Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ Presqu'ile Provincial Park
328 Presqu'Ile Pkwy, Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 (613) 475-4324 No. of Sites (394) - 234 non-electrical sites, 160 electrical sites, 10 group sites , 1 cottage (sleeps 6 people) Wheel Chair Accessible Campsites - Two campsites, #81 and #83, have been outfitted as barrier-free. All comfort stations allow for barrier-free access to flush toilets and showers. The Main Office, Camp Office, Lighthouse Centre and Nature Centre are also barrier-free as is the 800 m marsh boardwalk. Operating Dates: April 28, 2017 to October 10, 2017 |
Terrain: Plenty of large beautiful oak trees and weeping willows. Good balance of sun and shade areas. Lots of rocky shorelines.
Staff: I didn't see much of the staff but they were personable
Bathrooms: Clean and well maintained
Shower: Clean and had hot water and good water pressure
Beach: Huge, long sandy beach
Outdoor Water Faucets: Easy to find and central to the campsites
Hiking Trails:
Owen Point Trail – 1.6 km, 45 minutes, loop, easy
This trail offers excellent opportunities to see migrating shorebirds along the natural beach and distant views of the waterbird colonies on their island nesting grounds. The trail can be accessed from the south end of the beach or from the west end of High Bluff Campground.
To avoid disturbing migrating birds, the natural beach is closed to foot traffic between ice-out and ice-in, but the trail provides a number of lookouts allowing views of the entire shore. In addition, pets are not allowed into any of the lookouts on this trail at any time, but can be taken on the loop. To protect the nesting waterbirds, access to Gull and High Bluff Islands is closed from March 10 to September 10 inclusive. Gull Island can usually be accessed by foot after September 10 from Lookout #5 of the Owen Point Trail.
Marsh Trail – 1.2 km, 30 minutes, loop, easy
This trail includes 800 m of boardwalk complete with two viewing towers and a teaching platform (great for picnics too!) that takes visitors into the marsh. Sixteen interpretive panels along the trail illustrate the story of the marsh and its inhabitants. The boardwalk portion of the trail is barrier-free.
Pioneer and Newcastle Trails – 8.1 km, 3 hours, two interconnected loops, easy
These trails lead you through the forests, plantations and old fields found in the heart of the Presqu’ile peninsula. Along these trails you will encounter a diversity of plants and wildlife in the mature beech-maple forest, old fields and early succession forest which dominate this area of the park.
The Pioneer Trail is 3.8 km and marked by yellow plastic blazes. The Newcastle Trail is 4.3 km and is marked by orange plastic blazes. The trailhead for both trails is halfway along Lighthouse Lane, though there are a number of other access points along both trails. Both trails use park roadways for part of their length so be cautious of vehicles and monitor children running ahead on the trail.
Lighthouse Foot Path – 300 m, 20 minutes, loop, easy
This loop connects the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre with the lighthouse itself. There are great views of Lake Ontario and Presqu’ile Bay, with waterfowl in winter and spring, and a cool breeze in summer. Interpretive panels illustrate the history of the area.
Cemetery Trail – 300 m, 15 minutes, linear, easy
This path connects the cemetery interpretive panel at the Camp Office parking lot with the site of an abandoned pioneer cemetery. The site itself is marked with a commemorative granite boulder, though no other evidence remains.
Pet Amenities: none that we noticed
Playground: none
Park Store: The Park Store sells basic groceries, camping supplies, park souvenirs and fast food. Firewood is available at the Park Store and
Camp Office in the summer and at the Main Gate and Main Office the rest of the year. The "Friends of Presqu’ile" operate a gift and
book store at the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre.
Boat/Canoe Rentals: A new picnic shelter with BBQ (bring your own solid fuel) is available for exclusive rental. No boat or canoe rentals available.
Staff: I didn't see much of the staff but they were personable
Bathrooms: Clean and well maintained
Shower: Clean and had hot water and good water pressure
Beach: Huge, long sandy beach
Outdoor Water Faucets: Easy to find and central to the campsites
Hiking Trails:
Owen Point Trail – 1.6 km, 45 minutes, loop, easy
This trail offers excellent opportunities to see migrating shorebirds along the natural beach and distant views of the waterbird colonies on their island nesting grounds. The trail can be accessed from the south end of the beach or from the west end of High Bluff Campground.
