Categories: Travel

This Ontario park has picturesque lookout points along a lakeside trail

Image via Brian Lasenby/Shutterstock

Spring hike, anyone? We have finally entered the month where spring begins and that means the days are getting longer, the weather is warming up and the hiking trails are calling. Silent Lake Provincial Park is tucked away in Bancroft, Ontario, featuring 19 km of trails to explore and a gorgeous lookout point over Silent Lake.

Grab your hiking shoes and let’s start planning.

Getting to Silent Lake Provincial Park

Silent Lake Provincial Park is two and a half hours by car from Toronto, making it a great place to take a day trip.

There’s parking on-site and to spend a day there, you’ll need to pay a vehicle fee which starts at $12.25 per car.

Exploring Silent Lake Provincial Park

“Whether you are an ardent hiker, a nature lover, or just out for a family stroll, you’ll find a hiking trail at Silent Lake that suits you,” shares Ontario Parks.

One of the most popular, and easy to navigate trails is the Lakehead Loop Trail. At just 1.5 km, this 30 minute loop is a great way to get warmed up as it t follows the lakeshore through a low lying area of cedar and Black Ash eventually making its way to higher ground “through strands of hemlock, Sugar Maple and Red Oak.”

Experienced hikers, be sure to check out the Lakeshore Hiking Trail. The hike is 15 km and is a 6 hour round trip, so make sure you come prepared with proper clothing and shoes, snacks and water.

The rugged trail follows the undeveloped shoreline of Silent Lake with stunning lookout points that act as a reward along the way!

While the water stays cold for quite a while, you can explore via canoe or kayak.

Silent Lake is about 2.5 km in length and is motor-free! The canoe launch is located at the Pincer Bay Canoe Hut and Dock, with kayaks and canoes available to rent during the warmer months.

While spring won’t be the time to lounge in a bathing suit, the park’s two sandy beaches are a great spot to catch the sunset.

Happy exploring, Ontario.