Explore the best Ontario parks, including top provincial parks in Ontario for hiking, camping, and scenic views : from popular spots to hidden gems.
If there’s one thing Ontario does exceptionally well, it’s parks. From towering cliffs and turquoise lakes to quiet canoe routes and endless forest trails, this province is packed with places that will make you stop and say “Wait… this is Ontario?”
As someone who’s always chasing the perfect view (and the perfect place to drink coffee outdoors), I’ve spent the past few years exploring some of the best Ontario parks, and I’m not just talking about the obvious ones. While spots like Algonquin and Bruce Peninsula National Park definitely make the list, there are plenty of underrated parks that deserve a spot on your summer itinerary too.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite provincial parks in Ontario, along with a few standout national parks that are 100% worth the trip. So pack the snacks, charge your camera, and let’s dive into the best parks in Ontario to visit this summer, including a few you’ve probably never heard of.
Best Ontario Parks to Visit This Summer
With over 300 parks in the Ontario Parks system (and a few stunning national parks too), narrowing it down isn’t easy, but these are the ones that truly deliver. Whether you’re craving dramatic views, quiet canoe routes, or a sandy beach to nap on, these parks are worth the drive, the hike, and the bug spray.
Here are my top picks for the best Ontario parks to visit this summer:
Read More // Top 11 Ontario Lookouts for the best views
1. Killarney Provincial Park
If I had to pick one park that completely blew me away the first time I visited, it’s Killarney. Everything here feels bigger, wilder, and more cinematic, from the bright white quartzite ridges to the deep blue lakes tucked between pine-covered hills. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.
Located on the northern shore of Georgian Bay, Killarney Provincial Park is best known for its stunning landscapes, thanks to a mix of La Cloche Mountains, pink granite rocks, and endless water views. It’s a dream for hikers, paddlers, photographers, and anyone who likes their nature a little dramatic.
Best Hiking Trails in Killarney
If you’re visiting for the first time, here are three hikes you shouldn’t miss:
- The Crack Trail (6 km round trip) – Probably the most famous trail in the park, and for good reason. It’s a steep climb, especially near the end, but the view from the top is unreal : a sweeping lookout over Killarney Lake and the white cliffs of the La Cloche Mountains. Go early to beat the crowds.
- Chikanishing Trail (3 km loop) – A beautiful coastal trail that follows pink granite outcrops along Georgian Bay. It’s short but rugged, and perfect if you want epic views without a full-day commitment.
- La Cloche Silhouette Trail (78 km loop) – This one’s for the seasoned backcountry hikers. It’s a challenging multi-day loop that takes you deep into the wild and offers some of the most rewarding views in all of Ontario. Even doing just a portion of it is worth it.
2. Algonquin Provincial Park
Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be a list of the best Ontario parks without Algonquin. It’s the OG, the icon! Algonquin is massive, over 7,600 square kilometres — so you can tailor your experience depending on how wild (or not) you want it. You can stick to the Highway 60 corridor for easier access to day hikes, campgrounds, and visitor centres, or venture into the backcountry for days of paddling and portaging through pristine lakes.
Best Trails in Algonquin
- Lookout Trail (2.1 km loop) – Short, steep, and 100% worth it for one of the best panoramic views in the park. Great bang for your buck.
- Booth’s Rock Trail (5.1 km loop) – A moderate hike with forest trails, lake views, and a section that passes an abandoned railway bed. Classic Algonquin variety.
- Centennial Ridges Trail (10 km loop) – One of the most challenging day hikes, but also one of the most beautiful. Expect cliffs, ridges, and multiple jaw-dropping viewpoints.
It can get crowded in summer, but if you go mid-week or start early, you’ll still find plenty of peaceful moments. There’s a reason people come back here year after year, Algonquin just has that magic.
3. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo is one of those parks that surprises people, it’s not as remote as Algonquin or as rugged as Killarney, but the scenery? Absolutely unforgettable. The main star here is Mazinaw Rock, a massive 100-metre cliff that rises straight out of Mazinaw Lake. It’s dramatic, beautiful, and steeped in history. What makes it extra special is that this rock face is home to over 260 Indigenous pictographs, some of which date back hundreds of years. You can’t see them from the shore — you have to get on the water — which gives the whole thing a kind of sacred, quiet feeling.
Things You Can’t Miss at Bon Echo
- Paddle along Mazinaw Rock – Rent a canoe or kayak and spend an afternoon tracing the base of the cliff. You’ll spot the pictographs, feel how small you are, and probably say “wow” out loud more than once.
- The Cliff Top Trail (1.5 km one way) – You take a quick boat shuttle across the lake to the base, and then climb up the stairs and trail to the top. The view from the summit is unreal, especially at sunrise or golden hour.
- High Pines Trail (1.7 km loop) – A peaceful forest walk through stands of tall pines and maple. Not as showy, but lovely if you’re after a quieter stroll.
4. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
If you’re craving big, wild views and don’t mind the drive to get there, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is absolutely worth the effort. Tucked away near Thunder Bay, this park delivers serious wow moments, we’re talking cliffside views over Lake Superior, remote forest trails, and that unmistakable feeling of standing somewhere vast and untamed.
The park gets its name from the massive land formation that, from a distance, looks like a giant lying on its back. Once you hike to the top, you’re literally walking across the “chest” of the giant, and the views from up there are next level.
Don’t Miss These Trails
- Top of the Giant Trail (22 km round trip) – This is the big one. It’s long, it’s challenging, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. You’ll climb more than 300 metres to one of the most incredible lookouts in Ontario, with sheer cliffs dropping straight into Lake Superior. Bring lots of water and plan for a full day.
- Sea Lion Trail (2.4 km loop) – A shorter, more relaxed option that leads to a natural rock arch formation on the shoreline. It’s a great hike if you want something scenic but less intense.
- Kabeyun Trail (40 km total) – A long backcountry route with plenty of offshoots and access to some of the park’s most remote corners. Great for overnight hikers or seasoned adventurers.
5. Killbear Provincial Park
If you love the combo of rocky shorelines, calm swimming coves, and unbeatable sunsets, Killbear Provincial Park should be high on your list. Located on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound, it’s the perfect blend of wild and welcoming, great for families, weekend campers, or anyone who wants to dip their toes into Ontario’s outdoors without going full backcountry.
Killbear is all about the classic Canadian Shield scenery: wind-swept pines, pink granite outcrops, and that iconic blue water stretching to the horizon. It’s a crowd-pleaser for good reason.
Best Things to Do at Killbear
- Bike the Recreational Trail (6 km) – A multi-use path that runs through the park. Flat, forested, and perfect for a slow ride between campsites or to explore more of the shoreline.
- Hike the Lookout Point Trail (3.5 km loop) – An easy-to-moderate trail that ends with a gorgeous panoramic view over the bay. Especially stunning in the evening as the sun starts to drop.
- Swim at Lighthouse Point – The water here is shallow and warm in summer, and the rocky shoreline makes it extra scenic. Great spot for a beach picnic or golden hour photos.
6. Lake Superior Provincial Park
If you’re dreaming of wide open skies, dramatic coastlines, and trails that make you feel like you’re at the edge of the world, Lake Superior Provincial Park is your kind of place. Stretching along the eastern shoreline of the biggest freshwater lake on the planet, this park is wild, rugged, and unbelievably beautiful.
It’s not the easiest park to get to — located between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa, it’s a true northern escape — but once you’re there, you’ll see why it’s worth every kilometre. Think cliffs plunging into turquoise water, ancient pictographs, thundering waterfalls, and trails that make you forget you ever owned a phone.
Best Hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park
- Orphan Lake Trail (8 km loop) – A classic trail that winds through forest, along a rocky beach, and up to an incredible cliffside view. It’s like getting a sampler of everything the park has to offer.
