Heart Lake Conservation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 
Heart Lake at the Heart Lake Conservation Area
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| Location | Brampton |
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Heart Lake Conservation Area (HLCA) is a large natural park in Brampton, Ontario. It covers about 169 hectares, which is like 418 football fields! The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) owns and manages this amazing place.
HLCA is home to many different natural areas. You'll find Heart Lake here, which is where Spring Creek begins. There are also wetlands, big forests, and unique landforms made by glaciers.
This conservation area offers lots of fun activities for everyone. You can go hiking, fishing, swimming, or try Treetop Trekking. HLCA is usually open from late April until Thanksgiving weekend, depending on the weather.
A special place here is the Medicine Wheel Garden, also called Gitigaan Mashkiki. It was opened on May 20, 2010. This garden was created with local Indigenous groups, including the Anishnawbe Nation, to share their culture and traditions.
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Explore the Hiking Trails
Heart Lake Conservation Area has five different hiking trails. Together, these trails stretch for about 11 kilometers. It's a great way to explore the park's natural beauty!
The trails include:
- Peel Trail (3.8 km)
- Terry Fox Trail (3.2 km)
- Rayner Trail (0.7 km)
- Heart Lake - Esker Trail (2.8 km)
- Connector Trail (0.6 km)
In spring 2017, a new fitness trail was added. It has special spots where you can do strength training and stretching exercises.
Fun on Heart Lake
Heart Lake is the main attraction at HLCA. It offers many exciting water activities for visitors. You can go fishing, boating, or canoeing on the lake.
Go Fishing in Heart Lake
HLCA is a great spot for fishing! You can fish from the shore or from a boat.
Each year, the TRCA stocks Heart Lake with rainbow trout. These fish are raised at the Glen Haffy Conservation Area’s Fish Hatchery. You might also catch bass and sunfish in the lake. During the summer, Heart Lake often hosts the "Learn to Fish Program" for beginners.
Boating Adventures
Visitors can enjoy boating on Heart Lake. If you don't have your own boat, don't worry! HLCA offers boat rentals right at the park.
Splash and Swim Fun
The Wild Wetland Splash and Pool Facility at HLCA is a fantastic place to cool off. It has a huge swimming pool that's 840 square meters in size. The deep end of the pool is about 8 feet deep.
Besides the heated swimming pool, the facility also has over thirty water features. These features are designed to look like a wetland, making it a unique and fun experience!
Treetop Trekking Excitement
Treetop Trekking Brampton is an aerial ropes course and zip-line adventure. It's located right inside Heart Lake Conservation Area. This exciting course offers visitors 6 different aerial courses. It also has 7 zip lines and more than 65 aerial games to challenge yourself.
Treetop Trekking became a part of HLCA in 2013, adding even more adventure to the park!
