34 Provincial Parks Near Toronto That Are Less Than Two Hours Away

Ontario has over 300 stunning provincial parks that are ready to be explored. This is in addition to all of the stunning reserves and conservation areas that you’ll find around the province as well so living in Ontario you’re definitely spoiled for options when it comes to exploring nature. Given the size of Ontario, and depending on where you live, not all of these provincial parks are super accessible on a day trip unfortunately. To help you with some road trip planning I’ve put together this list of all of the 34 closest provincial parks near Toronto that you absolutely need to visit. This of course doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan a weekend getaway (or longer!) to visit some of the further away parks but it just means these provincial parks are near Toronto and doable as a day trip!

I’ve broken the list down by their distance from Toronto in terms of whether they fall under 1 hour away from Toronto, 1.5 hours away from Toronto or 2 hours away from Toronto. I think any further than 2 hours becomes slightly difficult for a day trip but because I myself am a huge fan of road trips and longer, busier days, I have of course included a section at the bottom of Ontario Provincial Parks that are 2-3 hours away from Toronto as well. These parks are absolutely worth visiting but perhaps consider camping or overnighting to get the most of your experience.

Please note, I live in Toronto and this blog focuses on Toronto and so that’s the base for these day trips. If you’re east/west/north of Toronto, you can subtract/add time accordingly. For the intents of this post I’ve calculated the distances/times from simply typing Toronto into Google Maps. This does tend to default to downtown Toronto so depending on where in the city you live this might mean you’re slightly closer or slightly further away from the park. I also don’t drive on the 407 (aka I don’t pay for tolls) so some of the parks may be closer by if you do use the 407. Worth also noting is that the estimated times to the parks is based on my GPS searches – depending on when you search it can be way longer (or perhaps shorter) since we all know that Toronto traffic is notoriously bad (unfortunately)

Please also note, in regards to the facilities/activities, this information is taken straight from the Ontario Parks website. Different facilities/activities may have specific operational dates and hours and if you’re interested in a rental for example, or camping, do check the specific park’s page for further information. Each of the headings below include a direct link to the page for that provincial park.

Ontario Parks Admission

The following admission costs are current and up to date for the April 2020 – March 2021 period:

Daily Vehicle Permit

The regular car fees varies from $12.25-$21.00 per car (HST included).

For seniors (65 years of age or older) this varies from $9.75 to $16.75 per car (HST included).

For persons with disabilities this varies from $6.00 to $10.50 per car (HST included). The Ontario Parks website defines this as those with a CNIB identify card and those with Ministry of Transportation accessible parking permits.

For Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans (who live in Ontario) it is free to access the parks on weekdays. You’ll be asked to show Canadian Armed Forces identification card and proof of Ontario residency.

The range includes the lowest and highest cost and this will vary from park to park.

Walk-In Fees

If you are close to a park then you also have the option of just walking into the park (which is significantly cheaper). I will add that not all trails are super close to each other in most parks and so driving is just easier a lot of the times but in the interest of sharing all information these are the walk-in fees:

For persons aged 6-17 it’ll cost $1 (HST included).

For persons aged 18+ it’ll cost $2 (HST included).

For seniors it’ll cost $1.75 (HST included).

For people with disabilities aged 6-17 the walk-in fee is $0.50 (HST included) and for those aged 18+ it’s $1.00 (HST included).

For Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans (who live in Ontario) it is free to access the parks on weekdays. You’ll be asked to show Canadian Armed Forces identification card and proof of Ontario residency.

Parks Pass

In addition to the daily fees you can also choose to get a parks pass (this is what we usually opt to do, you only need to visit a few parks for it to pay itself off).

The annual pass (valid from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020) costs $175 (HST included).

The summer pass (valid from April 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020) costs $125 (HST included).

The winter pass (valid from December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020) costs $85 (HST included).

Other Fees

If you’re interested in renting a picnic shelter or bringing a bus you can see those fees here.

Camping fees are different but you can view those here.

Provincial Park versus Nature Reserve

While everything on this list is part of the Ontario Parks system some are labelled provincial parks while some of them are labelled nature reserves (and there’s even a wilderness area). This has to do with how the parks are regulated and maintained.

Provincial parks protect natural and cultural features but are open for outdoor recreation and education amongst other things and actively participate in the economy (i.e. charge admission fees and activity fees).

Reserves protect natural and cultural features and allow for some activities (like fishing, hunting) but aren’t set up with very many facilities (as you’ll see below in the listings).

Wilderness areas are set up to allow areas to be preserved in the natural setting to protect the animals, plants and other creatures that live in these areas.

Ontario Parks Map

I’ve plotted all the parks because sometimes seeing them on a map is a little easier for people. This way you can perhaps plan a weekend away hitting up a few different parks as well. If you press the map below it’ll take you directly to the map.

Provincial Parks Within One Hour From Toronto

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Nearest Town: Oakville
Distance from Toronto: 47.8 km
Time from Toronto: 35 minutes
Facilities: Amphitheater, Camping, Comfort Stations, Food Concessions, Group BBQs, Historic Buildings, Laundromat, Pet Exercise Areas, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Pools, Roofed Accommodation, Showers, Visitor Center
Activities: Biking, Disc Golf, Fishing, Hiking, Cross Country Skiing, Swimming, Tobogganing

Located about half an hour from Toronto (depending on where you live), Bronte Creek Provincial Park is definitely one of the closest parks you can visit and it’s ideal for an evening stroll to get some fresh air if you can’t find a full day to visit. With a 50 m deep ravine and a beautiful forest there’s plenty to see in this park.

With 5 hiking trails ranging from 1 km-2.7km you have plenty of reasons to stay all day or come back more than once! You can also find Spruce Lane Farmhouse in the park which showcases what life was like in in the late 1800s and early 1900s for farmers. You can also explore the Nature Centre that features the natural elements of the park.

Holland Landing Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve

Nearest Town: East Gwillimbury
Distance from Toronto: 65.7 km
Time from Toronto: 50 minutes
Facilities: Non-operating park so no facilities
Activities: Biking, Hiking and Snowmobiling

Holland Landing Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve is a non-operating park so there aren’t any facilities but you can still visit and explore the park but please be careful to not damage the ecosystem!

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park

Nearest Town: Caledon
Distance from Toronto: 71.1 km
Time from Toronto: 52 minutes
Facilities: Toilets
Activities: Mountain Biking, Fishing, Hiking and Horseback Riding

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is a popular park and given its distance from Toronto it’s easy to understand why. The park is mainly for hiking and is day use only.

With 5 different trails (including the very famous Bruce Trail) you can definitely fill your full day with activity.

Make sure to at least do the hike to Cataract Falls (it’s the Meadow Trail you’ll want to follow). The hike to and from the falls has portions that are super steep but you pass by a pond, a great open field, walk through forests and eventually get to the falls so it’s a lot of beautiful nature in a fairly short (although semi difficult) hike. Do note the platform to view the falls is closed but you can see it at the end of the trail).

Darlington Provincial Park

Nearest Town: Bowmanville
Distance from Toronto: 69.3 km
Time from Toronto: 53 minutes
Facilities: Amphitheater, Camping, Comfort Stations, Food Concessions, Group BBQs, Historic Buildings, Laundromat, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Showers, Toilets, Visitor Center
Activities: Biking, Birding, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Swimming

Darlington Provincial Park is the closest provincial park east of Toronto.

While there are 4 trails on the shorter side that are definitely worth exploring, the big draw of Darlington Provincial Park is definitely the long sandy beach that is right by the BBQ pits and playgrounds making it ideal for an afternoon out for families.

The park is also a great spot for fishing and even has a Learn to Fish program.

Provincial Parks Within 1.5 Hours from Toronto

Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve

Closest Town: Orangeville
Distance from Toronto: 87.1 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 3 minutes
Facilities: Non-operating park so no facilities
Activities: Hiking

Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve is another non-operational park but like the other non-operational parks it does provide some options for hiking. The Bruce Trail runs through this provincial park but there’s other trails to explore as well. There are 4 additional trails: Cam Snell Side Trail, Glen Cross Side Trail, Isabel East Side Trail and Tom East Side Trail. The park has hills so some of the hiking may be a little challenging.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

Closest Town: Orangeville
Distance from Toronto: 94.3 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 8 minutes
Facilities: Toilets
Activities: Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Skiing, Snowshoeing

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is very popular due to the cliffs and canyon that you can find in the park. With 8 different trails ranging from 0.6km to 4.8km you can have your pick of difficulty when it comes to selecting a trail. You’ll probably have seen the boardwalk on Instagram so make sure to get your shots in there and to take in the cliffs and the canyon in the park. Make sure to head to the Top of the Cliff trail for a great viewing platform.

