Rock Glen Conservation Area

Rock Glen Conservation Area in Ontario has rare fossils and a waterfall you can explore

Rock Glen Conservation Areain Ontario is a scenic destination with tons of natural beauty, including a cascading waterfall, scenic trails, and rare fossils you can search for.

位于伦敦西部,你会发现公园nearly 2.5 hours away from Toronto in the small town ofArkona. It's open seasonally from May through October from sunrise to sunset.

The variety of recreational trails will lead you through Carolinian forests, over bridges, and past the Ausable Chasm.

There are also three staircases (each with 50 steps) you can take which lead you to Rock Glen Falls, plus one with 100 steps that'll take you down to the gorge.

Rock Glen Falls, a 10.7 m natural rock cascade which flows into theAusable River, is the conservation area's main attraction. It's one of the few waterfalls in Ontario where you can get close to both the top and bottom.

You might even see people swimming in the pools below the falls, but the conservation area states that swimming is not permitted.

A super unique feature of Rock Glen is that you can actually search for and collect rare fossils. These fossils are from the Devonian Era, also known as the Age of Fishes.

As scientists believe the area was once home to a tropical sea, visitors may find everything from horn coral fossils to brachiopos and trilobites, as well as various other ancient marine species.

The conservation area lets each visitor take one fossil home with them, and asks guests to please honour the rule to ensure there will be many left for others to find for years to come.

If you're interested, you can learn more about the park's fossils at theArkona Lions Museum and Information Centre. The recently-renovated facility houses a wide collection of Devonian Era fossils, minerals and artifacts found in the area.

A small entry fee of $4.25 per person is required, which can be paid at the park's gatehouse. The entry fee also includes free admission to theArkona Lions Museum.

Lead photo by

Ausable Bayfield Conservation


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversationLoadcomments

Latest in Travel

Bridal Veil Falls on Manitoulin Island is a magical cascade you can swim under

Bobcaygeon in Ontario is a charming lakeside oasis with a rich history

A new inflatable waterpark is about to open near Toronto

Calypso Water Park in Ontario just opened for the summer and it's Canada's biggest

Passenger says Air Canada staff tried to count her crutches as two separate carry-on items

Vermilion River in Ontario is a natural lazy river for tubing you can float on for hours

5 small towns in Ontario to visit this summer that have a European feel

Tubing through Elora Gorge in Ontario just opened for the season