Looking for summer plans? We have just the thing! If you’re searching for your next summer adventure in Ontario, Esker Lakes Provincial Park should be at the top of your list. It is a wonderful place to experience the joys of a sandy beach, hiking trails, and sightseeing. This is the perfect time to head out and explore Ontario.

Where is Esker Lakes Provincial Park?

Get ready for a long drive as this next adventure is about seven hours away, north of Toronto. Nonetheless, it is a trip worth going on.

As Ontario Parks puts it, Esker Lakes is a “pleasant, family-oriented park with small lakes for canoeing and fishing, trails for hiking, sandy beaches, and a full range of campground facilities.”

What makes this park stand out is its dozens of kettle lakes. But what are they?

Esker Lakes and Kettle lakes

Kettle lakes are water-filled depressions or hollows formed by melting glacial ice.

These ones in particular were formed when glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago. And you can find these within the park.

Hiking trails are Esker Lakes

If you’re here for a hiking experience, there are four trails to choose from, three of which are considered easy, and the fourth takes about four hours to complete. In total, there are over 12 km of trails to enjoy.

Trails include:

• Prospector’s Trail: 1.4 km, one hour, easy
  It’s a short forested trail that skirts the southeast shore of Panagapka Lake.
• Lonesome Bog Trail: 1.5 km, one hour, easy
  This trail encircles Sausage Lake, including the bog at the east end, via a boardwalk that takes you right across the wetland.
• Recreation Trail: 1.5 km, one hour, easy
  This lovely meandering trail is east of the campground and serves as a convenient route for a brisk walk or run.
• Trapper’s Trail: 9 km, four hours, moderate
  The Trapper’s Trail begins at the north end of Panagapka Lake and north towards Gourlay Lake. It then heads east and traverses Seahorse Lake and Roach Lake.

Once you’re done with your exciting adventure, you can enjoy the day on one of the two beach areas. One is located in the day-use area and the other in the campground.

There’s lots to do at the park, and thankfully, summer just started. Make those plans, grab those friends and hit the road.

Your next outdoor adventure awaits.

Esker Lakes Provincial Park

Where: Highway 672, Kirkland Lake, Ont.

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