The ultimate guide to the best Ontario Parks to visit
I defy anyone who says Ontario is not beautiful to get out of the city and visit one of Ontario’s provincial parks. With over 300 provincial parks across the province, protecting more than 10% of the land, Ontario is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Canada. Whether you’re looking for rugged backcountry adventures, serene paddling routes, or the perfect campground to pitch a tent, Ontario has some incredible provincial parks to explore. Having visited over 70 of the 119 or so visitable parks, I’ve experienced firsthand the diverse beauty that makes these natural spaces so special.
This guide to the best Ontario parks will help you discover the top trails for hiking, camping, canoeing and more, whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a summer-long road trip to see them all. From the sandy beaches of The Pinery to the epic vistas of Killarney, Ontario parks offer something for every kind of explorer.
About this guide
In this guide, I’m sharing my top 10 favourite Ontario Parks, based on my personal experiences exploring 72 parks (so far!) across the province. Instead of ranking them from best to worst (because, let’s be honest, every park has something special to offer), I’ll be listing them in alphabetical order. For each park, you’ll find a brief description, my personal rating out of five, and the must-do activity you absolutely can’t miss while you’re there.
The rating for each park is based on my OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. I take into account the cleanliness of the park, how busy it was, how enjoyable it was, what kinds of things they offer, etc. Think of this section as a Zagat's guide for Ontario Parks. I’ll also be updating this list every time I visit a new park! Ready to find your next adventure? Let’s dive in!
Before you visit Ontario Parks
Before heading out on your adventure, it’s important to be a responsible explorer. Ontario’s parks are home to stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, and it’s up to all of us to keep them that way. Following the Leave No Trace principles like packing out all garbage, sticking to marked trails, and respecting wildlife, which helps protect these beautiful spaces for future generations. If you're camping, be a good neighbour by keeping noise levels low, using designated fire pits, and following park rules.
Safety is just as important as sustainability. Ontario’s wilderness can be unpredictable, so always check the weather, bring plenty of water, and let someone know your plans before heading out. If you’re hiking or paddling, research the trails and waterways in advance, carry a map, and bring the right gear—especially if you're venturing into backcountry areas. And don’t forget: black bears, moose, and other wildlife call these parks home, so keep a respectful distance and store food properly. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your trip is safe, enjoyable, and eco-friendly!
Want to find a park close to you? Use this map and discover which park to visit next.
My top 10 Ontario Parks to visit
With so many incredible parks across the province, narrowing it down to just ten favorites wasn’t easy! Each of these parks offers something unique - breathtaking scenery, epic hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes, or stunning vistas. Based on my personal experiences, these are the best Ontario Parks you won’t want to miss!
Lake Superior Provincial Park - for the unmatched beauty and challenging hiking trails
Killarney - for it’s amazing hiking and backcountry camping in a gorgeous part of Ontario.
Arrowhead - I love it’s accessibility and easy trails
Silent Lake - perfect for campers who want to get out on the water
Algonquin - great for all levels of campers and so many hiking trails to explore!
Killbear - for the fall colours and the summer sunsets
MacGregor Point - great for four seasons of outdoor adventures
Grundy Lake - for their dark sky and lovely landscape.
Bon Echo - I loved the campgrounds and the cliffs.
Awenda - An underrated park. It’s beautiful and has something for all campers.
Guide to the best Ontario Parks
After visiting 72 Ontario Provincial Parks, I’ve put together this GIANT list of all the Ontario parks I’ve been to, so that you can explore the best Ontario parks. Each park on this list has something truly special to offer, and I’ll be sharing a brief overview, my personal rating, and a must-do activity for each one.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Incredible wildlife spotting opportunities
Park Fact: The oldest provincial park in Canada
Must Do: Front or back country camp in the fall
How can I sum up Ontario’s first provincial park? At first I thought the park was overrated, but that was before I made incredible experiences hiking, camping and photographing this park about a dozen times. Algonquin offers incredible opportunities for anyone hoping to enjoy the outdoors no matter the season. From just a taste at its front country campgrounds to full wilderness immersion in its 7,635 square kilometres of forests and lakes that can only be accessed by paddling or hiking. There are 12 separate campgrounds, 21 mapped hiking trails and a canoe route network of over 2,100 kms.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Big Bend and Stubb’s Falls.
Park Fact: Arrowhead is open year-round!
Must Do: Take in the view at Big Bend and skate on a frozen forest trail
I first visited Arrowhead Provincial Park in the winter and loved it! From the snowy view of Big Bend to the skating trail through the forest to the frozen waterfall, it was a magical adventure. I returned again in the fall and was able to see how beautiful the colours were in the park. The only downside of this park is that it’s hard to get a campsite here since it’s a popular park year-round.
