Balsam Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful park in the midst of the Kawartha Lakes Region of Ontario’s Cottage Country. Located approximately midway between Kirkfield and Coboconk, off Highway 48, Balsam Lake Provincial Park is easy to reach, and very popular for camping and outdoor activities. Although the park is not officially open, and the trails are not maintained during the winter, the trails may still be used for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
We represent many waterfront cottage rentals nearby, and we love helping guests discover their surroundings. Here’s why Balsam Lake Provincial Park is worth visiting during your stay.
A Brief Overview of Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Balsam Lake Provincial Park is a 3-season 448-hectare park located on the north shore of Balsam Lake, along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Its location within 2 hours of Toronto, and easy access from the highway makes it an easy day trip destination. The park’s natural setting of forests, meadows, and wetlands provides a habitat for local wildlife, and recreational opportunities are endless!
Activities at Balsam Lake Provincial Park | Swimming | Boating | Fishing | Hiking | Camping
Swimming
One of the highlights of the park is a large, clean, sandy beach, which is marked with buoys, making it easy for families with younger children and non-swimmers. Please note though that there are no lifeguards.
Boating at Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Balsam Lake is one of the larger lakes in the area, with approximately 48 square kilometers. It’s ideal for all watersports. Bring your own boat, or rent one, and launch it at the park. Bring your own canoes, kayaks or paddle boats, or rent those on the beach. PFDs are included with the rental. Balsam Lake’s location on the Trent-Severn Waterway makes it a great starting point for longer boating or paddling trips too!
Fishing
The lake is also great for fishing! You’ll find many species of fish, with good fishing for muskellunge, large and smallmouth bass, and walleye. Be sure to bring your fishing gear and check local regulations for licensing requirements.
Hiking at Balsam Lake Provincial Park
The park has two well-signed and maintained trails of 2.1 and 4.2 km respectively, rated easy to moderate with the option to go longer on both. Lookout Trail takes you to a lovely panoramic view before continuing on (optionally) to a wildflower meadow and a pine plantation. Woodland Trail is a moderate forested walk, optionally lengthened to include a pond.
You may be lucky enough to spot some wildlife crossing the trails if you’re quiet and observant. Mammals such as deer, rabbits, and foxes are resident within the park, and there are a number of bird species. Biking is not permitted on the trails, but you’re welcome to ride a bike on the campground roads.
Camping
Of course, as a cottage rental management company we think staying at a private, waterfront cottage rental is the best option, but for those who enjoy a more rustic experience camping is available at the park. There are both serviced and unserviced campsites to choose from, depending on your comfort level. Whether your preference is a tent or an RV, you’ll find campsites here in the park.
If you prefer more peace and quiet, and more of a traditional camping experience, there are six walk-in eco sites, which are dog-, radio-, and generator-free. No worries about loud partying at those sites!
Particularly for holiday weekends, and for prime lakefront spots, it is highly recommended to reserve in advance to avoid disappointment. Make your reservations up to five months in advance online or by phone.
There’s one more option for people wishing to stay within the campground, yet not keen on camping, there’s a 4-bedroom cottage near the water that is available to rent. The cottage is fully equipped with everything you’ll need, including all the comforts of home such as air conditioning, a TV, BBQ, outdoor fire pit, picnic table, and laundry.
Why Stay in a Nearby Cottage?
While camping is a great option for some, many visitors prefer the comfort of a private waterfront cottage rental. Staying in a nearby Ontario cottage rental gives you the best of both worlds—easy access to the park and all its activities, while enjoying all the amenities of home, and added privacy while enjoying your own private waterfront and dock.
Nearby Attractions
Indian Point Provincial Park is just 10 minutes from Balsam Lake Provincial Park, also on Balsam Lake. It’s a non-operating park, with no facilities, which makes for a much quieter experience, but also you can see the terrain in its natural state, as there has been no development of the shoreline. Although no longer operating as the world’s smallest jail, you can still see the building, operating as a craft shop by the Coboconk Seniors.
Here are some of Kawartha Lakes best restaurants to enjoy while you’re in the area, or enjoy a pint of some craft beer at one of the Kawartha Lakes craft breweries.
Balsam Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful park in the midst of Ontario’s cottage country. With its stunning natural beauty, the wealth of outdoor activities, and its location on the Trent Severn Waterway, conveniently within 2 hours of Toronto, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip while staying at a nearby Ontario cottage rental, or for an extended visit. Our team at CottageLINK Rental Management is here to help you find the perfect cottage for your trip!