- Agawa Rock Pictographs Trail (0.5 km) – Short, steep, and incredibly memorable. This trail leads to Indigenous rock paintings on a cliff right above the water. Only attempt when conditions are calm — you’ll be walking on slippery rock ledges at lake level. One of the most powerful, humbling stops in the park.
- Awausee Trail (10 km loop) – One of the best-kept secrets in the park. This trail climbs through the forest and opens up to breathtaking lookouts over the Agawa Valley and Lake Superior below.
7. Arrowhead Provincial Park
Tucked just minutes from Huntsville, Arrowhead Provincial Park is often overshadowed by its big sister Algonquin, but honestly? It deserves way more attention, especially in summer. It’s peaceful, easy to explore, and packed with scenic spots that feel like your own little secret corner of Ontario.
Most people know Arrowhead for its winter skating trail (which is iconic, yes), but it’s also a fantastic summer park, especially if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed vibe than the busier parks.
Trails + Things to Do
- Big Bend Lookout – You don’t even have to hike for this one. Just drive in and walk a few steps to a jaw-dropping view over the Muskoka River’s dramatic curve. Great for photos, picnics, or just a little moment of “whoa.”
- Stubbs Falls Trail (2 km loop) – A quick, easy hike that leads to a pretty little waterfall. Perfect if you’re short on time or traveling with kids.
- Beaver Meadow Trail (7 km loop) – A longer, quieter loop through forest and wetlands. You might even spot a moose if you’re lucky.
- Paddle or swim in Arrowhead Lake – The water is calm, warm, and surrounded by forest. Ideal for a lazy afternoon float or a paddleboard session.
8. Sandbanks Provincial Park
If your idea of a perfect park day includes barefoot beach walks, soft golden sand, and turquoise water, welcome to Sandbanks Provincial Park, the ultimate summer escape. Located in Prince Edward County, this park is home to some of the most beautiful (and Instagram-famous) beaches in Ontario.
What makes Sandbanks extra special is its sand dune system : it’s actually home to the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world, and it feels a bit like you’ve somehow been transported to the coast. Pair that with warm, swimmable water and a relaxed County vibe, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect long weekend.
What to Do at Sandbanks
- Hit all three beaches –
- Outlet Beach is shallow, calm, and great for families
- Sandbanks Beach is more spacious and ideal for lounging
- Dunes Beach offers a quieter, more rugged shoreline feel
- Walk the Dunes Trail (2.5 km loop) – A scenic hike that takes you through the heart of the dunes and gives you a real sense of the park’s unique ecosystem. Go early or late in the day for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
- Rent a paddleboard or kayak – Calm waters make it a great spot for beginners, and you’ll get beautiful views of the dunes from the water.
9. Frontenac Provincial Park
Tucked just north of Kingston, Frontenac Provincial Park doesn’t get as much hype as some of the others on this list, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s quiet, low-key, and wildly underrated, with rugged forest trails, peaceful lakes, and a true backcountry feel… without needing to drive 6 hours north to find it.
This is one of my favorite parks for solo hikes, overnight treks, or early fall escapes, but it’s just as beautiful in summer, especially if you’re looking for a trail-filled weekend away from the crowds.
Best Things to Do at Frontenac
- Hike the Arab Lake Gorge Trail (1.5 km loop) – A short, scenic warm-up with boardwalks, a gorge view, and lots of greenery. Great if you’re just arriving or want something easy.
- Do a loop on the Slide Lake or Big Salmon Lake Trails (8–15 km options) – These are the kind of trails where you might not see another person all day. Expect dense forest, peaceful lakes, and just enough elevation to keep things interesting.
- Try overnight backpacking – Frontenac is one of the best parks in Ontario to try backcountry camping for the first time. It has well-marked trails, established sites, and tons of loop options ranging from 1 night to 4 or more.
