Jim B.
Yelp
Boyd Conservation area is usually where I turn around when hiking the trail system in Vaughan, so a few weeks ago I decided to park here and explore the area, prior to hitting one of the trails.
The area is fairly large, with a killer hill when you first arrive (past the main gates). To the left of the main gate is a great picnic area that has a killer view, as it overlooks the Humber River. It is fairly high and the drop is steep, so be careful with kids.
Continuing into the park, you'll go down a steep hill....it'll get your heart pumping on the walk back (if you park up top) and provides a nice view of the park system. Once on the lower level, there's picnic areas that can be rented for private events (family reunions, weddings, etc) and a small bridge over the Humber River to a fairly large parking lot. The trails into the woods start in this area.
Be very careful with kids if you go down to waters edge by the waterfall (it's not really a waterfall...it's artificially created rapids caused by the water being routed into tubes (going under the bridge) and spilling out onto a wide concrete slab) There are signs up warning of a strong undertow...and the current does get quite a strong after a rainfall. There's frogs, tadpoles, small fish, garter snakes, racoons in this area.
In the winter the park closes its main gates, but you can park just outside the hut and walk back in.