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My Top 10 Provincial Park’s in Ontario to Explore
Winter has been such a fun ride this year! I got outside and experienced some of Ontario’s best sceneries and hopefully, you did too! A lot of those magnificent views were found in Ontario’s Provincial Parks. Here is a breakdown of my park recommendations including some of my favourite trails:
Awenda Provincial Park
During the winter, the park is closed for camping, although the trails remain available for use. Meanwhile, in the summer, it’s many hectares of mixed hardwood forest that allow for a backcountry style experience. Those who enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing will enjoy the 17km of ski trails. My personal favourite hiking trail is the Wendat Loop Trail that goes around Lake Wendat. In the summer-time, the sunrise’s over the Kettle’s lake ever so beautifully. Be sure to check out the sunsets over the Georgian Bay and stay long enough to watch the fireballs in the sky light up the night.
Winter Tip: dress in layers, above the ankle supportive as well as waterproof boots, bring lots of water, ice cleats crampons and hiking poles for longer hikes
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte Creek is a family-friendly provincial park you can camp in the summertime. Also, offering a 1.8-acre outdoor pool to cool off in on those hot days. While in the winter hikers can explore five trails that surround the park’s natural beauty.
Winter Tip: Cross country skiing and tobaganning would be great at this location
Bronte Creek Interpretive Programs
Additionally, the park hosts a Maple Syrup Festival and is held every weekend in March. Start your morning at the pancake house and have breakfast with pure maple syrup. Then, take a wagon ride into the festival where you will be greeted by a campfire with the option for marshmallow roasting. You can take a tour to learn about maple syrup starting in the Victorian house. Later, you could pure maple syrup, maple sugar and maple taffy, which was delicious! Children can enjoy pony rides, barn animals and there is a hut dedicated to kid’s activities on site.
Other events include: Ghost Walks in August, Camper Halloween and Victorian Christmas in December
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Conveniently located on the Bruce Trail and part of the Ontario Parks system. There are ample trails to explore, but my favourite is to Cataract Falls via Trans Canada Trail and Kettle Trail Loop. The main feature is the gorgeous waterfall and in the winter the ice formations look stunning around the falls.
Winter Tip: Trails go up and downhill and, in the winter, it can be icy, so be sure to wear ice cleats. Hiking poles and snowshoes could also be useful.
Komoka Provincial Park
Komoka Provincial Park is a quiet, mature forest park, which offers riverside trails, and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Also found along the trails are scenic lookout points and sandy shores along the Thames river. I particularly like the White Trail because it follows alongside the river. Dog parents are welcome to bring their furry friends here as long as they’re on leash.
Lions Head Provincial Park
Find yourself on the Lions Head Lookout trail leading to astonishing views of turquoise blue water along 200-foot cliffs. The main trail is approximately 18km. However, from McCurdy Drive parkette following the roadside and blue blazes on Moore St., you will find yourself on a 4km trail. Taking hikers to potholes and multiple lookout points.
Winter Tip: Bring snowshoes, ice cleats and maybe hiking poles especially, if you are attempting the whole trail.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
No camping in this park, however, LOTS to see and do. Hike along the Spillway Trail to walk through a canyon. Or maybe on Walter Tovell Trail for stunning reflections in an enchanting pond. You can also find yourself on Cliff Top trail looking at cliffs over 30-metres high on the viewing platform. Just around the corner from that platform is a set of stairs that lead to one of those picturesque, jaw-dropping and Instagrammable spots.
Pinery Provincial Park
Pinery Provincial Park is known for having some of the best cross-country skiing trails in Southwestern Ontario. With an outstanding 38km worth of trails to explore offering challenges for all skill levels. Pinery PP is open for camping all year around and has FANTASTIC yurt accommodations. This year I eased my way into winter camping in one of their yurts and absolutely loved it. During the day I would wander the dunes, hike the trails and then wrap my day off with a sunset hike just a short distance away from my yurt. Check out Cedar Trail during sunset for captivating views that have been rated by National Geographic as the Top 10 Best Sunsets in the World!
Between the border of South and Northern Ontario
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Honestly, I LOVE the Muskoka’s and what’s not to love? Here in Arrowhead, the trails turn into cross-country ski trails and those who skate can skate on the designated trail through the forest. Furthermore, there are 15km worth of hiking trails to explore and one of which leads to a waterfall better known as Stubbs Falls.
Winter Tip: You can also, snowshoe, tube and camp at the park. Arrowhead also has roofed accommodations for your winter getaway.
Algonquin Provincial Park
I feel like this park is a true representation of Canada. Particularly because of its enormous interior of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes. Wildlife sightings can include foxes, moose, beavers, wolves, bears and so much more. Be alert while driving on Highway 60, oftentimes there has been moose crossing or drinking water from the trenches. Besides the wildlife, the hiking trails are all unique and special in their own way. Visit my Winter Algonquin Trail Guide for more of a break down of what to expect and see on each.
Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls
Ragged Falls is close proximity to Algonquin Provincial Park and I would suggest checking this waterfall out if you are in the area. This thundering whitewater falls is considered to be in the top 10 waterfalls of Ontario. A short trail to the lookout and in the winter the ice formations around the falls create such an interesting aesthetic.
Winter Tip: Bring your snowshoes onto the trail to adventure through the stunning forest.
In conclusion, during the winter season, it is important to dress in layers, hydrate and bring snacks for the adventure. Embark on your journey well prepared so, your outdoor experience is well fueled and comfortable.
Have you been to any Ontario Provincial Park this winter that hasn’t been mentioned? Comment below to share your adventure.