10. Pinery Provincial Park
If you’re dreaming of dune hikes, beach days, and glowing Lake Huron sunsets, look no further than Pinery Provincial Park. Located just outside Grand Bend, Pinery is one of Ontario’s most beloved parks for good reason: it’s got the kind of soft-sand shoreline that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just there for the day.
What makes Pinery extra special is its mix of ecosystems — from oak savannah forests and freshwater dunes to wetlands and Carolinian trees. It’s a great park for hiking, swimming, birdwatching, or just floating lazily down the river in a rented kayak.
What to Do at Pinery
- Hike the Dunes Trail (1 km loop) – Short but stunning. You’ll wind through grassy dunes and end with an elevated view of the beach and Lake Huron. Perfect at golden hour.
- Bike the Savanna Trail (14 km loop) – A longer ride through the unique oak savannah ecosystem. Great if you want a bit of a workout with your sightseeing.
- Paddle the Old Ausable Channel – Calm, clear, and teeming with wildlife. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards right in the park.
- Spend a full day on the beach – The shoreline goes on forever, and there are designated areas for swimming, relaxing, and watching the waves roll in.
11. Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Tucked away just north of Peterborough, Petroglyphs Provincial Park is a quieter, more spiritual kind of park, one that invites you to slow down, listen, and connect with the land in a different way. While it has beautiful forests, lakes, and trails, its real magic lies in what’s etched into the rock.
This park is home to the largest known collection of Indigenous petroglyphs in Canada. More than 900 carvings of turtles, thunderbirds, people, and other sacred symbols etched into white marble centuries ago. It’s one of those places that doesn’t just offer a view, it offers perspective.
What to Do at Petroglyphs
- Visit The Learning Place (Nogojiwanong) – The petroglyphs themselves are housed inside a protective glass building. You can’t photograph them (out of respect), but you can walk slowly through the space, learn their stories, and feel the significance of what you’re seeing.
- Hike the Nanabush Trail (5.5 km loop) – A peaceful forested trail named after a legendary Anishinaabe spirit. It takes you past small lakes and wetlands, a great place for spotting turtles and herons.
- Stop at McGinnis Lake – This rare meromictic lake (where layers of water don’t mix) has stunning turquoise color and is a short detour from the main parking area.
National Parks in Ontario Worth Visiting
While Ontario is full of incredible provincial parks, it’s also home to three standout national parks, and they each bring something totally different to the table. From dramatic cliffs to coastal hikes and migrating monarchs, these parks showcase some of the wildest and most beautiful sides of Ontario.
Point Pelee National Park – The Southernmost Tip of Canada
Located near Leamington, Point Pelee is a park of “extremes”, it’s the southernmost point of mainland Canada, it’s home to incredibly rare ecosystems, and it’s one of the best spots in the world for bird watching and monarch butterfly migration. You can bike or walk the trails, paddle through marshes, or stand at the famous tip where land narrows into Lake Erie and waves crash in from both sides. It’s peaceful, surreal, and full of life.
Don’t miss:
- Climbing the Marsh Boardwalk Tower at sunset
- Visiting during spring bird migration or fall monarch season
- Walking to the southermost point of mainland Canada
Pukaskwa National Park – Ontario’s Wildest National Park
If Sleeping Giant feels remote… Pukaskwa takes it to another level. Located along the northeast shore of Lake Superior, this park is raw, rugged, and wildly beautiful. It’s home to boreal forest, rocky coastlines, and some of the most untouched wilderness in the province. What makes Pukaskwa special is how off the radar it still is. You won’t find crowds here, just endless views, epic hikes, and that quiet feeling of being somewhere truly remote.
Don’t miss:
- The White River Suspension Bridge hike (18 km return) for a jaw-dropping view over Chigamiwinigum Falls
- Camping near Hattie Cove for shoreline sunsets and stargazing
- Multi-day backpacking on the Coastal Hiking Trail (for the bold and brave!)
