Established in 1959 as part of the Ontario Parks system, Grundy Lake Provincial Park is located along Trans-Canada Hwy, 85 km south of Sudbury, Ontario. With a wide variety of camping grounds, few hiking trails, and countless inland lakes, we thought it was a good place for us to spend a few relaxing days.

With 9 campgrounds across the park, and little time to choose one, we weren’t so sure which one was right for our needs. We were so delighted when the girl at the entrance offered us a multitude of options. Here we learned that there are radio free campgrounds, generator free, pet free, regular and electrical sites, even one for large groups. Plenty to choose from, especially since the park was mostly empty the day before the school started. After a quick check-in for campsite #111, with the only request to be close to a lake where we could easily launch our kayaks, we found one of the best spots in the park along Gurd Lake.

Waking up to the noise of children playing was not exactly what I expected (obviously the campground was not kids free😊) but the first thought I had that morning was why these kids are not at school. In Ontario, Canada, the school starts the day after Labour Day, which is the first Monday in September. Anyway, it was almost 9 o’clock, and I slept for about 10 hours, one of the best sleeps of my life. My husband was ready with a hot coffee in no time, and we grabbed our camping chairs and moved right to the lake. What a treat!

Read more: Killarney Provincial Park

Located just south of the French River, Grundy Lake PP is one of the last parks before reaching the Northern ones. Spread across 9,000 acres, the park attracted us because of the Canadian shield type of landscape, and the multitude of lakes we could go exploring with our kayaks.

September was upon us and there was still a lot I wanted us to experience. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in the park:

Take a hike

The trail system consists of four separate hiking trails.

*Swan Lake trail – 1.5 km, rated moderate to difficult – winds through a protected nature reserve. The hike crosses rocky ridges and lookouts, including a boardwalk where wetland plants and animals can be observed.

*Gut Lake trail – 2.5 km rated moderate to difficult – travels two different areas: the rugged rocks of the Precambrian Shield and the lakes, streams and wetlands which drain excess of water into Georgian Bay.

*Pakeshkag Lake trail – 5.2 km rated easy – is a linear trail, taking you past the Beaver Lake wetland, a favourite place for birds in the spring.

*Beaver Dams trail – 3.6 km rated moderate to difficult – was rather easy I would say. After 3 days of hiking in Bruce Peninsula, and Manitoulin Island, we preferred an easy trail, to give us enough time to get on the lakes as well. Before long, we were in the stillness of the forest, as the path starts quietly right after passing the first marsh, through a dense forest. Getting out into the wild and being surrounded by trees and all the living things is the best remedy for body and soul. It is our sanctuary and happy place, once again.

Read more: Lion’s Head Provincial Park

We followed the yellow markers and completely immersed ourselves in the wilderness. In no time we reached the wooden path leading to the Beaver’s Pond. We got engulfed by the tall grass along the narrow boardwalk, and I was so glad I wore long pants. Ticks and poison ivy are often found in Ontario. We saw neither a beaver, nor a blue heron, as it was the middle of the day, but continued our walk.

The end of the trail is marked with a picnic table, a nice place to rest and admire the mouth of Bucke Lake and the rock fracture in the Canadian shield that controls the water level of Bucke lake and the other lakes in the park.

Read more: Pukaskwa National Park

Cast a line

The numerous lakes from the park offer excellent fishing, including species such as Northern pike, bass, panfish, walleye and crappie. We found that Grundy Lake PP offers a hands-on program that teaches new angles how to fish. Several parks in Ontario offer this program, from mid-June to late-August. For more information, you can check here.

Birding and Wildlife watching

Surrounded by so many lakes and forests, Grundy Lake Park is a heaven for wildlife watchers. Being at the right time, at the right place is an important factor though. This park is proud for its Turtle Monitoring Project which started in 2013, nurturing and studying the turtle population within the park.

Last, but not least to mention is the fact that this is the bear country! Black bears live in Ontario in forested areas where they can find enough food and shelter. When entering the park, you will be given the park’s guide, where detailed information is provided in regards with bears, and how to bear-proof your campsite.

Take a dip

There are six natural sand beaches recommended for swimming. The main beach is located on Grundy Lake, and is marked with buoy lines. Please note there are no lifeguards posted at the beaches and pets are not permitted.

Read more: Heaven’s Gate Nature Preserve

Discovery Program

During the summer time, park staff offer a variety of fun, interactive educational programs. Park naturalists offer programs for all ages, designed to enhance the understanding of the surrounding areas, to guided hikes, and interpretation stations. Special events take place in the evenings throughout the summer season, there is something for everyone. For more events you can check here.

Paddle the waters

Grundy Lake Park spans across several lakes, making the park an ideal location for canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding. Power boats are not allowed at Grundy Lake PP, which suited us perfectly. There are 9 canoe launches located throughout the numerous inland lakes, but the proximity of our campsite to Gurd Lake was perfect for having a quick launch at any time.

Read more: French River Provincial Park

Gurd Lake’s landscape has been shaped mostly by glacial erosion during the last ice age, giving way to the Canadian shield, which is among the oldest geologic areas on Earth. The exposed structures and surrounding rocky outcrops make Gurd Lake very beautiful, reason why we started our kayaking here.

After a couple of hours we dropped the plan to go to Gut Lake, as the wind started to pick up quite a bit. Instead, we had more time for a boardgame after an early dinner.

Tips of the day:

*The park offers a great variety of camping, both front country and backcountry with some secluded spots only a short paddle from the main campground;

*The park can be easily accessed, as it is located near Trans-Canada Hwy, 85 km south of Sudbury;

*You will need to buy your grocery before coming to the park, as the only store in the hood is the Grundy Lake Supply post, across the park which has VERY limited options;

*Canoes and kayaks are available for rent nearby, at the Supply post, across the park entrance;

*Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are available at the park with a $25 refundable deposit;

*There are few canoe route around the 6 lakes in the park; for more information, you can find all the routes and portages sections here.

~ Visited in September 2024