Balsam Lake Provincial Park

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Balsam Lake Provincial Park Balsam Lake Provincial Park is a recreational park approximately 2 hours from Toronto. Come enjoy some great fishing as well!

There are 5 campgrounds and 3 hiking trails, as well as a large clean sandy beach, where we offer canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals. We offer Natural Heritage Education programs throughout July and August, where you can learn about the natural environment and local history through a variety of children's programs, guided hikes, evening presentations and more! We have one of the cleanest lakes in the Kawartha Lakes area, which makes for great swimming from our sandy beach. Balsam Lake is the highest elevation lake on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

🎃 Less than 24 hours to go! 👻Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, Balsam Lake Provincial Park transforms for our Halloween ce...
10/10/2026

🎃 Less than 24 hours to go! 👻

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, Balsam Lake Provincial Park transforms for our Halloween celebration! 🍂🕸️

⏰ Here's what's coming up:

🏆 Contest judging begins around 2:30 p.m.
🍬 Trick-or-treating starts around 5:00 p.m.

Day visitors: remember to grab your daily vehicle permit at the park office when you arrive 🚗, and park in designated day-use areas only 🅿️.

🔦 Don't forget your flashlight or headlamp. It gets dark early!

Put the finishing touches on those costumes and campsite decorations.

See you tomorrow! 🎃🦇

🎃 It’s official… Halloween is coming to Balsam Lake! 👻 Join us Saturday, October 10 for our annual Halloween celebration...
10/01/2026

🎃 It’s official… Halloween is coming to Balsam Lake! 👻

Join us Saturday, October 10 for our annual Halloween celebration at Balsam Lake Provincial Park! 🕸️🍂

🍬 Trick-or-Treating
🎃 Pumpkin Carving Contest
🏕️ Spookiest Campsite Contest

🏆 1st place winner of the Spookiest Campsite Contest will win TWO NIGHTS of FREE CAMPING!⛺🎉
1st place winner of the Pumpkin Carving Contest will win ONE NIGHT of FREE CAMPING! ⛺🎉
2nd & 3rd place Winners of both contests will receive park goodie bags!

⏰ Contest judging begins around 2:30 p.m.

Start planning your costumes, carving your pumpkins, and dreaming up your spookiest campsite. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! 🎃👻🦇

Take a look at this remarkable nesting bird, the colourful Baltimore Oriole! Known for their striking black and orange p...
09/20/2026

Take a look at this remarkable nesting bird, the colourful Baltimore Oriole! Known for their striking black and orange plumage, these birds build one of the most unique nests in the bird world.

Female orioles weave delicate, pouch-shaped nests using grapevine bark, long grasses, plant fibres, and even wool. Using only her beak, she carefully knots together thousands of tiny loops to create a soft yet remarkably strong home for her eggs and young.

Once complete, the nest is suspended high in a tree, often between 6 and 45 feet above the ground. Hanging the nest high above the forest floor helps protect it from climbing predators such as raccoons and snakes.

The result is an impressive feat of engineering, combining strength, flexibility, and protection in a beautifully woven hanging nest.

Sometimes, all it takes is a closer look to discover something amazing!Right here on one of our famous milkweed plants, ...
09/06/2026

Sometimes, all it takes is a closer look to discover something amazing!

Right here on one of our famous milkweed plants, a tiny miracle is hard at work, munching away. 🐛

Meet the caterpillar of the Monarch butterfly, one of Ontario's most iconic insects. Monarch caterpillars rely exclusively on milkweed as their food source, making these plants incredibly important for their survival.

Monarch butterflies are currently listed as Endangered both federally and provincially.

Habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental pressures have contributed to significant population declines across North America.

If you're lucky enough to spot a Monarch caterpillar or butterfly, be sure to give it plenty of space and enjoy the sight from a distance.

👏 A huge shout out to our Balsam Lake students! You make the park a better place through your hard work, positive attitu...
08/30/2026

👏 A huge shout out to our Balsam Lake students!

You make the park a better place through your hard work, positive attitudes, and dedication.

We’re grateful for everything you do and proud of the meaningful contributions you make every day!

New to camping or looking to build your outdoor skills? Join our Discovery Rangers for Campsite 101! 🏕️Whether you're ne...
08/26/2026

New to camping or looking to build your outdoor skills? Join our Discovery Rangers for Campsite 101! 🏕️

Whether you're new to Canada, trying camping for the first time, or simply looking to learn a few new tips and tricks, this program is for you.

Learn the basics of setting up a comfortable campsite, including tents, camp kitchens, campfires, and tarps. You'll even have the opportunity to get some hands-on experience as we walk through the process together! Our staff will be on hand to answer questions and help you feel more confident on your next camping adventure.

📅 August 29
🕙 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
🏕️ Campsite 101
📍 Elm Campground (across from the comfort station)

Perfect for newcomers, families, and anyone looking to build their camping skills. Bring your questions and join us for a fun, practical introduction to camping in Ontario's parks! 🌲⛺🍁

Join us for a Discovery Program Right on the Trail! On August 30th join our Discovery staff on the lookout loop for our ...
08/25/2026

Join us for a Discovery Program Right on the Trail!

On August 30th join our Discovery staff on the lookout loop for our Trail Tips program.

Ideal to give new Hikers tips and trips for the adventure ahead and a great place to ask any other Hiking related questions, find out what poison Ivy looks like and much more!

Where: Lookout Loop Parking Lot
Time: Drop - in between10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Don’t forget to wear long pants and socks and pack that bug spray!

If you love Balsam Lake, you'll probably love this merch!Did you know our Osgood Collection was created by a Canadian ar...
08/24/2026

If you love Balsam Lake, you'll probably love this merch!

Did you know our Osgood Collection was created by a Canadian artist? They travel to parks across the province, creating unique works of art inspired by each one.

Here at Balsam Lake Provincial Park, you can even find the shoreline that inspired this piece! Stop by and see if you can spot the view for yourself.

Want to see what inspired the artist? Try checking this spot out around sunrise. Right now the sun comes up at about 6:30 a.m., and you'll get the full effect! 🌅

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is currently at 50% capacity for day users.Please check back for more updates as the day con...
08/03/2026

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is currently at 50% capacity for day users.

Please check back for more updates as the day continues.

Address

2238 Highway 48 Rue R. #1
Kawartha Lakes, ON
K0M2B0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

7054543324

Website

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