Provincial and National Parks

Ragged Falls Provincial Park features a hiking trail that is only 1 km long but it offers a great view of Ragged Falls at the end. This provincial park is just off Hwy 60 near the Algonquin Park border. Its proximity to Algonquin Provincial Park makes this protected waterway almost an Algonquin appendage, but it’s a park in its own right, and for good reason.

A marked gravel road provides access to Ragged Falls, with facilities including a parking lot, washrooms and marked hiking trails that lead to a lookout over the falls. Ragged Falls has been named one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario and is especially beautiful during the thunderous spring melt.

This is a day-use only park, but the short hike and waterfall views are well worth the stop.

For more information, visit their website

You will find the Hardy Lake trails in Hardy Lake Provincial Park just off of Hwy 169 east of Torrance. There are no facilities at this Park, but there is a parking lot and hiking trails. This is a non-operating park, and as such biking, motorized vehicles and camping are not permitted.

The park has a rich community of Atlantic coastal plain species. These species are here because at one time, much of present day Ontario was submerged beneath numerous glacial and post-glacial lakes. When the ancient Lake Algonquin receded, it left a remnant community of Atlantic Ocean shoreline plants behind. The park also contains an inland section of displaced Georgian Bay shoreline.

There are three hiking trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty. If you are looking for great Muskoka hiking trails, these are some of the best!

For a trail map, visit the Muskoka Lakes Township

Nestled in the famous 30,000 islands, the world’s largest chain of freshwater islands, Georgian Bay Islands National Park (GBINP) is where you’ll be inspired by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield and the clear water of Georgian Bay! Muskoka’s only National Park straddles two natural regions and is a core protected area of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. The southern end of the park is dominated by lush deciduous forest while the northern portion of the park is rugged Canadian Shield. This mix of ecosystems results in a high diversity of plants and wildlife in the park. In fact, GBINP has more reptile and amphibian species than any other national park in Canada! Bird-watchers will tally an impressive checklist of breeding birds including Prairie Warblers and Scarlet Tanagers.

What you will find at the Park:

• Mountain bike rentals and trails
• Picnic shelters
• Beaches
• Over 25 km of hiking trails with picturesque views of Georgian Bay’s famous windswept white pines
• Geocaching
• Docking facilities for boaters seeking the great views

Getting There: The park is made up entirely of islands and is accessible only by boat. Parks Canada operates a boat shuttle service called the DayTripper, which runs between Honey Harbour and Beausoleil Island (reservations are recommended).

For more information, visit their website

The essence of Algonquin is in its vast interior of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes. The only way to explore the interior of this park is by canoe or on foot.

Access this incredible park via Highway 60. Here you can enjoy camping at one of eight campgrounds, hike one of 14 trails, take part in extensive Natural Heritage Education programs, and visit Algonquin’s exceptional Visitor Centre, Logging Museum and Art Centre.

Outdoor adventures in Algonquin Park include:

• camping
• biking
• birding
• canoeing
• hiking
• swimming
• winter fun including snowshoeing, cross country skiing and skating

For more information, visit their website

Six Mile Lake Provincial Park is easily accessible off of the 400 in Georgian Bay Township. Only 90 minutes from Toronto, this popular park is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Outdoor adventure at the park includes:

• camping
• biking
• canoeing (rentals available)
• fishing
• hiking
• swimming
• Natural Heritage Education Centre

If you are looking for a day spent in nature trying fun outdoor activities, make sure that Six Mile Provincial Park is a part of your next trip to Muskoka.

For more information, visit their website