National Parks in Ontario

Ontario has five national parks, and two marine conservation areas. Pukaskwa National Park is a wilderness park located in the northern forest. Bruce Peninsula is located on the shores of Georgian Bay, and Georgian Bay Islands Park protects the islands in the bay. 

Point Pelee National Park is the southern most point of Canada's mainland, and its Carolinian forest is a magnet for birdwatchers. Five Fathoms National Park is Canada's first Marine Conservation Area, and Lake Superior Maine Conservation area protects the world's largest freshwater lake.

Bruce Peninsula National Park -  Northern end of Niagara Escarpment

In the heart of a World Biosphere Reserve, the 'Bruce' is a place of global significance. The massive, rugged cliffs of the park are inhabited by thousand year old cedar trees, overhanging the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay. The park is comprised of an incredible array of habitats from rare alvars to dense forests and clean lakes. Together these form a greater ecosystem - the largest remaining chunk of natural habitat in southern Ontario.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park - Captivating islands of Lake Huron's landscape

From the Honey Harbour area to Twelve Mile Bay in southern Georgian Bay, you will discover spectacular landscapes, time-worn rock faces, diverse habitats and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. These magnificent islands are accessible by boat only. The largest island, Beausoleil offers island tent camping, overnight and day docking, heritage education programs and hiking trails. 

Point Pelee National Park – Most southern point on Canadian mainland

A lush Carolinian forest oasis at the southern tip of Canada, Point Pelee National Park resounds with migrating song birds in the spring, hums with cicadas in the summer, flutters with Monarch butterflies in the fall and is a peaceful place of reflection in the winter.

Pukaskwa National Park – Canadian Shield's ancient landscape on Superior's North Shore

Pukaskwa National Park's exceptional beauty is revealed in its vistas of Lake Superior and in the rugged, ancient landscape of the Canadian Shield and northern forest.  The only wilderness national park in Ontario, Pukaskwa protects 1878 square km of an ecosystem that features boreal forest and Lake Superior shoreline.

St. Lawrence Islands National Park – Established in 1904

Conceived in the 1870s, St. Lawrence Islands is a tiny jewel with a rich and complex natural and human history. The park is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands tourist area. Make St. Lawrence Islands National Park a leisurely and scenic stop on your way through Eastern Ontario.

Fathom Five National Marine Conservation Area

The deep and sparkling waters at the mouth of Georgian Bay are home to Fathom Five - Canada's first National Marine Conservation Area. The park preserves a rich cultural legacy that includes 22 shipwrecks and several historic light stations. Fathom Five’s freshwater ecosystem contains some of the most pristine waters of the Great Lakes. The rugged islands of the park are a reminder of the impressive lakebed topography found beneath the waves.

Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. Showcasing part of the largest freshwater lake in the world, including fish, birds, shipwrecks, geology, plants, and human history.

Species At Risk in Ontario Parks

• Stinkpot turtle – St Lawrence Islands National Park 
• Deerberry – St Lawrence Islands National Park 
• Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus – Point Pelee National Park 
• Eastern Ratsnake – Point Pelee & St Lawrence Islands National Parks 
• Massasauga Rattlesnake – Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay Islands & Point Pelee National Parks