Grundy Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful, easily accessible wilderness park located in the French River area of central Ontario. Known for its many motor-free inland lakes, scenic hiking trails, and sandy beaches, we think it’s an ideal spot for both outdoor enthusiasts and day-visitors.
The park offers a mix of swimming and paddling, fishing, hiking, and back-country experiences, making it a great destination for anyone who appreciates nature. Whether you’re staying at a nearby waterfront rental cottage in luxurious comfort, or roughing it at a back-country campsite in the park, the park will appeal to everyone.
Where is Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Grundy Lake Provincial Park is located in the French River region of Ontario, just off Highway 69. It’s about an hour north of Parry Sound and three hours from Toronto, making it one of the more accessible “remote” getaways into Ontario’s wilderness.
Activities at Grundy Lake Provincial Park | Canoeing & Kayaking | Fishing | Swimming | Hiking & Wildlife Viewing | Camping
Canoeing and Kayaking
With many lakes within its borders, Grundy Lake Provincial Park is a paradise for paddlers of every kind. Given the lakes are motor-free, the calm waters of the lakes are perfect for canoeing and kayaking, even for beginners.
Those more experienced paddlers looking for more of a challenge can travel by canoe to one of the park’s 10 back-country campsites, a popular way to explore the interior of the park.
Activities at Grundy Lake Provincial Park | Fishing
The quiet, motor-free lakes within the park are teeming with a variety of fish species. Try your hand at fishing for northern pike, bass, panfish, walleye and crappie. While motorboats aren’t permitted, you can fish from shore or from a canoe or small boat. The rocky shorelines lining the lakes provide a stunning scenic backdrop, and the peaceful setting ensures a relaxing day on the water, while maybe even catching some fish!
Swimming
Grundy Lake Provincial Park has several sandy beaches to choose from. All have clean, clear, shallow water, perfect for swimming. The warm, calm waters of these quiet lakes make it an ideal spot for families with children. Please note there are no lifeguard services provided, so keep a close eye on swimmers!
Activities at Grundy Lake Provincial Park | Hiking & Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the park, and you may be able to spot deer, turtles, loons, and even the occasional moose. The park is home to many species of birds, which birdwatchers will appreciate.
Three of the trails in the park are rated moderate to difficult, and one (Pakeshkag Lake Trail) is rated as easy. The Pakeshkag Lake trail will take you past the Beaver Lake wetland, a favourite with birdwatchers in the spring, and there’s a picnic area at the trailhead to enjoy.
Swan Lake Trail is a 1.5 km loop, crossing rocky ridges and lookouts and wetlands. The main feature of the trail is a boardwalk, a great place to view wetland plants and animals such as deer, moose and beavers, reptiles, waterfowl and birds, including the Great Blue Heron, and even carnivorous plants.
Camping
For camping enthusiasts, Grundy Lake Provincial Park offers a number of camping options to choose from. Sites range from drive-in, car accessible to paddle-in backcountry campsites. The park also has comfort stations with showers and laundry facilities in some areas of the campground. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online up to 5 months in advance of your planned trip.
Grundy Lake Provincial Park is the perfect location to visit, whether you’re there for camping, fishing, paddling, swimming, or hiking. It’s easily accessible off Highway 69, making it an easily accessible location close to amenities, while still experiencing the quiet beauty of Ontario’s wilderness.
If you prefer less of a rustic experience and you’re not really into camping, why not stay at a nearby waterfront cottage rental? Renting a cottage with all the comforts and conveniences of home is a lovely way to immerse yourself in this beautiful area of Ontario’s cottage country. A private cottage will provide you with your own private space, modern amenities, and the exclusive use of your own property to retreat to after a day of outdoor adventure.
Start planning your adventure today by arranging for your own waterfront rental cottage with CottageLINK Rental Management and discover the beauty of Grundy Lake Provincial Park!
