An Ontario park up north has sandy shores and trails through lush aspen forests

Let’s go north! Located midway between Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Thunder Bay is the city of Dryden. This city showcases northern Ontario’s beauty in more ways than one, including at Sandbar Lake Provincial Park. This little getaway has everything you could want, including sandy shores, amazing canoeing routes and trails through aspen forests.

They don’t call it Sandbar Lake Provincial Park for no reason. The park is known for its sandy beach with a gently sloping swimming area, shallow enough for people of all ages, including children, to enjoy.

If you want to take an easy hike with plenty to see, check out the Silhouette Trail. This trail winds through Jack Pine woods, aspen forests and wetlands.

Along the paths, you will see “a variety of plant and wildlife silhouettes with descriptive information sheets.”

There are other trail options, such as the Rockcliff Trail, which is a little more challenging at four kilometres in length.

According to Ontario Parks, “This trail will familiarize you with some of the unique natural and historical features of the park.”

Sandbar Lake offers canoe routes for those who want to do some daytime paddling or even take a multi-day canoe trip. Canoes are available to rent, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Some of the canoe trips can last up to 12 days, so be sure to pick up a map at the park office and plan out your expedition accordingly.

Sandbar Lake Provincial Park

Where: 479 Government St. – Dryden, Ont.

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