Bonte Creek

Total Est. Time: 50 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 44.59 miles

Wildlife Viewing Most small mammals common to southern Ontario live in the park, as well as some larger species -- white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote and raccoon. Birds in the park include the blue jay, blackbird, red-tailed hawk and several kinds of sparrows, as well as the occasional pileated and red-headed woodpecker, scarlet tanager, turkey vulture and both snowy and short-eared owls. As many as 20 species of amphibians and reptiles also make their home around Bronte Creek. More than 70 species of moths and butterflies have been identified in the park, as well as another 125 species of insects, including a rare katydid.

Fishing Bronte Creek has substantial seasonal populations of coho and chinook salmon and rainbow and brook trout, as well as some small-mouth bass, to tempt anglers.

Swimming - Bronte Creek is home to one of the largest man-made swimming pools in North America. It has a surface area of 1.8 acres. At its centre, the pool is 6 feet deep. The pool is staffed with certified lifeguards. Please note an additional fee applies for pool entry.
Pool season: June 26 - Labour Day, 2004.
Biking Looking for an environmentally friendly way to see Bronte Creek? Why not grab your helmet and bike and explore the 13 kilometres of roads and trails available. Please be particularly careful around vehicles and keep to the right side when cycling on roadways.
Winter Activities In the winter, the recreation complex has a lighted artificial skating rink; close by is a tobogganing hill, and the park's hiking trails are used for cross-country skiing. There are heated change areas and picnic shelters.

