Hiking in Ontario: Fave Photos [Album] — Description

This post of my favourite photos of hiking in Ontario has been a long time coming, but I figure it’s better than an album! And what better time than the holiday break to sort through old photos of hiking in Ontario and take a trip down memory lane? Pics of hiking in Ontario are from anytime between 2008 and the present. A couple are from random walks rather than hikes, but I just couldn’t leave them out. And the same goes for the few that might’ve snuck in which were taken by the roadside…

Hiking Close to Home in Ontario: French River Area

Lake Nipissing’s West Arm

St. Charles

Though not technically in French River, St. Charles is near the West Arm of Lake Nipissing, and where I grew up until high school.

Yellow canola field
Nipissing Road: Hiking in Ontario didn’t bring us here — driving did (winky face).

Pine Creek

The old logging roads down Pine Creek are now used by ATVers and snowmobilers, hikers and snowshoers, deer hunters and duck hunters. We don't use them in the fall. Forget the orange vests; we just don't use them in the fall. They're wet in spring, but safe. Overgrown in summer, but safe.

Bear Lake

Mashkinonje Provincial Park, Monetville

With 35 kilometres of looping trails and so close to home, I’ve been to Mashkinonje too many times to count. In all seasons and weather, geared up or without even a snack, in snowshoes, hiking boots, or sandals, by boat or car, I always end up at Mashkinonje. My very last post was devoted to day-tripping in Mashkinonje. And still one of my most memorable times in Mashkinonje was in 2008, when a prep hike for a longer trek went all wrong. I think it’s a great example of how quickly the landscape changes on lots of trails while hiking in Ontario.

Noëlville

Favourite local swimming and walking spots…

French River Provincial Park

Récollet Falls and Trail

Bad River

As a little girl, I came to this river with my family every weekend for several years. My father had built a houseboat in his old stomping grounds, which became ours. We then switched our fishing spot to Lake Nipissing, but we returned every once in a while for a visit.

Pickerel River

Marc’s family is from the other side of the French River Delta, the Pickerel River, so we’ve been all over the area together now.

Marsh waters reflecting bright blue skies dotted with floating clouds.
Swamp behind Marc’s family camp on the Pickerel River

Grundy Lake Provincial Park, Britt

Hiking Further Afield in Ontario

Hiking in Ontario sure has kept us busy!

Tall golden grasses sway lightly in the breeze against a forest backdrop.
Along the boardwalk in Stoney Creek

Restoule Provincial Park

Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound

Huntsville Area

Ragged Falls Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park

Taken at Faya Lake on the Highland Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park during a relaxing but bug-filled June weekend.

Manitoulin Island

Cup and Saucer Trail

Wanapitei Provincial Park, Capreol

Double-checking the spelling of the name of both park and lake (which is spelled differently than the town of the same river near where I live), I found out camping is no longer permitted here. Tents used to be allowed right on the beach, and people would leave trailers on the sandy wooden shores all season. I guess it got to be too much for the ecosystem (frowny face).

Sunset on the beach at Wanapitei Provincial Park.

Duchesnay Falls, North Bay

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, Mattawa

Temagami Area

Ottawa-Temiskaming Highland Trail: Rib Mountain

We had quite the adventure coming out of this one. And we thought hiking up Rib Mountain on the way in had been tough!

Backwoods of River Valley: Gull Lake

Wakami Lake Provincial Park, Sultan

Having been to the Wakami backcountry once was not enough, even though what seems like a dream trek will never be possible with the continued cuts to northern parks.

Panoramic vista while hiking in Ontario's Wakami Provincial Park.
Height of Land Trail

Esker Lakes Provincial Park, Kirkland Lake

I absolutely had to return here on a pleasure trip since I was an Ontario Ranger here! I half-recognised quite a lot but mostly had incredible nostalgia. Hiking in Ontario has brought me to a lot of places! While I was stuck in the past, Marc was stuck on the moon. How is it even possible to forget your fishing gear on May long weekend?

Spring scenery while hiking in Ontario at Esker Lakes Provincial Park.

Comments

8 Thoughts on “Hiking in Ontario: Fave Photos [Album]

  1. Dyann Brunet:

    Really nice pics, I’ve visited a good portion of these places and I never tire of visiting them. Some of the locations I want to visit.

  2. Wow, great pictures! thanks for sharing!

  3. Elaine Tremblay:

    beautiful pictures I have hiked some of those places ..makes me want to go back (smiley face).

  4. Terrol Maciver:

    This is such an amazing album and yes worth the years of collection. I have walked many of these places myself but alas without a camera……..I have a fb page that I would love to share your blog on………it is called kybun Canada……have a peek and if it is ok with you please let me know……….thanks for sharing your “staycations” who needs to hop on a plane to find breathtaking views !!!

    1. Thank you! Yes, please go ahead with sharing on your Facebook page… “Staycationing” is right most of the time, but some destinations within Ontario take longer to drive to than flying to Mexico. Ha!

  5. Ryan:

    Love your photos. If u have any more of esker lakes could u forward a couple to me? Go there every year

  6. A great collection of photos from memorable hikes! Which one was your favourite experience?

    1. It’s tough to pick just one! Every spot’s got it’s own beauty (smiley face). But in terms of the quality of the hiking, Killarney’s La Cloche Silhouette Trail is awesome! Tough, challenging — fun!