During one of our driving tours of Prince Edward County, Ontario, we stopped at every conservation area we passed. They are quite different than the ones we are use to in Lambton County and up to the Bruce Peninsula. The parks are more wild with fewer facilities and little emphasis on recreation. Conservation areas were designed to protect natural areas, maintain water quality and to deal with flooding, but some areas have also turned them into recreational parks, but not in Prince Edward County.

Visiting the Ontario Conservation Area website I found that the H.J. MacFarland Conservation Area is 7 acres of land on the Bay of Quinte and it features a boat launch, covered picnic area and washrooms.  The land was donated by the MacFarland family and named after a previous mayor of Picton, Harvey J. MacFarland.

Here you can see the covered picnic area from the parking lot and other picnic tables on the grass. There was an upper and lower parking lot, so there would be lots of parking for visitors.

From the park you can get a glimpse of the escarpments and bluffs along the shoreline. This part of Quinte Bay wasn’t busy with boat traffic, at least not while we stopped. The stretch of water was much wider than it appears.

There was some shade in various areas but the park was fairly rustic and not especially interesting or inviting to us. We also did not see any trail to explore.

Across the bay we could see a huge plant. When we got home we looked it up and found out that it was the Lehigh Hanson Cement Plant. Cement is made by mixing rock, which contains high levels of calcium, like limestone, with silicon, aluminum and iron.

The boat launch was functional enough for smaller boats and there were people there letting their dogs swims. Maya skipped this spot because there were treats in the truck.

Here is another view of the cement plant. Lakers often bring materials to plants along the Great Lakes and you can see one docked at the plant in the picture above.

The best part of this conservation area was it’s location. Just a short drive away is one of the best homemade bakeries we have come across, Perfect Lil’ Bake Shop.

It’s a small place with a lot of charm and excellent baked goods. We made a point of driving out of our way to make a second stop at the bakery, that’s how good it was. If you are near Picton, Ontario, be sure to stop in and get some treats, you will thank us.