Many guests who stay in one of our many Ontario cottage rentals come to the area to trade in the hustle and bustle of the city for a breathtaking escape to the outdoors. No matter what time of the year you visit, plenty of outdoor attractions await. Whether you choose to hike and swim in the summer or snowshoe and ski in the winter, you’re sure to make countless memories with the ones you love most.
During your stay in Ontario Cottage Country, there is no shortage of National and Provincial Parks that are worth a visit, from Muskoka to Parry Sound there are great parks to explore. You can leave the phones behind and enjoy nature with your family.
Here are a few of our favorite parks near our Bruce Peninsula rentals!
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Of all the parks near the Bruce Peninsula, perhaps the most popular is Bruce Peninsula National Park itself. Guests of all ages can explore popular attractions like the Grotto & Cyprus Lake, Halfway Log Dump, and Singing Sands Beach. You’ll love the panoramic views or if you’re feeling adventurous you can take to the water yourself by canoeing or kayaking. Be sure to stop by the visitor centre in Tobermory to learn about the park’s trails and see interesting exhibits about the area’s nature.
In every season, Bruce Peninsula National Park is a great place to camp and hike or walk around and enjoy the fresh air. You can spend the entire day enjoying the majesty of this park, or you can come back several days in a row to soak up every minute of the fun.
Black Creek Provincial Park
Enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Huron when you visit Black Creek Provincial Park. There are over 700 acres for you to explore and the park offers dozens of outdoor activities to enjoy. Go swimming in the warm, shallow waters, enjoy a lunch at the picnic tables, or take a hike along the 9.4-kilometer trail.
You’ll find parking for more than 30 cars and other amenities like toilets, changing rooms, and a dock. Just keep in mind that facilities are limited, so prepare plenty of snacks ahead of time and make sure you bring lots of water. Head down Ferndale Road/County Road #9 west of Lion’s Head to get to Sandy Beach, a well-loved spot by all.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Considered “one of the most ecologically diverse natural places along the Lake Huron shoreline,” the MacGregor Point Provincial Park is a “can’t miss” spot for nature lovers. Located south of Port Elgin, this park offers plenty to do throughout the year. During your visit you can enjoy guided nature walks, hiking and fishing opportunities, and more in the summer or experience festivals like Thanksgiving Monday and Witches in the Woods in the fall. There’s never a dull moment here at MacGregor Point Provincial Park!
Plan Your Visit
Now is the perfect time to book a trip to Ontario. Contact CottageLINK today to start planning your getaway!
Sauble Falls Provincial Park
If you’re considering any of the incredible Bruce Peninsula Provincial Parks, Sauble Falls Provincial Park has to be at the top of the list. You’ll find historic waterfalls and excellent fishing, a great picnicking site for the entire family (there’s even a playground!), and a gorgeous gateway to Sauble Beach, known for its pristine sand beaches that stretch for seven kilometers, making it the second longest freshwater beach in the world! Enjoy cycling through the park, canoeing through the calm waters, or fishing with your friends. You can make it all happen here at Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Inverhuron Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a breathtaking and unique place to watch the sunset, spend at least one evening on the shores of Inverhuron Provincial Park. Established in 1967, this park is well known for its one-of-a-kind beaches, majestic dunes, and glorious sunsets. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy dinner on the beach before the sun sets?
You can also come to Inverhuron to learn about the area’s history and the Indigenous people who have lived here for centuries. While you’re here, take the time to explore the wetland and the young hardwood forest. You’ll love the rare plants and interesting wildlife in this park, including various species of woodland animals and birds.
In 2022, the park will be open from May 13 to October 30.
Hope Bay Forest Provincial Park
For the history buffs in your group, the Hope Bay Forest Provincial Park is sure to impress. You’ll find exposed bedrock up to 500 million years old, as well as geological features found nowhere else. There are also tons of beautiful plants around every corner, including spring wildflowers and various ferns.
The Niagara Escarpment is perfectly represented within the Hope Bay Forest Provincial Park. Enjoy hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter, offering incredible views of the area every step of the way.
Cabot Head Provincial Park
Head toward the top of the Bruce Peninsula to visit Cabot Head Provincial Park. When you arrive, you’ll immediately notice that there are all kinds of fascinating landforms. You can admire the varied terrain with its cliffs, swamps, marshes, and more. Be sure to also check out the limestone bedrock known as a “karst pavement.”
Several unconnected sections comprise the park as a whole, which is part of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System. The park even goes so far north that part of it is within the boundaries of Bruce Peninsula National Park!
Lions Head Provincial Park
As part of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System, Lion’s Head Provincial Park offers breathtaking views of rock formations and incredible sunsets. There are 526 hectares for you to explore, so plan for a full day. Families with older kids will likely enjoy this park more than those with youngsters, simply because the hike can be a bit tricky.
As you explore the park, you’ll make your way through one of the continent’s most ancient and least disturbed forests. There are gorgeous white cedars and unbelievable cliff views around every corner. Don’t forget your camera to capture the landscapes in all their glory.
Stay with CottageLINK Rental Management
Of all the fun things to do in Ontario, exploring the local provincial parks is one of the most memorable. You’ll get to enjoy the stillness of nature with your family, away from the busyness of everyday life. When you’re done for the day, you can return to one of our cottage rentals in Ontario for a relaxing evening.
CottageLINK Rental Management is proud to provide high-quality Ontario cottage rentals on the Bruce Peninsula and surrounding areas. Most of our cottages include convenient amenities like high-speed WiFi, free parking, spacious living and dining rooms, kayaks and canoes, and fully stocked kitchens. We even have a selection of pet-friendly cottages in Ontario if you want to bring your furry family member along! In addition, you’ll have the dedicated service of our team for any questions or concerns that may arise during your cottage vacation.
Now is the time to book your next Ontario cottage rental. Contact CottageLINK Rental Management today to start planning your vacation — we are always happy to help provide recommendations for a cottage that will best suit your group’s needs!
