Grundy Lake PP Info Guide 2025 by Willow Publishing

GR UND Y LAKE

2025 Information Guide

Welcome to Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Park Staﬀ would like to welcome you to another season here at Grundy Lake Provincial Park!

Whether you are a Grundy Lake veteran or visiting for the ﬁrst time, the park always has something exciting to oﬀer

Of course, Grundy Lake’s Turtle Monitoring Project continues for another year! Keep an eye out for Park Staﬀ and volunteers as they search for turtles on roads, campsites, and everywhere in between. Our turtle conservation eﬀorts are made possible thanks to Ontario Parks donors and proceeds from the Ontario Parks Turtle Protection Merchandise collection. Consider stopping by our Park Store to see what we've got in stock.

Once Grundy Lake closed its gates for the 2024 season, our staﬀ got to work comple ting campground improvement projects. This included widening, leveling, and packing gravel along the ﬁrst kilometer of Pakeshkag Lake Trail. We also installed benches for those looking for an opportunity to sit and enjoy the sights. These upgrades will help improve trail access for those with mobility needs. Additionally, we began work on improving the main campground road (see page 2 for more details).

Lastly, while visiting us, you may notice something missing from your campsite post We replaced campsite posts with ones without permit holders. Please call or stop by our Park Oﬃce to speak to

Park Staﬀ if you have any questions

Follow our X (Twitter) and Instagram accounts for updates on all things happening at Grundy Lake Please consider tagging us in your social media posts—we love to see your adventures in action! We also encourage you to share your ideas by filling out a camper comment form, available upon request at the Park Office. We like to think we have the best staff in all of Ontario Parks, so please stop and say hello! If you have any concerns while visiting us, alert Park Staff immediately so we can address the situation Thank you for visiting Grundy Lake have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Grundy Lake Park Staﬀ

•Store all animal attractants (e.g., food, garbage, toiletries, coolers, pet food) in a hard-sided vehicle or trailer when not in use day or night, even when you are on your campsite.

•Do not leave garbage on your campsite, deposit your waste at the central garbage and recycling depot as soon as possible.

•If you encounter a bear, prioritize your safety and then immediately contact a Park Warden at (705) 346-0908

•More information on how to be Bear-wise can be found on page 2.

Photo by Bill Dykstra

PARK INFORMATION

Bears BelongHere!

Bears Belong Here! PARK INFORMATION

BlackBearsliveacrossOntario and over 90% ofProvincial Park s aretheir home! Educating yourselfaboutbearsisimportantandthe markofaresponsibleparkvisitor. Wewanttosharespacewithbears, keepingourparkvisitorsandallourwildliferesidentssafe. BlackBearsareomnivoreswhosedietsmostlyconsistof vegeta tion. BlackBearshave a smallwindowof timetogainweightfor the entire year, which stronglyinﬂuencesBlack Bearbehaviour. Inyearswhenwarmdaysandrainareabundant,parkvisitorsmayrarely see aBlackBe ar.Howe ver, whennaturalfoodsour ce s like berries ar e poor due to drought and heat,Black Bears will go to great lengths to ﬁnd food. This might bea timewhen parkvisitors seeBlack Bears near campgrounds.

Black Bears are omnivores whose diets mostly consist of vegeta tion. BlackBearshave a small window of time to gain weight for the entire year, which strongly inﬂuences Black Bearbehaviour. Inyearswhenwarmdaysandrainareabundant, parkvisitorsmayrarely see aBlackBe ar.Howe ver, whennaturalfoodsour ce s like berries ar e poor due to drought and heat, Black Bears will go to great lengths to ﬁnd food. This might be a time when park visitors see Black Bears near campgrounds.

Black Be ars are v ery smart animals. When they ﬁnd food at a campsite, they quickly associate campsites with food instead of something they should fear. They won’t continueto beshy if they thinkthey can get a free meal! Wildlife attractants must be stored in a hard sided vehicle or trailer when not in use,day,and night. Let's all do our part to both keep and leaveour campsites betterthan wefound it.

Black Be ars are v ery smart animals. When they ﬁnd food at a campsite, they quickly associate campsites with food instead of something they should fear. They won’t continue to be shy if they think they can ge t a fr ee meal! Wildlife attractants must be stored in a hard sided vehicle or trailer when not in use, day, and night. Let's all do our part to both keep and leave our campsites better than we found it.

What do I do if I encounter a bear?

Stop.Donotpanic, run, climbatreeorswim.Remaincalm.Ifa bea r is inat ree, leav ei talone a ndleav e the a rea,thebea r wil lcome down whenitfeelssafe.

What do I do if I encounter a bear?

