This lakeside Ontario park along the edge of the Canadian Shield is the second largest of its kind

Calling all nature lovers! Along the edge of the Canadian Shield is the second-largest Ontario park in the southern part of the province. Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park has incredible backcountry camping, clear lakes, and it’s open year-round for visitors to enjoy.

Getting there

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park sits right in cottage country in Bancroft, Ontario.

If you’re driving in from Toronto it should take you around two and a half hours.

There are day fees to visit the park starting at $12.25 per vehicle.

Exploring Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Canoeing during the fall is one of the most beautiful times to hit the water.

According to the Great Lakes Guide, “The park encompasses the main belt of the Kawartha Lakes, including Bottle, Anstruther, and Sucker Lake.”

Yep, you can bring a canoe and paddle the multitude of small lakes scattered throughout the park while you take in the fall foliage that surrounds the area.

If you prefer to stay on land you won’t be disappointed.

The park is made up of mature forests, rocky ridges, and vast bogs waiting to be explored.

In the fall, “the maple trees beam with vibrant red colours and the poplars with vibrant yellows” – talk about gorgeous!

A good chunk of the Ontario Parks start to close in October so be sure to put this year-round location on your list of places to visit before the end of the year.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Where: 106 Monck Street, Bancroft, ON

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