Related: Best Ontario Parks to visit in the Winter
Awenda Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Great swimming, huge park, great trails
Park Fact: The park is open year-round for day use
Must Do: Hike the Nippissing Trail in the fall for the best views of the changing leaves.
Awenda was the very first park I ever visited. I have great memories of swimming and jumping off the giant boulders into the clear water at Awenda Provincial Park. There are lovely boardwalk trails and great camping. In the fall, you don’t want to miss the gorgeous fall leaves and in the winter you can come here to ski.
Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: great swimming with sandy beach and clear water
Park Fact: Balsam Lake is the highest point on the Trent-Severn Waterway, meaning you can technically canoe "downhill" from here
Must Do: Paddle on the Lake!
Balsam Lake Provincial Park is a perfect getaway for families and paddlers, offering a mix of sandy beaches, gentle hiking trails, and great fishing opportunities. The park’s proximity to the Trent-Severn Waterway makes it an excellent destination for boating enthusiasts. With scenic campgrounds and a relaxing lakefront setting, it’s a great place to unwind in nature.
Bass Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Known for fishing in the warm shallow waters
Park Fact: The park sits on an old glacial lakebed, creating rich, fertile land that supports diverse wildlife.
Must Do: a sunset paddle
Just a short drive from Orillia, Bass Lake is a quiet retreat ideal for day trips or weekend getaways. The warm, shallow waters make it a great swimming spot for families, and the wooded campsites offer a cozy, secluded feel. The park also has a few easy hiking trails, making it a great place to explore without venturing too far off the beaten path
Batchawana Bay Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: Soft sandy beach, but cold Lake Superior water
Park Fact: Batchawana Bay was once an important trading route for the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Must Do: Spend the day relaxing on the beach and taking in the stunning Lake Superior views
If you're looking for a slice of paradise along the Trans-Canada Highway, Batchawana Bay is it. The soft sand and shallow waters (which makes Lake Superior feel a tiny bit warmer), and incredible sunsets make this an ideal stop for road trippers. While the park is day use only (meaning no camping), it’s still a must-visit for those wanting a refreshing swim in Lake Superior’s surprisingly warm waters.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Mazinaw Rock and Indigenous Pictographs
Park Fact: Mazinaw Rock has over 260 Indigenous pictographs, making it one of the largest collections in North America.
Must Do: Take a canoe or boat tour to see the ancient pictographs up close. But PLEASE don’t touch them.
Bon Echo is an iconic park. The park is located on the same lake as many cottagers, so there is quiet a bit of boat traffic, but you’ll definitely want to check out the dramatic 100-m cliffs and take a boat over to the pictographs. Plus there are some nice hiking trails to explore too!
Bonnechere Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Large Beach, paddling
Park Fact: Bonnechere is named after the Bonnechere River, which flows through the park and feeds into the Ottawa River.
Must Do: Take a paddle down the Bonnechere River for stunning views and serene water experiences.
Bonnechere Provincial Park is a serene escape located in the Ottawa Valley. The park’s picturesque river and surrounding woodlands offer a variety of outdoor activities, from canoeing to birdwatching. Its peaceful setting makes it a favorite for those looking to enjoy some quiet time in nature. I only knocked it down a few points because they have such a large beach, but you can bring your dog to any of it.
Chutes Provincial Park
Rating:🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: Roaring waterfall and beautiful trainls
Park Fact: The park’s waterfall is part of the Michipicoten River, which also features a scenic gorge.
Must Do: Take a short hike to the viewing platform for a spectacular view of the waterfall
Chutes Provincial Park is a hidden gem in northern Ontario, offering breathtaking views of the Michipicoten River and a stunning waterfall that cascades through a gorge. The park’s easy-to-moderate hiking trails provide excellent views of the falls, and its campgrounds are a peaceful base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Craigleith Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Gorgeous rock slab beach on Georgian Bay
Park Fact: The fossils found on the shoreline here are more than 450 million years old
Must Do: Swim!
Craigleith Provincial Park will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first park I visited when I was young and the first I visited without parents. The stunning blue waters of Georgian Bay and the solid slab rock beach are reasons why I’ll come back again and again.
But, camping here isn’t the best. It’s close to a busy road, the sites are small and lack privacy. On the other hand, sunrises and sunsets here are great reasons to stay overnight. Plus it’s close to amenities.
Darlington Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: close to the city
Park Fact: There’s a pioneer cemetery in the park
Must Do: I don’t even know.
Darlington PP is located right off Hwy 401 near Oshawa. It has a sandy beach, a swampy bay for fishing and a few short trails. If you live in the city and are looking for a little nature, then Darlington is a great spot. But there are much better parks in my opinion.
Driftwood Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Serene river-side campground, sandy beach
Park Fact: Located along the Ottawa River, when you’re looking across the water you’re actually looking at Quebec.