Stop.Donotpanic, run, climbatreeorswim.Remaincalm.Ifa bea ina t r ee, leav e i talone a ndleav e the a rea, the bea rwil lcome down whenitfeelssafe.

If you co meupon a b earand i tdoes no tnotice you , slowl yb ackawa while keepingthe be arinsighta ndwaitforitt olea ve– bearsdonot surprises.If you and a bear cross paths wave your arms a nd make noise witha whistle, air horn or yelling. You can a lso throw objects like rocks a ndsticksifthebeardoesnotleave.

Ifyouco meupon ab ear and i tdoesno tnoticeyou , slowl y b ackawa y while keeping thebe arinsighta ndwaitforitt olea ve – bearsdonotlike surprises.If youand a bearcrosspathswaveyourarms a nd make noise witha whistle,airhornoryelling.Youcan a lsothrow objects likerocks a ndsticksifthebeardoesnotleave. Itisimportantforbearstomaintaintheirfearofhumans, donotstop andtak e pictureswhil e a bear eatswildlif e attractants. Re sponsible campershelpmaintainabe ar’ shealthyfearofhumanswhenthe ya re inthecampground.Ifyouencounter a bear whenvisiting GrundyLake,priorit izeyoursafetyandthenimmediately contacta ParkWarden at (705) 346-0908

It is important for bears to maintain their fear of humans, do not and tak e pictures whil e a bear eats wildlif e attractants. Re sponsible campershelpmaintainabe ar’ shealthyfearofhumanswhenthe y a re in the campground. If you encounter a bear whenvisiting Grundy Lake, prioritize your safety and then immediately contacta Park Warden at (705) 346-0908

Road Resurfacing Project

Exciting news!Lastfall,webegan workonimprovingthemain campground road through a capitaldevelopment project.WhenGrundyLakeProvincial Parkwas establishedin 1959,trailers weresmallandcompact,andvisitation was lower.Overtheyears,theparkhas seenanincreasein both visitation andthesizeoftrailersand vehicles. Wealsorecognizethat thecondition of themainroadhas been a common complaint fromourvisitors.

Exciting news! Last fall, we began work on improving the main campground road through a capital development project. When Grundy Lake Provincial Park was established in 1959, trailers were small and compact, and visitation was lower. Over the years, the park has seen an increase in both visitation and the size of trailers and vehicles. We also recognize that the condition of the main road has been a common complaint from our visitors.

We arecurrentlyreconstructingtheroad to improvetrafficflow andsafety. Theroadis being repaved andwidened,and culverts alongtheroadare being added orreplaced.Additionally, a recreation laneis being built, stretching fromPoplarCampgroundto theParkEntrance.This lane willallow forsaferwalkingandcyclingthroughout thepark.

We are currently reconstructing the road to improve traffic flow and safety. The road is being repaved and widened, and culverts along the road are being added or replaced. Additionally, a recreation lane is being built, stretching from Poplar Campground to the Park Entrance. This lane will allow for safer walking and cycling throughout the park.

We anticipateconstruction will becompletebyJuly2025. Weappreciate yourpatienceaswewrap up theseexciting improvements. During construction,weaskthatpedestrians, cyclists,and motorists travel throughout theparkwith extra caution. Traffic controlpersonnel willbe present,so pleasedriveslowlyand follow theirinstructions. Pleasebe mindful that construction may increasetravel timearound the park.

Thankyou forbearing with us!If you haveanyquestions regarding this project,pleasecall orstop bytheParkOfficeto speakwith ParkStaff.

We anticipate construction will be complete by July 2025. We appreciate your patience as we wrap up these exciting improvements. During construction, we ask that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists travel throughout the park with extra caution. Traffic control personnel will be present, so please drive slowly and follow their instructions. Please be mindful that construction may increase travel time around the park.

Thank you for bearing with us! If you have any questions regarding this the Park Office to speak with Park Staff.

All domestic animals must be kept on a leash no greater than 2 m in length when in a Provincial Park (excluding pet exercise areas). Unleashed dogs that come upon a Black Bear may ensue a chase response causing it to follow thedog back to its owner. Be sure to manage your own safety first and if you encounter a bear, remove your pet from the area as soon as you can do so safely.

All domestic animals must be kept on a leash no greater than 2 m in length when in a Provincial Park (excluding pet exercise areas). Unleashed dogs that come upon a Black Bear may ensue a chase response causing it to follow the dog back to its owner. Be sure to manage your own safety first and if you encounter a bear, remove your pet from the area as soon as you can do so safely.

Why no motors of any kind?

