Categories: Travel

This Ontario park has an ancient dune system & natural beaches

Image via @awenda_pp/Instagram

Tiny, Ontario may sound small but it has some big-time spots such as Awenda Provincial Park! This Ontario park has it all, from natural beaches, over 30 KM of trails and an ancient dune system that dates back 11,500 years.

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Let’s start with the trail that leads to the dunes!

The Robitaille Homestead Trail is a 3 KM trail that’s easy to hike making it perfect for any person. Hikers follow this path to the ancient dune system featuring sand dunes from the time of the last glacial retreat!

While visitors are asked to not climb these dunes, they make for a stunning photo backdrop.

If you want to hang by the water the the Beach Trail is next. This 4 KM hike takes you along the shorelines of Georgian Bay. Another option is The Nipissing Bluff Trail, the dominant glacial feature in Awenda. It is a raised beach created 5,500 years ago by glacial Lake Nipissing.

Finally, the sandiest of the natural beaches is at Methodist Point Bay (Third Beach), an ideal spot to post up for an afternoon. If you plan on taking a dip just keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty.

Awenda also has designated stretch of its scenic Georgian Bay shoreline as a Pet Beach, so be sure to bring along your furry friend.

While these trails leading to the beaches and dunes are beautiful there are plenty of others to take advantage of ranging from 1 KM – 13 KM in length.

Awenda Provincial Park also has a quiet and scenic lake that is perfect for cruising around in your own canoe or one you rent from the park.

If you’re planning on making a day trip then note that day passes/vehicle passes start at $12.25.