Emily Provincial Park
A charming provincial park in Kawartha Lakes, offering waterfront serenity, family-friendly beaches, and wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Emily Provincial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming provincial park in Kawartha Lakes, offering waterfront serenity, family-friendly beaches, and wildlife encounters.
"Emily Provincial Park is a great place to spend the day or a weekend of camping, with stunning views and friendly staff."
🚗 Easy Day Trip Option
Perfect for a short family getaway, Emily Provincial Park is conveniently located near Peterborough.
🍦 Ice Cream Delight
Don't miss the delicious ice cream at the park store; it's a hit with visitors of all ages!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pigeon River Waterfront
Along the Pigeon River
Enjoy scenic views and fishing opportunities along the tranquil Pigeon River. A perfect spot for a relaxing day or a picnic.
Family-Friendly Beach
Main Beach Area
A spacious beach perfect for families with young children to play and swim. The park is noted as great for 'littles'.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including turtles hatching and making their way to the lake.
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Planning Your Visit
Best Time for a Peaceful Visit
Camping Site Selection Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Day Trip Option
Perfect for a short family getaway, Emily Provincial Park is conveniently located near Peterborough.
🍦 Ice Cream Delight
Don't miss the delicious ice cream at the park store; it's a hit with visitors of all ages!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
A separate dog beach is available, though it can be weedy. Great for canine companions!
🐢 Turtle Nesting Spot
Witness the incredible sight of baby snapping turtles hatching and heading to the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Day Trip Option
Perfect for a short family getaway, Emily Provincial Park is conveniently located near Peterborough.
🍦 Ice Cream Delight
Don't miss the delicious ice cream at the park store; it's a hit with visitors of all ages!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
A separate dog beach is available, though it can be weedy. Great for canine companions!
🐢 Turtle Nesting Spot
Witness the incredible sight of baby snapping turtles hatching and heading to the water.
💰 Firewood Costs
Be aware that firewood can be pricey, around $10 a bag. The camp store is closed Mon/Tues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Emily Provincial Park is praised for its stunning waterfront, cleanliness, and exceptionally friendly staff. Visitors enjoy the spacious, well-separated campsites and the family-friendly beach. While some note minor issues like road noise and the cost of firewood, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with many recommending it for day trips and camping.
"Emily is a stunning provincial. Located right along the water. We camped here for Thanksgiving weekend and had a fantastic time. The park is very clean and the staff were always super friendly. All the other campers were polite and respectful of everyone else. Emily is located to close to a few other provincial parks which was really nice. Emily is a great place to spend the day or a weekend of camping."
Brent
"The Park is awesome! I had a great time walking the trails and checking out the beautiful lakes. The views are stunning and perfect for a chill day or a picnic with friends. Everything is super clean, and I loved seeing all the wildlife there"
Aaron Choi
"The sites are larger and a little more spaced apart than many other pro. Parks.
Wood has gone up to $10 a bag and ($6 for kindling bag)
Staff is courteous and friendly.
Some noise from exterior roadways but otherwise pretty quiet.
Site fees around $150 for three nites on a electrical site.
Shower and bathroom Facilities are decent.
Overall four stars because there is always room for improvement and nothing is perfect.
(Other parks need to separate the sites better, they are too close together.)
I must add, I am in favor for "NO" site fees because this is "OUR" land.
There should instead be a park fee for entering."
Robbie Myers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Emily Provincial Park is located in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes, near Omemee and Lindsay, Ontario. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular day-use destination and camping spot.
Yes, Emily Provincial Park is situated close to several other provincial parks, making it a great base for exploring the region. It's also just outside of Peterborough.
From Highway 7, take the exit for County Road 10 north towards Omemee. Continue on County Road 10, which will lead you to the park entrance. Specific directions can be found on the Ontario Parks website.
