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.