Situated in the beautiful jack pine forests just north of Timmins, the Hersey Lake Conservation Area is a year-round recreational facility. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. A large beach (unsupervised), numerous trails, picnicking facilities, public washrooms and plenty of parking make it ideal for a family outing or for a school hike.

For current BeachWise Testing Results, see the Porcupine Health Unit.

The Hersey Lake Conservation Area was purchased by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority in 1979 in order to preserve this unique area and develop it for the benefit of the community. The Conservation Area is 226 hectares (560 acres) in size, with the lake being the centre of all activity.

The Hersey Lake Trails within the Conservation Area connects with the larger Timmins Recreational Trail Network, a 55 km non-motorized trail system stretching across the community. Each major trail intersection within Hersey Lake Conservation Area is named and marked with a sign post. These signs give directions and distances to other locations within and outside the Conservation Area. A number of access roads form part of the trails network, including the South and North Trails, Lynx Road and the Fisher Lake Trail.

Other features include several scenic lookouts like Grouse Point, Jack Pine Lake, and Rainbow Lake, boardwalks at Tamarack and Fisher Lakes and several rest stops.

The Rainbow Lake Loop trail is designated as an off-leash area. Park users may exercise their pets without the constraint of a leash along this trail and at the dog beach located off the Hersey Lake Promenade trail. Off-leash areas are clearly marked with signage.

This self-guided interpretive trail has been designed to introduce visitors to some of the unique plants and animals of the northern environment. Fifteen numbered interpretive stations are located along the trail. Information in this booklet corresponds with those stations. Each station is a rest spot where you will be able to learn more about the natural and human history of the area while experiencing some of the sights, sounds and smells of the forest around you. Download a printable version of the Tamarack Trail Guide or find the guide information online here.

The Hersey Lake Conservation Area can be accessed by vehicle via Boychuk Drive off Hwy 655. Boychuk Drive is 4.46 km from the Hwy 655 / Algonquin Blvd intersection.

Hersey Lake Conservation Area is available to book for your community events.

All dogs must be on a leash at all times in our Conservation Areas (except on the Rainbow Loop off-leash area).

Conservation and natural areas protect valuable ecosystems and natural heritage features, such as wetlands, interior forests and sensitive wildlife habitat.