Pukaskwa is for experienced hikers and serious nature lovers, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parks you’ll ever visit in Ontario. It’s where you go to really disappear into the wilderness.
Bruce Peninsula National Park – Famous for a Reason
Let’s be honest: Bruce Peninsula National Park is no longer a secret, but that doesn’t make it any less magical. With Caribbean-blue water, towering cliffs, and the iconic Grotto, this park looks like it belongs on another continent. Located near Tobermory, it’s a hot spot for summer visitors and well worth the trip, especially if you book your time slot ahead (seriously, don’t skip the Grotto reservation system!).
Don’t miss:
- Hiking the Georgian Bay Trail to the Grotto
- Climbing the Bruce Trail’s rocky lookouts
- Exploring nearby Fathom Five National Marine Park if you have time
How to Choose the Right Park for Your Trip
With so many amazing options, choosing the right Ontario park can feel… a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, here’s a quick guide to help you find the one that fits your style, schedule, and sense of adventure.
If You Want Peace & Quiet
- Frontenac – Forest trails and backcountry calm, but still close to Kingston
- Arrowhead – Smaller crowds, cozy trails, and a peaceful lake
- Petroglyphs – Reflective, cultural, and never too busy
If You’re Craving a Big Hike
- Sleeping Giant – Epic elevation and full-day challenges
- Killarney – The Crack and La Cloche Trail = iconic views
- Lake Superior – Long, rugged, coastal trails with zero crowds
- Pukaskwa – Remote and wild, for serious backpackers
If You’re All About the Water
- Algonquin – Classic canoe tripping routes and paddle-in campsites
- Bon Echo – Paddle past ancient pictographs on Mazinaw Lake
- Pinery – Gentle river paddling + Lake Huron beach days
- Point Pelee – Quiet marshes for kayaks and canoes
If You Just Want to Relax on a Beach
- Sandbanks – Gorgeous, soft sand and warm shallow water
- Killbear – Georgian Bay beaches with sunset views
- Pinery – Huge beach, sandy dunes, and swimmable waves
If You Want It All (Views + Trails + Water)
- Killarney – Paddle, hike, or just sit and stare at the view
- Bruce Peninsula – Waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and trails in one place
- Lake Superior – The real wilderness mix
The best part? You really can’t go wrong. Every park on this list brings something special to the table, whether it’s adventure, stillness, or that one perfect photo you’ll look back on all winter. Choose the park that fits your energy right now, and leave room to come back and explore another one next season.
Final Thoughts : Best Ontario Parks
Ontario is full of surprises — and its parks are some of the province’s best-kept secrets. From towering cliffs and turquoise lakes to hidden beaches and ancient stories carved in stone, there’s a park on this list that’ll speak to your kind of adventure.
So pack your bag, grab your hiking boots or your beach towel, and hit the road. I promise: there’s a trail, a lookout, or a quiet shoreline somewhere in Ontario that’s about to become your new favorite place.
Looking for more Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!
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Planning a road trip through Alberta? Steal my 6-day itinerary, it’s packed with epic views, and once-in-a-lifetime stops. 🚗🏔️
I flew in and out from Calgary and explored the Rockies for a little less than a week. Here’s how it all breaks down:
📍 Day 1 – Kananaskis
Quiet hikes, glamping, and peaceful mountain vibes far from the crowds
❄️ Day 2 – Icefields Parkway + Columbia Icefield Adventure
One of the most scenic drives in Canada + a glacier walk you’ll never forget
🦌 Days 3 & 4 – Jasper National Park
Canyons, lakes, wildlife, and so many underrated gems
🏞️ Days 5 & 6 – Banff National Park
Classics for a reason!
💾 Save this post if Alberta’s on your bucket list — and head to the blog for the full itinerary, map, and all my tips!