Must Do: Go or a paddle in the calm waters of the Ottawa River
Driftwood Provincial Park was such a peaceful park. It rained for a good chunk of the time I was there, but I really liked the park. We went on a hike, that offered some pretty views, and just enjoyed our river-front site.
Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Offers a close-to-the-city camping experience.
Park Fact: Named after former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario William Earl Rowe (’63-’68)
Must Do: Hike on one of the trails.
A simple park with a man-made lake, a few trails and even a swimming pool. But I’m not impressed by the park itself. There are so many other beautiful parks just a short drive away that I would much rather spend time at.
Emily Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: popular for fishing and boating
Park Fact: Emily is located near the northern shore of Pigeon Lake, a popular spot for boating and fishing
Must Do: Rent a canoe or kayak to explore the lake and its scenic surroundings.
Emily Provincial Park is a perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of trails, fishing opportunities, and a beautiful beach, the park offers something for everyone.
Ferris Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: The bridge!
Park Fact: There’s a pedestrian suspension bridge over the Trent River Gorge
Must Do: walk along the suspension bridge
I’m a sucker for a fun bridge, but it feels like that’s all Ferris Provincial Park is good for. Sure there’s plenty of camping and a few long trails that weave along the Trent River, but I was meh about the whole park.
Finlayson Point Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: Gateway to Temagami’s wilderness
Park Fact: Finlayson Point was inspiration for Group of Seven painter Arthur Lismer, who painted Temagami Portage in 1945 based on his time here.
Must Do: Take a boat out on Lake Temagami
Honestly, there’s not a lot going on in Finlayson Point. They’re a campground and marina, but really it’s just a jumping off point for many of the nearby backcountry parks.
Fitzroy Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Towering white pines and family-friendly riverfront camping
Park Fact: The park is located at the confluence of the Carp and Ottawa Rivers
Must Do: Walk the Terraces Trail for views of ancient river channels and forests.
Fitzroy is a peaceful escape just west of Ottawa, known for its mature forests, river views, and quiet campsites. Check out the Carp Trail that runs along the river, and the remains of the homestead of the Shirreffs, that dates back to 1835. Near the group camping area, there’s a lookout over the Ottawa River valley.
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Fall colours
Park Fact: The park used to be the site of an old mill and dam, which you can see the ruins of while visiting.
Must Do: Drive through part of the park with the hairpin turn.
Forks of the Credit is really only a great park during the fall. That’s because the trees turn all shades of yellow orange and red, making it a perfect place for leaf-peeping. There’s also a waterfall, a couple of neat bridges and the Bruce Trail runs through the park. But that’s about it. Personally, I think this place is overhyped and too busy. There are plenty of other beautiful places to see the fall colours.
French River Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: waterfall, canoeing and snowmobile bridge
Park Fact: French River is a designated Canadian Heritage River
Must Do: Hike the Recollet Falls Trail to see the historic portage around the beautiful waterfall.
French River is a huge park that spans from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, following a historic voyageur canoe route. Don’t skip the exhibits at the visitor centre to learn more about this beautiful park. I’d love to come back to paddle along the River.
Frontenac Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Remote backcountry camping and wilderness trails
Park Fact: The park has over 100 km of hiking trails through rugged Canadian Shield terrain
Must Do: If you’re there for the day, check out the Arab Lake Gorge Trail and Doe Lake Trail, otherwise rent a canoe and get paddling!
Frontenac is a true backcountry haven, ideal for experienced hikers and paddlers. Its remote lakes, granite ridges, and peaceful campsites offer a wild escape just north of Kingston. It’s where the Canadian Shield and Adirondack Mountains meet and has 22 lakes within its borders. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to disconnect and embrace Ontario’s wilder side. There are so many canoe and hiking routes to the back country sites.
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: motor-free lakes, dark skies and rugged but short trails.
Park Fact: Grundy has a mix of forest from both Northern and Southern Ontario
Must Do: canoe the lakes
Grundy Lake Provincial Park is a great park to experience Northern Ontario without the drive. It’s home to several small, motor-free lakes and front- and back-country camping. Visitors to Grundy Lake PP usually see black bears that frequent the park. I was there for one glorious night to photograph the stars. It was an epic adventure and I definitely want to come back.
Halfway Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: Canadian shield, trails and more than a dozen lakes.
Park Fact: A meteor crashed just south of Halfway Lake thousands of years ago, debris scattering over what is now the park.
Must Do: Take a hike on one of the many trails for viewpoints over the lakes caused by glaciation.
Halfway Lake Provincial Park is a quiet, beautiful part as you head into Northern Ontario. It’s got a couple of paddle routes to explore and several trails that bring you to some awesome viewpoints. Halfway Lake was hit by a massive tornado in 2002 and then a wildfire in 2007
Inverhuron Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: sandy beaches and sunsets
Park Fact: While the site has been important to Indigenous people for thousands of years, a small town was established in the 1800s in what is now the part, and you can see some of the remnants
Must Do: Watch sunset on the beach.
