Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park wilderness guide
Provincial Park · Ontario

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers a pristine natural landscape in Ontario, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude among lakes and forests.

Provincial Park89,0004+ Trails

Designation

Provincial Park

Total Wilderness Area

89,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers a pristine natural landscape in Ontario, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude among lakes and forests.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is one of Ontario's largest provincial parks and a significant natural haven that offers an expansive wilderness experience. The park encompasses a vast network of lakes, rivers, and forested areas, providing a diverse range of ecosystems. Home to iconic Canadian Shield landscapes, the park features granite outcrops, dense coniferous forests, and several water bodies that are vital for the region's flora and fauna. Established in 1997, it gained full operational status in 2003. The park is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, with many interconnected waterways allowing for a serene paddling experience. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy several trails that offer varying degrees of difficulty, taking visitors through the park's scenic vistas and providing opportunities for wildlife observation, including birds, moose, and deer. The history of the park is interwoven with indigenous heritage, with many areas having been traditional lands for First Nations communities.

Field Guide · Provincial Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The interconnected chain of lakes and rivers perfect for paddling✦ Rich wildlife habitat offering sightings of moose and white-tailed deer✦ The unique rock formations and granite outcrops typical of the Canadian Shield✦ Serene backcountry campsites accessible only by canoe or hike
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits for day use, but camping requires reservations and fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Anstruther Lake Campground

Located along Anstruther Lake, accessible by canoe, known for its scenic shoreline sites.

Wolf Lake Campground

Offers remote campsites accessible only by hike or paddle, ideal for solitude seekers.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Buckhorn, Ontario
⌖ 13.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buckhorn, Ontario

Buckhorn, Ontario offers peaceful paddling, scenic hiking, and quality fishing nestled among the Kawartha Lakes. With vibrant village charm and accessible parks, it’s a welcoming base for exploring water and forest adventures year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Trent Lakes, Ontario
⌖ 18.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Trent Lakes, Ontario

Trent Lakes, Ontario offers pristine lakes, vast forests, and endless outdoor adventure. Canoeing, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and camping make it a true northern retreat for nature lovers year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall, Winter
Explore Town
Lakefield, Ontario
⌖ 22.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lakefield, Ontario

Lakefield offers calm river paddling, quiet hiking, and scenic cycling in the Kawarthas. This small town is perfect for relaxed outdoor adventures year-round, including winter cross-country skiing and spring bird watching.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Haliburton, Ontario
⌖ 23.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Haliburton, Ontario

Discover Haliburton, a gem in Ontario's Cottage Country, known for its serene lakes, extensive trail system, and year-round outdoor adventures. Ideal for hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling.

Harcourt, Ontario
⌖ 23.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Harcourt, Ontario

Harcourt, Ontario offers serene canoeing, wildlife spotting, and quiet hiking through wetlands and forests. A peaceful retreat for outdoor lovers seeking nature, paddling, and seasonal skiing away from crowds.

Late Spring to Early Fall; Winter for Skiing
Explore Town
Minden, Ontario
⌖ 24.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Minden, Ontario

Minden, Ontario, offers a perfect blend of forested trails, pristine lakes, and friendly town charm. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing, it’s a year-round spot for outdoor adventure in the Haliburton Highlands.

Late spring to early fall, with winter opportunities
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.