Categories: Travel

This Ontario Park has a vast forest surrounded by sparkling blue lakes

Northern Ontario is the place to be in the summertime. Less than an hour north of Sudbury, Halfway Lake Provincial Park boasts an oasis of swimming, paddling, and hiking making it the ultimate stop for a weekend getaway.

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Image via Ontario Parks

According to Ontario Parks, “Halfway Lake Provincial Park is located just 70 km from downtown Sudbury, but sits at the southern edge of the vast boreal forest, providing a glimpse of one of the world’s largest ecosystems.”

The landscape is filled with many tree species including Jack Pine, Black Spruce, and Trembling Aspen, with the occasional towering White Pine.

The trails and boreal forest are dotted with many sparkling blue lakes.

All the park’s trails either pass right by some of the many lakes or provide a spectacular lookout over one.

You can swim through the lakes or take a paddle as the park rents out paddle boards, kayaks and canoes.

The trails here range from moderate to difficult so if you’re planning on getting some steps be sure to take that into consideration:

  • Moose Ridge Trail – Rating: Moderate – Length: 2 km, 0.5-1 hour
  • Echo Pond Trail – Rating: Moderate – Length: 6 km, 1.5 hours
  • Hawk Ridge Trail – Rating: Difficult – Length: 15 km, 6-8 hours
  • Osprey Heights Trail – Rating: Moderate to Difficult – Length: 6 km, 2 hours

Relax along the shores once you’re done exploring! The fine sand and shallow waters in the buoyed areas of the park’s two beaches are perfect for swimming.

One of the beaches is a south-facing beach, where the breeze pushes the warmest water to the surface.

The second beach is a dog beach meaning you can bring along your furry friend (on a leash).

Day passes/vehicle passes start at $12.25 with all the pricing information found here.

Halfway Lake Provincial Park

Where: 26 KMs north of Cartier, ON on Hwy 144, Levack, ON