Just a note about this park, is that it is located near to Bruce Power, and sometimes you can hear the nuclear plant. But the park has a nice couple of trails and, of course, some of the best sunsets over Lake Huron.
John E. Pearce Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Victorian house turned museum, interpretive Trail and cliffs along Lake Erie
Park Fact: The parkland was donated by a private landowner in 1959.
Must Do: Check out both sides of the day-use park
John E Pearce Provincial Park is named after John E Pearce who donated the land to help preserve it for future generations. While the Spicer Trail is pretty cool, the lookout over Lake Erie is no longer accessible due to the severe erosion of the shoreline. While here, check out the Backus Page House Museum, an old 1850s-style house that sits on the land.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: waterfall
Park Fact: 40 metre high Kakabeka Falls is the second highest waterfall in Ontario
Must Do: visit the waterfall!
Kakabeka Falls is known as the “Niagara of the North” and was a historic route of the Voyageurs. Today, the park is located on either side of TransCanada Highway and follows the Kaministiquia River. There’s a couple of trails in the park but the best feature is the waterfall! It’s so magnificent.
Related: 10-day Northern Ontario road trip along Lake Superior’s spectacular coast
Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: Waterfalls and rugged terrain
Park Fact: The park’s name comes from the Ojibwe language, meaning “water running over the edge.”
Must Do: Hike the Hell’s Gate Trail to see some of the best waterfalls in the park.
Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park is a hidden gem in northern Ontario, featuring steep cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. The trails offer a mix of easy strolls and more challenging hikes, with spectacular views of the Englehart River gorge. But camping here is more for people who have trailers than tents.
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Olympus Trip 35 - Kodak Gold 200
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: paddler’s dream
Park Fact: This is Ontario’s largest park south of Algonquin, covering over 37,000 hectares.
Must Do: Paddle one of the routes to a remote campsite
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is a paradise for paddlers, offering a remote and peaceful alternative to the more crowded parks. With its numerous lakes, portages, and scenic campsites, this park is perfect for backcountry camping and exploring Ontario’s iconic canoe culture. Unfortunately, my trip to Kawartha Highlands went a little south thanks to the weather, but I’m hoping to go back soon!
Killarney Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: Stunning vistas, amazing trails and great camping.
Park Fact: Killarney was saved from logging thanks to the efforts of the Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson.
Must Do: Hike The Crack Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of Georgian Bay.
Killarney is often considered Ontario’s most beautiful provincial park, with its rugged pink granite shorelines, crystal-clear lakes, and the dramatic La Cloche Mountains. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or camping, every part of this park feels like a painting come to life. It’s an unforgettable destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to National Parks in Ontario
Killbear Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Pink Granite, Georgian Bay sunset, lighthouse and hiking
Park Fact: The famous windswept pine tree is dying :(
Must Do: Get out on the water!
My first time at Killbear Provincial Park was on the last weekend of October. The leaves were gorgeous and we woke up the next morning to snow! We went on every single trail that weekend (to keep warm) and visited the famous windswept pine tree that is over 100 years old! I’ve been back twice and I just love the scenery. Top 10 park for sure!
Komoka Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Trails and the Thames
Park Fact: The trails are open for horseback riding and mountain biking too.
Must Do: hike the trails system
Komoka Provincial Park is an urban park near London that has a nice network of trails along the Thames River, a Canadian Heritage River. The park is open year-round, but the trails are not maintained.
Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: a mysterious, elevated lake.
Park Fact: The lake sits over 60 meters above Lake Ontario, with no visible water source.
Must Do: Enjoy a picnic while soaking in the incredible views
Lake on the Mountain is one of Ontario’s most fascinating natural wonders. The park is small but offers a unique perspective, with views of the lake and the Bay of Quinte below. It’s a perfect stop for a scenic break while exploring Prince Edward County.
Lake St. Peter Provincial Park
The Lookout in question
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Quiet Lake
Park Fact: Lake St. Peter is known for Lake Trout and bass
Must Do: Canoe or kayak across the calm waters of Lake St. Peter
This quiet, forested park is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Its clear waters, great hiking trails, and excellent fishing make it an ideal spot for a relaxed outdoor getaway. Whether you’re paddling, hiking, or camping, Lake St. Peter provides a serene retreat into nature. But don’t be fooled by the Lookout Trail, the lookout over the lake isn’t that spectacular.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: Where do I begin? Great hiking, excellent camping, stunning scenery and wildlife!
Park Fact: The part of the Trans-Canada Highway that runs through the park was known as the Big Gap and was one of the last pieces to be constructed.