Other Paved rollerblading path, disc golf course, baseball diamond, basketball and volleyball courts.
Bronte Creek offers garden plots for rent on annual basis. Plots are located near the park office in the day use area and measure 4.5m x 9m. Contact the park office at (905) 827-6911 for more information
Picnics and Day Use Throughout the day use area there are many picnic areas and 11 shelters with a BBQ on site. These shelters may be reserved by contacting the park (additional fee applies). Picnic shelters are reserved starting May 1 each year for the period of mid June - Labour Day. Reservations are required for picnic shelters, call (905) 827-6911 extension 288 to reserve for your company or family picnic.
The Day Use area offers a recreation complex, historical Spruce Lane Farm, Nature Centre, Children's Farm and Playbarn, nature trails and park store.
Children's Farm and Play Barn - Children ten years of age and younger can jump, slide, hide and crawl for hours in a converted barn hayloft. They can also get up close and personal to learn about a variety of farm animals. The barn and play barn are open year round with extended hours in July and August. School groups and day camps can book ½ hour times to compliment their field trip to Bronte Creek. Call (905) 827-6911 ext. 288 to book your group.
Farms - In the buildings that surround the Play Barn (parking Lot C) you can find pigs, chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep. The Children's Farm provides an opportunity for children to discover and learn about domestic farm animals. You are sure to see piglets, lambs and chicks in the spring.
The Spruce Lane Farm was built around 1899 and reflects the Victorian era lifestyle. Animals on the farm include peacocks, horses, cows and pigs. You will feel like you have become a part of history when you participate in authentic Victorian period chores, holiday traditions or participate in cooking demonstrations. A trip to Spruce Lane Farm will bring early settlement history alive (Parking Lot F).
Shelter Information
Concrete Shelters - Green, Sand and Grey
These three shelters are unique in that they are semi-enclosed and feature two fireplaces with (1' x 1') removable grill, ideal for both cooking and relaxing in front of a warm fire. These shelters are located near parking lot "A" and are close to two washrooms. Their design includes two sinks, electrical outlets and large fields for family games and sports. They are designed to hold up to 150 people (under roofed area). The cost of renting a cement shelter is $125.00 per day, plus regular park admission fees for all picnic guests.
The Green shelter is the closest to parking lot "A" and was built next to a large outdoor playground with swings and slides to keep children amused for hours.
The Sand shelter is the closest picnic shelter to our popular Children's farm and Play barn. The Sand shelter is a short distance from parking lot "A". If your visitors intend to bring a large number of supplies for their picnic, please advise them to bring a wagon or trolley to help them carry equipment from the parking lot.
The Grey shelter (near parking lot "A" is the most secluded of the three and ideal for larger picnics. Along with the largest field, it is built right next to two of our most scenic walking trails, the Logging and Mice Men and Maiden Blush. The grey shelter is also located near the paved rollerblading trail. If your visitors intend to bring a great deal of supplies for their picnic, please advise them to bring a wagon or trolley to help them carry the equipment from the parking lot.
Baseball Shelters - Baseball A, Baseball B and Baseball C
These open, wooden (25' x 65') shelters are conveniently located near parking lot "A" are designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Their design includes electrical outlets, a (4' x 2') charcoal barbecue and a large field that surrounds each of these with a baseball diamond in close proximity. These shelters were built adjacent to a washroom and outdoor tap for collecting water. The cost of renting any Baseball shelter is $125.00 per day, plus regular park admission for all picnic guests.
Tyrell Shelters - Tyrell A and Tyrell B
These open, wooden (25 'x 65') shelters are conveniently located near parking lot "A" are designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Their design includes a (4' x 2') charcoal barbecue and a large field that surrounds each of these with a baseball diamond and nature trail in close proximity. Please note that there is no hydro at these shelters. The shelters are located near a washroom and outdoor tap for collecting water. If your visitors intend to bring a great deal of supplies, please advise them to bring a wagon/trolley to help them carry equipment. The cost of renting any Tyrell shelter is $125.00 per day, plus regular admission for all guests.
D Shelter
This open, wooden (25' x 65') shelter located near parking lot "D" and our pool, is designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Its design includes electrical outlets, a (4' x 2') charcoal barbecue, and washroom facilities nearby. There is also a water tap and drinking fountain adjacent to the shelter. Located near the recreation complex, this shelter provides easy access to our recreation activities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball, and rollerblading. The Park Store is nearby offering equipment rentals, Ontario Parks merchandise, food and Pepsi? products. The cost of renting this shelter is $125.00 per day, plus regular admission for all guests.
F Shelter
This shelter is perhaps the most convenient but overlooked of them all. Positioned near parking lot "F", this shelter is close to the pool, recreation complex and our beautiful Victorian farmhouse and farm, Spruce Lane. Complete with two large fields, this (25' x 65') open, wooden shelter has electrical outlets, water and a (4' x 2') charcoal barbecue. This shelter is designed to hold up to 120 people (under roofed area). Please note, that if there is a number of elderly of physically disabled guests at your picnic, the restroom facilities are quite a distance away. The cost of renting the F shelter is $125.00 per day, plus regular park admission for all picnic guests.
Breckon Shelter
Our rustic (30' x 70') Breckon shelter was built in 2000 and is designed to hold up to 160 people (under roofed area). The attraction of this shelter is its versatility. It features barn style wooden doors that can either be open or closed, making weather an insignificant factor on a picnic. The cost to rent this shelter is $200.00 per day. The Breckon shelter is equipped with a kitchen counter with sink, electrical outlets, indoor lights and a (4' x 2') charcoal barbecue. The Breckon shelter is located near parking lot "F" and is close to Spruce Lane farm, with washrooms located nearby.
Although grills are included in rental fees (in all shelters except Green, Grey and Sand), please remember to bring charcoal, starter fluid and a barbecue brush on the day of your picnic. It may also be advisable to bring picnic tablecloths since the shelters and picnic tables are exposed to the elements and wildlife.
Please note that all visitors must pay regular park admission fees. If a group has contracted a third party caterer, the picnic group is responsible for admission fees. Also, all catering fees are to be on a contractual basis (no food vendors).
Please remember that the park is to be enjoyed by hundreds of people daily who are looking for a little escape and a good time. For this reason, excessive noise will not be tolerated at any time (i.e. sound systems, DJs and bands are strictly prohibited). Please ensure that all pets are kept on leash at all times while in the park. It is provincial law that dogs are to be leashed at all times, and their owners are responsible for disposing of any waste.
There is no alcohol allowed in the day use area of the park at any time. Please advise your guests that alcohol is strictly prohibited in the day use area.

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A Proud Indian Canadian

Darlington

Total Est. Time: 35 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 29.56 miles

Education Darlington offers a wide variety of visitor programs that change weekly during the camping and day-use season. They include conducted walks, children's programs and evening campfires!
Fishing Spring is the best time to cast your line for lake trout and salmon. During the summer sheltered McLaughlin Bay is a popular place to catch panfish.
More information on fishing.
Canoeing Canoes are ideal in the sheltered waters of McLaughlin Bay.
Wildlife Viewing A variety of wildlife, from squirrels to white-tailed deer live in Darlington. Explore the wetland areas to view waterfowl and other birds, especially during spring and fall migration.
Boating The sheltered waters of McLaughlin Bay are ideal for canoes and paddle boats. The open waters of Lake Ontario are suitable for larger motorboats and sail boats.

Swimming A barrier beach separates the warm, shallow waters of Lake Ontario on the west side of the park from the sheltered McLauglin Bay.
Hunting Hunting in this park is subject to the Ontario Hunting Regulations. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, contact the park or your local area or district office of the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Camping Darlington has 315 campsites, 135 of which have electrical service. A comfort station is conveniently located within the campground and all sites are close to drinking water taps and toilets. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table and space for one vehicle. A lot for additional vehicles is nearby.
Group Camping - There are two group camping sites, numbers 401 and 402, that accommodate a maximum of 150 people. Water taps, picnic tables, a firepit and vault toilets are found on site. The site are in close proximity to the comfort station. Group camping sites can only be used by organized youth groups consisting of youth under 18, as well as supervising adults. No alcohol is allowed on the sites. Reservations can be made by calling the park directly at (905) 436-2036.
Picnics and Day Use - Three day-use areas are located at the beach and in open fields. There are barbecues and picnic shelters.
Electric Sites - 135
Visitor Centre - Yes
Barrier Free Access - Showers, flush toilets, Visitor Centre
Park Store - The Park Store sells groceries, snacks, ice cream, camping supplies and park souvenirs.
Showers - Yes
Flush Toilets - Yes
Laundromat - Yes
Play Area - Yes
Boat Launch - Yes

Rentals - Canoes, paddleboats, group barbecues

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A Proud Indian Canadian

Earl Row

Total Est. Time: 1 hour, 16 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 62.75 miles

Earl Rowe offers swimming in its man-made lake and at the one-acre swimming pool. The pool has lifeguards on duty. There is a separate entrance fee for the pool.
Pool Hours: (Last Saturday in June to Labour Day Monday)
Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Pool Fees 2.5 per day adult, 1.5 per day child

Camping Earl Rowe has a total of 365 campsites located in two different campgrounds. Most sites are well shaded and 183 have electrical service. Group camping areas are also available. Call the park directly for details.
Group Camping There are four group sites, #901 accommodates 300 people, #902, 50 people, #903, 25 people, and #904 accommodates up to 50 people. There are water taps, vault toilets as well as mini comfort stations with flush toilets on site. It is approximately a 1 km walk to the nearest comfort station, and ¾ km to the beach and pool. Reservations can be made by calling the park directly at (705) 435-2498.
Picnics and Day Use Picnic tables are located throughout the park or rent one of four picnic shelters for your group. Large propane BBQ's are available to rent as well. Call the park to reserve.
Electric Sites - 183 sites with electricity (Riverside - Heydon Way - 83, Westside - Fletcher Field - 80).
Resource Center - Yes - Located adjacent to the Park Store.
Barrier Free Access Showers, Flush Toilets
Two campsites in Riverside Campground - Heydon Way (90, 102) are designed for use by persons with disabilities.
Fletcher's Pond Trail 2 km (20 minutes) easy
This paved barrier-free trail travels from the reservoir by the dam through the main day use area of the park to the pool located in Westbeach.
Park Store The Park Store is located in the day use area of the park, near the beach. It offers take out food, sundry items, groceries, ice cream, camping supplies and Ontario Parks souvenir merchandise and rental items. A small concession is also located near the entrance to the pool, offering most of the above items.
Showers Showers are located in the three comfort stations in Fletcher Field, Boyne Meadow and Meadowbrook sections of Westside Campground and in the comfort station in the Riverside Campground - Heydon Way.
Flush Toilets Flush toilets are located in the comfort stations in Fletcher Field, Boyne Meadow, Trillium Woods and Meadowbrook sections of Westside Campground and in the comfort stations in the Riverside Campground - Heydon Way. Flush toilets are located in the day-use areas also.
Laundromat - Yes
Play Area - Playgrounds are located at the Westbeach and Main beach picnic areas and in Riverside Campground - Heydon Way, Fletcher Field and Meadowbrook loops of the Westside Campground.
Boat Launch - Yes, non-motorized

Rentals Canoes, paddleboats, bicycles, and sports equipment are available for rent. Inquire at the Resource Centre. The park also offers a trailer storage compound (daily and off-season). Telephone for rates.
PFD Loan Service. For a $25 refundable deposit, visitors can borrow a properly fitted PFD. Staff can outfit visitors with a PFD at the pool and Resource Center.

