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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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