Have you ever wondered why certain rules exist? Thought, research,and science go into thelaws and policies that protect Provincial Parks. Ontario Parks is dedicated to the protection of park lands and waters. Motors of any kind (e.g., gas-powered, electrictrolling)are prohibitedonourlakes. We want everyone visiting to feel relaxed and at peace. For many of our campers, that means enjoying the quiet. Less noise pollution means more space for the sounds of nature and a higher likelihood of catching a glimpseof moretimid wildlife. Canoes,kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are great ways to experience the beauty of Grundy Lake. As park lovers, weareallstewardsofOntario's protectedplaces!Motors release pollutants that can affect water quality and negatively impact the wildlifethat call our parkhome. The lakes within our park are relatively shallow,which puts them at risk if motors were to operatewithin them. Motorscandecreasewaterclarity, limiting aquatic plant growth and fish habitat. Cloudy water can also negatively impact swimming,paddling, and fishing. We allbenefit from the abilitytorecreate in motor-freelakes! Operatingamotorofanykindonanylake withinGrundyLake Provincial Park willresultina$155fine.

Have you ever wondered why certain rules exist? Thought, research, and science go into the laws and policies that protect Provincial Parks. Ontario Parks is dedicated to the protection of park lands and waters. Motors of any kind (e.g., gas-powered, electric trolling) are prohibited on our lakes. We want everyone visiting to feel relaxed and at peace. For many of our campers, that means enjoying the quiet. Less noise pollution means more space for the sounds of nature and a higher likelihood of catching a glimpse of more timid wildlife. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are great ways to experience the beauty of Grundy Lake. As park lovers, we are all stewards of Ontario's protected places! Motors release pollutants that can affect water quality and negatively impact the wildlife that call our park home. The lakes within our park are relatively shallow, which puts them at risk if motors were to operate within them. Motors can decrease water clarity, limiting aquatic plant growth and fish habitat. Cloudy water can also negatively impact swimming, paddling, and fishing. We all benefit from the ability to recreate in motor-free lakes! Operating a motor of any kind on any lake within Grundy Lake Provincial Park will result in a $155 fine. 2

with room or contact Park Staff for advice. We appreciate your efforts to help protect our beautiful spaces.

Photo by Karen Punnett

Recreational use of drones in provincial parks is not permitted.

Visit www.OntarioParks.ca to learn about applying for authorization for commercial or research purposes.

Garbage and Recycling

Park visitors! Help us keep our park clean by depositing your waste at our Central Garbage and RecyclingFacility, located off themain road near the Park Office. Having one facility rather than waste containers throughoutthepark helps reduce attractants for Black Bears and other wildlife. Be sureto dispose of your garbage and recycling on a regular basis to avoid having wildlife attractants on your campsite.If you find afull container when you go to dispose of your garbage, don'tleaveitwhere wildlife canaccessit. Find a different container with room or contact the Park Office at (705)383-2286

OntarioPark

Park visitors! Help us keep our park clean by depositing your waste at our Central Garbage and Recycling Facility, located off the main road near the Park Office. Having one facility rather than waste containers throughout the park helps reduce attractants for Black Bears and other wildlife. Be sure to dispose of your garbage and recycling on a regular basis to avoid having wildlife attractants on your campsite. If you find a full container when you go to dispose of your garbage, don't leave it where wildlife can access it. Find a different container with room or contact the Park Office at (705) 383-2286

Photo by Karen Punnett

STAY SAFE

What to do when a storm rolls in

No one plans for a storm to hit during their trip, however it's important to know what to do if a storm rolls in.

When in a campground: Make a lightning safety plan. Be aware of your surroundings, look for shelter, and steer clear of tall objects. If you're staying in a tent or tenttrailer, the safest option is your hard-topped vehicle with the windows rolled up. Avoid touching metal inside the vehicle. Do not take shelter in a picnic shelter or vault privy as these structures are not equipped to handle lightning strikes.

When in the backcountry: Go deep in a dense group of trees in a low-lying area, avoiding trees with large trunks. If there are no trees or only solitary trees arenearby, find the lowest-lying area, avoiding open areas that are more than 100 meters wide. Crouch and protect your head.

When in the backcountry: Go deep in a dense group of trees in a low-lying area, avoiding trees with large trunks. If there are no trees or only solitary trees are nearby, find the lowest-lying area, avoiding open areas that are more than 100 meters wide. Crouch and protect your head.

When you're on the water: If you're swimming, paddling, or boating,get to shore immediately and seek shelter. Water can be unpredictable, and lightening can spread across the surface.

When you're on the water: If you're swimming, paddling, or boating, get to shore immediately and seek shelter. Water can be unpredictable, and lightening can spread across the surface.

After the storm: Wait 30 minutes after the last flash of lightening or rumble of thunder beforeresuming activities.