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A Proud Indian Canadian

Balsam Lake

Total Est. Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 80.71 miles

Education Throughout the summer, films, slideshows, lectures and children's programs are presented regularly at the park amphitheatre, resource center and nature trails.
Fishing Balsam Lake offers excellent fishing for bass, walleye, muskie and panfish. More information on fishing.
Canoeing Balsam offers excellent shoreline canoeing
Wildlife Viewing The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Deer, fox, raccoon's, skunks, flying squirrels, chipmunks, beaver, lots of birds and even a wandering bear.
Boating Balsam Lake Provincial Park is located at the summit of the Trent Severn Waterway at the north end of a series of lakes and rivers known as the Kawartha Lakes.
Boat launch - Yes
Docking facilities - Yes
Swimming There is a large sandy beach with a buoyed swimming area with a change-house.

Cycling Campground roads and over 10km of safe adjacent township roads
Winter Activities Although the park is closed a parking lot is plowed in the winter. Visitors are welcome to use the park to ski, snowshoe and hike.
Camping Balsam Lake has 505 campsites, including 213 with electricity and 6 radio-free Eco (walk-in) campsites. These may be reserved from the second Friday in May through to the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.
Group Camping - Balsam Lake has three group camping sites; one accommodates 25 people, the second accommodates 35 people and the third accommodates 50 people. The sites all have vault privies and water taps on site. The beach is nearby and it is a
10-15 minute walk to the comfort station. Sites are only open to non-profit youth groups (i.e. Scouts, guides, church groups), and there are no trailers or alcohol allowed on site. Reservations can be made by calling the park directly at (705) 454-3324.
Picnics and Day Use - Yes
Electric Sites - 213 sites with electricity,
Visitor Centre - Yes - Resource Centre
Barrier Free Access - Showers, Flush Toilets
Park Store - The Gift Shop located at the entrance to the Lakeshore Campground offers a range park souvenirs. A snack bar is located at the beach. Firewood is available at the Gift Shop and Permit Office
Showers - Yes
Flush Toilets - Yes
Laundromat - Laundry facilities and soap vending machines are available at the three main comfort stations.
Play Area - Yes
Boat Launch - Yes

Rentals Canoes, motor boats, kayaks and pedal boats are available to rent. The Water Craft Rental Centre is located at the south end of the beach. All necessary safety equipment is included. Rentals are available for 1, 4 and 8 hours or overnight.
PFD Loan Service For a $25 refundable deposit, visitors can borrow a properly fitted PFD for themselves and their children. Staff can provide additional information and can outfit visitors with a PFD at the Water Craft Rental Centre.
OFAH TackleShare This program sponsored by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters provides fishing rods, reels and tackle to loan to those who don't have their own equipment.

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A Proud Indian Canadian

Emily
Total Est. Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 65.15 miles
Hiking
Marsh Boardwalk Trail 0.8 km (30 minutes) easy
Walk through a cattail marsh and stop at a viewing platform to see an active osprey nest.
Boating Pigeon River leads to the Trent Canal system linking Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. There are two boat launches within the park. A marina is two km from the park.
Fishing Drop your line off the park dock for panfish, or cast off from your boat to catch larger fish such as walleye, muskie and large and small mouth bass. Live bait and tackle are available at the Park Store.
More information on fishing.
Swimming - Two sandy beaches border the Pigeon River.
Camping Emily Park has 299 large, private sites. One hundred and fifty have electrical service, including two with 50 amps of power. All are close to toilet and water facilities, and each site has a firepit, table and parking space. Shower and laundry facilities are centrally located within the park.
Group Camping - There are three group sites that accommodate up to 100 people. Water taps and vault toilets are available on site. The sites are a 15 minute walk to the beach, and a 5-15 minute walk to the comfort station (dependant on the site). One of the three sites is equipped with electrical hook up. All sites are available for the use of any groups. Reservations can be made by calling the park directly at (705) 799-5170.
Picnics and Day Use Emily offers two reservable group picnic areas, complete with shelters and large charcoal barbecues. One shelter has electricity.
Electric Sites - 150 sites. If you have a large RV unit that needs extra power, campsites 227 and 248 have 50 amp electrical hookups.
Barrier Free Access - Showers, flush toilets
Park Store The Park Store and snack bar are located near the day-use beach. There you can buy firewood, basic groceries, snack foods and park souvenirs. You can also rent boats, camping equipment and bikes at the store.
Showers Yes, in the comfort stations in the Circle and Hill campgrounds
Flush Toilets Yes, in the comfort stations in the Circle and Hill campgrounds
Laundromat - Yes, in every comfort station
Play Area There are two children's play areas -- at the day-use beach and centrally located in the campgrounds.
Boat Launch Two boat launches each provide access to Pigeon Lake.

