More Provincial Parks
The North - Ontario
General information about provincial parks in Ontario
The provincial parks managed by Ontario Parks attract over 11 million visitors annually, making them the largest provider of outdoor recreational activities in the province. Most PPs charge an admission fee. There are day passes, seasonal passes, and an annual pass. These passes are usually worthwhile if you visit three or more parks. In addition, some very popular parks require an additional day permit. These can be obtained online up to 5 days before your planned visit. Everything you need to know about the parks, admission passes, and permits can be found on the Ontario Parks website.
Bachawana Bay PP
Description: Bachawana Bay PP is located directly on Ontario Highway 17, about 40 km northwest of Sault Ste. Marie. As part of the northern shore of Lake Superior, it is known for its natural, clean sandy beach. The name Bachawana comes from the Anishinabe and is derived from the term Badjiwanung, which refers to bubbling water. This bubbling water forms between Batchawana Island and Sand Point, where Lake Superior narrows at the Narrows, creating strong currents and eddies. The Anishinabe believe that this bubbling is caused by an underwater spirit trying to surface.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 12.25 CAD–21 CAD + taxes/person/day
- Covered by the Provincial Park Day-Use Vehicle Pass*
- Open year-round, visitor center, campgrounds, and other public facilities are open from early May to October 18.
*The Day-Use Vehicle Pass is a “flat-rate” pass for all provincial parks in Ontario. You can choose from an Annual Pass (full calendar year – CAD 99), a Summer Pass (April 1 to November 30 – CAD 75), and a Winter Pass (December 1 to March 31 – CAD 60).
Our rating: This is more of a park for campers and for the summer, when it's warm enough to swim in the lake. In autumn, we could only enjoy the view, so we just stopped briefly to take a photo.
Pancake Bay PP
Description: Pancake Bay PP was established in 1968 to preserve the sensitive ecology of the beach dunes in the park. The ecology of the region is characteristic of the transitional forest between the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, but serves as a northern retreat for more southern flora and fauna. Moose, black bears, sandhill cranes, and various other wildlife can be observed here.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 15CAD-20CAD + taxes/person/day
- Covered by the Provincial Park Day-Use Vehicle Pass*
- Open year-round, visitor center, campgrounds, and other public facilities are open from early May to October 18.
*The Day-Use Vehicle Pass is a “flat-rate” pass for all provincial parks in Ontario. You can choose from an Annual Pass (full calendar year – CAD 99), a Summer Pass (April 1 to November 30 – CAD 75), and a Winter Pass (December 1 to March 31 – CAD 60).
Our rating: This is more of a park for campers and for the summer, when it's warm enough to swim in the lake. In autumn, we could only enjoy the view, so we just stopped briefly to take a photo.
Neys PP
Description: Neys PP on the north shore of Lake Superior is a protected area of special ecological importance. The 5,383-hectare park consists of the historic Coldwell Peninsula and the surrounding island system. The park's flora and fauna include many hardy subarctic plant species and a rare herd of woodland caribou. It is also home to one of Lake Superior's most popular beaches.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 15.93 CAD–18.58 CAD + taxes/person/day
- Covered by the Provincial Park Day-Use Vehicle Pass*
- Open year-round, visitor center, campgrounds, and other public facilities are open from May 15 to October 13.
*The Day-Use Vehicle Pass is a “flat-rate” pass for all provincial parks in Ontario. You can choose from an Annual Pass (full calendar year – CAD 99), a Summer Pass (April 1 to November 30 – CAD 75), and a Winter Pass (December 1 to March 31 – CAD 60).
Our rating: This is more of a park for campers and for the summer, when it's warm enough to swim in the lake. In autumn, we could only enjoy the view, so we just stopped briefly to take a photo.