Short Hills Provincial Park

Nearest Town: Thorold
Distance from Toronto: 114 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 16 minutes
Facilities: No facilities since it’s a non-operational park
Activities: Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding

Short Hills Provincial Park is a non-operational park but is still open for day use and with several trails and a pretty great waterfall it should definitely be added to your list.

The park has 6 separate trails but I’d highly recommend doing the Swayze Falls to explore the pretty waterfall.

I will add that the trails aren’t super maintained in my opinion so be careful when hiking since they can be muddy or a little difficult to navigate.

Boyne Valley Provincial Park

Closest Town: Shelburne
Distance from Toronto: 104 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 16 minutes
Facilities: Non-operating park so no facilities
Activities: Fishing and Hiking

Boyne Valley Provincial Park is another non-operational park but it does provide options for hiking. There are 3 trails in the park in addition to the fact that you can hike a portion of the Bruce Trail within the park. The northern portion of the park has a great lookout as well.

Duclos Point Provincial Nature Reserve

Closest Town: Georgina
Distance from Toronto: 95.8 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 17 minutes
Facilities: No facilities
Activities: Fishing and Hiking

Located by Lake Simcoe, Duclos Point Provincial Nature Reserve is a non-operational park that is home to some interesting plants and birds.

Sibbald Point Provincial Park

Closest Town: Georgina
Distance from Toronto: 88.7 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Facilities: Amphitheater, Boat Launches, Camping, Comfort Stations, Docks, Dog Beaches, Food Concessions, Historic Buildings, Museums, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Showers, Visitor Center
Activities: Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Tobogganing

Sibbald Point Provincial Park can be found on Lake Simcoe and of course features a sandy beach as a result of its location. You can explore the Sibbald Family Museum in July and August. You can explore either of the two hikes in the park, Maidenhair Fern Trail or the Cultural History of Sibbald Point Provincial Park. The latter of the hikes explores the history of the Sibbald Family and the historical buildings in the park. Sibbal Point Provincial Park also participates in the Learn to Fish Program which is another option to engage in at the park!

Earl Rowe Provincial Park

Closest Town: Alliston
Distance from Toronto: 87.7 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 19 minutes
Facilities: Amphitheater, Boat Launches, Camping, Comfort Stations, Fish Cleaning Stations, Laundromat, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Pool, Rentals (Canoes and Paddleboats), Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump, Visitor Center
Activities: Biking, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking,  Swimming

Earl Rowe Provincial Park is a stunning park with a number of different activities. There is a man made pond that you can walk around for a great hike in addition to a number of other hikes including a portion of the Bruce Trail. I’d personally recommend the Lookout Trail Hike – it has a number of steep portions but the view is pretty amazing at the top and I’d say it clocks in at about 40 minutes round trip.

If you’re looking to just hang out in the park the pool and picnic shelters are good options but you can also people watch those fishing!

Springwater Provincial Park

Closest Town: Barrie
Distance from Toronto: 117 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 19 minutes
Facilities: Comfort Stations, Group BBQs, Pet Exercise Areas, Picnic Shelters, Toilets
Activities: Hiking, Skiing (Cross-country), Snowshoeing

Springwater Provincial Park is known for its birding and is popular for hiking with most of the trails also allowing bike-riding. You can have your choice of 6 different hiking trails ranging in length from 1km to 5km. One of the trails is a 1.5km interpreter children’s trail with animal totems and information displays about wildlife habitats.

Beattie Pinery Provincial Park

Closest Town: New Tecumseth
Distance from Toronto: 87.9 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 21 minutes
Facilities: Non-operating park so there are no facilities
Activities: Hiking

Beattie Pinery Provincial Park is once again, another non-operational park. The park is mainly a forested one with a large loop trail that you can explore from either of the two entrances.