To avoid disturbing migrating birds, the natural beach is closed to foot traffic between ice-out and ice-in, but the trail provides a number of lookouts allowing views of the entire shore. In addition, pets are not allowed into any of the lookouts on this trail at any time, but can be taken on the loop. To protect the nesting waterbirds, access to Gull and High Bluff Islands is closed from March 10 to September 10 inclusive. Gull Island can usually be accessed by foot after September 10 from Lookout #5 of the Owen Point Trail.
Marsh Trail – 1.2 km, 30 minutes, loop, easy
This trail includes 800 m of boardwalk complete with two viewing towers and a teaching platform (great for picnics too!) that takes visitors into the marsh. Sixteen interpretive panels along the trail illustrate the story of the marsh and its inhabitants. The boardwalk portion of the trail is barrier-free.
Pioneer and Newcastle Trails – 8.1 km, 3 hours, two interconnected loops, easy
These trails lead you through the forests, plantations and old fields found in the heart of the Presqu’ile peninsula. Along these trails you will encounter a diversity of plants and wildlife in the mature beech-maple forest, old fields and early succession forest which dominate this area of the park.
The Pioneer Trail is 3.8 km and marked by yellow plastic blazes. The Newcastle Trail is 4.3 km and is marked by orange plastic blazes. The trailhead for both trails is halfway along Lighthouse Lane, though there are a number of other access points along both trails. Both trails use park roadways for part of their length so be cautious of vehicles and monitor children running ahead on the trail.
Lighthouse Foot Path – 300 m, 20 minutes, loop, easy
This loop connects the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre with the lighthouse itself. There are great views of Lake Ontario and Presqu’ile Bay, with waterfowl in winter and spring, and a cool breeze in summer. Interpretive panels illustrate the history of the area.
Cemetery Trail – 300 m, 15 minutes, linear, easy
This path connects the cemetery interpretive panel at the Camp Office parking lot with the site of an abandoned pioneer cemetery. The site itself is marked with a commemorative granite boulder, though no other evidence remains.
Pet Amenities: none that we noticed
Playground: none
Park Store: The Park Store sells basic groceries, camping supplies, park souvenirs and fast food. Firewood is available at the Park Store and
Camp Office in the summer and at the Main Gate and Main Office the rest of the year. The "Friends of Presqu’ile" operate a gift and
book store at the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre.
Boat/Canoe Rentals: A new picnic shelter with BBQ (bring your own solid fuel) is available for exclusive rental. No boat or canoe rentals available.
Things To Do At Presqu'ile Provincial Park
- 2 Visitor Centers:
Lighthouse Interpretive Centre
The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre introduces park guests to the fascinating cultural history of Presqu’ile. Come see the lighthouse model, schooner displays and our video presentations on the sinking of the Speedy and the history of the peninsula as told by Jack Atkins, the last farmer on the peninsula. The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre and Lighthouse Gift Shop are open daily during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on weekends during spring and fall.
Nature Centre
Visit the Nature Centre and catch a glimpse of the rich, natural history that Presqu’ile has to offer. Get up close to the live frogs, snakes, fish and turtles that call the park home. The Nature Centre is in the yellow house located on Lighthouse Lane between the Group Camp and Lighthouse Interpretive Centre. It is open daily from Canada Day to Labour Day weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Birding: Waterfowl Viewing Weekend in mid-March draws thousands of visitors to see thousands of ducks. Volunteer naturalists are on hand each
day to operate telescopes, identify the different types of ducks and point out distinguishing field marks.
Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend occurs on the Victoria Day weekend, the traditional peak of spring bird migration. Bird walks, bird
banding and evening programs introduce the elusive Whimbrel and the colourful warblers that pass through the park
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Daily slide talks, guided walks, campfire programs, and children’s programs are held in the summer.
- Guided walks: conducted bird walks and other nature activities are offered on weekends in the spring and fall.
- Boating
- Monarchs and Migrants Weekend, held on Labour Day weekend, offers a chance to see and learn more about migrating Monarch Butterflies, songbirds and shore birds. Park naturalists and guest speakers offer slide talks, shorebird viewing, butterfly tagging demonstrations and special hikes.
- Biking
- Hunting: A regulated waterfowl hunt takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the marsh and offshore islands from the fourth
Friday in September to the third Saturday in December. Hunting in this park is subject to the Ontario Hunting Regulations. Certain
restrictions apply.
- Skiing
- History Weekend, held on the Civic holiday weekend, is an opportunity to relive Presqu’ile’s storied past. Special events, such as old fashioned games, a musical social evening, a boat-building bee and regatta, a BBQ lunch social, history play and historical recreations occur throughout the weekend.
