Stoney Island Conservation Area

This 40 hectare property was purchased by Saugeen Conservation in 1977. The property is located approximately 5km north of Kincardine along the Lake Huron shoreline.

Stoney Island contains approximately 6 km of nature trails which welcome public use on a year round basis.

On a hot summer day enjoy a peaceful, relaxing hike. In the winter months the trail system has been developed for excellent varied cross-country skiing and shoeshoeing opportunities. Cross country skiing competitions are held annually at this location under the direction of the Kincardine Ski Club.

There are a several creeks which meander throughout the Conservation Area and which are traversed by beautiful hand-crafted bridges. These bridges were designed and built by the Ventures of Kincardine and area. This Conservation Area is maintained by the Kincardine Ski Club.

Where is Stoney Island?

While you visit, see if you can solve the great disappearing island mystery. The Conservation Area’s namesake really does exist, but where?

In 1849, Captain Duncan Rowan travelled to a small natural harbour in Kincardine Township that was formed by a small island and a shoal (which is located just south of the present day Stoney Island Conservation Area). He settled there that year and founded a shipping business and the Village of Port Head. This was the first official harbour facility and community in the township. The prospects of this village were quashed, however, in 1857 by a mighty fall gale. The steamer “Ploughboy”, the island wharf and the storehouse, all belonging to the village founder, Captain Rowan, were dashed to ruins. It is also reported that one of the village inns, “Victoria House”, suffered as well. After this storm, the island disappeared.

.*Park is being maintained by the Kincardine Ski Club in cooperation with the SVCA.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI AND SNOW-SHOE AT STONEY ISLAND CONSERVATION AREA,
KINCARDINE.

SVCA's Stoney Island Conservation Area - located 3 miles north of Kincardine Hospital on the west side of County Road 23 (the "B" Line) - has 6 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing maintained by the Kincardine Cross-Country Ski Club.   The trails are regularly groomed by club members for both classical and skate skiing. Rates are:  for one day skiing or snow-shoeing $3 for 1 person and $5 for a family.  Seasonal memberships are $20 for an individual and $30 for a family.   The trails pass through a mix of evergreen woods, more open forest and some meadows.  The trail along the Lake Huron shoreline follows the route of the nineteenth century coaching road, with excellent views out over Lake Huron.  There are flat trails for beginners in the upper section.  For more adventurous skiers, there are several significant hills down the old Lake shoreline to the lower section of trails.  There is a ski hut, and a car park, but no other facilities.