Ontario is full of stunning provincial parks to explore. In fact, there are over 330 of them in total. Imagine exploring all 330 provincial parks in Ontario, each with their own unique features, from hidden turquoise lakes and waterfall swimming holes to white sandy beaches and floating boardwalk trails. But there's one trail hidden within Murphy's Point Provincial Park that will take you through an ancient mine system deep below the ground. View this post on Instagram A post shared by norma-jean (@veganlovebunny) on Jul 25, 2018 at 3:07pm PDT The Silver Queen Mine Trail is a two-kilometres loop within Murphy's Point Provincial Park. You can find the park just a 3.5-hour drive outside of Toronto and just over an hour's drive from Ottawa. If you want to tour the mines you'll have to take a guided tour, which typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. They offer these tours two times per week from June 30 to September 1 and they have a different fall schedule, which you can see on their site. You can also choose to walk the trail on your own but skip going deep into the mines to see the restored miner's bunkhouse and main pit if you purchase a $1 trail guide. View this post on Instagram Explored an old Mica Mine today with my honey 🍯 A post shared by Amanda Redway (@redway_) on Aug 5, 2018 at 4:22pm PDT The Silver Queen Mica Mine is a mine built back in the early 1900s where they would mine a substance called mica. Mica is a dark crystal-like mineral that is used in materials like paints, insulation, and even Navy battleships back in the day. The mine is over 40 metres deep and the tour will take you down into the mine to see the remaining mica walls. The mine officially opened back in 1903 and closed in 1920. The Silver Queen Mine Trail will take you through these mines with a guide, starting at the Lally Homestead and you can choose to take the Beaver Pond Trail on your way back, which will take you over a flooded wetland. View this post on Instagram Took the night tour of the #SilverQueenMine at #MurphysPointProvincialPark #camping #discovery A post shared by Julia (@jmckayphoto) on Jul 31, 2017 at 6:12pm PDT Check out their website for more information! We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
