising initiative for a new pedestrian walkway which will has made it possible for people to go from Bayfield to the nature area without driving … and without having to walk across the highway.
Thanks to your generosity, more than $70,000 was raised in 2023-2024 to make it possible to construct the walkway in spring of 2024.
Learn more about the project from these articles:
- Ceremony marks opening of new walkway to Bayfield River Flats Natural Area
- Construction of pedestrian walkway to Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is to begin soon
- Your donation can help connect community and nature with new pedestrian walkway at Bayfield River Flats
- Fundraising evening on December 13 supports planned pedestrian walkway at Bayfield River Flats
- Project partners to acknowledge donors to Bayfield River Flats pedestrian walkway
- B. M. Ross and Associates Limited donates $5,000 and services to new pedestrian walkway
- New pedestrian walkway to Bayfield River Flats Natural Area would be walkway to local history
Learn more on the trail association and land trust websites:
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association
Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy