Guide to Experiencing Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Local outfitters offer exceptional services for guided or self-guided adventures. #PaddleON

Kawartha Highlands has over 100 backcountry campsites spread over six recommended loops. Campsites can only be reached by canoe and most require portaging to access them. To maintain the wilderness atmosphere, the use of radios is prohibited.

Anstruther Lake Marina 

The marina is located on Anstruther Lake within Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, just down the road from the Anstruther Lake Access Point. They rent tandem canoes and solo kayaks. There is a fee to park your vehicle overnight at the marina. They do not deliver boats to any other access points. 

Long Lake Lodge 

The lodge is located on Long Lake right at the Long Lake Access Point within Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. They rent canoes, kayaks and camping gear. They will also deliver canoes and equipment to other access points on the east side of the park for a fee. Parking for one vehicle is included with your camping permit; additional vehicles must pay a daily parking fee with Ontario Parks.  

Adventure Outfitters 

Adventure Outfitters is located south of the Park in Lakefield. They rent canoes and kayaks and will deliver boats to access points for a fee.

Trips and Tails Adventure Outfitting 

Trips and Tails is located north of the Park in Bancroft. They rent canoes and kayaks but do not deliver to Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park access points. 

Wild Rock Outfitters 

Located south of the Park in Peterborough, Wild Rock Outfitters rents canoes and kayaks. Boats must be picked up and returned at the store; they do not offer delivery.

Kawartha Adventure Rentals

Located just outside the Park, Kawartha Adventure Rentals offers canoes and kayaks for hire. They deliver boats to all Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park access points for a fee. 

Discover great backcountry paddling adventures at Ontario Parks.

For information on park fees and reservations, click here.

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer and the content coordinator for Ontario Outdoor Adventures. She is an avid outdoor person who loves to hike, paddle, SUP, snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore Ontario's great outdoors with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Recommended Articles

Paddling Laws

This is what you need to know about safety on the water in Ontario.

Best Family Canoe Trips

7 overnight canoe trips kids will love.

Ontario’s Moose Hotspots

Your best chance of seeing a moose is by paddle.

Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes

So blue you won’t believe your eyes.

Learn or Improve Your Paddling Skills

Find the best canoe and kayak courses in Ontario.

Superior Paddling Routes

7 enchanting places to canoe and kayak on the greatest lake.

Get On The Water

Ontario paddling events for canoeists, kayakers, SUPers, and rafters in 2024.

Best River Canoe Trips

Add these to your canoeing bucket list.

Killarney Canoe Trips

Learn how to plan a backcountry canoe trip in this provincial park.

Indigenous Outdoor Adventure Experiences

9 Bucket-List Adventures You Don't Want to Miss

Train-In Adventure

Take "The Canadian" into the backcountry.

Level Up Your Paddling

Get a backcountry boost with these outdoor skills-based courses and trips.

Mississagi River Canoe Trip

Find out how to paddle this famed wilderness river.

Sparkling waters

Mississagi Provincial Park

It's Time for a Paddle

Canoe and kayak rentals that are perfect for your next paddling adventure.

Sun and Sand

Soak it up at the best Lake Huron beaches

Best Sites on the French River

Where to stay on your canoe trip.

Paddler's Bucket List

Choose from 10 different types of canoe trips.

SUPreme Adventure

Best paddleboarding destinations for beginners.

Easy River Tripping

The French River will delight canoeists of all ages.