Provincial Parks Within Two Hours from Toronto

Emily Provincial Park

Closest Town: Fowlers Corners
Distance from Toronto: 138 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 33 minutes
Facilities: Amphitheaters, Boat Launches, Camping, Comfort Stations, Docks, Group BBQs, Laundromat, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Rentals (Canoe, Kayak), Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming

Emily Lake Provincial Park is another water-based provincial park. It’s a great one if you’re just looking to use the beach for the day or if you want to get out on the water to do some kayaking or canoeing.

Bass Lake Provincial Park

Closest Town: Orillia
Distance from Toronto: 144 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Facilities: Boat Launches, Camping, Comfort Stations, Docks, Group BBQs, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Rentals (Canoe, Kayaks, Paddleboats, Stand Up Paddleboard), Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming

Bass Lake Provincial Park is located 10 minutes outside of Orillia and makes for an excellent day trip. With lots of water activities available you can easily spend the entire day here. The park participates in the discovery program and there’s a 2.8 km hiking trail you can use to explore the park.

Trillium Woods Nature Reserve

Closest Town: Beachville
Distance from Toronto: 148 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 36 minutes
Facilities: Non-operational so none
Activities: Hiking

Trillium Woods Nature Reserve is another non-operational park. The park is named after the Trillium Flowers and when they bloom in May the park is quite popular but if you’re visiting at that time please make sure not to step on the flowers or to pick them. You can explore the park on a 1.5 km trail which is a great way to see the trees and plants that grow there.

Peter’s Woods Provincial Nature Reserve

Closest Town: Centreton
Distance from Toronto: 138 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 37 minutes
Facilities: Toilets
Activities: Hiking

Peter’s Woods Provincial Nature Reserve is another non-operational park that offers a short hiking trail around the forest. The forest is ancient and you’ll be able to enjoy oaks, evergreens and pines.

James N. Allan Provincial Park

Closest Town: Dunnville
Distance from Toronto: 123 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 37 minutes
Facilities: Toilets
Activities: Swimming

James N. Allan Provincial Park is another non-operational park that you can visit.

The big sell to the park is definitely the beach that is available for day-use. There’s a long pebble peach and a shorter beach with sand.

The park is also used for boating and birdwatching.

Noisy River Provincial Nature Reserve

Closest Town: Creemore
Distance from Toronto: 131 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 39 minutes
Facilities: Non-operating park so there are no facilities
Activities: Hiking

Noisy River Provincial Nature Reserve is another non-operational park. The park is where the Blue Mountains portion of the Bruce Trail begins and of course that’s one of the highlights that you can hike within the park.

Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park

Closest Town: Peterborough
Distance from Toronto: 136 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 39 minutes
Facilities: Picnic Shelters and Toilets
Activities: Hiking

Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park, located right outside of Peterborough, is definitely on the smaller side.

With only one trail to hike you can explore this park whenever! The trail is about 2.5km with two loops going around the park. You can complete the smaller loop for a quicker hike or do the whole thing to take it all in. Given the small size of the park it’s ideal to combine it with another one for a full day of hiking.

Mara Provincial Park

Closest Town: Orillia
Distance from Toronto: 150 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 39 minutes
Facilities: Camping, Comfort Stations, Group BBQs, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Showers
Activities: Biking, Swimming

Mara Provincial Park is another provincial park near Orillia (like McRae Provincial Park and Bass Lake Provincial Park) and it’s another park that is very water focused.

Rock Point Provincial Park

Closest Town: Port Maitland
Distance from Toronto: 126 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Facilities: Camping, Comfort Stations, Dog Beaches, Food Concessions, Group BBQs, Laundromat, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Swimming

Rock Point Provincial Park is a park that has a little something to offer for everybody. With a great sandy beach you can spend the day relaxing or swimming.

There’s also a 2 km trail (the Woodlot Trail) that takes you through the forests and up to a viewing platform that shows the sand dunes and overlooks Lake Eerie.

If you head over to the area around the camping portion of the park you can also explore the fossils of a coral reef that existed 350 million years ago! They’re really accessible right along the beach and a great thing to see in person.

Selkirk Provincial Park

Closest Town: Port Dover
Distance from Toronto: 129 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Facilities: Camping, Comfort Stations, Dog Beaches, Laundromats, Pet Exercise Areas, Playgrounds, Rentals (Kayak), Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Kite Boarding, Swimming

Selkirk Provincial Park is located on the shores of Fort Eerie. While it’s quite popular for swimming with a really nice beach, I thought the highlight was the Wheeler’s Walk Trail. It’s a 1.5km trail that goes through the forest and cuts across a marshland (via a boardwalk). It’s a beautiful, and easy walk, with lots of opportunities for great pictures.