Must Do: Hike Nokomis Trail overlooking Old Woman Bay
I’m not sure exactly when I fell in love with Lake Superior Provincial Park. It might have been the first time I camped there when the sun was dipping low over the great span of Lake Superior, lighting the Jack Pines behind me aflame. Or it might have been when I crawled out of my sleeping bag on a crystal clear night to photograph the impeccable stars. Or it might have been the night I fell asleep to the sounds of huge waves crashing into the beach. The point is I fell in love, and I want you to fall in love with Lake Superior Provincial Park too.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Lake Superior Provincial Park
Long Point Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Sandy beach and one of the largest bird migration areas in North America
Park Fact: Fourth oldest Provincial Park in Ontario
Must Do: Launch a canoe in the sheltered marsh of Long Point Bay
Long Point Provincial Park is known for two big things. On one side of the park is its 1.5km soft sand beach, perfect for summer seekers. On the other side of the park, in the spring and fall, it’s a haven for birders since it boasts one of the largest bird and waterfowl migration staging areas in North America. I’m not really into either, but I can appreciate the beauty of the park for others.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: sandy and rocky beach, four season activities, carnivorous plants!
Park Fact: One of the most ecologically diverse natural places on Lake Huron
Must Do: winter camping in a yurt!
My first time at MacGregor Point PP was marred by bad weather, but having been back in all seasons, MacGregor Point has become a favourite. Perfect for all-season adventures, like summer beach days and winter camping. In the winter you can also go skating on a lovely skating trail that winds through the forest. The park is also a big hit among birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
Mara Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Large sandy beach
Park Fact: Mara is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Simcoe
Must Do: Swim in the warm, shallow waters of Lake Simcoe
Mara Provincial Park is a small but beautiful park that’s perfect for a quick getaway. The sandy beach and shallow waters make it ideal for families, while the surrounding trees provide plenty of shade.
Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: old growth forest
Park Fact: Walk the easy trails and admire the towering trees.
Must Do: Walk the easy trails and admire the towering trees.
Mark S. Burnham is a quiet park that offers a rare glimpse into Ontario’s ancient forests. The trails are short and accessible, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful nature walk. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold
Marten River Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: scenic lake and dense forest
Park Fact: The park features a replica 19th-century logging camp showcasing Ontario’s forestry history
Must Do: Canoe through the interconnected lakes for a stunning wilderness paddle
Marten River is the gateway to Ontario’s north, offering a mix of rich history and stunning natural landscapes. The lake is perfect for paddling, and the logging museum adds an educational element to any visit. Whether you’re camping or just exploring for the day, this park is a fantastic northern escape
McRae Point Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: peaceful park on Lake Simcoe
Park Fact: The park is named after James McRae, an early settler in the area
Must Do: Launch a boat and enjoy a day of fishing or paddling
McRae Point offers a relaxed, lakeside camping experience with plenty of opportunities for water-based activities. It’s a great spot for boating, swimming, and fishing, making it a favorite among locals looking for a quiet retreat near the water.
Mikisew Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: three sandy beaches, paddling, disc golf
Park Fact: “Mikisew” means “eagle” in Cree, reflecting the park’s natural wildlife
Must Do: Check out the Point Trail
Mikisew Provincial Park is an excellent destination for families and beginner campers. The well-maintained trails, calm waters, and sandy beaches make it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. They’ve got a disc golf course and several trails to hike.
Misery Bay Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: coastal alvars, Lake Huron
Park Fact: The park protects one of the largest alvar ecosystems in Ontario
Must Do: Hike the Coastal Alvar Trail to see rare plant life and scenic shoreline
Despite its name, Misery Bay is anything but miserable. This hidden gem on Manitoulin Island features rare alvar habitats, where hardy plants grow on limestone plains. The quiet, undeveloped shoreline and extensive trail system make it a perfect place for a peaceful nature escape. It’s a day use park with no camping.
Related: Best things to do on Manitoulin Island
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Dramatic limestone cliffs and stunning lookouts
Park Fact: The park is part of the Bruce Trail, one of Canada’s longest hiking trails
Must Do: Check Cliff-top Side trail for the epic views of the escarpment and canyons
Mono Cliffs is a hiker’s paradise, featuring rugged escarpment trails, wooden boardwalks, and towering cliffs. It’s especially popular in the fall when the forests explode with color. This day-use park is perfect for a quick but breathtaking outdoor adventure
Murphy’s Point Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Historic silver mine and scenic Big Rideau Lake shoreline
Park Fact: The park contains an early 1900s mica mine that’s open for guided tours.
Must Do: Paddle Big Rideau Lake or take a tour of the restored mine site.
Murphy’s Point blends natural beauty with history. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, or exploring the well-preserved Silver Queen Mine. With its diverse trails and waterside campsites, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and education in the heart of the Rideau system.
