BLUE LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Spruce Fen Trail
A “fen” is a fascinating world where land floats
on water, plants eat animals and creatures of the
water can fly. Spruce Fen Trail takes you through a
black spruce fen and beaver pond environment. The
trail is boardwalk-ed to protect the fen, and is also
wheelchair accessible.
Distance: 1 km loop | Difficulty: easy (barrier-free)
ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK
Logging Museum Trail
This trail is like a walking outdoor museum,
interactive and great for kids (they like to climb on
train and the “Alligator” steam-powered tugboat).
This trail is also wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Distance: 1.3 km | Difficulty: easy (barrier-free)
RESTOULE PROVINCIAL PARK
Fire Tower Trail
This scenic trail passes through a variety of
deciduous forest habitats, past streams and ponds,
eventually climbing to the top of “The Bluff” above
Stormy Lake (Bald Eagles have been seen flying past
the edge of the 100 m cliff).
Gaze out over the surrounding lakes and forests
(breathtaking in the fall). An historic still-standing fire
tower sits atop the hill, once used to spot forest fires.
Distance: 7 km loop
Difficulty: moderate (several steep rocky climbs)
SHARBOT LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Discovery Trail
Follow this trail along the ridge of land that divides
Black Lake and Sharbot Lake. Hike through stands of
maple, oak and birch and see a dramatic change in
topography. From the top of the ridge, you can see
both lakes.
Distance: 1.2 km loop | Difficulty: moderate
14 | OTTAWAOUTDOORSMONTHLY
QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK
Pines Hiking Trail
An extension of the Whiskey Jack Trail, Pines Trail
takes in a sandy beach guarded by a stand of majestic
old-growth Red and White Pine. Enjoy the solitude of
the walk, picnic on the beaches of Pickerel Lake, or
venture into the interior. The trail includes moderate
to steep climbs.
Distance: 10 km | Difficulty: moderate
KILLARNEY PROVINCIAL PARK
Lake of the Woods Trail
A great alternate to some of the better-known
Killarney trails, this one circles tiny Lake of the Woods
in Killarney’s east end. For the best route, take the
trail to the right as it forks, and climb up above Lake
of the Woods, along rocky heights on its west side,
with views of Silver Peak in the La Cloche Mountains
off in the distance. After the route down, a boardwalk
extends the trail to a small island in the lake.
Distance: 3.5 km | Difficulty: moderate to difficult
A FEW SAFETY TIPS
• Plan ahead and share your itinerary with a family
member or friend
• Always carry a map, compass and flashlight
• Get all necessary park permits before heading out
• Bring enough water, ensure you’ve eaten well and
pack snacks
• Bank on getting your feet wet crossing creek beds
• Get an early start. Trail sections often take longer
than planned
• Wait a day or two for trails to dry after heavy rain
• Wear proper footwear
• Consider hiking poles for steep climbs
• Bring rain gear, regardless of weather forecast
• Give yourself enough time to complete the trail
before dark
• Follow your feet to Ontario Parks
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blogs here: ontarioparks.com