Devil’s Glen Provincial Park

Closest Town: Glen Huron
Distance from Toronto: 138 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 44 minutes
Facilities: Non-operational so no facilities
Activities: Hiking

Devil’s Glen Provincial Park is another non-operational park but it offers some fantastic options for hiking and is pretty spectacular in the fall. There’s a huge 9.8km loop trail in the park so if you’re up for a long hike this one might be for you. Do note the signage of the trail is limited so look at a map before heading out. There’s also a viewing platform, of the Niagara Escarpment, right before the trail so if you’re here for views and not hikes that’s worth a stop.

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

Closest Town: Wasaga Beach
Distance from Toronto: 145 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Facilities: All Terrain Wheelchairs, Boat Launches, Comfort Stations, Dog Beaches, Museums, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Toilets, Visitor Center, Warm Up Shelter
Activities: Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Kite Boarding, Skiing (Cross Country), Snowshoeing, Swimming

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, named after the town, is a very popular beach destination in the summer. Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world with 14 km of sandy beaches and it was the first provincial park to get “Blue Flag” designation. Nancy Island Historic Site is accessible through the park as well and there’s 30 km of trails you can hike on. You can of course just relax on the beach as well and that would be perfectly fine!

Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve

Closest Town: Duntroon
Distance from Toronto: 141 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Facilities: Non-operational so no facilities
Activities: Hiking

Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve is another non-operational spot so there aren’t any facilities to use here. The area is great for hiking and like many other parks on this list you can explore portions of the Bruce Trail while hiking. One of the highlights in the park is the Standing Rock and Caves Side Trail. There’s a couple of other side trails as well (Duntroon View Side Trail and Singhampton Side Trail) you can try out as well.

McRae Point Provincial Park

Closest Town: Orillia
Distance from Toronto: 157 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 47 minutes
Facilities: Camping, Comfort Stations, Docks, Dog Beaches, Pet Exercise Areas, Playgrounds, Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Swimming

McRae Point Provincial Park is another park located on the banks of Lake Simcoe. Given its proximity to Orillia it’s easy to spend a few hours in the park and then head into town for food or shopping. The park is a great way to explore water activities and you can participate in the Learn to Fish program. There is a short 1.2km trail that follows along the water for a hiking experience but you should definitely consider spending some time on the water!

Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Closest Town: Kawartha Lakes
Distance from Toronto: 148 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 48 minutes
Facilities: Amphitheaters, Boat Launches, Camping, Comfort Stations, Docks, Dog Beaches, Laundromat, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Rentals (Bike, Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboat, Stand Up Paddleboard), Roofed Accommodation, Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Birding, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is located east of Toronto. It’s another park where the focus is on water activities which may be obvious given the name of the park. You can camp at the park but there’s also a cottage available for rent at the park which you can reserve online. The park also has a large sandy beach you can relax on or you can hike one of the two trails in the park. Fishing is very popular in the park as well and you can participate in the learn to fish program at this provincial park.

Waubaushene Beaches Nature Reserve

Closest Town: Waubaushene
Distance from Toronto: 160 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Facilities: Non-operational so none
Activities: Hiking

Waubaushene Beaches Provincial Park is another non-operational park. The access to the park can be found off of Albion Road where you can access a trail to explore the park and its historic shorelines.

Presq’uile Provincial Park

Closest Town: Brighton
Distance from Toronto: 154 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Facilities: All Terrain Wheelchairs, Amphitheaters, Art Galleries, Camping, Comfort Stations, Group BBQs, Historic Buildings, Laundromat, Museums, Picnic Shelters, Roofed Accommodations, Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations, Visitor Centers, Wifi
Activities: Biking, Birding, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Kiteboarding, Swimming

Presq’uile Provincial Park is located east of Toronto and is personally one of my favourite parks. So much so that we’ve already been there twice this summer. With a long sandy beach, trails and a lighthouse you’re definitely not going to run out of things to do. The park is unique in the sense that the park itself is almost a loop so from the entrance down towards the lighthouse and back around is a pretty fantastic drive since you’re getting to drive between the trees and spotting some water off to the right.

I’d highly recommend the Boardwalk Trail which feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere walking amongst super high reeds and the short 300m Lighthouse Loop Trail which will walk you right up to the second oldest, operating, lighthouse in Ontario.

Pretty River Valley Provincial Park

Closest Town: Nottawa
Distance from Toronto: 148 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Facilities: Non-operating park so there are no facilities
Activities: Biking, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Snowmobiling

Pretty River Valley Provincial Park is a non-operational park. There are a few different trails including a portion of the Bruce trail that can be explored. Hikes include the Pretty River Loop which is a 3.8km loop trail and the Russ McConnell Side Trail and John Haigh Side Trail.

Turkey Point Provincial Park

Closest Town: Turkey Point
Distance from Toronto: 157 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Facilities: All Terrain Wheelchairs, Amphitheaters, Camping, Comfort Stations, Dog Beaches, Laundromats, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Golfing, Hiking, Kite Boarding, Swimming

Turkey Point Provincial Park can be found on the shores of Lake Eerie.

The park itself has 3 trails – Lookout Bluff Trail (with a nice little lookout of the water), Fin and Feather Trail and Oak Savanna Trail.

The beach (which is part of the provincial park) can actually be found in the town of Turkey Point and is a separate parking lot from the trails/admissions portion of the park.

Six Mile Lake Provincial Park

Closest Town: Port Severn
Distance from Toronto: 174 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 56 minutes
Facilities: Boat Launches, Camping, Comfort Stations, Docks, Dog Beaches, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Rentals (Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboat, Stand Up Kayak), Showers, Toilets, Trailer Dump/Fill Stations
Activities: Biking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming

Six Mile Lake Provincial Park is located right by the stunning, and very popular, Muskoka and is by a lake as the name may suggest. You can have your pick of 3 different beaches or hike one of the 3 different trails that include a marsh trail.

Ferris Provincial Park

Closest Town: Campbellford
Distance from Toronto: 180 km
Time from Toronto: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Facilities: All Terrain Wheelchairs, Camping, Comfort Stations, Picnic Shelters, Playgrounds, Rentals (Kayaks), Showers, Toilets
Activities: Biking, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking,

Ferris Provincial Park is on the smaller side but has some stunning must dos like a suspension bridge and a tiny little water fall. You can have your pick of 3 different trails: Drumlin Trail System (actually a combination of 3 trails), Ranney Falls Trail and River Gorge Trail. Walk along the river for some amazing views and get that must do selfie on the suspension bridge!

Up For A Longer Drive?

I think two hours each way is pretty reasonable for a day trip. When you get into further distances you’re either in for a super long day or you don’t end up doing too much at the park itself but sometimes you’re just in the mood to drive and that’s what this list is for. These parks are further away (between 2-3 hours and some just over the 3 hour hour mark) from Toronto.

North Beach Provincial Park: Located 187 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 4 minutes. Closest town is Consecon.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park: Located 199 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. Closest town is Torrance.

Quackenbush Provincial Park: Located 186 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. Closest town is Harcourt.

Komoka Provincial Park: Located 207 km away from Toronto with an approximate drive time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. Closest town is London.

Indian Point Provincial Park: Located 160 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 9 minutes. Closest town is Coboconk.

Craigleith Provincial Park: Located 158 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Closest town is The Blue Mountains.

Petroglyphs Provincial Park: Located 194 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Closest town is Woodview.

Port Burwell Provincial Park: Located 203 km away from Toronto with an approximate drive time of 2 hours and 11 minutes. Closest town is Straffordville.

Duncan Escarpment Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 165 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 12 minutes. Closest town is the Blue Mountains.

Gibson River Provincial Park: Located 191 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours 13 minutes. Closest town is Severn.

O’Donnell Point Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 217 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 14 minutes. Closest town is Parry Sound.

Awenda Provincial Park: Located 166 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Closest town is Tiny.

Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park: Located 169 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Closest town is Gravenhurst but the provincial park is between Gravenhurst and Minden.

Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 224 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 17 minutes. Closest town is Forest Mills.

Port Bruce Provincial Park: Located 215 km away from Toronto with an approximate drive time of 2 hours and 17 minutes. Closest town is Aylmer.

Long Point Provincial Park: Located 183 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 18 minutes. Closest town is Port Rowan.

