Here are the more popular Barrie – Muskokas region national and provincial parks. See each community’s pages for their local/municipal parks.
Algonquin Park
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Georgian Bay Islands National Park of Canada
P.O. Box 9 Midland, Ontario, L4R 4K6
From Hwy. 400 north take Exit 156, Muskoka District Road 5 west to Honey Harbour.
(705) 526-9804 Fax: (705) 526-5939
Georgian Bay Islands National Park was officially established in December 1929 to protect the islands : from the Honey Harbour area to Twelve Mile Bay in southern Georgian Bay, you will discover spectacular landscapes, time-worn rock faces, diverse habitats and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. These magnificent islands are accessible by boat only. The largest island, Beausoleil offers island tent camping, overnight and day docking, heritage education programs, a Visitor Centre and hiking trails. Wheelchair accessible sites and reserved campsites are also available at the Cedar Spring campground on Beausoleil Island. Canoeing and kayaking are recommended only for experienced paddlers since there is high boat traffic during the summer months. There are no bridges, buses, or ferries and it is a five kilometre swim from the mainland!
Access to the park is by water ONLY. You need to have your own boat, or private water taxi service is provided in the area and charges apply. For a 4 hour day-trip to Beausoleil Island, take the GBI Day Tripper. It runs daily in July and August. Admission.
Bruce Peninsula National Park of Canada
Bruce Peninsula National Park
P.O. Box 189, Tobermory, Ontario, N0H 2R0
Exit Highway 400 to the Bayfield (Highway 27 cut off) to Highway 26 West. Proceed about 5 minutes west and look for the sign.
(519) 596 – 2233 (general info), (519) 596 – 2263 (camping) Fax: (519) 596 – 2298
Springwater Provincial Park showcases the regeneration of Ontario forests with the re-planting of red and white pines, and offers a wildlife compound for viewing of many of Ontario’s native species such as the wolf, coyote, bear, owls, hawks, wild turkeys, deer, beaver, raccoons and more. The park is open year round, and provides pcnic grounds, playground areas & an interpretative trail for the kids. The park charges per car.
Wasaga Beach’s Beaches
Wasaga Beach has 14 km shoreline of the longest freshwater beach in the world. There are six gated beach areas (areas 1-6) and two ungated beach areas (Allenwood and New Wasaga Beach). Qualified lifeguards and a Park warden patrol the beach daily on ATV’s and mountain bikes. A patrol boat augments these teams, providing safe surroundings for a visit to the beach.
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Hwy 12, P.O. Box 100, Midland
(705) 526-7809
A non-profit environmental awareness facility that is home to some of the largest remaining breeding populations of rare bird species including Trumpeter Swans. One of the best places to observe the lifestyles of mink beaver, ermine, porcupine and river otter. Enjoy the fresh air as you canoe through the marsh or just take a leisurely walk in the woods. Offers various activities and special events throughout the year, guided hikes, exhibit hall, video theatre, snack bar, gift shop, lunchroom, and cabin for group overnight accommodations.