Cycling Safety

Cycling is a great way to explore the park and many of our visitors bring their bikes as a standard piece of camping equipment. Our park roads are often very busy, so it is important that cyclists watch out for vehicles, especially on the main road.

After the storm: Wait 30 minutes after the last flash of lightening or rumble of thunder before resuming activities.

Cycling Safety

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow basic safety precautions and legal requirements

Please keep the following in mind:

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow basic safety precautions and legal requirements

Please keep the following in mind:

• Always wear a CSA approved helmet. Helmets are legally required for all cyclists under 18 years of age on all park roads.

• Alwaysrideinsingleﬁle.

• Always wear a CSA approved helmet. Helmets are legally required for all cyclists under 18 years of age on all park roads.

• Alwaysrideinsingleﬁle.

• Bicyclesarenot permittedon the hikingtrails exceptfor Pakeshkag LakeTrail.

• Bicyclesarenot permittedon the hiking trails except for Pakeshkag LakeTrail.

• Donotrideafterdusk, unlessyou havealightonyourbike.

• Donotrideafterdusk, unless you havealightonyourbike.

• Parents must use caution before sending young children out alone to explore busy park roads.

Water Safety - It's Your Responsibility

• There are no lifeguards on our beaches. Watersafetyis your responsibilityat all times.

• There are no lifeguards on our beaches. Water safety is your responsibility at all times.

• Take the steps to be safe around water. Learning how to swim and water survival techniques help keep us all safe.

• Always supervise children and non-swimmers by watching them when they are in or around the water.

• Ensurechildrenandnonswimmerswear a Personal FlotationDevice (PFD) or lifejacket inoraroundthewater.

• When the water is rough,or conditions are not clear - STAY OUT!

Water Safety - It's Your Responsibility

NEED A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE?

Ask us about our free lending program. www.OntarioParks.ca/pfdlending

• Ensure children and nonswimmers wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket in or around the water.

• Protectyourneck.Neverdive into shallow or murky waters.

• Swim in only designated swimming areas.

• Protect your neck. Never dive into shallow or murky waters.

• Swim in only designated swimming areas.

• When the water is rough, or conditions are not clear - STAY OUT!

• Neverswimalone.Youshould alwaysswimwith a buddy.

• Never swim alone. You should always swim with a buddy.

• Using a floatie?Offshorewinds oftenblowinflatablesoutinto dangerouswaters.Ensure inflatableraftsortoysareusedin shallowareasonlyandpay attentiontochangingwinds

• Beresponsible.Avoidsubstance usewheninvolvedinwaterrelatedrecreational activities

• Using a floatie? Offshore winds often blow inflatables out into dangerous waters. Ensure inflatable rafts or toys are used in shallow areas only and pay attention to changing winds

• Ifyoususpect a drowningorany other type of water emergency, call 911 and contact the park office immediately.

• Be responsible. Avoid substance use when involved in waterrelated recreational activities

• If you suspect a drowning or any other type of water emergency, call 911 and contact the park office immediately.

parks remain beautiful by leaving your campsite better than you found it. Here's how you can help:

Leave your campsite better than you found it

Keep your campsite clean! Ensure our parks remain beautiful by leaving your campsite better than you found it. Here's how you can help:

trailer sanitation station or by pouring it down the vault toilet (outhouses).

• Leave rocks,plants, and other natural objects as you find them.

• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.

• Purchase firewood locally, dispose of firewood bags inthe garbage or use them for another purpose like carriers for beach toys.

• Dispose of dish water at a trailer sanitation station or by pouring it down the vault toilet (outhouses).

• If you're camping with a pet, keep them on a leash and always clean up after them.

• Don't gather branches, logs, or bark within the park for firewood.

• Purchase firewood locally, dispose of firewood bags in the garbage or use them for another purpose like carriers for beach toys.

• Don't gather branches, logs, or bark within the park for firewood.

•

• • Remove any ropes from trees before vacating. Remove all waste, garbage, and recycling.

• Remove any ropes from trees before vacating. Remove all waste, garbage, and recycling.

Photo by Blake Marshall

TheGrundyLakeTurtle MonitoringProjectbeganin 2013 and has allowedustobetterprotect turtle populations within our park In 2024 aloneweprotected over 90 turtlenests throughout the park, anotherrecord breaking year!

The Grundy Lake Turtle Monitoring Project began in 2013 and has allowed us to better protect turtle populations within our park In 2024 alone we protected over 90 turtle nests throughout the park, another record breaking year!

Ontario Parks staﬀ,volunteers and visitors have contributedto the monitoringeﬀortbyreporting their sightings and participatingin surveys. Turtlesencountered withinthe park are measured,weighed,sexed, and inspected for injuries and deformities bytrained individuals.This information helps us track the population size,movement, and habitsofturtles inthe park It also providesvaluable information thatcan helpturtles across Ontario.Roads, along with habitatloss, remainthe greatest risk to turtles in Ontario

Ontario Parks staﬀ, volunteers and visitors have contributed to the monitoring eﬀort by reporting their sightings and participating in surveys. Turtles encountered within the park are measured, weighed, sexed, and inspected for injuries and deformities by trained individuals. This information helps us track the population size, movement, and habits of turtles in the park It also provides valuable information that can help turtles across Ontario. Roads, along with habitat loss, remain the greatest risk to turtles in Ontario

TakeaPeak

Grundy Lake Turtle Monitoring Project

Within the park,roads and similarinfrastructure surfaces area substitute fornaturalnesting sites. When a nestingfemale is reportedbypark visitors,theyare observed froma respectful distancebystaff andvolunteers. Oncethefemalehas finished layinghereggs,thenest is covered toprotect the eggsfrompredators and disturbance Predatorslike mink, racoons, foxes,andbirds lovetoeat turtleeggssothesecoversactasa deterrent.Nestcovers don’t guarantee that theeggswill hatch as thereare manyother factors that affectegg development like temperature,moisture,and parasites inthe soil, buttheydohelp!Eachyear we havehadcoveredneststhat have successfullyhatchedwiththe help fromthe littleextraprotection theirnestcover provided.

Within the park, roads and similar infrastructure surfaces are a substitute for natural nesting sites. When a nesting female is reported by park visitors, they are observed from a respectful distance by staff and volunteers. Once the female has finished laying her eggs, the nest is covered to protect the eggs from predators and disturbance Predators like mink, racoons, foxes, and birds love to eat turtle eggs so these covers act as a deterrent. Nest covers don’t guarantee that the eggs will hatch as there are many other factors that affect egg development like temperature, moisture, and parasites in the soil, but they do help! Each year we have had covered nests that have successfully hatched with the help from the little extra protection their nest cover provided.

Keeping Turtles Oﬀ the Hook

Take a Peak Keeping Turtles Oﬀ

Look but don’t touch the nestcovers. Delicate turtle developmentis occurring under the ground!Ifyouseeanestcoverwhilevisiting thepark, lookthroughthemeshandyou'll noticeyou can’tseetheturtle eggs. Without catchingtheturtleactivelynesting,it'salmost impossibleto ﬁnd aturtle’s nest site after they’veleft sincethe eggs are buried in the ground Turtles areprosat disusingtheirnest site.Parkvisitorsarethebiggesthelpin locating turtles.Abigthankstoallof Grundy Lake’svisitorswhohave and continue to report sightings,drive slowerinthe park, and watch nestcovers forhatchingturtles. Youare turtleambassadors, andwecouldn’t doitwithout you!

Look but don’t touch the nest covers. Delicate turtle development is occurring under the ground! If you see a nest cover while visiting the park, look through the mesh and you'll notice you can’t see the turtle eggs. Without catching the turtle actively nesting, it's almost impossible to ﬁnd a turtle’s nest site after they’ve left since the eggs are buried in the ground Turtles are pros at disusing their nest site. Park visitors are the biggest help in locating turtles. A big thanks to all of Grundy Lake’s visitors who have and continue to report sightings, drive slower in the park, and watch nest covers for hatching turtles. You are turtle ambassadors, and we couldn’t do it without you!

Howtoreport anon-land sighting:

How to report an on-land sighting:

1. ContactParkStaff immediatelyby callingtheParkOfficeat(705) 3832286–ifyoudon’thaveaphone youcanstopaparkvehicle,goto theParkOfficeorDiscoveryCentre duringoperatinghours.Youcan also calltheturtlehotlineat(705) 3461488.Thesooneryounotifystaff, thebetter!

1. Contact Park Staff immediately by calling the Park Office at (705) 3832286 – if you don’t have a phone you can stop a park vehicle, go to the Park Office or Discovery Centre during operating hours. You can also call the turtle hotline at (705) 3461488. The sooner you notify staff, the better!

2. Afteryoureportyoursighting,a ParkNaturalistwillcomedownto conductmeasurementsontheturtle toaddtheindividual’sinformation intothemonitoringprogram

2. After you report your sighting, a Park Naturalist will come down to conduct measurements on the turtle to add the individual’s information into the monitoring program

3. Ifyoucan,staywiththeturtle–donothandleitorstandtoclose. Pleasestayatleast5maway,just watchituntilastaﬀ memberarrives.

3. If you can, stay with the turtle –do not handle it or stand to close. Please stay at least 5m away, just watch it until a staﬀ member arrives.

4. Inthemeantime,takepictures (fromadistance)tohelpusidentify theindividual–weneedpicturesof thebackoftheshellbutreallyany

4. In the meantime, take pictures (from a distance) to help us identify the individual – we need pictures of the back of the shell but really any

photoswillbehelpful

photos will be helpful

Reportingturtle sightingsinthe parkisa greatway youcanhelp protectOntario's at-riskturtles!

Reporting turtle sightings in the park is a great way you can help protect Ontario's at-risk turtles!

Being a Turtle Steward at Grundy Lake and beyond

Turtle activity is higher in the spring and fall when turtles aremaking theirseasonal migrations. Although, turtles will decideto move atany pointthroughoutthe fair-weather seasons Be sure to pay attention forturtles on the roads duringthese times. You can help aturtle cross theroad byassisting it in the direction it's moving. DO NOT remove a healthyturtle from its habitat – itreduces theirchances of survival. If you ﬁndaninjuredor deadturtle outside the park callthe Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre immediatelyat (705)741–5000

Turtle activity is higher in the spring and fall when turtles are making their seasonal migrations. Although, turtles will decide to move at any point throughout the fair-weather seasons Be sure to pay attention for turtles on the roads during these times. You can help a turtle cross the road by assisting it in the direction it's moving. DO NOT remove a healthy turtle from its habitat – it reduces their chances of survival. If you ﬁnd an injured or dead turtle outside the park call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre immediately at (705) 741–5000

Turtles canget caught accidentally whenvisitorsare fishing. Turtles swallow fishing hooksand lures thinkingtheyare food They can also get foul-hooked justswimming throughan areawherepeople are fishing.When turtlesswallow hooksit is oftenfatal, especiallywhen anglers cuttheir lineandthe hooksremain insidetheturtle.Whentheturtle is takentoa medicalfacility, x-rays and internal surgeries areoften requiredto remove fishing hooks.

Afterwards,they often require rehabilitation time Oneof thebest waystoprevent accidentally hooking aturtle is to stop ﬁshing if you seea

Turtles can get caught accidentally when visitors are fishing. Turtles swallow fishing hooks and lures thinking they are food They can also get foul-hooked just swimming through an area where people are fishing. When turtles swallow hooks it is often fatal, especially when anglers cut their line and the hooks remain inside the turtle. When the turtle is taken to a medical facility, x-rays and internal surgeries are often required to remove fishing hooks. Afterwards, they often require rehabilitation time One of the best way tally hooking a tu if you see a

turtle in the water Wait forthe turtleto swim away before continuing to fish You canalso fish withbarblesshooks Should you accidentally hookaturtle,the lack of barbs will make extractingthe hook significantly easier fora trained professional. Lastly,never feed native wildlife, includingturtles. Let wild animals bewild. What if you hooka turtle? Remain calm, do notcutthe lineortouch theturtle. Minimizereeling and catch the turtle in a net if it is safe to do so. Finally, quickly contact Park Staff. Never try to remove the hook unless you are properly trained.

turtle in the water Wait for the turtle to swim away before continuing to fish. You can also fish with barbless hooks Should you accidentally hook a turtle, the lack of barbs will make extracting the hook significantly easier for a trained professional. Lastly, never feed native wildlife, including turtles. Let wild animals be wild. What if you hook a turtle? Remain calm, do not cut the line or touch the turtle. Minimize reeling and catch the turtle in a net if it is safe to do so. Finally, quickly contact Park Staff. Never try to remove the hook unless you are properly trained.

ParkStaﬀ followa strict animal careprotocol approvedbytheMNR.We askthat youdo not handle wildlife and always observe animals

Ontario Parks | Grundy Lake Provincial Park

ParkStaﬀ followa strict animal careprotocol approvedbytheMNR.We askthat youdo not handlewildlife and alwaysobserve animalsfroma distanceforthesafetyofboth parties.

Acutlineandatreble hook earned this snapping turtlea three week stay at Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre

ParkStaﬀ followa strict animalcareprotocol.Pleasedo not handle wildlife for the safetyof both parties.

A cut line and a treble hook earned this snapping turtle a three week stay at Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre Park Staff follow a strict animal care protocol. Please do not handle wildlife for the safety of both parties.

Our Discovery staff have been busy creating programs that are great for all ages! Be sure to pick up a weekly program schedule from the Park Office or Discovery Centre and check out the wide variety of activities.

You can also drop by and speak with the staff and check out the exhibits at the Discovery Centre from 10am-2pm each day during July and August.

Program

Junior Naturalist Program

Do y ou think y ou have what i t takes to beco me a Park Naturalist? If you think you can help thewildlife at Grundybylearningabouttheir ecosystems to better protect them, then you may be well onyourwayalready!Stopby the Discovery Centre during JulyandAugusttopickupan activitypackagethatwillbegin your journey toa certiﬁcate forbeingaNaturalist.

Do y ou think y ou have what i t takes to beco me a Park Naturalist?If you think you can help the wildlife at Grundybylearningabouttheir ecosystems to better protect them, then you may be well onyourwayalready!Stopby the Discovery Centre during JulyandAugusttopickupan activity package thatwillbegin your journey toa certiﬁcate forbeingaNaturalist.

SPECIAL EVENTS at GRUNDY LAKE!

DISCOVERY PROGRAM

We are one of four Provincial Parks to offer the Learn to Fish (LTF) program! Everything you need for program participation is provided.

Grundy Lake

We are one of four Provincial Parks to offer the Learn to Fish (LTF) program! Everything you need for program participation is provided.

This free program teachesnew anglers of all ages how to fish in Ontario. Join the LTF staff for hours of fun! Webegin witha 1hour practical teaching session and end with 1-hour of hands-on fishing.

required, please contact the Park Office for more details.

This free program teaches new anglers of all ages how to fish in Ontario. Join the LTF staff for 2–hours of fun! We begin with a 1hour practical teaching session and end with 1-hour of hands-on fishing. Pre-registration is required, please contact the Park Office for more details.

These 30-45 progr ams ar e designed t o enhance a child’s underst andingof the natural feature sof Grundy Lake andth e surrounding are a. K idsandadults will hav e funparticipatin g in demonstration s, hand s on activitiesand gamesdesigned with thewholefamilyin mind ! Childr en mus t be accompanied by a Guardian duringprograms.

Children’s Programs at Grundy Lake

These 30-45 minute progr ams ar e designed t o enhance a child’s underst andingof the natural feature sof Grundy Lake and th e surrounding are a. K idsandadults will hav e fun participatin g in demonstration s, hand s on activitiesand gamesdesigned with the whole family in mind ! Childr en mus t be accompanied bya Guardian duringprograms.

Join our various Special Guests for evenings full of fun and relaxation!

Special events are spread throughout the summer season. Be sure to pick up a weekly program schedule, check posters at Comfort Stations, speak to Park Staff or look online at www.ontarioparks.ca/ park/grundylake/events for more information!

SwanLake Trail: Moderate-Difficult

As the sun sets over main beach, the Amphitheatre is the place to hea dif you’re lookin g fo ra diﬀerent kind of park experience Come outand relaxasa Naturalist give sa presentat ionon a varietyoftopicsrelating tothe NaturalandCulturalheritage of Grundy Lake Be sure to checkoutoneofour Special Eventssuchas our annual Spirit Night. Spirit Night will be sure to warm your heart

the place to hea dif you’re lookin g fo ra diﬀerent kind of parkexperience Come outand relaxasa Naturalist give sa presentat ionon a variety oftopicsrelating tothe NaturalandCulturalheritage of GrundyLake Besure to checkoutoneofour Special Eventssuchas ourannual Spirit Night.Spirit Night will be sure to warm your heart andmake youlaughuntilyour bellyaches!

Joina Park Naturalist explorethe trails of Grundy Lake. These1-hour hikes will poin tout uniquefeatures alongthetrailand inspire youtotakenewperspectives that ca n help develop your own interpretation skills. Be sure t o wearappropriate footwear,br ing water, and sunprotection.

Joina Park Naturalist and explorethe trails of Grundy Lake. These1-hour hikes will poin tout unique features along the trailand inspire youtotakenewperspectives that ca n help develop your own interpretation skills. Be sure t o wear appropriate footwear, br ing water, and sunprotection.

withinthe1-hour advertised timeframe.Topicsrangefrom insects to backcountryskills andare idealforparkvisitors ofall age s! Interpretation stat ions or “drop-ins” are great for campers and dayuserswhowanttoexperience a Discovery Programbut are unabletocommittoanentire children’s program, evening programorguidedhike.

Stopbyoneofourlessformal interpretive programsanytime withinthe1-hour advertised timeframe.Topicsrangefrom insects to backcountry skills andareidealforparkvisitors ofall age s! Interpretation stat ions or “drop-ins” are great for campers and dayuserswhowanttoexperience a Discovery Programbut are unabletocommittoanentire children’s program, evening programorguidedhike.

Take A Hike!

SPECIAL EVENTS at GRUNDY LAKE! Take A Hike!

Beaver Dams Trail:Moderate-Difficult

TheSwanLakeTrailisa1.5km loop thatwindsthroughanareainthe parksetaside asanaturereserve. Thishiketakes approximately 1 hourandcrossesoverrockyridges aswe llas a varietyofinterest ing wetlands.Thecentrepiece ofthe trail includesaboardwalk,where wetland plantsandanimalscanbe observed.Whilethere,besure to watchforthe beaver, waterfowl, paintedturtles andothervarieties ofbirds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, carnivorous plants and moose.

