Balsam Lake Provincial Park

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.

Effective June 26th, the Boil Water Advisory for Balsam Lake Provincial Park has been lifted. Water quality tests have c...
06/25/2026

Effective June 26th, the Boil Water Advisory for Balsam Lake Provincial Park has been lifted.

Water quality tests have confirmed that the drinking water supply is now safe for:
Drinking
Cooking
Brushing teeth
Washing food
Preparing baby formula

Park staff will continue to monitor water conditions to ensure ongoing safety.

Visit our website for up-to-date information:
https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/balsamlake/alerts

📣 KIP the frog has an announcement!Check out this week’s Discovery program schedule and join us for nature-themed fun in...
06/19/2026

📣 KIP the frog has an announcement!

Check out this week’s Discovery program schedule and join us for nature-themed fun in the park. There’s something for everyone see you there! 🐸🌿

Our park is currently under a Boil Water Advisory.  Water from our taps is unsafe for drinking unless boiled for one ful...
06/19/2026

Our park is currently under a Boil Water Advisory.

Water from our taps is unsafe for drinking unless boiled for one full minute.

Please continue to check back for updates. https://www.ontarioparks.com/alerts

This park isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a home. 🌿From turtles and birds to the smallest insects, every species here ...
06/17/2026

This park isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a home. 🌿

From turtles and birds to the smallest insects, every species here depends on this landscape to survive. Even what might look like “just a log” is full of life.

What I can see in this log is something you might not, it’s a firefly! ✨

These incredible insects, known for lighting up the night sky, spend much of their life cycle hidden away, sometimes resting right in wood like this.

You can help protect these interconnected ecosystems by:

• Giving animals plenty of space
• Leaving natural materials where you find them
• Respecting downed wood and logs—they’re homes, not firewood
• Staying on designated trails
• Driving slowly in the park

When we leave nature as we find it, we protect entire communities many of which we might not even see.

💚 Take only memories, leave only footprints.

Happy Nature Photography Day!Come celebrate it with us at Balsam Lake by joining our online photography Contest! Winner ...
06/15/2026

Happy Nature Photography Day!

Come celebrate it with us at Balsam Lake by joining our online photography Contest!

Winner will get their photo featured on our social media!

Any photos submitted must be taken within Balsam Lake Provincial park!

Contest Closes July 1st

Please email photos to [email protected]

Just when we thought our park couldn’t get any cuter… we spotted these ducks again 🦆💚And honestly? They inspired somethi...
06/15/2026

Just when we thought our park couldn’t get any cuter… we spotted these ducks again 🦆💚

And honestly? They inspired something cozy.

Introducing our new duck sweatshirt!

Made for early morning walks, crisp lakeside air, and spotting your favourite feathered friends.

Come visit the park, meet the locals, and match the vibe 🐥✨

DISCOVERY EVENTSBIRD APPRECIATION2-hour Drop-in ProgramBirds are a joy to watch and listen to, from their graceful fligh...
06/13/2026

DISCOVERY EVENTS
BIRD APPRECIATION
2-hour Drop-in Program
Birds are a joy to watch and listen to, from their graceful flights to their beautiful songs. Join us to experience the joys of birdwatching. Record and celebrate your discoveries in the nature journal provided. All ages are welcome, though children will need support from an adult.
Date: Saturday, June 13th�Time: 10:00 – 12:00�Location: Nature Kiosk

---

WILDFLOWER APPRECIATION
2-hour Drop-in Program
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it's hard to deny the beauty of wildflowers. Get up close and personal with these tiny wonders – examine their colours, count their petals, and admire their shapes. Take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and let their beauty spark your creativity. Record and celebrate your discoveries in the nature journal provided. All ages are welcome, though children will need support from an adult.
Date: Saturday, June 13th�Time: 2:00 – 4:00�Location: Comfort Station 4

---

AQUATIC INVESTIGATION
2-hour Drop-in Program
Dive into the wonders of aquatic life! Grab a net and explore alongside Discovery staff as you search for creatures big and small. From tiny fairy shrimp to majestic Great Blue Herons, every discovery is worth celebrating. Don’t forget to record your findings in your nature journal! All ages are welcome.
For safety reasons, nets will only be given to adults, who will be responsible for supervising their use.
Date: Sunday, June 14th�Time: 10:00 – 12:00�Location: Beach by Boat Rental

---

BEAR AWARE
2-hour Drop-in Program
Campground or Black Bear Habitat? You're standing in both! Join us for a meaningful conversation about living alongside Black Bears and discover practical tips to keep your campsite safe—for people and bears.
Date: Sunday, June 14th�Time: 2:00 – 4:00�Location: Lookout Loop

Mosses and lichens might be small, but they play a big role in our ecosystems!Moss is a simple plant that thrives in dam...
06/13/2026

Mosses and lichens might be small,
but they play a big role in our
ecosystems!

Moss is a simple plant that thrives
in damp, shady areas. It can absorb
water like a sponge, helping retain
moisture in the soil and create
habitat for tiny organisms.

Lichen, on the other hand, isn’t a
single organism
it’s a partnership
between fungi and algae (or
cyanobacteria) working together!

This teamwork allows lichens to
grow on rocks, trees, and even bare
ground where other life struggles to
survive.

Both moss and lichen are important
indicators of environmental
health especially air quality and
help prevent soil erosion.

Next time you’re on the trail, take a
closer look… you might just discover
a whole miniature world hiding in
plain sight.

Our park store may still be closed durring the week, but there’s always a reason to visit the Permit Office! 🌿🏕️Whether ...
06/10/2026

Our park store may still be closed durring the week, but there’s always a reason to visit the Permit Office! 🌿🏕️

Whether you’re picking up permits, getting park info, planning your stay, or looking to shop our staff are here to help you make the most of your visit!

Stopping by is also a great chance to learn more about the park its natural features, wildlife, and how to enjoy it responsibly.

And let’s be honest… views like this don’t hurt either!

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Balsam Lake Provincial Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share