Wolf Island Provincial Park: Located 179 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 18 minutes. Closest town is Trent Lakes.

John E. Pearce Provincial Park: Located 233 km from Toronto with an estimated drive of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Closest town is Wallacetown.

Oastler Lake Provincial Park: Located 232 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Closest town is Parry Sound.

Stoco Fen Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 225 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 21 minutes. Closest town is Tweed.

Silent Lake Provincial Park: Located 220 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 22 minutes. Closest town is Bancroft.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park: Located 208 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 22 minutes. Closest town is Bancroft.

Big East River Provincial Park: Located 243 km away from Toronto with an estimated drive of 2 hours and 23 minutes. Closest town is Huntsville.

Arrowhead Provincial Park: Located 239 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 24 minutes. Closest town is Huntsville.

Bayview Escarpment Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 192 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 26 minutes. Closest town is Owen Sound.

Sandbanks Provincial Park: Located 218 km from Toronto with an estimated drive time of 2 hours and 28 minutes. Closest town is Picton.

Massasauga Provincial Park: Located 240 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 28 minutes. Closest town is Parry Sound.

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park: Located 221 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Closest town is Picton.

Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 222 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Closest town is Benmiller.

Point Farms Provincial Park: Located 223 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 31 minutes. Closest town is Goderich.

Bigwind Lake Provincial Park: Located about 228 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 32 minutes. Closest town is Baysville.

Clear Creek Forest Provincial Park: Located 257 km away from Toronto with a drive time of 2 hours and 34 minutes. Closest town is Clearville.

Round Lake Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 262 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 34 minutes. The closest town is Whitestone.

J. Albert Bauer Provincial Park: Located 256 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 38 minutes. Closest town is Huntsville.

Pinery Provincial Park: Located 229 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Closest town is Grand Bend.

Inverhuron Provincial Park: Located 231 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Closest town is Kincardine.

Sauble Falls Provincial Park: Located 224 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 42 minutes. Closest town is Wiarton.

Killbear Provincial Park: Located 271 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 44 minutes. Closest town is Parry Sound.

Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 255 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 46 minutes. Closest town is L’Amble.

Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park: Located 283 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 47 minutes. Closest town is Pointe Au Baril.

Algonquin Provincial Park: Located 276 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 49 minutes. Algonquin Park is a huge park so there are a number of entrances and towns that border it.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park: Located 229 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 52 minutes. Closest town is Port Elgin.

Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park: Located 268 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 52 minutes. Closest town is Dwight.

Rondeau Provincial Park: Located 288 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 54 minutes. Closest town is Morpeth.

Puzzle Lake Provincial Park: Located 263 km from Toronto with an estimated drive time of 2 hours and 56 minutes. Closest town is Cloyne.

Timber Island Provincial Nature Reserve: Located 246 km away from Toronto with an approximate driving time of 2 hours and 56 minutes. Closest town is Milford.

Frontenac Provincial Park: Located 271 km away from Toronto with an estimated drive time of 2 hours of 59 minutes. Closest town is Sydenham.

I was pretty strict on the 3 hour cut off mark since I do think that’s pretty extreme for a day trip. That’s essentially a 6 hour drive in a day if you’re going there and back. There are a few parks just past the 3 hour mark which I’ll list anyways but do consider camping or overnighting for these: Grundy Provincial Park (3 hours and 11 minutes), French River Provincial Park (3 hours and 13 minutes), Lake Saint Peter Provincial Park (3 hours and 17 minutes), Black Creek Provincial Park (3 hours and 19 minutes), Hope Bay Forest Provincial Nature Reserve (3 hours and 11 minutes), Ira Lake Provincial Nature Reserve (3 hours and 3 minutes), Lion’s Head Provincial Park (3 hours and 14 minutes), Smokey Head/White Bluff Provincial Nature Reserve (3 hours and 11 minutes), Sharbot Lake Provincial Park (3 hours and 3 minutes), Silver Lake Provincial Park (3 hours and 10 minutes), Bon Echo Provincial Park (3 hours and 6 minutes).

There you have it! A ton of Ontario Provincial Parks near Toronto that are ready to be explored! Which have you been to? Which would you like to visit? Let me know your favourite parks in the comments and let me know if you have any questions. As always, pin this post for your own upcoming hikes!