These Are The 8 Best Ontario Provincial Parks, According To Locals
It's no secret that Ontario is home to some stunning provincial parks, but when it comes to the absolute best, these spots truly stand out and are a favourite among locals.
Recently on Reddit, a user asked, "let's try something positive: what are your favourite Ontario parks? Any hidden gems?"
"[...] l want focus on one of my favourite things about the province: provincial parks. I've been to a handful of them but there are well over 100. Which is your favourite and why?" the user went on to say.
The question gained over 100 replies, with many users sharing their top provincial parks to visit.
Among them, these eight locations received the most upvotes. If you're planning a day trip or overnight adventure, here are a few provincial parks that are loved among locals.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: Lake Superior Provincial Park, Wawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This provincial park had the most upvotes on Reddit, and with its stunning "cliffs, beaches, river valleys, waterfalls, inland lakes" and more, it's easy to see why.
The park is known for its 150 kilometres of scenic canoe routes and 130 kilometres of hiking trails, making it a nature lover's paradise.
It's one of the few Dark Sky Preserves in the province and offers spectacular views of the night sky. According to Ontario Parks, its night sky is "one of the darkest in North America."
You can see pictographs and visit the unique bathtub island — a basin-shaped rock filled with crystal-clear water.
"Lake Superior is the most beautiful one I've been to," a user on Reddit shared.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: The second most popular provincial park in the thread is Sandbanks. Located in Prince Edward County, the park is home to three dreamy beaches with powdery shores and tropical-like water.
It's renowned for its baymouth barrier dune formation, which is the longest in the world. The formation stretches for 12 kilometres along the shoreline and can be enjoyed from beaches and hiking trails.
According to Visit the County, "it's easy to mistake the white sand and turquoise water around Sandbanks for the Caribbean," so if you're dreaming of a tropical escape, this is the place to be.
The park can get busy, especially on hot days, so you'll want to make a reservation before heading out.
Pinery Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend, ON
Why You Need To Go: This "breathtakingly beautiful park" is home to a 10 kilometre sandy beach and rare Coastal Dune Ecosystems.
"Probably some of the nicest beaches in Canada that isn't on an ocean," a Reddit user shared about the park.
It's a popular spot for swimming and features beautiful blue water and stunning views. The Pinery is renowned for its sunsets and you can watch the sky glow with vibrant colours over the lake.
During the winter months, you can enjoy some of the "best cross-country skiing in Southwestern Ontario." There are over 38 kilometres of snowy trails that loop around the area.
It's a great spot for hiking and has some beautiful routes such as the two-kilometre Nipissing Trail, which takes you to the top of Pinery’s oldest and largest dune ridge.
Point Pelee National Park
Price: $9 per adult
Address: 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, ON
Why You Need To Go: While Point Pelee is technically a national park, it still gained a lot of popularity on Reddit.
"I grew up near Point Pelee and it still holds a real soft spot for me. There's something so cool about the flat alluvial marshlands, the variety of birds, the little corner of Carolinian habitat we have in Canada," one person said.
The national park is situated at the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland and is home to pristine beaches, breathtaking hikes and magical boardwalk trails.
The Marsh Boardwalk trail takes you through the "most diverse habitat in the park" and includes an observation tower with telescopes.
There are 20 kilometres of sandy beach to enjoy, so don't forget to pack your bathing suit.
Killarney Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 960 ON-637, Killarney, ON
Why You Need To Go: According to a Reddit user, "Killarney is as good as it gets."
The stunning park "showcases the wild Georgian Bay Coast of pink granite; the La Cloche Mountains' white quartzite ridges and over 50 exceptionally clear, sapphire lakes set among Jack Pine hills."
You can hike through rugged wilderness and gaze at scenes that inspired artists like The Group of Seven.
The Crack hiking trail is a stunning place to explore and takes you to panoramic views of the La Cloche Mountains.
The park is also a great spot for a paddle.
"A tour in the canoe can not be beat. A Group of Seven painting around each bend," someone on Reddit shared.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 16151 Hwy. 41, Cloyne, ON
Why You Need To Go: Another park liked among locals is Bon Echo Provincial Park. Featuring over 260 pictographs and spectacular hikes, it's a magical spot for an adventure.
The park is home to three natural beaches where you can take a dip as well as trails that lead through hardwood forests, cedar lowlands, wetlands and more.
Mazinaw Rock is a breathtaking natural wonder that towers over the water.
Awenda Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 670 Awenda Park Rd., Tiny, ON
Why You Need To Go: Nestled along the shores of Georgian Bay, this park is a hidden gem filled with nature adventures.
"Awenda is by far my favourite park. Those private sites," a user said.
One of the highlights of this park is the ancient dune system. The Robitaille Homestead Trail will take you along these sandy wonders and past an abandoned farmstead, although visitors must keep off the dunes.
There are a few natural beaches where you can take a dip as well as forested trails for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: R R 1, Pass Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're dreaming of panoramic views and stunning hikes, this park has you covered. There are 100 kilometres of hiking trails that take you along "the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, past towering cliffs, to scenic vistas on top of the Giant, and to quiet lakes and streams deep within the park’s wilderness areas."
You can find some incredible natural wonders along the way, such as the Sea Lion rock formation.
There are several spots where you can take a dip as well as skiing trails and ice fishing.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
