Lake Aquitaine Park Mississauga
Lake Aquitaine Park is a 41 acre park in Mississauga, Ontario, located in the Meadowvale area of the city. It’s a family-friendly, fitness-oriented public park that surrounds a man-made lake.
Contents
Lake Aquitaine is entirely man-made. It serves as both a recreational facility and a stormwater management pond. The lake is fed by run-off water from the surrounding area and serves to improve water quality before it enters the Credit River.
There are fish in the lake including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch and crappie.
Some of the most popular activities at Lake Aquitaine Park include:
- walking and hiking
- cycling
- running
- snowshoeing
- cross-country skiing
- birdwatching
- fishing
Lake Aquitaine Park has earned a solid reputation as an excellent neighbourhood park.
Where is Lake Aquitaine Park?
Lake Aquitaine Park is located in the northwest corner of Mississauga, in the Meadowvale area of the city. It’s located south of Highway 401, and it’s about a 40 minute drive from downtown Toronto.
Municipal address for Lake Aquitaine Park is 2750 Aquitaine Ave, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
The nearest main intersection is Derry Road and Glen Erin Drive.
The park is easily reachable by car, and there is also plenty of public transit in the area. There are buses along Derry Road and Glen Erin Drive, but you should check schedules before heading out.
The nearest commuter rail and bus station is the Meadowvale GO Station on the Milton Line.
Lake Aquitaine Park is directly adjacent to the Meadowvale Community Centre, which provides ice skating rinks, a pool, a fitness centre, gymnasium, squash courts, an outdoor basketball court, and a public library.
History of the Park
Plans for Lake Aquitaine Park were first announced in 1969. It was to be part of a new master-planned community then known as Meadowvale West, that would include residential housing, schools, a community centre, a shopping centre, and two parks that each had a lake.
The lakes were to be called Lake Aquitaine and Lake Wabukayne.
Excavation for Lake Aquitaine began in September 1976 and was completed in November 1977.
Lake Aquitaine was eventually filled with 37 million gallons of water, and was surrounded by 28 acres of parkland. The lake was designed to also serve as a stormwater management facility.
A settling pond was included to remove pollutants before local run-off water was released into the lake. The lake was stocked with fish.
Today, the Lake Wabukayne Trail runs south from Lake Aquitaine and forms a 4.9 km loop around the second lake.
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Inside the Park
Lake Aquitaine Park is one of about 500 parks administered by the City of Mississauga, and is one of two major parks in Meadowvale, the other being the Meadowvale Conservation Area.
It is open year round, although the best times to visit are definitely in the spring, summer, and fall. As with all parks in Mississauga, there is no fee for admission.
Walking Trails around the Lake
There is a 1.6km pathway that surrounds Lake Aquitaine. It is relatively flat and paved, and has several fitness stations along its route. It’s very popular for walking, jogging, running, and dog walking.
There are benches situated all along the walkway loop where you can sit and soak in the beauty and tranquility of the lake views.
Wildlife Habitat
You will see plenty of ducks and geese here, during all times of the year. There are also songbirds of every kind, and everything from hummingbirds to Great Blue Herons. It’s a good spot if you are into birdwatching.
There are also plenty of the usual small animals, including squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and maybe the occasional fox, skunk, or coyote.
Picnic and Playground Areas
Lake Aquitaine Park Mississauga has quite a few large open greenfields and play areas. Here you will find:
- multiple picnic areas
- 4 soccer fields
- children’s playground
- children’s splash pad
The picnic areas are quite extensive, and this park is on many people’s list of best Mississauga picnic parks.
Fishing Pier
The fishing pier is a popular attraction at the park. When I was there on a weekday in mid-September, there were a handful of people trying their luck.
Why Parks Matter
Parks are often taken for granted in large cities like Mississauga, but they play a critical role in our lives. They provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of the urban environment that we live in.
Here’s why parks like Lake Aquitaine are so important for our well-being:
Reducing the Negative Effects of Air Pollution
Parks act as a natural filter for the air we breathe, absorbing pollutants and reducing the levels of harmful chemicals in the environment. Not only that, but they also help cool the city and mitigate the effects of climate change by providing shade and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Opportunities for Physical Activity and Recreation
Parks provide a range of facilities for people of all ages, from playgrounds and sports fields to walking paths and picnic areas. This not only helps maintain good health but also provides a much-needed escape from the urban environment, reducing stress levels and improving mental health.
Promoting Community Engagement and Social Interaction
Parks serve as a gathering place for residents to come together, share experiences, and build relationships. This helps foster a sense of community, build social capital, and promote social cohesion.
Protecting Biodiversity and Wildlife
Parks such as Lake Aquitaine often provide essential habitats for a range of plant and animal species. These spaces serve as important refuges for wildlife in urban areas, helping to mitigate the effects of habitat loss and degradation.
Lake Aquitaine Park has all these characteristics, and it provides people with a valuable connection to nature.
Plan Your Visit to 2750 Aquitaine Ave
The park is open daily from 7:00am to 11:00pm (or until dusk in winter).
Parking at Lake Aquitaine Park
While there are no parking spots within the park itself, there is plenty of free parking at the Meadowvale Community Centre & Library, which are directly adjacent to the west side of the park.
Online reviews of the park are very positive, currently ranking 4.5 out of 5 on Google, with thousands of reviews posted. For many people in Meadowvale, this is their favourite Mississauga park.
There are free public washrooms at Lake Aquitaine Park (seasonal).
The park is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
The park is dog-friendly! Dogs on a leash are permitted.
Entrance to Lake Aquitaine Park is free.
Conclusion
Lake Aquitaine Park Mississauga offers a variety of facilities for all ages, such as walking paths, hiking trails, bike trails, open green areas, a children’s playground, and plenty of great spots for a picnic.
The lake supports diverse wildlife and wildfowl, promoting various plant and animal species.
With its excellent northwest location in the heart of Meadowvale, and its full array of attractions, Lake Aquitaine Park is a great option for people looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
We recommend Lake Aquitaine Park as one of the top parks in Mississauga.
Next: Meadowvale Conservation Area
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