Kingston 
Much of Upper and Big Rideau Lakes is surrounded by accommodations, communities, attractions, and roads. However, one part of these lake shores, near the village of Westport, is completely cut off from urban development and remains a quaint slice of Rideau Valley nature.
Credit: Foley Mountain Conservation Area
The Foley Mountain Conservation Area, north of Westport and on the north shore of Upper Rideau Lake, is a protected nature preserve with maple and oak forests, lake views, village views, trails, and so many other ways to enjoy this eastern Ontario gem.
Foley Mountain Conservation Area’s Unique Features
The expansive and lengthy Rideau watershed is created by the Rideau River and canal, three main and large lakes, and many other smaller lakes. These bodies of water have carved several valleys into the landscapes south of Ottawa and north of Kingston. With this comes changes in elevation across the region, large cliffs over the water’s edges, and waterfalls falling over those cliffs. Th
Foley Mountain is at the centre of the Conservation Area, with lookout areas near the water, and high over the water from the granite cliffs. These cliffs aren’t apparent at first, however, as the Conservation Area covers dense and diverse forests, which obscure views until you’re at the edge of the limestone rocks. Some park trails bring your hike high up and overlooking Westport Pond, Westport, and Upper Rideau Lake, all in one view. Other trails bring your hike right beside the waterfront, or to the park’s public beach.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and Foley Mountain Conservation Area host popular educational programs for schools, including daytrips and overnight camps for kids. Plus, the park is often host to seasonal public programs and educational workshops aimed at school-aged kids.
- Road Trip From Ottawa to Kingston: Drive the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Hiking Foley Mountain and Spy Rock
The best viewing area from the Conservation Area is certainly Spy Rock, found on the Blue Circle Trail (3.2km in total) and a short distance from the Spy Rock parking lot. This lookout area is in a clearing on the side of the granite rocks with views of Westport, the pond, and the lake. And while this popular lookout area brings many to the Blue trail, there are still almost 7km of additional trails to follow within the Conservation Area!
- The Orange Maple Trail is a 2.3km loop on the east side of Foley Mountain, passing the beach before heading back toward the Interpretive Centre.
- Follow the park’s entire riverside and waterfront areas with the Rideau Trail, which passes through Foley Mountain Conservation Area. The out-and-back trail is easily combined with the looping trails in the park to create shorter hikes.
- The Beaver trail is a 1.2km route to the small pond and a great deal of picnic areas.
- The Red Oak and White Pine trails follow part of the Rideau Trail along the waterfront of Upper Rideau Lake before heading back into the trees. These trails also connect the two main parking lots.
Picnic at Beaver Pond
Use the Spy Rock parking area to get close to the Beaver trail and pond. The area has several picnic sites on the south side of the pond, and access to the other park trails. The park also offers many sheltered picnic areas throughout the trail areas. Dogs are welcome on your picnic or hikes at Foley Mountain but must be kept on a leash.
Planning Your Trip – Foley Mountain Conservation Area
Credit: Foley Mountain Conservation Area
What: A Conservation Area surrounding Foley Mountain. The relatively low granite mountain sits beside the Upper Rideau Lake and Westport Pond. In some parts of the park, the banks of the granite cliffs are high enough up to provide an eagle-eye-view of Westport and the surrounding waters, while other areas off the trails are at water level.
The Foley Mountain Conservation Area offers around 7km of hiking trails, direct access to the Rideau Trail, picnic areas, ample parking, the popular Spy Rock lookout, and diverse Rideau Vally ecosystems.
Location and how to get there: 105 Foley Mountain Lane, Westport
115km south of Ottawa; 56km north of Kingston
Best time to go: year-round
Cost: $10.00/day
For more information:
Foley Mountain Conservation Area