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A Proud Indian Canadian

Invernhuron
Total Est. Time: 3 hours, 44 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 149.48 miles
Fishing - Lake Trout, Bass, Pickerel, Perch, Salmon, Pike
More information on fishing.
Canoeing & Kayaking Caution should be used by anyone canoeing or kayaking along the shore of Lake Huron because water conditions can change quickly.
Wildlife Viewing Excellent location for viewing a variety of mammals including white-tailed deer, raccoons, porcupine. Varied habitats provide good birding opportunities. Many wildflowers in season.
Boating Suitability of park for boating - Yes (Lake Huron)
Boat launch - Yes
Docking facilities - No
Swimming Description of beach-Sandy
Description of water - Shallow, Clear water.
Is there a buoyed area - No
Length of beach - 1 km
Change facilities - Yes
The sandy, kilometre long beach is ideal for both swimming and sunbathing.
Cycling - Cycling on park roads only
Picnics and Day Use Large day use area with picnic shelter and beautiful sandy beach
Flush Toilets - Yes (day use comfort station)
Boat Launch - Yes

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A Proud Indian Canadian

Port Bruce
Total Est. Time: 2 hours, 34 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 134.11 miles
Fishing - Perch, Smelt, Walleye
Boating Park is located on Lake Erie near the mouth of the Catfish Creek. There are mooring opportunities at nearby marinas.
Boat launch Y nearby
Docking facilities y nearby

Swimming Description of beach - Sand and Gravel.
Description of water - Shallow, Clear water.
Is there a buoyed area - Yes
Length of beach - 100' 200 Metres
Change facilities - Yes

Cycling - no dedicated cycling trails

Other - Playground Basketball Court and Frisbee Golf court
Picnics and Day Use This is a very small day use park located right in the town of Port Bruce and features a nice beach, picnic area and a nice outdoor restaurant.
Barrier Free Access - Flush Toilets
Park Store - Outdoor Restaurant on site
Flush Toilets - Yes
Play Area - Yes, basketball court and Frisbee golf shooting court
Boat Launch - Yes. Nearby
Point Farms
Total Est. Time: 3 hours, 17 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 148.27 miles
The gentle sand-and-pebble beach is perfect for swimming, with water that is shallow and warm
Description of beach - Sand and pebble
Description of water - Clear water.
Is there a buoyed area - Yes
Length of beach - 1 km
Change facilities - Yes

Visitors should note that Lake Huron does have undertows especially in rough water.
Camping The total number of campsites is 200 located in two campgrounds. The Huron campground is designated radio-free.
Group Camping There are six group camping sites that accommodate up to 35 people. The area provides three drinking water taps, one vault toilet with cold water sinks, and a mini comfort station with flush toilets. The site is separated from the regular campground by a small ravine. The area (located in the North end of the park) is within a five to ten minute walk of the beach, and is a short drive from comfort stations with showers. A maximum of three trailers are allowed per site as there is no electricity. Reservations can be made by calling the park directly at (519) 524-7124.
Picnics and Day Use - Picnic grounds with shelter, comfort station and a playground.
Electric Sites 131 sites with electricity located in both the Huron and Colborne campgrounds
Visitor Centre An activity centre at the barn offers programs that include old-fashioned barn dances, annual pig roast, hayrides, and group campfires.
Barrier Free Access Accessible flush toilets are located at the comfort stations at the Huron and Colborne campgrounds and at the visitor centre
Park Store - No. However outside the park gate a store is available
Showers Yes. Showers are located at the comfort stations at the Huron and Colborne campgrounds and at the visitor centre
Flush Toilets Yes. Flush toilets are located at the comfort stations at the Huron and Colborne campgrounds and at the visitor centre.
Laundromat Washers, dryers and laundry tubs are located in the rear of both the Huron and Colborne comfort stations.
Play Area Yes. Playgrounds can be found in both the Huron and Colborne campgrounds.
Off Season - Gated

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A Proud Indian Canadian