Some Ontario parks stand out for its abundance of natural wonders, rushing waterfalls, and scenic views. And other times, it’s their name that catches your eye. Misery Bay Provincial Park is nothing close to what it’s named. Instead, it offers endless excitement for hiking enthusiasts thanks to its over 15km of trails, an exciting boardwalk, and a bird viewing platform that overlooks the wetland. Here’s what to know.
Located in Northern Ontario, six hours north of Toronto is Misery Bay Provincial Park. This is a park that is sure to attract hikers and bird watchers. Though you can go swimming in the lake and there is a beach, according to the park’s map, there’s no designated beach area by Ontario Parks.
You also can’t camp at this park as it is a day-use park only, per Friends of Misery Bay.
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So if you’re coming from out of town, you may want to consider other alternatives in order to visit this park for the day.
Now for the main attraction – the hiking trails.
There are four to choose from: Coastal Alvar Trail, an 8km loop that takes you past old glacial beaches and dolostone pavements; Inland Alvar Trail, a 5km loop that goes through mixed forests, and past rare and threatened plants; Misery Bay Trail, a 5 km loop to a trailhead that crosses the bayhead wetland along a sandy outwash and Mac’s Bay Trail a 2 km return to the trailhead that is a portion of the Coastal Trail and travels to Mac’s Bay Conservation Reserve.
As for the lookout platform, you’ll find that along the Coastal Alvar Trail.
Fee
According to Ontario Parks, the cost of a Day Use permit depends on the time of the year whether it be on or off-season, and by park.
Friends of Misery Bay states that day-use fees set by Ontario Parks start at $12.25.
Your next adventure awaits!
Misery Bay Provincial Park
Where: P.O. Box 560, c/o Windy Lake Provincial Park
