Little Bluff Conservation Area is a beautiful spot in Prince Edward County. The Little Bluff escarpment provides a stunning view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding countryside including Waupoos.

You can explore 1.5 km of trails around this 28-hectare (70-acre) conservation area. You can explore 1.5 km of trails around this 28-hectare (70-acre) conservation area.

With a cobblestone barrier beach, 915 m on Prince Edward Bay, there is lots to see.

The trails wind through forests and meadows, and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. The Conservation Area is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors while in the county.

Know this…There is a fee for parking at this conservation area. For $15 per vehicle, you can park here from May long weekend until September, but that’s only if it isn’t closed during the off-season!

The daily rate falls to just 5 dollars and is valid on the day of purchase between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.

You can purchase a pass on your phone through the quinteconservation.ca website.

In the past, this area was a self-guided conservation area with free parking. The area was closed down due to overcrowding, garbage dumping, and non-permitted activities.

Now with the rise in popularity visitors will be greeted with warm smiles and informative staff this summer!

However, Quinte Conservation has completed maintenance work on the trail system as well as upgrades to the Bluff Lookout.

Now you can enjoy your time here without worries about getting lost or becoming injured while exploring one of the county’s nature’s beauties at its finest viewpoint!

I’ve listed my top 5 reasons Little Bluff is an amazing place to visit.

1. The View at Little Bluff

Towering 20 meters high above Lake Ontario, this limestone bluff commands a panoramic view of the aqua-blue waters in Prince Edward Bay.

Looking down into the water you can sometimes see some really big fish cruising through the clear water just off the cobblestone barrier beach.

You will notice a safety fence has been installed along this bluff which protects visitors from falling rocks while deterring them from climbing over barriers into risky territory.

You will notice huge rock formations on the bottom that seem to go on forever into the deeper waters of Prince Edward Bay.

You can see Waupoos Island and Amherst Island easily from this height. In the far distance, you can see Wolf Island just off the shore of Kington.

2. The Trails of Little Bluff

There are a series of trails that are not groomed. This means they may have long grass and overgrowth from the trees.

Actually the last time I was there on the trails it really wasn’t that bad at all.

In the winter, you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoe through these trails.

During the summer, it can get busy here as more people are coming to visit. The parking area can get a bit congested so be aware of that. Park so that you can exit easily.

It’s important to know that the trails at little bluff do have some restrictions that help preserve the area.

Little Bluff Trail Restrictions

No access for all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes – These vehicles tear up the trails and cause ruts.

No motorized or electric bikes – These vehicles can be hard to control on the rough terrain of the trails.

No snowmobiles – Some of the trails can be dangerous. For example, the blue-marked trail that leads down the hill can be steep and has stairs.

No road vehicles including cars, trucks, and SUVs – These trails are narrow, steep, and too rough for road vehicles.

Drone Free Zone – Motorized aerial devices such as drones can be dangerous for other guests.

3. Little Bluff Has A Beach

Yes, you can swim at Little Bluff.

From the parking area, you can take a trail that leads down to the round-stone beach. This is considered a barrier beach because it protects the swampy wetland area inland from the waters of Lake Ontario.

I’ve swum here many times and when the water is clear the snorkeling is great.

You should know that there are water snakes here, and I mean lots of them. If snakes are not your thing then this is not the beach for you. Maybe it’s best to consider the Sandbanks Provincial Park for much better swimming.

4. The Old Granary

The remains of a grain storage building from the late 1800s are still present on hikes along the Granary Trail.

Can you find it? It’s worth exploring as it shows a really good example of the history of Prince Edward County.

Built during a time when the majority of cultivated land in Prince Edward County produced superior barley.

This time period became known as “The Barley Days.”

Large schooners shipped over 15 million bushels across Lake Ontario with exporting stations popping up around the southern coastline of Prince Edward County all the way along to Georgina Beach lighthouse just outside Kingston.

5. It’s All About The Fossils

There are literally millions of years of history that can be uncovered throughout the 20-meter-high limestone bluff!

If you explore the base of the bluffs throughout the beach area there are many types of unique fossils to be found.

These fossils give us a glimpse back in time!

The cliffs are like a timeline of ancient history, with pages from the past being trapped in each layer.

If you look hard enough and focus on finding some hidden fossils then it’s possible to see how plants and animals got preserved.

They were wrapped up by mud which eventually turned into rock after many years passed since its formation!

Fossils can often be found during your trip down here where there will also likely still exist some fossilized remains left behind because who knows when these creatures became extinct?

Little Bluff Conservation Area is a great place to spend a day, whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or just want to relax in nature.

The wetland is unique because it provides habitat to several rare plants that are found nowhere else in Ontario.

The area is of particular interest to birds as well with many different species of waterfowl using this area for breeding and migration.

On any given day you can see or hear, Canada geese, mallard ducks, great blue herons, bitterns, and Virginia rails throughout this protected habitat.

This area has undergone extensive rehabilitation efforts since its acquisition to restore the site back to its natural state.

The property is now managed by Prince Edward County. It’s jointly funded by both the Federal Government through the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Land Acquisition and Co-ordination (ALAC) and by Prince Edward County through an annual grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Little Bluff Conservation Area Rules

When visiting any of the Quinte Conservation’s areas in Prince Edward County, please make sure you follow these guidelines:

• Please keep your pets leashed and clean up after them at all times.
• Stay on marked trails to be safe.
• Take everything with you, including your pet’s waste – there are no garbage bins at Little Bluff.
• Never remove natural items from the area.
• Overnight camping is not allowed.
• No alcohol is not allowed in this area.
• Campfires are not allowed.
• Be respectful of the environment and other people.

New seasonal amenities include a washroom and handwashing facilities, as well as on-site garbage pick up.

Guests are still asked to practice leave no trace principles. There is no need to leave garbage. If you have items that need disposal then these can go in the appropriate bins provided onsite.

Is Little Bluff Pet Friendly?

Yes, this is a “pets allowed” area. Little Bluff Conservation Area is a great place to bring your furry friend for a hike! There are many marked trails that are perfect for exploring with your pooch.

And, since the area is pet friendly, you don’t have to leave your best friend at home. Little Bluff Conservation Area is the perfect spot for you and your pet.