Point Grondine Park Completes Phase 2 of Development

Nestled on the Georgian Bay coastline between two of Ontario’s most popular provincial parks, Point Grondine Park is a unique Indigenous Protected Area that’s poised to shed its “hidden gem” status with recent updates and bigger plans in the near future. Point Grondine is located between Killarney and French River provincial parks, with a rugged landscape including clear lakes, quartzite hills, and old-growth pine and oak forests, as well as historic Collins Inlet of Georgian Bay—all part of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

In 2016, the community officially set aside 18,000 acres to be protected “for ecological integrity, cultural assets and ecotourism,” says Luke Wassegijig, Wiikwemkoong’s tourism manager. “It’s one of the only parks in Canada on First Nation Reserve land.”

Since its establishment, Point Grondine has adhered to a “grow as you go” model, says Wassegijig. Initially, the park’s focus was on catering to paddlers, day hikers and backpackers looking to explore quintessential Georgian Bay scenery with 16.6 kilometres of interior canoe routes, coastal sea kayaking, three hiking trails totalling nearly 30 kilometres and over 20 backcountry campsites—all accessible from a trailhead on Highway 637, about an hour’s drive south of Sudbury. Park staff also offer guided cultural tours on foot and by canoe to share authentic Anishinaabe experiences. Point Grondine is open from the May long weekend through Thanksgiving Monday in October.

It’s no surprise Point Grondine has grown into a viable alternative to Killarney and French River provincial parks. It broadened its appeal by adding 12 drive-in campsites and the cozy Beaver House Eco-Cabin in 2024. In 2025, a new road was constructed to access Mahzenazing Lake, where there’s a dock, boardwalk and beach area for day users.

Wassegijig says Point Grondine’s new frontcountry dimension is increasing the park’s popularity. In particular, the Beaver House Eco-Cabin offers an upscale glamping experience. It sleeps six and has solar power, an indoor kitchenette, a propane furnace, an incinerating toilet and an outdoor shower with on-demand hot water.

“It’s an eco experience with all the comforts of home,” Wassegijig says.

Currently, the campground is off-grid with pit toilets and spacious wooded campsites for tent camping and trailers. Karen Richardson, an artist and outdoors enthusiast, spent a week camping at Point Grondine in her Airstream trailer last summer, along with friends in an RV.

“We were the only two trailers in the park, so at night there was nothing to disturb our rest,” recalls Richardson. “It was so lovely to wake up in the morning surrounded by trees and birdsong.”

“I grew up near Algonquin Park and have been interested in camping in Killarney Provincial Park for years, because I am a fine art painter specializing in northern Canadian scenery,” Richardson adds. “I wanted to experience this beautiful region in person and photograph it, but it is difficult to get a reservation for any rig, let alone a 30-foot trailer and truck, at the provincial park.

“We thought camping at Point Grondine, just 15 minutes from Killarney Provincial Park, would be the answer to our dilemma.”

An agreement with Ontario Parks allows Point Grondine campers day use at Killarney Provincial Park hiking trails, beaches and picnic areas, as well as access to trailer pumpout facilities and comfort stations at the nearby George Lake Campground for drinking water, indoor toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

“We obtained day passes for the Chikanishing Trail, which is incredibly beautiful, and for kayaking on George Lake without any additional fees,” says Richardson.

Point Grondine Park staff are set to complete an additional 26 drive-in campsites and four more eco-cabins in time for the 2026 season, keeping up with growing demand. Once those are in place, the next phase of development will include a comfort station and outdoor learning centre.

Despite all the new infrastructure, Wassegijig says intimate, natural experiences will always be central to Point Grondine’s management plan. Even the drive-in campsites are “all very private with a lot of space,” he notes. “Avoiding that crowded experience is one of the things we pride ourselves in. We want to be a great alternative for people to check out.”    

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