Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Presqu’ile is a 982-hectare paradise on the shores of Lake Ontario. Our natural and cultural attractions, along with our facilities make it an ideal location for a day visit or camping trip. With 16 kilometres of trails, 2 kilometres of sand beach, 394 car camping sites (160 sites with electricity), four roofed accommodations to rent, a visitor centre and guided activities, there is something of interest here for everyone. Water features prominently at Presqu’ile. This “almost an island” is a peninsula and almost completely surrounded by water. The variety of shorelines present provide a range of experiences. The wide, sandy beach provides a place to play and swim. Further down the shore where algae builds up, is an important stopping place for migrating shorebirds in spring and fall. These in turn attract a large following of birders coming to see these long-distance travelers. The rock and cobble shoreline in the campgrounds, picnic area and around the lighthouse provide endless fun searching for fossils and skipping stones, or just a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the day. Calf Pasture picnic area is a quiet summer hideaway. The cove there is suitable for kids to try their luck at catching pan fish. Finally, on Presqu’ile’s east and north side is the largest protected marsh on the north shore of Lake Ontario. This marsh is home to a wide range of plants and animals and can be accessed comfortably along the 1km long Marsh Boardwalk Trail.

Presqu’ile is open all year for day-use and a vehicle pass is required to enter. Camping is available from the last Friday in April until the end of October. In additional to traditional tent and electrical RV sites, the park has four “roofed” accommodation available. The Clarke-Denson Cottage has been operating since 2015 and is a restored 1930s cottage that sleeps 6. There are also 3 “soft-sided” options. These are essentially large tents in a wooden frame with a deck and sleeping platforms, and come with their own gas BBQs. Visitors have to bring their own bedding and utensils for all four. To find out more about these accommodations check out the Ontario Parks website at http://www.ontarioparks.com/roofedaccommodation. Reservations for all camping options can be made online or by phone at 1-888-ONT-PARK. Presqu’ile has been a park since 1922 but it was discovered by many people in 2020. The park now often reaches capacity and closes on weekends in summer. If you plan on coming on the weekend it is best to get here early. Whether you come for a couple of hours or three weeks, Presqu’ile is a great spot to enjoy nature, take a stroll on a trail, go to the beach, have a picnic, or just rest and relax. To find out more about the park go to www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca and www. ontarioparks.com/park/presquile, and check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, all at “PresquilePP”.