Neys Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: Lake Superior coastline, overlook Trail
Park Fact: Neys was once a WWII prisoner-of-war camp, and remnants of its history remain
Must Do: Hike the Pic Island Overlook Trail for one of the best views in the park
With its sweeping beaches, dramatic cliffs, and boreal forests, Neys Provincial Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Ontario. Neys used to be a POW camp in WWII, so it has a fascinating history you can read about and experience while there. One hike that I missed on my first visit was the Pic Island Overlook Trail, so I’m hoping to go back just for that hike.
North Beach Provincial Park
Canon AE1 with Portra 400
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: A quieter alternative to Sandbanks with beautiful sandy beaches
Park Fact: The park is a narrow stretch of land and beach between Lake Ontario and a pond lake
Must Do: Swim in Lake Ontario
If you love the beaches of Sandbanks but want fewer crowds, North Beach is the perfect spot. This day-use park offers warm, shallow waters on one side and the open expanse of Lake Ontario on the other. It’s ideal for swimming, picnicking, and soaking up the summer sun.
Oastler Lake Provincial Park
Olympus Trip 35 with Kodak Pro Image 100
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: waterfront camping, paddling
Park Fact: The park is only 15 min from Parry Sound
Must Do: Paddle in Oastler Lake for a peaceful nature experience
Oastler Lake Provincial Park is a fantastic camping destination for those looking to enjoy nature without venturing too far from civilization. The lake is great for swimming and paddling, and while there aren’t any trails within the park, there are a few nearby. I highly recommend the point walk in campground sites. They’re a bit more spaced out than the other campgrounds.
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: canyon and breathtaking views
Park Fact: The canyon’s walls drop 100 meters to the floor below; arctic plants, usually found 1,000 kilometres north, survive in the unique environment at the bottom of the canyon
Must Do: Walk the boardwalk to the lookout points for jaw-dropping views
Ouimet Canyon is one of Ontario’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The massive gorge, with its sheer rock walls and rare Arctic-alpine plants, offers a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The short but scenic trails make it an easy yet unforgettable visit.
Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: a raging waterfall
Park Fact: the falls are considered one of Ontario’s top ten waterfalls
Must Do: get up close and personal with the waterfall
This is a simple park with just one trail leading to Ragged Falls, a powerful waterfall on the Oxtongue River as it flows from Algonquin Provincial Park to Lake of Bays. I love that the view is incredible no matter what season you visit in.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: A long, sandy beach with Caribbean-like turquoise water
Park Fact: The bay was named after the flat, round sandbars visible at low tide
Must Do: Hike to the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout for a stunning view over Lake Superior.
Pancake Bay is famous for its incredible beach—one of the best in Ontario. The warm, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming even in the chilly Lake Superior, while the trails offer breathtaking views of Lake Superior. It’s an ideal stop for beach lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Indigenous petroglyphs, meromictic lake
Park Fact: Has the largest known concentration of Indigenous petroglyphs in Canada
Must Do: Visit the petroglyphs site then check out the eastern day-use area overlooking McGinnis Lake
Petroglyphs Provincial Park is a national historic site of Canada as it is home to the largest known concentration of Indigenous petroglyphs in the country. It’s a sacred space and there are no photographs allowed. This park is also home to McGinnis Lake, one of a handful of meromictic lakes in Canada. These lakes have layers that don’t mix.
Pigeon River Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: Beautiful waterfall!
Park Fact: The Pigeon River forms part of the Canada-U.S. border between Ontario and Minnesota
Must Do: Visit High Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region
Pigeon River Provincial Park is a hidden gem for waterfall lovers and hikers. The short trails lead to scenic lookouts, including a view of High Falls. There used to be a resort here and you can still see the remnants of it on the trail.
Related: Beginner's guide to camping + camping essentials
Pinery Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: 10km-long sandy beach and a channel for paddling
Park Fact: The largest Oak Savanna in Ontario is found here
Must Do: Paddle the length of the Old Ausable Channel
Of all the sandy beach parks in Ontario, Pinery Provincial Park is probably my favourite that I’ve visited. Likely due to all the other activities here, like paddling, hiking and camping. The Pinery is a large park and has 10 trails that lead you through different ecosystems.
Point Farms Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Sandy beach and old farmland trail
Park Fact: It was once the site of a popular Victorian resort
Must Do: Enjoy a sunset on Lake Huron
Lake Huron really does have the bluest water, and you can see it here from the bluffs that make up Point Farms Provincial Park. Enjoy swimming in the water or exploring the three trails within the park.
Port Bruce Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Scenic Beach on Lake Erie
Park Fact: The park was once a major shipping hub in the 19th century
Must Do: Enjoy a picnic by the beach and watch the sunset over Lake Erie.
Port Bruce is a small but charming day-use park, perfect for a relaxing beach trip. With soft sand, gentle waves, and picnic areas, it’s a great spot for a low-key day by the water.
