We’ve never met a scenic boardwalk trail we didn’t like, but this one might be Ontario’s best. Hardy Lake Provincial Park is one of the quieter hiking spots in the Muskoka region, with a wooden walkway to take in your surroundings.

There are no visitor facilities or amenities at Hardy Lake, according to Ontario Parks, but the fascinating geological history makes it a destination worth visiting.

“The park has a rich community of Atlantic coastal plain species. These species are here because at one time, much of present day Ontario was submerged beneath numerous glacial and post-glacial lakes,” writes Ontario Parks.

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 “When the ancient Lake Algonquin receded, it left a remnant community of Atlantic Ocean shoreline plants behind. The park also contains an inland section of displaced Georgian Bay shoreline.”

The main attraction of Hardy Lake appears about halfway through your journey, according to Ontario Hiking, where a path made of wooden planks seems to float above the water, leading you to a small rocky island.

This little island is a great spot to break for a picnic or a dip in the lake.

There are a series of boardwalk trails throughout the park, providing multiple vantage points to take in the scenery.

If you’re looking for a more authentic island experience in Ontario, you can ferry over to Pelee Island, known as one of Canada’s “best-kept secrets,” located on Lake Erie.

 There are actually many islands to see throughout the province, including an island that has a natural bathtub you can soak in under the sun.

And if you really want to go off-grid, there are all kinds of gorgeous private islands you can rent for a weekend on Ontario’s lakes and bays.

Don’t let summer pass you by without seeing the incredible sights right in your own backyard!

Hardy Lake Provincial Park

Where: Highway 169, Torrance, Ontario (19 km west of Gravenhurst)

Curiocity Staff

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