Public transportation options to Emily Provincial Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Emily Provincial Park for a day trip, offering flexibility to explore the park at your own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day-use fees apply for visitors not camping. Camping fees vary depending on the site type (electrical, non-electrical) and season. Check the Ontario Parks website for current pricing.
It is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially for electrical sites and during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.
Emily Provincial Park is typically open for day use from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Camping is available overnight. The park store has specific hours and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Yes, firewood is available for purchase at the park store. However, be aware that the store is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and firewood can be costly.
Ontario Parks offers various passes, such as the seasonal pass, which may provide cost savings for frequent visitors. Check the Ontario Parks website for details on available passes and discounts.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include fishing on the Pigeon River, swimming and playing at the main beach, exploring wildlife, and enjoying picnic areas. Camping is also a primary activity. +1
While Emily Provincial Park is smaller, there are trails to explore. Some trails may have been affected by ice storms, so check current conditions.
Yes, there is a main beach area that is great for families. There is also a separate dog beach, though it's noted as weedy.
Visitors have reported seeing various wildlife, including a notable sighting of baby snapping turtles hatching and making their way to the lake.
The bathrooms and showers are generally described as decent and are cleaned multiple times a day. Wheelchair accessibility is available with ramps, though one ramp has a noticeable bump.
🍽️ 🍦 Food & Dining
The park has a store that sells essentials, including ice cream, which is highly recommended. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Absolutely! Emily Provincial Park offers beautiful waterfront views and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a day picnic.
While not explicitly mentioned, picnic sites often come with or are near BBQ facilities. It's advisable to bring your own portable grill if needed.
The nearby towns of Omemee and Lindsay offer various dining options, from casual cafes to local restaurants, if you plan to eat outside the park.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics or to enjoy at their campsites.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront along the Pigeon River offers stunning natural scenery. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light for photography.
Witnessing baby turtles hatching and making their way to the lake is a truly unique and memorable photographic opportunity.
Early mornings and late afternoons, during the golden hours, offer the most picturesque lighting for capturing the park's beauty.
Drone usage is subject to Ontario Parks regulations. It's essential to check the official Ontario Parks policy on drone operation before flying.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing wildlife and landscapes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for scenic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many reviewers mention it's a 'great park for the littles.'Beyond the beach, families can enjoy picnicking, playing frisbee, and making new friends. The park's manageable size makes it easy to navigate with children. Don't forget to treat them to the highly-rated ice cream from the park store!
🐶 Pet-Friendly Adventures
Camping with dogs is a popular activity here, and the spacious campsites provide ample room for pets to relax. Remember to always follow park regulations regarding pets, including leash laws, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
🎣 Anglers and Nature Lovers
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to observe local wildlife, including the memorable sight of baby turtles. The park's waterfront provides scenic views that are perfect for a relaxing day spent appreciating the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Emily Provincial Park's Natural Beauty
+1The park is particularly noted for its family-friendly environment, with a spacious main beach perfect for children to play and swim. Beyond the beach, the park provides opportunities for fishing and enjoying the scenic views. A unique highlight for many visitors is the chance to witness wildlife, including the fascinating sight of baby snapping turtles hatching and heading towards the water.
+1While some trails may have been impacted by past ice storms, the park still offers areas for exploration. The well-maintained grounds and friendly staff contribute to a positive visitor experience. For those seeking a tranquil natural setting with opportunities for simple outdoor enjoyment, Emily Provincial Park is a delightful choice.
Camping and Facilities at Emily Provincial Park
The park's facilities include decent shower and bathroom amenities, which are cleaned multiple times daily, ensuring a comfortable stay. Wheelchair accessibility is provided with ramps, though a slight bump on one ramp has been noted. The park store offers essentials and is a popular spot for ice cream, though it's important to note its closure on Mondays and Tuesdays, which also affects firewood purchases.
Campers can enjoy the convenience of being close to the water and the park's amenities. While some visitors have mentioned noise from exterior roadways, the overall camping experience is generally positive, with an emphasis on cleanliness and well-maintained grounds.
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