Algonquin Park Parks & Gardens

A mere 12 kms north of Dorset is a picturesque playground, courtesy of nature. Educational training in natural resources, recreational activities such as snow shoeing, Nordic skiing and canoeing, and outdoor education programs are all components of the site.

As one of Canada's biggest provincial parks, Algonquin offers stunning scenery and excellent activities year round. During the winter, try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In the summer, enjoy camping, hiking and canoeing. Access the park via Highway 17 (to the north), Highway 60 (to the south and east) and Highway 11 and 35 (to the west). This park offers over 3,200 campsites near lakes and in the backcountry, most of them being in the backcountry. Motorboat restriction apply throughout the park area.

This well-treed park is cuddled by Carson and Trout Lake, and is located south of Algonquin Provincial Park. Only foot traffic is permitted. Canoeing and swimming are two enjoyable activities while in Carson Lake Provincial Park.

Upper Madawaska River Provincial Park a non-operating park located 2 kms north of Whitney. This river corridor is splendid for fishing, canoeing and hiking.

Just south of Algonquin Provincial Park, Lake St. Peter features two sandy beaches, and great fishing opportunities. Two hiking trails, rated strenuous, are also in the park. There are 65 treed and private campsites, many suitable for trailers.

This waterway park is located slightly south of Algonquin Provincial Park. The river can be reached off Hwy 60 near Madawaska or Victoria Lake in the north. No visitors’ services are available, but canoeing and hiking are good recreational options.

The tranquility of this provincial park is simply dreamy. The lakes are free of motorized boats but stocked with fish. Several easy to moderate hiking trails can be found, and cross-country skiing trails are groomed in the winter. Wildlife roaming the area includes chipmunks, moose, deer and even the occasional bear.

This privately owned forest in Central Ontario's Haliburton Highlands is a year round activity zone. Mush a team of Siberian Huskies, ride the varied terrain on a mountain bike or snowmobile, or fish the day away. Camping is available.

Set on Eagle Lake, Mikisew Provincial Park boasts sandy beaches, hiking trails through a mixture of trees and over 90 species of birds. There is a buoyed swimming area.

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is home to the Voyageur Heritage Centre, which focuses on the harsh lives of voyageurs. Running through the centre of the park is the Mattawa River - a strong current, but few white waters will challenge canoeists. The three hiking trails in the park are rated from moderate to strenuous.

The Emerald Necklace Trail System is an ongoing project linking regional parks and sites for walkers, bicyclists and snowmobilers.

Located 16 km (10 mi) northeast of Huntsville, J. Albert Bauer Park is great for hiking, swimming and canoeing. The lakeside park boasts a mature forest of Maple, Hemlock, American Beech, Basswood and Yellow Birch. There are no visitor facilities and camping is not permitted.

This picturesque park overlooks the town of Haliburton, providing a great spot to picnic and ponder while taking in the view.

A year round recreational destination for hikers, canoeists, campers and fishers, the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails consists of 28,000 hectares of lakes, rivers, trails and forest. Its purpose is to protect and manage area canoe routes and associated campsites. Camping permits are required May through October at Poker Lakes and Frost Centre areas.