Attractions And Places To Go Near Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Closest City (town) - Brighton, Ontario
- "The Dragonfly", a store in Brighton
- Mrs. B's Candy store in Brighton
- Cheeky Bee Gallery and candle Shop in Warkworth (about a half hour from Presqu'ile)
- Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Company in Warkworth
- Church-Key Brewing Company in Campbellford (about a half hour from Presqu'ile)
- World's Finest Chocolate Factory in Campbellford
- Whiskers Ink Book and Craft shop in Campbellford
- Empire Cheese And Butter factory in Campbellford
- Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge in Campbellford
- The Big Apple in Colborne
- Memory Junction Railway Museum in Brighton
- Brighton Speedway Park
-Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton
-Carousel Canada (Horseback Riding Tours) in Trenton
- 2 Visitor Centers:
Lighthouse Interpretive Centre
The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre introduces park guests to the fascinating cultural history of Presqu’ile. Come see the lighthouse model, schooner displays and our video presentations on the sinking of the Speedy and the history of the peninsula as told by Jack Atkins, the last farmer on the peninsula. The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre and Lighthouse Gift Shop are open daily during the summer months from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on weekends during spring and fall.
Nature Centre
Visit the Nature Centre and catch a glimpse of the rich, natural history that Presqu’ile has to offer. Get up close to the live frogs, snakes, fish and turtles that call the park home. The Nature Centre is in the yellow house located on Lighthouse Lane between the Group Camp and Lighthouse Interpretive Centre. It is open daily from Canada Day to Labour Day weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Birding: Waterfowl Viewing Weekend in mid-March draws thousands of visitors to see thousands of ducks. Volunteer naturalists are on hand each
day to operate telescopes, identify the different types of ducks and point out distinguishing field marks.
Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend occurs on the Victoria Day weekend, the traditional peak of spring bird migration. Bird walks, bird
banding and evening programs introduce the elusive Whimbrel and the colourful warblers that pass through the park
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Daily slide talks, guided walks, campfire programs, and children’s programs are held in the summer.
- Guided walks: conducted bird walks and other nature activities are offered on weekends in the spring and fall.
- Boating
- Monarchs and Migrants Weekend, held on Labour Day weekend, offers a chance to see and learn more about migrating Monarch Butterflies, songbirds and shore birds. Park naturalists and guest speakers offer slide talks, shorebird viewing, butterfly tagging demonstrations and special hikes.
- Biking
- Hunting: A regulated waterfowl hunt takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the marsh and offshore islands from the fourth
Friday in September to the third Saturday in December. Hunting in this park is subject to the Ontario Hunting Regulations. Certain
restrictions apply.
- Skiing
- History Weekend, held on the Civic holiday weekend, is an opportunity to relive Presqu’ile’s storied past. Special events, such as old fashioned games, a musical social evening, a boat-building bee and regatta, a BBQ lunch social, history play and historical recreations occur throughout the weekend.
Attractions And Places To Go Near Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Closest City (town) - Brighton, Ontario
- "The Dragonfly", a store in Brighton
- Mrs. B's Candy store in Brighton
- Cheeky Bee Gallery and candle Shop in Warkworth (about a half hour from Presqu'ile)
- Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Company in Warkworth
- Church-Key Brewing Company in Campbellford (about a half hour from Presqu'ile)
- World's Finest Chocolate Factory in Campbellford
- Whiskers Ink Book and Craft shop in Campbellford
- Empire Cheese And Butter factory in Campbellford
- Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge in Campbellford
- The Big Apple in Colborne
- Memory Junction Railway Museum in Brighton
- Brighton Speedway Park
-Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton
-Carousel Canada (Horseback Riding Tours) in Trenton
Directions:
Exit Hwy 401 (exit ramp 497) onto Purdy Road. Make a right onto Durham street North. Make a left onto County 2 Road East. Make a right onto Union Rd which eventually turns left and changes into Lakeshore road.Turn right onto Bayshore Rd /Presqu'ile Parkway.
Signs For Directions To Park - Tricky in the dark but not so bad in the day time. Part of the trickiness is that the roads change name even though you haven't turned off anywhere.
Exit Hwy 401 (exit ramp 497) onto Purdy Road. Make a right onto Durham street North. Make a left onto County 2 Road East. Make a right onto Union Rd which eventually turns left and changes into Lakeshore road.Turn right onto Bayshore Rd /Presqu'ile Parkway.
Signs For Directions To Park - Tricky in the dark but not so bad in the day time. Part of the trickiness is that the roads change name even though you haven't turned off anywhere.
