CRAWFORD LAKE 

To book a program, please call (905)854-0234 or complete the Contact Form. Click on the Crawford Lake Conservation Area for directions, contacts and additional information on the park.

Click HERE to check out our Scout and Guide Programs!

Our unique programs are based on current curriculum guidelines and are led by experienced, professional instructors.

We offer programs suitable for preschool to Grade 12.

Curriculum connection codes are listed with each program.

All Terrain Wheelchairs

Four all-terrain wheelchairs are available for those who are physically unable to get out and enjoy the trails at Crawford Lake. Chairs are available from May to October and may be reserved when you book your visit.

Specialty Programs

These programs can be adjusted to suit any age level!

PROGRAM

ALL

TOUR OF DISCOVERY

Ontario's First Nations heritage comes to life during this guided exploration of a reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village. See what life in the longhouse was like over 600 years ago. Activities include: Multimedia presentation, guided tour of the Iroquoian Village, longhouse exploration, traditional firestarting and sampling of cornbread and maple syrup OR lakeside sharing.

SNOWSHOE ADVENTURE

Begin your adventure with a multimedia presentation that explores the history of the snowshoe then suit up and hit the trails. There are no shoes like snowshoes when it comes to exploring the winter landscape. Activities include: Multimedia presentation, training on the use of snowshoes, guided hike featuring wildlife tracking OR snowshoeing games.

  GRADE

PROGRAM

GRADE 2

TELLABRATIONS

Through imaginative and interactive storytelling techniques students learn about the importance of spoken word traditions and celebration among First Nations people. Activities include: Interactive storytelling, longhouse exploration and fire starting, craft making.

GRADES 3 AND 6

 LIFE IN THE LONGHOUSE- FULL DAY

A Crawford Lake classic! Students discover Ontario's rich First Nation's heritage as they explore a 15th century reconstructed Iroquoian Village. Hands- on opportunities abound when students engage in games, craft making, longhouse exploration and a hike to learn about what life was like in a longhouse village over 600 years ago. Activities include: Longhouse exploration, circle gathering and fire starting, native games, craft making, multimedia presentation, "Moccasin Walk" guided hike.

 LIFE IN THE LONGHOUSE- HALF DAY

Students discover Ontario's rich First Nation's heritage as they explore a 15th century reconstructed Iroquoian Village. Hands- on opportunities abound as students engage in games, craft making, longhouse exploration and a hike as they learn about what life was like in a longhouse village over 600 years ago. Activities include: Longhouse exploration, circle gathering and fire starting, multimedia presentation, native games or craft making.

GREEN THUMBS- FULL DAY *^NEW

Come and meet the plants and soils of Crawford Lake or Mountsberg Conservation areas.  Students will dig in and explore a natural area, and use role play, games, activities and crafts to learn: how humans past and present depend on plants and soils for their survival; how plants and soils support our planet, and how each student can protect plants and soils today.  Warning-creepy crawly and messy hand zone!  Dress to get messy! Activities include: Soil exploration and composition test, human impact hike/discussion, craft, garden exploration, compost relay, seed sorting and class planting.

GREEN THUMBS- HALF DAY *^NEW

Come and meet the plants and soils of Crawford Lake or Mountsberg Conservation areas.  Students will dig in and explore a natural area, and use role play, games, activities and crafts to learn: how humans past and present depend on plants and soils for their survival; how plants and soils support our planet, and how each student can protect plants and soils today.  Warning-creepy crawly and messy hand zone!  Dress to get messy! Activities include: Soil Exploration and composition test, human impact hike/discussion, craft.

IF A TREE FALLS ...

The trees of Crawford Lake have taken on aliases! Students must become tree detectives in order to discover the real identities of common culprits such as "Sweet Sam" and "Diamond Dan". Along the way lots of fun learning takes place as students discover the parts of a tree and how they work together to create a phenomenal natural resource. Activities include: Tree Detectives activity, Be a Tree activity, guided hike with lots of tree and plant identification.

DIG IN AND DISCOVER ARCHAEOLOGY

Dig in, get dirty and find out how we know what we know about the past. Through hands-on exploration students learn how archaeologists uncover the secrets of past civilizations. Activities include: Lakeside discovery challenge, pottery reconstruction, artifact analysis, hands-on simulated dig.

ENVIRONMENT AND US

Students examine their role in the enviroment in this thought provoking program. Through a role playing activities and a guided hike, students examine the positive and negative effects humans have on the natural world and develop their own plan for stewardship of their planet. Activities include: Guided hike, Too Close for Comfort activity, webbing game, stewardship discussion.

THE NASSAGAWEYA CHALLENGE * ^NEW

Escape from the classroom for a day and take the Nassagaweya Challenge!  Hike the Niagara Escarpment between Crawford Lake and Rattlesnake Point Conservation Areas and explore concepts of ecozones, environmental change and human-environment interactions.   Students will participate in a series of challenges that lead them to a discussion on environmental protection. Activities include: 9km hike over rugged terrain, using resources challenge, balancing wildlife challenge, re-creation challenge, sharing views discussion

THE GIANT'S RIB *^NEW

Students will explore the interconnections among the geology, plants, animals and human activities in Ontario’s most unique habitat – the Niagara Escarpment.  Through a series of role playing activities and hands on discoveries students will evaluate Ontario’s stewardship of this phenomenal natural resource. Activities include: 9km hike over rugged terrain, World Biosphere Reserve Review, ecosystem conservation activity, economic development activity, environmental monitoring activity.

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER- ARCHAEOLOGY

Discover the fascinating field of archaeology in this hands-on and interactive program. Students will learn the basics of topographical analysis, setting grids, methods of excavation and the importance of lab work. Activities include: Measuring and setting up grids, hike to view pioneer settlement ruins, midden spoil analysis, pottery reconstruction, simulated excavation.

Program Fees

Fees include park admission, program supplies, GST and one free adult for every 10 participants. 

Full day program OR two half day options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14/student
Minimum fee of $260/class will apply with less than 20 people per class. 

Half day program options  . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.00/student
Minimum fee of $140/class will apply with less than 20 people per class.

YOUTH GROUP PROGRAMS
These popular programs have been designed to focus on the badge requirements of Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts but are open to any group.

PROGRAM FEES
All programs are approximately 1.5 hours in length and can accommodate up to 35 participants per instructor. Only $8.00 per person.  Includes park admission, program supplies, GST and one free adult for every 10 children. Minimum fee of $140 per group will apply with less than 20 people.

CRAWFORD LAKE