Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Explore unique floating boardwalks and ancient forests on scenic trails at Hardy Lake Provincial Park, a natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer bugs
Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore unique floating boardwalks and ancient forests on scenic trails at Hardy Lake Provincial Park, a natural escape.
"The boardwalks and the 9km loop offer a challenging yet rewarding experience with great views."
🎯 Pack Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes are notorious here. Bring strong repellent and consider a netted hat. :bug:
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Trails can be muddy and have makeshift bridges. Proper footwear is essential for comfort. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating Boardwalks
Throughout the park
Unique wooden pathways over water and through forests, offering stunning views and a magical hiking experience.
The Hardy Lake Hike (9km Loop)
Main trail
A challenging yet rewarding loop with diverse scenery, wildlife sightings, and beautiful lake vistas.
Old-Growth Forests
Along trails
Explore ancient trees and vibrant foliage, particularly breathtaking during the autumn months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Boardwalks
Bug Spray is Your Best Friend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes are notorious here. Bring strong repellent and consider a netted hat. :bug:
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Trails can be muddy and have makeshift bridges. Proper footwear is essential for comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. :car:
🗺️ Trails Can Be Unclear
Some trails aren't as clearly marked as others. Pay attention to your surroundings. :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes are notorious here. Bring strong repellent and consider a netted hat. :bug:
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Trails can be muddy and have makeshift bridges. Proper footwear is essential for comfort. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. :car:
🗺️ Trails Can Be Unclear
Some trails aren't as clearly marked as others. Pay attention to your surroundings. :compass:
📸 Boardwalk for Photos
The boardwalk to the mini island offers fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hardy Lake Provincial Park's unique floating boardwalks and scenic 9km loop hike, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience with beautiful lake views. While some trails can be muddy and bug spray is essential, the park provides a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for photography and family outings. +2
"I really love this hike! It was challenging enough to give me a workout, but it wasn't that difficult. Lots of great views, saw a lot of wildlife, And the water was clear enough to swim in. I think the only downside I can think of is some of the trails were not marked as clear as other hikes have been The trail does get muddy at times... But with most trails you're going to run into a mud. If you're ever out in the area definitely take a look at hiking here"
Kevin Sukh
"Great place for active leisure! A lot of natural scenic spots for pictures.
Choice of easy, medium and hard walking trails. We choose the hardest and in fact it wasn’t so complicated - just very long.
The only thing is that you have to be ready to get surrounded by millions of mosquitoes 🦟
Make sure to bring a spray for protection 🙂"
Stanislav Vlasov
"It's a big park. The trails are easy, not much of slopes. Kids and pets friendly. Easily spend a few hours here. Our favorite part is the boardwalk to the mini island. Great picture!!"
Joey Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hardy Lake Provincial Park is located near Gravenhurst, Ontario. Many visitors access it via car. Some tours from Toronto also include it as a stop. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, Hardy Lake Provincial Park is within a 1.5-hour drive from Barrie, making it a great option for a day trip.
No, Hardy Lake is a non-operating park, meaning you do not need to reserve a day pass to visit.
From Toronto, take Highway 400 North to Exit 186 for Muskoka Road 169 towards Gravenhurst. Turn right onto Muskoka Road 169, then turn left onto Hardy Lake Road. The park entrance will be on your right. Always check local traffic conditions before you go.
Absolutely! Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful destination for winter activities like snowshoeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a non-operating park and does not require a day pass reservation, making it free to enter.
As a non-operating park, Hardy Lake Provincial Park is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific operating hours posted.
Hardy Lake Provincial Park has limited facilities. There is a portable toilet at the trailhead, but no other amenities like visitor centers or picnic shelters.
Yes, swimming is possible in Hardy Lake, though the water can be quite cold, especially outside of peak summer.
Yes, on-leashed dogs are welcome at Hardy Lake Provincial Park, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most popular trail is the 8.9 km Hardy Lake Loop (A Loop), which offers a comprehensive experience of the park's boardwalks and forests. Shorter loops like the 3.2 km B Loop and 5.5 km C Loop are also available.
The 8.9 km Hardy Lake Loop typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
The trails are generally considered easy to medium difficulty. The 9km loop is long but not overly strenuous, with minimal slopes. +1
Visitors have reported seeing various wildlife, adding to the natural scenic appeal of the park.
Yes, the park offers many natural scenic spots perfect for pictures, especially the boardwalks and lake views.
🎫 🦟 Dealing with Bugs
Yes, mosquitoes can be a significant issue, particularly during warmer months. It's highly recommended to bring strong insect repellent.
In addition to bug spray, consider wearing long sleeves and pants. Some visitors have found netted hats to be very effective.
The presence of bugs can impact the enjoyment of the hike, but a good breeze can help keep them at bay.
Bugs are generally most prevalent during the warmer spring and summer months. Fall can offer a reprieve.
While bug activity decreases in the fall, it's still wise to be prepared, as some can linger. The fall colors are a major draw during this season. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for bugs, as they can be a nuisance for younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Peace Seekers
While the park offers a sense of seclusion, it's still important to be prepared. Ensure you have adequate supplies, let someone know your hiking plans, and be mindful of trail markings.
📸 Nature Photographers
Autumn is undoubtedly the prime season, with the park ablaze in fall colors, creating a vibrant palette for photographers.
+1 However, don't overlook the magic of golden hour during sunrise and sunset, which bathes the landscape in a warm, ethereal light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Boardwalks
These boardwalks are not just functional; they are an integral part of the park's charm and a major draw for visitors seeking an immersive nature experience. Walking on these boardwalks feels like stepping into another world. They allow visitors to get close to the water and the diverse plant species native to the Atlantic coastal plain without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
Hiking Trails and Difficulty
Visitors often describe the trails as offering a good workout without being excessively difficult.
Best Times for Photography
+2 The floating boardwalks offer unique vantage points, allowing for stunning shots of the lake reflecting the colorful foliage. Beyond fall, the park offers picturesque scenes year-round. Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, casts a warm, inviting glow over the lake and forests, creating dramatic lighting for your photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit