8 Provincial Parks In Ontario With More To See Than Just A Beautiful View

You can get free passes to these parks all summer long!

Silver Queen Mine. Right: Someone floating in the waters of Bathtub Island.
Associate Editor

Silver Queen Mine. Right: Someone floating in the waters of Bathtub Island.


Ontario has so many beautiful spots to explore, and you can find some extra special hidden gems in these provincial parks.

From rare turquoise lakes to historic mines, you'll be treated to more than just gorgeous views when visiting these areas, and to make things even better, you can do your exploring for free this summer.

As part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People event, all Ontario parks will be free to access to everyone on July 21, 2023. It's also possible to borrow a day pass from participating libraries across the province all year round.

Presqu'ile Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

Address: 328 Presqu'Ile Pkwy., Brighton, ON

Why You Need To Go: There are a lot of things to do at this park, which boasts a 2.5-kilometre sandy beach, a marsh boardwalk, and the second-oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario.

Presqu'ile Provincial Park website

Murphys Point Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

Address: 2243 Elm Grove Rd., Perth, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can discover the Silver Queen Mine, a historic mica mine from the 1900s, at this spot. Tours are often offered during the summer and fall months.

Murphys Point website

Petroglyphs Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

When: May 12, 2023, to October 9, 2023

Address: 2249 Northey's Bay Rd., Woodview, ON

Why You Need To Go: Not only can you see the largest collection of rock carvings in Canada at this park, but you can also gaze over a rare turquoise lake that is one of only a few in the country.

Petroglyphs Provincial Park website

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

When: May 5, 2023, to October 22, 2023

Address: 96 Broadway Ave., Wawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Located near Katherine Cove, Bathtub Island is a unique spot to float. The basin-like rock is filled with water, and you can enjoy the sun as you bask in this swimming spot.

Lake Superior Provincial Park website

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

When: May 12, 2023, to October 15, 2023

Address: 16151 Hwy. 41, Cloyne, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can find a hidden gem carved into the towering Mazinaw Rock. In 1920, a tribute to poet Walt Whitman was inscribed into the cliff, and you can see 'Old Walt' from a viewfinder across the lake.

Bon Echo Provincial Park website

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON

Why You Need To Go: This spot is home to the world's largest baymouth barrier dune formation, and you can explore endless kilometres of sandy shoreline.

Sandbanks Provincial Park website

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

Address: 795122 3rd Line E., Orangeville, ON

Why You Need To Go: A hike through this park will take you on a unique journey right through a giant canyon.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park website

Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park

Price: Prices vary

When: May 19, 2023, to October 10, 2023

Address: Greenwich Lake Road, Pass Lake, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can get panoramic views of a 150-metre-wide gorge by exploring this stunning park.

Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park website

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.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on May 14, 2021.

Madeline Forsyth
Associate Editor
Madeline Forsyth is an Associate Travel Editor for Narcity Media focused on Canadian and global travel and is based in Toronto, Ontario.
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