Swan Lake Trail: Moderate-Difficult

The SwanLake Trailisa1.5kmloop thatwindsthroughan areainthe park setaside asanature reserve. Thishike takes approximately 1 hourandcrossesoverrockyridges as we llas a variety of interest ing wetlands The centrepiece ofthe trail includesaboardwalk, where wetland plantsandanimalscanbe observed.While there, be sure to watchforthe beaver, waterfowl, painted turtles andothervarieties ofbirds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, carnivorous plants and moose.

TheGutLake Trail w ill take you about11/2hourstowalk,is2.5kms andtravelsbytwo diﬀerentareas:the ruggedrockofthePrecambrianShield (whichsupports most of the life in thisarea), andthelakes,streamsand wetlands whichdrain excess water intoGeorgianBay Like allofthetrails, therearemanypointsthatareideal for photos, rest stops,orapicnic.If youwalkquietly, youmayseeGreat Blue Heron, birds, amphibians, fox, deerandmoose.

The Gut Lake Trail w ill take you about11/2hourstowalk,is2.5kms and travelsbytwo diﬀerentareas:the ruggedrockofthe PrecambrianShield (which supports most of the life in thisarea),andthelakes,streamsand wetlands which drain excess water intoGeorgianBay Likeallofthe trails, therearemanypointsthatareideal for photos, rest stops,orapicnic.If youwalkquietly,youmayseeGreat Blue Heron, birds, amphibians, fox, deerandmoose.

TheBeaverDams Trailis a 3.6km loop thatwill take youabout2 ½ hourstowalk Thetrailpassesthrough dense forest andwetlands.Moose, deer,fisher,ruffedgrouse, andmany otherspecie s may besee n. The highlightsofthetrailaretheunique variety ofhabitatsincluding lushBlack AshSwamps, locatedalongside the boardwalks.Finally, youwillalsosee thedamme d rockfracturewhich controlsthewaterlevelinBuckeLake andaffectsGrundyandGutLakesas wellasNisbetCreek.

Beaver Dams Trail: Moderate-Difficult

The Beaver Dams Trailis a 3.6km loop thatwill take youabout2 ½ hourstowalk The trailpassesthrough dense forest and wetlands. Moose, deer, fisher, ruffedgrouse,andmany other specie s may be see n. The highlightsofthetrailaretheunique varietyofhabitatsincludinglushBlack Ash Swamps, located alongside the boardwalks.Finally,youwillalsosee the damme d rock fracture which controlsthewaterlevel in BuckeLake andaffectsGrundyandGutLakesas wellasNisbetCreek.

Thismulti-usehikingandbiking linear trail is 2.6kmeachway and willtake approximately2 hoursata leisurely walkingpace.The first kilometer of thetrail is hard-packed, makingitaccessible to wheelchairs. Consider bringingalunchto enjoy at oneofthepicnictablesat the PakeshkagLake landing!The trail will take youpast the BeaverLake wetland whichisa favourite with birdwatchers intheSpring. Beonthe lookout forbaskingturtlesonthe collectionofﬂoatinglogs.This trail canalsobeused as a portage to accessthe backcountry siteson BeaverLake andPakeshkagLake.

This multi -use hiking and biking linear trail is 2.6km each way and willtakeapproximately2hoursata leisurelywalkingpace.The first kilometer of the trail is hard-packed, making it accessible to wheelchairs. Consider bringingalunchto enjoy at one of the picnic tablesatthe Pakeshkag Lake landing! The trail will take you pastthe Beaver Lake wetland whichisa favourite with birdwatchers inthe Spring. Beonthe lookoutforbaskingturtlesonthe collectionofﬂoating logs. This trail canalsobe used as a portage to accessthe backcountry sites on BeaverLake andPakeshkagLake.

Gut Lake Trail: Moderate

Pakeshkag Lake Trail: Easy

Photo by Gary Myers

Guided Hikes

Gut Lake Trail: Moderate

Pakeshkag Lake Trail: Easy

Grundy Lake

Road Safety on Park Roads

The Highway Traffic Act applies to ALL park roads.

All provisions of the Highway Trafﬁc Act apply. The offences that our Park Wardens deal with most are Speeding and Seat Belts. Speed Limits are posted throughout the park. All individuals must be in a seat with a working seat belt properly fastened.

Summary of Provincial Park O

If you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume liquor (beer, wine, spirits) only on a registered campsite.

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that liquor is properly stored while in a