Awenda Provincial Park

Awenda Provincial Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Kettle Lake at Awenda.
Location	Ontario, Canada
Nearest city	Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates	44°50′30.09″N 79°59′20.59″W / 44.8416917°N 79.9890528°WCoordinates: 44°50′30.09″N 79°59′20.59″W / 44.8416917°N 79.9890528°W
Area	29.15 km^2 (11.25 sq mi)
Governing body	Ontario Parks

Awenda Provincial Park is a provincial park in western Ontario located on the northern tip of the Penetanguishene Peninsula on Georgian Bay. The park occupies an area of 29.15 square kilometres (11.25 sq mi). It is classified as a Natural Environment Park and therefore all land is protected.

Giants Tomb Island, located in southern Georgian Bay approximately 3 km from the mainland is also owned by the park.

Recreational activities at Awenda include, camping, swimming, canoeing and hiking. Geological features include the Nipissing Bluff and kettle lakes formed during the retreat of the glaciers at the end of the most recent ice age. The shoreline consists of a series of sand, cobble, and boulder beaches.

Much of this area was logged around the beginning of the 20th century, so most of the mature deciduous forests here are actually second growth. Although dominated by mature deciduous forest, the park has an incredible diversity of habitats for its size, including: bogs, fens, coastal meadow marshes, dunes and pine oak savanna. It supports a rich variety of plant and animal life -including 32 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Park information

The park contains 6 public campgrounds with approximately 330 sites available and 3 group camping sites allowing for large groups to camp together. Several sites are equipped with electricity and available for RVs. Reservations are recommended and can be made through the Ontario Provincial Parks website. Camp sites are available in quiet zones (radio free) and one area of the campground (Snake campground) is pet-free and radio free. Check in times for campsites is 2pm on the date of arrival and campers must be checked out by 2pm on the date of departure. However, with the use of the vehicle permit that is given at time of arrival a camper can use park facilities until 10pm on the day of departure. The park includes 5 beaches, one of which is pet-friendly and the only area of the park where pets are permitted off leash.

The park also contains over 30 kilometres (19 mi) of hiking trails, with a variety of shorter and longer trails. Highlights include:

Robitaille Homestead Trail - 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) return (1 hour approx - moderate difficulty level) This trail takes you to an ancient dune system. The age of these sand dunes has been estimated at 11,500 years, from the time of the last glacial retreat. The dunes are a very fragile environment and it is prohibited to climb the hillside, stand on the edge of the bluff or climb down the bluff. The purpose is to allow plants to reestablish themselves and to preserve this area for future park visitors.

Wendat Trail - Loop 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) (2 hours approx - easy difficulty level) This trail wraps around Kettle Lake following closely on sections of the shore. A good area for wildlife viewing, specifically for birds such as the blue heron, loons, and small birds. A built boardwalk brings you over wetlands and provides beautiful scenery.

For a detail list of trails see Awenda park website hiking page.

Canoes can be rented at the park to be used on Kettle's Lake. No bike or kayak rentals available. Natural Heritage programs are scheduled throughout the summer and include Owl Prowls, nature hikes, children's programs, etc.

Park wardens are on staff at all times and are constantly monitoring campgrounds in case of emergency. After 3am OPP handle all issues.

Other activities at the park include: Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, cycling, and snow-shoeing.

External links

• Official Park Website
• Friends of Awenda