Discover Hardy Lake Provincial Park in Muskoka

Hardy Lake Provincial Park is located 19 kilometres west of Gravenhurst on Highway 169, in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country. Hardy Lake is a “non-operating” provincial park, meaning that it has minimal visitor services. The Park features a parking area and 15 kilometres of hiking trails, including a boardwalk to a picturesque island, maintained by the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Camping at Hardy Lake Provincial Park is not available.

Getting to Hardy Lake Provincial Park

To get to Hardy Lake Provincial Park, exit Highway 11 at Gravenhurst and drive 19 kilometres northwest on Highway 169, along the shores of Lake Muskoka. A well-marked parking lot has room for more than 30 vehicles, and serves as the trailhead for hiking in Hardy Lake Provincial Park. A garbage can and porta potty are located on-site.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a popular destination and the parking lot routinely fills up on weekends spring through fall. Parking is first-come, first-served. Arrive early or be prepared to park on the side of the highway and walk to access the trailhead. Just be sure to pull well off the highway onto the shoulder and watch for traffic while exiting your vehicle and walking.

Visiting Hardy Lake Provincial Park

Hardy Lake Provincial Park was established in 1985 to protect lands and waters representative of the Canadian Shield in Central Ontario. Avid botanists may notice remnant communities of coastal vegetation, throwbacks from when this part of the province was flooded by glacial lakes in the wake of the Ice Age thousands of years ago. 

Hardy Lake is one of dozens of non-operating provincial parks in Ontario. This designation means minimal visitor facilities are provided, and there are no fees to visit. Camping at Hardy Lake Provincial Park is not allowed.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes maintains the parking area and hiking trails. Visitors also play a key role in keeping the area pristine. It is your responsibility to stick to established trails, pack out all garbage; be respectful of other hikers, don’t harass wildlife and follow the other principles of Leave No Trace.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park hiking trails

There are three established, well-marked hiking trails at Hardy Lake Provincial Park. The main trail forms a nine-kilometre loop around the Park’s namesake lake, offering a blend of open rock areas, woods, wetlands and shorelines. There are several scenic views along the trail, including a boardwalk on Hardy Lake. Two shorter, three-kilometre loops offer alternative hiking options. Stick to the marked trails to minimize environmental damage and avoid getting lost.

Swimming at Hardy Lake Provincial Park

Though there are no formal swimming beaches in Hardy Lake Provincial Park, you will find several smooth rock shorelines along the Hardy Lake trail where you may wish to take a dip in clear waters.

Dogs at Hardy Lake Provincial Park

Dogs are allowed at Hardy Lake Provincial Park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Be a conscientious pet owner and clean up after your dog.

Fall at Hardy Lake Provincial Park

Autumn at Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a splendid time to take in the fall colours and enjoy cooler weather. Fall colours tend to peak in late September, though conditions vary from year to year depending on temperature and precipitation. Arrive early to beat the crowds of other leaf-peepers, especially on weekends. Colours tend to fade by mid-October.

Winter at Hardy Lake Provincial Park

The Hardy Lake parking area is plowed in the winter, making this a fantastic destination for snowshoeing on the Park’s hiking trails. Be prepared for rugged conditions, deep snow and cold weather: the trails are not groomed, and you must be self-sufficient with proper snowshoes and footwear, warm layers, water, snacks and emergency gear. Remember the adage, “no ice is safe ice” and understand the risks of venturing out onto (seemingly) frozen bodies of water. Also beware of winter’s limited daylight hours.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park wildlife

Hardy Lake Provincial Park visitors are privileged to share the woods with iconic Canadian wildlife, including foxes, white-tailed deer, coyotes, beavers, porcupines and more. There are black bears at Hardy Lake Provincial Park. These omnivores are generally shy, though it is your responsibility to be bear aware: you may wish to wear a bear bell so as not to startle them and carry bear spray for safety. Pack out all food scraps and garbage.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a great destination for bird-watching, particularly in the spring when the area is home to dozens of species of breeding songbirds. Area lakes are home to loons, mergansers and other ducks. Observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park weather

Weather at Hardy Lake Provincial Park is typical of Central Ontario. Spring arrives in mid- to late-April, with warming temperatures and moderate precipitation in May and June. Summer weather can be hot and humid, with regular thunderstorms. Cooler temperatures return in late August and early September, with occasional bursts of summer-like conditions in autumn. The leaves change and the risk of frost arrives in late September. Expect sub-zero daytime temperatures and up to a metre or more of snow to blanket the landscape from mid-December through late March. Check out Environment and Climate Change Canada for detailed weather forecasts and historical conditions.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park map

You can download a Hardy Lake Provincial Park hiking trail map from Ontario Parks.

Explore the wild beauty of Hardy Lake

Hardy Lake Provincial Park is a great destination for day hiking and snowshoeing in Central Ontario. This non-operational provincial park is easily accessible on Highway 169 and offers three trails for day use, each providing visitors with intimate encounters with rugged Canadian Shield landscapes. 

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