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.

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.

☀️ Planning a visit this weekend? ☀️We are expecting a very busy weekend at the park, and day use capacity may be reache...
07/31/2026

☀️ Planning a visit this weekend? ☀️

We are expecting a very busy weekend at the park, and day use capacity may be reached.
If you're planning to visit for the day, we strongly encourage you to reserve your Daily Vehicle Permit in advance to guarantee entry.

🎟️ Season Pass holders: Please remember that a Season Pass does not guarantee entry. A daily vehicle permit reservation is still required, and visitors without a reservation may be turned away if the park reaches capacity.
Reserve your permit before you travel and help make your visit stress-free!

Book at https://reservations.ontarioparks.ca/ or call our reservations hotline at 1-888-668-7275

🎉 Track Your Balsam Bucket List! 🌲Turn your park adventures into badges of honour with our “I Did…” buttons! 💚Whether yo...
07/27/2026

🎉 Track Your Balsam Bucket List! 🌲

Turn your park adventures into badges of honour with our “I Did…” buttons! 💚

Whether you 💪 hiked Lori’s Link or 🦟 “gave blood” to the mosquitoes, there’s a button to celebrate your accomplishments.

Collect them, wear them, and show off everything you achieved during your visit to Balsam Lake!

🎯 How many can you earn?

Ducks stay dry thanks to waterproof feathers, and turtles bask in the sun to warm up, smart strategies we can learn from...
07/24/2026

Ducks stay dry thanks to waterproof feathers, and turtles bask in the sun to warm up, smart strategies we can learn from!

💡 Be prepared:
• Pack layers
• Bring rain gear
• Stay hydrated in the heat

👉 What’s your go-to weather prep tip for camping?

POV: You evolved to navigate by a distant celestial body.Then someone invented LEDs.Keeping outdoor lighting low helps n...
07/23/2026

POV: You evolved to navigate by a distant celestial body.

Then someone invented LEDs.

Keeping outdoor lighting low helps nighttime wildlife keep doing what they do best.

Happy Moth Week 🌙

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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