Which stop would you be most excited to visit?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires! ⬇️
#AlbertaRoadTrip #TravelAlberta #ExploreCanada #Kananaskis #ColumbiaIcefield #IcefieldsParkway #JasperNationalPark #BanffNationalPark #CanadaItinerary #AlbertaAdventure #RockyMountainRoadTrip
I’m manifesting that by the end of today…
the person you send this Reel to will say:
“Okay fine, let’s book it.”
Back Forty Glamping =
✨ Beautiful domes
🔥 A private hot tub with nature views
🌲 A forest sauna you will stay in too long
🌌 And the kind of stargazing that makes your phone camera give up
This place is made for weekend escapes, slow mornings, and that “can we just stay one more night?” kind of feeling.
💫 Send this to your go-to adventure buddy — and let the manifesting begin.
Who would you bring with you?
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
*invited stay*
#BackFortyGlamping #OntarioGetaways #GlampingCanada #UniqueStaysOntario #ManifestThatTrip #ExploreOntario #ForestGetaway #WeekendEscapeVibes
Banff gets all the attention… but if you’re craving something quieter and just as beautiful, head to Kananaskis. 🏔️✨
This lesser-known corner of the Rockies is packed with stunning trails, peaceful drives, and mountain views you don’t have to share with busloads of tourists.
Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Kananaskis:
• Stay in a cozy mountain cabin at Skyridge Glamping
• Grab coffee in Canmore
• Hike to the unreal turquoise waters of Grassi Lake
• Drive the wild and winding Smith-Dorrien Trail
• Chase waterfalls at Troll Falls
• Stop at Mt. Lorette Pond for a quiet moment by the water
💾 Save this itinerary if you’re planning an Alberta road trip and tag someone you’d love to bring along.
What would you add to a perfect day in Kananaskis? Drop your recs below ⬇️
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#Kananaskis #ExploreAlberta #HiddenGemsCanada #AlbertaItinerary #CanadianRockies #GrassiLake #TrollFalls #SkyridgeGlamping #SmithDorrienTrail #NatureEscapeCanada #glacierviewsandgoodvibes
If you’re craving a summer getaway that’s equal parts charming, relaxing, and lowkey underrated… meet Southampton. 🌊☀️
Just down the road from Sauble Beach, this little Lake Huron town has everything you need for the perfect beach day : cozy stays, great brunch, boutique shopping, and yes, one of the best sunset spots in Ontario.
📍 Stay: a retro-modern motel with a sauna and serious design goals
🍳 Eat: local brunch spots that fill up for a reason
🏖️ Do: shop small and local on High Street and have the perfect beach day (swings included!)
🌅 End the day: with your toes in the sand watching that golden hour roll in
💾 Save this if you’re looking for a new summer escape in Ontario and tag someone who’s overdue for a road trip.
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*Invited stay*
#SouthamptonOntario #OntarioBeachTowns #ExploreOntario #LakeHuronSunset #HiddenGemsOntario #SummerInOntario #BeachWeekendVibes #OntarioGetaways #TravelOntario
Looking for wide beaches, peaceful trails, and sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence? ☀️🌊
Pinery Provincial Park has all of that, and it’s one of the most beautiful places to slow down in Southern Ontario.
Located on the shores of Lake Huron, Pinery is perfect for a day trip or a weekend escape filled with sand, sun, and forest walks.
✨ Why visit Pinery this summer:
• 10 km of sandy beaches with warm, swimmable water 🏖️
• Some of the best sunsets in Ontario (seriously) 🌅
• Easy, photogenic trails like Cedar, Nipissing & Riverside 🌲
• Paddle or spot turtles along the Old Ausable Channel 🐢
• Camp, bike, picnic, or just… do nothing (it’s that kind of place)
It’s the kind of park that makes summer feel slower and better.
💾 Save this guide for your next Ontario park day.
Have you been to Pinery? Drop your favourite trail or memory below ⬇️
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#PineryProvincialPark #OntarioParks #LakeHuronVibes #ExploreOntario #OntarioBeaches #SummerInOntario #HiddenGemsOntario #BeachHikeRepeat #NatureEscapeCanada
