Conservation AreasMany of the communities along the Mississippi River boast of good, year-round recreational activities including white water (spring) and flat water canoeing, boating on the larger lakes, and lake trout, pickerel, bass and pike fishing on over 200 lakes and streams, as well as snowmobiling and skiing opportunities in the winter.

Mazinaw Lake, one of the deepest lakes (145 m or 476 ft) in Ontario, is the location of the Bon Echo Provincial Park and Mazinaw Rock. The rock is a 1.5-kilometre sheer rock face, rising 100 metres above the lake and features over 260 native pictographs – the largest visible collection in Canada. The park annually attracts more than 175,000 visitors (Bon Echo Provincial Park website, 2005).

Community beaches include Bon Echo Provincial Park, Carleton Place, Almonte, Pakenham and several other smaller beaches along the river.

Camping and Crown land recreational opportunities are more prevalent in the western section of the river above Dalhousie Lake. The Eastern section is limited to a few commercial campgrounds and a number of lakes and Crown land (Background Information for Water Management Strategy, MVC, 1987).

Several other shore-based businesses exist such as resorts, camps, fishing expeditions, marinas and canoe/boat rentals, which may be affected by fluctuating river flows and levels. The Selected Demographic, Social and Economic Statistics (Statistics Canada, 2001) were reviewed for the Mississippi River extent, and a total of 2235 businesses were identified.

Bird Watching

For information on good places to go bird watching see the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists: Good Birding Locations in Lanark County

Canoeing and Kayaking

There are numerous paddling experiences to be had within the Mississippi River Watershed. From the Mississippi River proper or one of it's tributaries or just exploring one of the 200 odd lakes that make up the watershed there is an adventure for all levels of experience.

For details see the MVC's Canoe Route.

For information on great places to canoe and kayak in the Mississippi watershed see Canoe and Kayak Journeys in Lanark County

Hiking and Walking

See Mississippi Valley Field Naturalist: Hiking Trails for walks and viewing points around your local watershed