The Riverwood Conservancy is one of Mississauga’s most treasured green spaces — a 150-acre urban nature sanctuary co-owned by the City of Mississauga and Credit Valley Conservation, nestled along the Credit River just west of downtown. Entry is free, parking is free, and the trails are open every day of the year from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
What makes Riverwood exceptional is its ecological diversity. The conservancy encompasses woodlands, meadows, tablelands, ravines, wetlands, creeks, and floodplain — all within city limits. It provides habitat for over 475 animal and plant species, including more than 150 species of resident and migratory birds such as owls, osprey, Cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, and turkey vulture. White-tailed deer, red fox, red-backed salamander, and salmon and trout in the Credit River are among the other residents you might encounter on a walk through the property.
Trail maps for self-guided walks are available at the conservancy, and The Riverwood Conservancy organization offers regular naturalist-guided walks and educational programs throughout the year — some free, some with registration fees. The Pine Sanctuary, a striking public art pavilion at the park’s entrance by creator MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY, is worth pausing at before heading onto the trails.
Accessible parking is available in the Main Parking Lot and adjacent to Chappell House. The pathways around the MacEwan Terrace Garden are paved, though the trails themselves are natural surface and may not be suitable for wheelchairs. If the main parking lots are full on busy weekends, additional parking is available nearby at the Erindale GO Station.
Whether you come for a peaceful morning walk, a guided birding program, or simply to watch salmon run the Credit River in autumn, Riverwood offers a quality of natural experience that surprises many first-time visitors who didn’t realize anything like it existed inside Mississauga.
Practical Visitor Info
Address:
4300 Riverwood Park Lane, Mississauga, ON L5C 2S7
Website:
https://theriverwoodconservancy.org
Hours:
Open daily 7:00am – 11:00pm. Free. Some programs require registration.
Admission:
Free admission and parking. Some programs have fees.
Getting There:
By car: off Burnhamthorpe Rd W near Erin Mills Parkway. Free parking on-site; overflow at Erindale GO Station nearby. By transit: MiWay bus routes serve the area.
Nearby:
Erindale Park, Credit River, Erindale GO Station, Meadowvale Conservation Area
Trail surfaces are natural — wear appropriate footwear. Dog-friendly on leash. Check theriverwoodconservancy.org for guided walk schedule.
Maps
FAQ's
Is Riverwood Conservancy free to visit?
The grounds are free to access year-round, dawn to dusk. Some specific programming events and guided tours have fees — check theriverwood.ca for the current events calendar.
What trails are at Riverwood Conservancy?
Forest trails along the Credit River valley, garden paths through the formal heritage gardens, and meadow trails through the open sections. Trails connect to the Culham Trail network north and south along the Credit River. Visit theriverwood.ca for a trail map.
Where is Riverwood Conservancy and how do I get there?
4300 Riverwood Park Lane, Mississauga — accessible from Burnhamthorpe Road West. Free parking in the Riverwood lot off Riverwood Park Lane. MiWay transit serves the Burnhamthorpe corridor; check mississauga.ca/miway for routes.
Is Riverwood Conservancy open in winter?
Yes — grounds are open year-round dawn to dusk. Winter walks through the forested sections and along the Credit River are peaceful and productive for birdwatching. The formal gardens are quieter in winter but the heritage tree specimens remain impressive.
What programs does Riverwood Conservancy offer?
Guided nature walks, the annual Garden Day event, volunteer programs through the Friends of Riverwood, and seasonal programming. Check theriverwood.ca for the current events and programs calendar.
