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Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park wilderness guide
Provincial Park · Ontario

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers a pristine natural landscape in Ontario, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude among lakes and forests.

Provincial Park89,0004+ Trails

Designation

Provincial Park

Total Wilderness Area

89,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers a pristine natural landscape in Ontario, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude among lakes and forests.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is one of Ontario's largest provincial parks and a significant natural haven that offers an expansive wilderness experience. The park encompasses a vast network of lakes, rivers, and forested areas, providing a diverse range of ecosystems. Home to iconic Canadian Shield landscapes, the park features granite outcrops, dense coniferous forests, and several water bodies that are vital for the region's flora and fauna. Established in 1997, it gained full operational status in 2003. The park is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, with many interconnected waterways allowing for a serene paddling experience. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy several trails that offer varying degrees of difficulty, taking visitors through the park's scenic vistas and providing opportunities for wildlife observation, including birds, moose, and deer. The history of the park is interwoven with indigenous heritage, with many areas having been traditional lands for First Nations communities.

Field Guide · Provincial Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

A Window into the Past: Petroglyphs Provincial Park★ 8.2⌖ 15 miCultural Exploration
Petroglyphs Provincial Park

A Window into the Past: Petroglyphs Provincial Park

Explore the historical petroglyphs at Petroglyphs Provincial Park near Peterborough, Ontario. Enjoy hiking and canoeing amidst tranquil forests and lakes. Best visited in spring and fall. Ideal for families interested in cultural exploration.

Cultural ExplorationView Details→
Fly Fishing on Lake Placid★ 7.8⌖ 20 miFly Fishing
Lake Placid

Fly Fishing on Lake Placid

Experience fly fishing on Lake Placid, known for its clear waters and abundant trout. Perfect for a peaceful adventure with breathtaking mountain views. Best in spring and fall, this lakeside escape is a must for fishing enthusiasts.

Fly FishingView Details→
Fenelon Falls: The Gem of Kawartha Lakes★ 5.5⌖ 27 miSightseeing
Fenelon Falls

Fenelon Falls: The Gem of Kawartha Lakes

Explore the picturesque Fenelon Falls in Ontario, featuring a captivating waterfall flowing into Sturgeon Lake. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and hiking along scenic trails. Ideal for families, this charming destination is most vibrant in spring and summer.

SightseeingView Details→
Discover Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park★ 7.3⌖ 31 miHiking
Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park

Discover Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park

Explore the serene trails of Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park near Peterborough, Ontario. Suitable for all skill levels, this area offers a peaceful hike under mature hardwood canopies. It's ideal for bird watching and family picnics, especially in spring and fall.

Discovering High Falls in Ontario’s Wilderness★ 7.2⌖ 32 miHiking
High Falls

Discovering High Falls in Ontario’s Wilderness

Explore High Falls, Ontario with its stunning waterfall surrounded by lush forests. Ideal for hiking and photography, this serene spot offers a quiet escape. Perfect for birdwatching and relaxing in nature, best visited in spring and fall.

Discover the Historic Hawk Lake Log Chute★ 6.8⌖ 35 miHiking
Hawk Lake Log Chute

Discover the Historic Hawk Lake Log Chute

Explore the Hawk Lake Log Chute in the Algonquin Highlands, a quiet historical site near Haliburton, Ontario. This family-friendly landmark offers hiking and picnic spots, best visited in spring or fall. Drive-in access with scenic views and interpretive signs enriches the visitor experience.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The interconnected chain of lakes and rivers perfect for paddling✦ Rich wildlife habitat offering sightings of moose and white-tailed deer✦ The unique rock formations and granite outcrops typical of the Canadian Shield✦ Serene backcountry campsites accessible only by canoe or hike
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits for day use, but camping requires reservations and fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Anstruther Lake Campground

Located along Anstruther Lake, accessible by canoe, known for its scenic shoreline sites.

Wolf Lake Campground

Offers remote campsites accessible only by hike or paddle, ideal for solitude seekers.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Buckhorn
⌖ 13.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buckhorn, Ontario

A charming lakeside town offering a blend of tranquil paddling, scenic hiking, and relaxing outdoor adventures in the Kawartha Lakes region.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Trent Lakes
⌖ 18.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Trent Lakes, Ontario

A tranquil getaway blending pristine lakes, dense forests, and rich waterways, perfect for paddlers, anglers, and backcountry adventurers seeking authentic northern Ontario wilderness.

Late Spring to Early Fall, WinterExplore Town
Lakefield
⌖ 22.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lakefield, Ontario

A relaxed riverside town with easy access to paddling, fishing, and scenic cycling routes, ideal for outdoor lovers seeking water and trail adventures in the Kawarthas region.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Haliburton
⌖ 23.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Haliburton, Ontario

A picturesque escape in Cottage Country, offering serene lakes, dense forests, and ample outdoor pursuits throughout the year.

Harcourt
⌖ 23.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Harcourt, Ontario

A tranquil rural escape boasting dense woodlands, wetlands, and gentle waterways that invite quiet paddling and seasonal outdoor pursuits.

Late Spring to Early Fall; Winter for SkiingExplore Town
Minden
⌖ 24.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Minden, Ontario

A vibrant lakeside town blending rugged wilderness with water-based and trail adventures in the heart of Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands.

Late spring to early fall, with winter opportunitiesExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.