Indian Point Provincial Park, located on the north end of Balsam Lake, features one of the longest undeveloped shorelines in the Kawartha Lakes region. Officially classified as a non-operating park, it’s still accessible to day visitors. As a non-operating park, there are no facilities and limited activities are permitted. For more information on Balsam Lake, here’s our guide to exploring the most popular lakes in Kawartha Lakes.
Because this is a non-operating park, with no beaches or camping, and with close proximity to Balsam Lake Provincial Park, Indian Point Provincial Park appeals more to those who prefer to get back to nature in a relatively unspoiled alvar setting. According to Wikipedia “Alvar is a biological environment based on a limestone plain with thin or no soil and, as a result, sparse grassland vegetation. Often flooded in the spring, and affected by drought in mid-summer, alvars support a distinctive group of prairie-like plants.” This setting makes the park unique among other provincial parks.
While staying in the Kawartha Lakes region, perhaps at one of our many Ontario waterfront cottage rentals, make a plan to visit this lovely park! A Kawartha Lakes cottage rental is waiting to host you on your next vacation to the area.
How to Get to Indian Point Provincial Park
Indian Point Provincial Park is located just outside Coboconk, just south of the main intersection of Highways 35 and 48, off Highway 35. It can be a little tricky to find, as the entrance and parking is not obviously signed. You’ll need to approach it from Highway 35, just south of 48. From there, turn onto Grandy Road, which runs into Indian Point Road. It can be easy to miss, but there is a small parking area at the start of the gravel road, with a sign across from it, and this is where the trails begin.
Please note there are private roads and a private park in the area. Keep to the publicly available areas to avoid any difficulties with enforcement. For some helpful information on getting there, and on the park itself, here’s a blog from The Provincial Parkers to help point the way to Indian Point.
Activities at Indian Point Provincial Park | Hiking & Snowshoeing | Birding | Boating & Canoeing
Hiking & Snowshoeing
While there are limited trails in terms of choices, and the trails unpaved and minimally maintained, you’ll still be able to hike at Indian Point Provincial Park. The less busy, “off the beaten” trail, nature of the park means that hikers will find peace and tranquility on the trails. The park teems with wildlife, and you may spot anything from the always-present chipmunks and squirrels to white-tailed deer while you’re hiking.
During the winter, the park’s trails are perfect to traverse with snowshoes. Nothing beats being the first to crunch through the freshly fallen snow amid frost-covered trees to create a magical experience.
Birding
If birding is your activity of choice, you’re in luck! The park is home to 160 species of bird, including 3 endangered ones. Committed birdays may enjoy following the checklist from Bird Life International for Indian Point Provincial Park as a guide.
Boating & Canoeing
Balsam Lake’s unspoiled shoreline is perfect for exploration by boat or canoe or kayak. Canoeists and kayakers will appreciate the calm waters, while being able to enjoy the peace and tranquility. While there’s no launch point within Indian Point Provincial Park, there are places that you can access the water around the lake, one of which is nearby Balsam Lake Provincial Park.
Conclusion
Indian Point Provincial Park is a true wilderness destination minutes from the village of Coboconk. It’s a place where visitors can experience the original, unspoiled terrain of this beautiful area of Kawartha Lakes. With its close proximity to Highway 35, and no modern amenities to detract from its natural beauty, the park offers a quick escape and a taste of Ontario’s wilderness. Why not enjoy a meal afterwards at one of Kawartha Lakes best restaurants?
Whether you’re hiking through the forests and meadows within the park, trying to spot that elusive bird, or paddling the calm waters of Balsam Lake bordering the park, Indian Point Provincial Park provides a peaceful escape into nature. It’s the perfect park to visit for a day trip while you’re on a weekend getaway to one of our nearby Ontario rental cottages, where all the comforts of home await.
