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Limehouse Conservation Area In Ontario: Exploring The Kilns and Crevasses

Limehouse Conservation Area is located under an hour’s drive north of Toronto, and five minutes east of Acton, Ontario within the famous Niagara Escarpment.

Limehouse Conservation area near Acton, Ontario

The sun was shining brightly and our children were antsy to experience a new adventure. We had recently purchased hiking shoes that we needed to break in before our upcoming trip to Jordan and the day’s excellent weather presented the perfect opportunity to do so, with a visit to one of the many excellent conservation areas in Ontario. One of our favorite local attractions is just outside of our town between the cities of Georgetown, Ontario, and Acton. Located just off of Highway 7 in the hamlet of Limehouse is the Limehouse Conservation Area.

Where Is Limehouse Conservation Area?

Limehouse Conservation Area is located under an hour’s drive north of Toronto, and five minutes east of Acton, Ontario, west of the city of Georgetown off of Highway 7.

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Limehouse Conservation Area is situated within the famous Niagara Escarpment. Limehouse Conservation Area contains three trails. One of the trails is a section of the Bruce Trail, which follows the Niagara Escarpment up to Tobermory, Ontario. The other trails include the Black Creek Trail and the Limehouse Trail.

The exact address of the Limehouse Conservation Area is 12169 Fifth Line, Limehouse, Ontario.

A father and son hiking through the woods - Limehouse Conservation Area

Limehouse Conservation Area Hiking Trails

Limehouse Conservation Area has 5 hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty. All the trails are relatively easy, however, some of the trails have some rugged parts that may require sturdy ankle support and proper footing.

Kiln Trail

The Kiln trail is a .5 km trail that brings hikers to the famous smelting kiln that is the trail’s namesake. The Kiln itself is protected by a small fence.

The Bruce Trail

The Bruce trail portion of the Limehouse Conservation Area is part of the much longer Niagara to Tobermory Bruce Trail. This segment runs the length of the Limehouse Conservation Area and is 1.9 km in length.

Black Creek Side Trail

The Black Creek Side Trail of Limehouse Conservation Area connects the Kiln Trail to the CVC trail. It also passes across the famous Limehouse Conservation Area stone bridge.

The Black Creek Side Trail is one of the more picturesque trails. It is 1.5 km in length.

CVC Trail

The CVC trail or Credit Valley Conservation Trail is part of a series of trails that connect the various Credit Valley Conservation sites including the Cheltenham Badlands, Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Island Lake Conservation Area, Belfountain Conservation Area, and several others.

The CVC trail portion of the Limehouse Conservation Area is 0.9 km in length.

Access Trail

The Access Trail is a small .2 km access trail from the back of a school to the CVC trail.

Ruins of Limehouse Conservation Area

We left our car on the edge of the road in downtown Limehouse and entered the Limehouse Conservation Area area using the north entrance. D was safely tucked into his Deuter Kid Comfort III kid carrier. 

We started off exploring the Bruce Trail portion of the Ontario Conservation area. Not far into our hike, we set our eyes upon the remains of one of three towering 19th-century lime kilns.

We also discovered an old powder house that held the mine’s explosive arsenal. C took one look at the barred doors of the powder house and thought it was a prison!

A man wearing a hat and backpack stands next to an ancient explosives vault - Limehouse Conservation Area

The area around the kiln and ruins had huge rocks that made for a great climbing spot for the kids. It’s a popular Ontario hiking spot for those looking for things to do near Georgetown, Ontario. The rocks are large and intimidating, but our 4-year-old had no issues making it his mountain to own.

boys-climb-large-rocks-near-the-lime-kiln-at-Limehouse-Conservation-Area-in-Ontario

There is also a huge fire kiln nearby where the rocks and wood were cured during the area’s mining days. This alone makes Limehouse Conservation Area one of the best hiking trails in Ontario for families.

The massive structure is now cordoned off with a metal fence. But the black coals inside make it clear that this is used by many people hiking in Ontario as a camping and evening fire spot. The rocks on the kiln are old and unstable, so please do not attempt this as stones could fall at any time.

C-throws-stones-into-Limehouse-creek-at-Limehouse-Conservation-Area-in-Ontario

Limehouse Stone Bridge

After spending some time visiting the tall kilns, we wandered further down the Limehouse Trail. We followed the white trail markers and were soon rewarded with a view of a restored stone arch bridge.

The bridge, which has been named Limehouse Bridge makes for a beautiful place to stop for a view C had a great time splashing in the creek waters near Limehouse Conservation Area Bridge, but D was a little bit nervous. A short walk from the bridge the trail veers away from the creek. This makes a great place to watch the fish and frogs in Limehouse creek.

The-Limehouse-bridge-and-Limehouse-creek-at-Limehouse-Conservation-Area-in-Ontario

The Limehouse Conservation Area Hole in the Wall

A short walk from where the trail veers from the creek, it comes to a fork. By following the path to the right, we reached our favorite, easily accessible caves in Ontario. Part of Limehouse Conservation Area is known for a system of deep rock fissures and crevasses.

Some of these are accessible from the Bruce Trail via ladders at the location known as “Hole in the Wall”. D was happy to have some time away from the carrier to explore. Hole in the wall is accessed via a steep climb on the left side of the trail just after a wooden boardwalk over a marshy area.

A young boy ducks under some rocks in a cave - Limehouse Conservation Area

After arriving at the opening to the Hole in the Wall, there is a small ladder that makes getting to the top of the Limehouse Crevasses very easy. The crevasses are narrow and fairly easy to climb down, however, they can be hidden and hard to see, so if you are visiting the Limehouse Conservation area with kids, keep a close eye on them. The crevasses can be quite deep, and some can be difficult to climb back out of.

Kevin-sits-near-the-top-of-the-Limehouse-Conservation-Area-crevasses-in-Ontario

Great Conservation Areas near Limehouse, Ontario

Limehouse is amazing for those looking for hikes near Toronto, but it is by no means the only great place to explore in the region.  Some of our other favorites include:

  • Belfountain Conservation Area
  • Morrisburg Conservation Area
  • Rockwood Conservation Area
  • Heart Lake Conservation Area
  • Terra Cotta Conservation Area
  • The Cheltenham Badlands
  • Island Lake Conservation Area

For those looking at new places for hiking in Ontario, Limehouse Conservation Area near Georgetown, Ontario is worth the visit. What a great time! Whether you are looking for great day hikes and places to explore, or if you are looking to tackle more of the famous Bruce Trail.

Tips For Visiting Limehouse Conservation Area

  • Limehouse Conservation Area is kid-friendly, however the cracks can be dangerous if you aren’t paying attention.
  • There is no entrance fee, however, there is a donation box at the main entrance.
  • Dogs are allowed in Limehouse Conservation Area, however, the must remain on a leash.

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Limehouse Conservation area near Acton, Ontario

Subhadrika Sen

Sunday 25th of September 2016

Loved reading your post as always. I must say your photographs have won over me too. It is great to explore such places and I love exploring caves, kilns and crevasses. Just recently, I explored the caves in the Great Orme, Llandudno, Wales and your post reminded me of my own adventures.

Rhonda

Wednesday 13th of January 2016

The stone arch is fragile and shouldn't be travelled upon - there are signs requesting hikers stay off. Your son had the right idea.

Kevin Wagar

Wednesday 13th of January 2016

Thank you for your thoughts Rhonda. When we went there were no signs requesting hikers to stay off. Perhaps this has changed since we were last there.