Port Burwell Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: A long, sandy beach with warm, shallow waters.
Park Fact: The park nearby to a fascinating Cold War-era submarine, open for tours.
Must Do: Visit the Port Burwell Marine Museum and lighthouse and tour the HMCS Ojibwa submarine.
Port Burwell offers a mix of beautiful nature and unique history. The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while the nearby museum provides an interesting glimpse into Canada’s naval past. It’s an excellent choice for a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Potholes Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: natural potholes!
Park Fact: The park’s "potholes" were formed during the last Ice Age by glacial meltwater.
Must Do: Walk the short interpretive trail to see the potholes up close.
Potholes Provincial Park is a small but fascinating stop along Highway 101. Its main attraction is the series of deep, smooth rock formations created by ancient swirling water. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and learn about Ontario’s geological history. I actually love this park. It’s so neat and definitely has some interesting geology here.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Lighthouse, marshes, big sandy beach and lots of trails.
Park Fact: Home to the second oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario
Must Do: The marsh boardwalk
While the park is known as the Sandbanks overflow park, Presqu’ile PP is actually quite nice. There’s a big sandy beach, six trails and lots of campsites. It’s a hotspot for birders during migration season. Presqu’ile holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I met my best friends and received my camp name, Roots. It was also the first place I had ever seen a Trillium, Ontario’s official flower.
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: Beautiful cascading waterfalls
Park Fact: This park has two campgrounds - one right on Lake Superior and one inland
Must Do: Hike the Rainbow Falls Trail for stunning waterfall views
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park is a picturesque spot along the north shore of Lake Superior. The waterfalls are the main draw, but the park also offers excellent hiking, paddling, and camping.
Restoule Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: hiking, cliffs and paddling
Park Fact: The park is home to one of Ontario’s largest white tailed deer herds
Must Do: Hike the Fire Tower Trail for breathtaking panoramic views
Restoule Provincial Park is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a mix of rugged cliffs, peaceful lakes, and excellent wildlife viewing. Whether you’re paddling through its winding waterways or hiking to the fire tower, this park has something for every nature lover
Rock Point Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Rocky beach
Park Fact: You can find fossils on the beach, which was once a coral reef 350 million years ago!
Must Do: Lookout Point boardwalk
Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, Rock Point Provincial Park has plenty of shoreline for visitors. The beach is really rocky, but the camping is decent. There are really only two trails in the park, so there’s not a lot to do for outdoor enthusiasts, but it’s a great park for relaxing on the beach.
Rondeau Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Birdwatcher’s paradise on Lake Erie’s north shore.
Park Fact: It’s one of the best spots in Ontario for spring bird migration, with over 330 recorded species.
Must Do: Walk the Tulip Tree Trail and bring binoculars for birding.
It truly is a different ecosystem here. Rondeau is a lush Carolinian forest with beaches, boardwalks, and biodiversity galore. Whether you're here for birdwatching, cycling, or relaxing by the lake, this park offers a unique southern Ontario experience with a subtropical feel and rich natural history.
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: forests and historic canoe routes
Park Fact: The park follows part of the historic fur trade route used by early explorers.
Must Do: Hike the Nature Loop to the Gut, a narrow part of the river system.
Samuel de Champlain is an ideal destination for those looking to combine history with adventure. With excellent paddling, hiking, and camping opportunities, it’s a fantastic spot to connect with Ontario’s wilderness and past.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Beaches and Dunes
Park Fact: Sandbanks has the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune system
Must Do: Walk the Dunes Trail to experience the park’s famous sand dunes
Sandbanks is one of Ontario’s most famous provincial parks, thanks to its sprawling sandy beaches and warm waters. There are a few trailers, but really it’s just a big, beach with lots of dunes. But it can get really busy.
Related: The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Prince Edward County
Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: the step waterfall
Park Fact: Located at the end of the Rankin canoe route
Must Do: wade in the shallow water at the falls
Sauble Falls Provincial Park is an okay park. It’s busy because it’s located nearby to the popular Sauble Beach, which is a must-see when you visit. You can check out some of the trails, but otherwise, not much else to do here.
Selkirk Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: A quiet, family-friendly park with a sandy beach
Park Fact: The park’s wetlands provide important habitat for migratory birds
Must Do: Explore the Wheeler’s Walk Trail for a peaceful nature stroll
Selkirk is a small but charming park on Lake Erie, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The calm waters, easy hiking trails, and picnic areas make it ideal for families looking for a peaceful outdoor escape.
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Southeastern
Highlights: Mountain biking, hiking and paddling
Park Fact: Silent Lake has a motor-free lake
Must Do: Get a backcountry experience with their walk-in campsites.
