Long Point Region Conservation Authority

Backus Heritage Conservation Area

[  Suggest an Update |  Suggest Volunteer Opportunity |  Print Version (New Window) ]

Record #: SIM0190 Last Modified: 31 Mar 2012 Last Full Update: 31 Mar 2012
Location, Telephone & Internet
Address & Map
1267 Second Concession Rd, R.R. 1
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
 
View Google Map
Located In CommunityPort Rowan
Site Location2 km north of Port Rowan
IntersectionLakeshore Road and the 2nd concession, east of Highway 59
Office PhoneBackus: 519-586-2201; LPRCA Office: 519-842-4242
Toll Free PhoneBackus: 1-877-990-9932; LPRCA Office: 1-888-231-5408
FaxBackus: 519-586-7333; LPRCA Office: 519-842-7123
E-Mailbhca@lprca.on.ca
Websitewww.lprca.on.ca
Contact Information
Mailing Addressc/o Long Point Region Conservation Authority 
4 Elm St 
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4
Primary ContactNick DeSerranno, Site Director, Backus Heritage Conservation Area; Phone: 519-586-2201; Fax: 519-586-7333; Email: bhca@lprca.on.ca
Alternate ContactJanice Robertson, Supervisor of Community Relations, Long Point Region Conservation Authority; Phone: 519-842-4242, ext 227; Fax: 519-842-7123; Email: comrelations@lprca.on.ca
Volunteer CoordinatorRobin DeCloet, Heritage Programmer/Curator; Phone: (Business) 519-586-2201; Fax: 519-586-7333; Email: backusvillage@lprca.on.ca
Description & Services
AccessibilityPartially Accessible ; Washrooms, showers and some buildings accessible
DescriptionThis conservation area features a Heritage Village with some 20 historical buildings centered around the 1798 Backhouse Grist Mill. The Backhouse Grist Mill is a National Historic Site. A Nature Centre, displays and a swimming pool are highlights of the conservation area. Facilities for fishing, picnicking and camping. The Long Point Region Memorial Forest is located at the entrance to the conservation area. Conservation Area is adjacent to Backus Woods and approximately 15 kms of walking trails. 
 
Summer Day Camps for children 6 - 12 years of age. Backus has a full line-up of family events scheduled throughout the year including War of 1812 Re-enactment, Owl Prowl, Murder Mystery, nature hikes and historical programs. Interpretive programming includes conservation and heritage education programs for schools and youth groups. 
 
Alcohol Ban in effect during the Victoria Day Weekend.  
 
Facilities include a swimming pool,2 picnic pavilions, 160 campsites (105 with hydro hookup), 1 camping cabin and youth group camping areas.  
 
Rental facilities include picnic pavilions, pioneer church for weddings and the Conservation Education Centre for meetings and conferences. A Calendar of events is available that outlines special events. As hours of operation may vary during off season and school programs, it is advised to call ahead.
HoursCamping & Day Use facilities open May 1-October 15, dawn to dusk. 
Conservation Education Centre and Heritage Village are open Wed to Sun, from Canada Day to Labour Day; 11:00 am-4:30 pm 
 
Conservation & Heritage Education school programs offered Mon-Fri, April to June & Sept - Nov. Call in advance to book a class visit. 
 
Swimming pool: call for hours of operation.
DatesConservation area: May 1-Oct 15. Conservation Education Centre and Heritage Village season: July 1-Labour Day, Wed-Sun
Areas ServedNorfolk County
FeesAdmission - see notes ; Admission charged for day use entry and camping.  
2012 Day Use Rates: Season pass $65.00; Children $3.00, Adults $7.00, Seniors $6.00 with a Daily Maximum Rate $13.00  
Call the park or visit the LPRCA website for camping rates. Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal camping rates available.  
Contact the park directly regarding rental facilities and education program rates and availability. .  
Subjects
SubjectsBirds ; Birdwatching ; Campgrounds ; Camping ; Conservation areas ; Educational programs ; Festivals ; Fishing ; Hiking ; Historical conservation ; Local history ; Museums ; Naturalists ; Outdoor education ; Picnic areas ; Swimming ; Walking ; Walking tours ; Wildlife ; Youth