Morris Island Conservation Area is a beautiful and serene natural space along the Ottawa River near the community of Fitzroy Harbour.
But if you’re hearing about Morris Island for the first time, you might wonder if it’s worth the trip.
To help you make the most of your visit to Morris Island Conservation Area, I have put together a quick guide that highlights some of the area’s best features and provides tips for navigating the site with ease.
Quick Info About Morris Island Conservation Area
Morris Island Conservation Area is a 47-hectare site along the Ottawa River near Fitzroy Harbour. It’s a beautiful park with a 6 km trail going through woodlands and wetlands.
If you decide to visit, there are lots of activities to do. You can hike through the park or bring your canoe, kayak or paddle board and paddle among many beautiful small islands in the area.
Parking: Yes, there is a small parking at the entrance to the park. If you come on a weekend then it might be hard to find a spot. But if you come during the week, then usually there are always a few spots available. The last time I was there the parking fee was $6.
Dogs on leash are allowed.
Phone: For information call 613-253-0006.
Where is Morris Island Conservation Area?
Morris Island is not very far from Ottawa. It typically takes about 45 minutes if you drive from Ottawa downtown.
If you use Google Maps or Apple Maps to get there, simply type in the following address: Morris Island Conservation Area, 156 Morris Island Dr, Fitzroy Harbour and you’ll be on your way!
But if you do not have Google or Apple maps, then to get there, take the Trans-Canada Highway westbound and exit at March Road. Turn left onto Dunrobin Road and continue for approximately 10 km. Turn right onto Thomas Dolan Parkway and continue for another 5 km. Turn left onto Morris Island Drive and follow the signs to the conservation area.
Morris Island Hiking Trails
There are actually several hiking and paddling trails to explore. Below is a list of these trails that I found in the AllTrails app:
- Causeway – Chats Falls – Voyageur – Miners(Map): This trail spans approximately 4.4 miles and is rated as easy. This trail is actually a combination of three trails,
- Old Voyageur and Miner’s Trail(Map): A shorter trail, measuring around 1.4 miles in length,
- Causeway, Chats Falls, and Island Loop(Map): A 2.8-mile trail that takes you through scenic areas of the conservation area.
Morris Island Kayak & Canoe Routes
- Morris Island Bay Paddle(Map): If you’re up for a water adventure, this 1.5-mile paddle route offers stunning views of the bay interior. The water is calm here even on a windy day. And even though it is a small paddle route, it still has many small islands to pass through.
You can use a Kayak, a Canoe or a paddleboard on this route. - Morris Island Paddle(Map): This one is actually a 6.9-mile paddle loop. Most people say it is an easy route, but 6.9 miles might be a little challenging if you are a novice paddler. If you still decide to go this route, it will take you through many small islands on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.
You can use a Kayak or a Canoe on this route. I have not tried taking my paddleboard on this route, but on a windy day, it might be challenging to paddle all the way to the Quebec side. The waves are quite large.
If you live in the Ottawa area, then another very good place to kayak or paddleboard will be Shirleys Bay Beach. It is on the way from Ottawa to Kanata and it is a very easy drive.
Can You Fish in the Morris Island Conservation Area?
The short answer is yes.
I have not tried fishing at Morris Island myself but I have seen many people do. There are people who fish from their Canoe, Kayak and even paddleboard.
I have seen many people fish from the shore as well.
There is no boat ramp at the park though. If you have a motor boat, then you will need to launch it somewhere else. Most likely in the Fitzroy Harbour Public Boat Launch.
But before you actually go fishing at Morris Island, it is good to check fishing regulations for that area.
Can You Swim at Morris Island?
Yes, you can swim at Morris Island, but I have never seen people swim there. There is no public beach and no swimming area. There are no lifeguards.
You could probably swim at one of the lookout spots, but that would not be safe to do so. There are stones in the water. Stones are very slippery. If you hurt yourself, there are no lifeguards to help you.
So, I would not swim anywhere at the Morris Island Conservation area.
If you are looking for a good beach to swim at then check out my list of best beaches in the Ottawa area(with photos 🙂).
Final words
In conclusion, I just want to say that Morris Island Conservation Area is an absolute gem! It’s a stunning place that I highly recommend visiting if you happen to be in the Ottawa area. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