The first time I camped at Silent Lake Provincial Park it was an extreme cold warning, and the toilet seats were frosted over. But I had a blast! I returned again a couple of summers later and enjoyed canoeing on the serene lake. I love their yurts, the hiking and the paddling. Overall a great park.
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Muskoka scenery, lake and short trails.
Park Fact: Located right off highway 400.
Must Do: hike on the trails to check out classic Muskoka scenery
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park is another park I visited briefly, using it as a base camp for a Georgian Bay Islands National Park adventure. The campgrounds felt a bit cramped (Our first night we were woken up by a family who pulled in at midnight, set up a giant hibachi and started cooking a feast.) And the lake was so-so.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: hiking in Northern Ontario
Park Fact: The park’s cliffs rise over 250 meters above Lake Superior
Must Do: Hike to the Top of the Giant for one of Ontario’s most stunning views
Hiking the Top of the Giant trail was one of my favourite hikes I’ve ever done. But boy was it a tough one. It ended up being like 24km round trip (which was just two days after hiking an 18km trail in Pukaskwa). The Campground is a bit tired and there’s not a ton of facilities within the campgrounds, but the hiking is incredible!
Related: The 37 Best Hikes in Ontario
Springwater Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: peaceful forest
Park Fact: The park is a non-operating provincial park, meaning no camping or facilities, although it used to be!
Must Do: Walk or Ski the trails
Springwater is a great simple hiking park, but it comes alive during the winter for cross country skiing.
Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Located in the 30,000 Islands area
Park Fact: The park is right off the TransCanada Highway
Must Do: Jump on a boat and explore Georgian Bay
Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park is an old, small, cramped park on Georgian Bay. The only thing going for it is the access point to the gorgeous 30,000 islands region.
The Massasauga Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲🌲🌲/5
Location: Central
Highlights: Paddling and canoe camping
Park Fact: The park is named after the Massasauga rattlesnake, Ontario’s only venomous snake.
Must Do: Make sure to include a paddle to Blackstone River Waterfall near Pete’s Place access point
The Massasauga was my first canoe camping experience. While the park is within cottage country, so lots of boat traffic on the interconnected lakes, it was nice to feel connected on my first canoe camping trip. I loved camping here and I would so enjoy coming back to explore some of the more remote camp locations. While here, I saw a buck and heard a wolf pack in the morning. There are also some trails you can paddle to if you don’t want to camp overnight.
Related: 31 Best Places to go Camping in Ontario
Turkey Point Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Soft sandy beach, very close to amenities, trails
Park Fact: Turkey Point used to be home to the only golf course in an Ontario provincial park. It’s been closed since Oct 2019.
Must Do: Enjoy the sunshine and the warm waters of the shallow Turkey Point.
I hate being gaslit by park maps that promise lookouts. Because I’m a sucker for a good lookout trail. Turkey Point Provincial Park has one of these “lookouts” and when I reached said destination, I was not impressed. That said it does have a decent beach and nice campground.
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: sandy beach
Park Fact: Longest freshwater sandy beach in the world!
Must Do: wear sunscreen!
The first time I went to Wasaga, I got burnt so badly - even after reapplying sunscreen four times - that I had to go to the hospital. It’s pretty shallow here so you can walk out pretty far without getting in deep water. They also have a Nordic centre with hiking trails in the summer and ski trails in the winter.
Wheatley Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Southwestern
Highlights: Southern-style forests, sandy beach
Park Fact: Southernmost Ontario Park
Must Do: Hike through the Carolinian forest
I went into Wheatley Provincial Park with no expectations because we were using it as a base camp to visit Pelee Point National Park, but I was genuinely surprised. We visited right as summer was turning to fall. I didn’t spend a lot of time at the park, but I did check out some of the trails that follow the coastal estuary, Lake Erie shoreline and Carolinian forest this park protects.
White Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲/5
Location: Northwestern
Highlights: fishing
Park Fact: White Lake, a 6,500 hectare lake, is one of the largest non-great-lakes on the Lake Superior Circle Route.
Must Do: If you’re into fishing, then that’s a must do here. If not, try one of the short trails.
White Lake is actually huge, thought the park only sits on a portion of the land around the lake.. White Lake Provincial Park known for it’s fishing, but they do have a few short trails around the park too.
Windy Lake Provincial Park
Rating: 🌲🌲/5
Location: Northeastern
Highlights: Clear lake, four-season fun
Park Fact: Windy Lake is known for its excellent ice fishing in the winter.
Must Do: Explore the unnamed trails within the park and sit in the sand on the beach.
While they didn’t have any named or marked trails in this park, I was surprised at how pretty the trail was between the lake and the campground. Windy Lake is known for its fishing, but we enjoyed it as a stop over park as we made our way north.
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Discover the largest freshwater island in the world. This one-week itinerary will help you find the best things to do on Manitoulin Island, places to stay, where to eat and more.