Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park - Image 1
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Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park Picton Ontario

4.5
·2k reviews·Prince Edward, Canada

A high-altitude lake with no visible source, offering stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Quinte. A unique natural wonder.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Serene views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park - Image 1

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park Picton Ontario

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Serene views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A high-altitude lake with no visible source, offering stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Quinte. A unique natural wonder.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Truly unique and magical spot with absolutely stunning views, a must-visit in Prince Edward County!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a Picnic Basket 🍕

Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors recommend bringing your own food to savor the scenery.

Capture the Vista 📷

The lookout offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mysterious Lake

The Mysterious Lake

Lake on the Mountain

A unique, high-altitude lake with no visible source, offering stunning, clear waters and a sense of wonder.

Panoramic Bay of Quinte Views

Panoramic Bay of Quinte Views

Lookout Point

Breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Quinte, perfect for photography and soaking in the expansive scenery.

Picnic Paradise

Picnic Paradise

Designated Picnic Areas

Ideal spots for a leisurely picnic amidst beautiful natural surroundings, with tables and grassy areas.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during the warmer months for the best experience, as the park is seasonal. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful visit. Arrive early to secure a good picnic spot.

Park Amenities & Access

This spot is more of a scenic lookout with picnic areas than a traditional provincial park. Facilities are basic, so pack accordingly. Parking is available and may require a small fee.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Serene views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekdays
Why
Pleasant weather, less busy
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Megan Follows from Anne of Green Gables gave The Enchanted Book Club the surprise of a lifetime on our tour of Prince Edward Island! Months in the making, this surprise turned out to be an absolute dream. Megan took a carriage ride around the Lake of Shining Waters with us, joined us for dinner (which included an hours-long Q&A session), and signed the guests’ Anne books. Join The Enchanted Book C...
@hayleysolano
32.2K likes • 339.6K views

Pack a Picnic Basket 🍕

Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors recommend bringing your own food to savor the scenery. Reddit

Capture the Vista 📷

The lookout offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

This stunning lakehouse Airbnb in Prince Edward County quickly became one of my favourite Airbnbs in Ontario. Great for girlfriend getaways and family escapes! #OntarioTravels #PrinceEdwardCounty #airbnbfinds #ontariofinds {hosted}
@thecuriouscreature
18.6K likes • 330K views
💎McGinnis Lake is one of Ontario’s rare meromictic lakes— which means the water layers don’t mix and thus creates this unreal turquoise colour 😍✨ It’s a must! Have u been here before? Or is this amazing Ontario hidden gem going on your list? 💖 📍 PETROGLYPHS PROVINCIAL PARK 2249 NORTHEYS BAY RD. WOODVIEW, ONTARIO • • FOLLOW for more Ontario hidden gems like this • • #petroglyphs #petroglyphspr...
carmintravels
319 likes • 6.4K views

Seasonal Access 🍃

The park is open seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall. Check operating dates before visiting. TikTok

Ferry Ride Option 🚤

Consider taking the free ferry across the Bay of Quinte for a unique perspective and to explore the other side. Reddit

Spring is in the air and that means @watersedge.pec’s season is just around the corner. Celebrate by booking your stay as early as May 17th! 🌊 🎥: @watersedge.pec 📍 Prince Edward County, ON
@ontarioairbnbs
14K likes • 437.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a Picnic Basket 🍕

Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors recommend bringing your own food to savor the scenery. Reddit

Capture the Vista 📷

The lookout offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

Seasonal Access 🍃

The park is open seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall. Check operating dates before visiting. TikTok

Ferry Ride Option 🚤

Consider taking the free ferry across the Bay of Quinte for a unique perspective and to explore the other side. Reddit

Easy Access 🚗

A perfect stop for a scenic break while driving through Prince Edward County. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, unique views of the high-altitude lake and the Bay of Quinte, calling it a magical and must-visit spot in Prince Edward County. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and excellent picnic opportunities, though some note it's more of a lookout than a traditional park with extensive trails.

"What a great park to visit? We really did not plan to go there, but luckily, we ended up at the park while driving around. It was in December 2024, and the weather was excellent. Even though it was very cold, not having snow and bright sunlight made the view of the lake incredible. We saw the ferry to cross the lake but unfortunately we could not do it. I recommend that if you go to the park, it makes us experience the ferry ride as well."

Chula Rodrigo

"We always rode down to this amazing place every year. It's so scenic and nice view! One of our favourite rides on our motorcycle. So cool to reach the ferry, load in, cross, and continue on the other side and free as well."

Cameron Lisk

"Lake on the Mountain is a truly unique and magical spot in Prince Edward County! The views are absolutely stunning, with the mysterious lake perched high above the Bay of Quinte, offering a perfect backdrop for a peaceful day out. The lake itself is beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery, and it's fascinating to think about how it formed and how it sits so high up with no apparent source. There are great picnic areas, and the nearby lookout offers panoramic views that are perfect for photos. Whether you're here for a hike, a leisurely stroll, or just to take in the serene surroundings, Lake on the Mountain is a must-visit destination. It's a hidden gem that's perfect for nature lovers and anyone looking for a unique experience in Ontario!"

Mehrzad Mehrvarz

What People Like

Breathtaking panoramic views
Mysterious high-altitude lake
Peaceful picnic spots

What People Dislike

Limited hiking trails
Basic facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is located in Prince Edward County, Ontario. It's easily accessible by car, often visited as part of a scenic drive through the county. Many visitors find it a convenient stop while exploring the region. Reddit+1

Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling or ride-sharing if you don't have your own transport. TikTok

While there isn't a ferry directly to the park itself, there is a free ferry service across the Bay of Quinte nearby. This can be a scenic way to travel and access areas on the other side of the bay. Reddit

From Toronto, take the ON-401 East towards Kingston. Take exit 522 for County Road 1 for Prince Edward County. Follow County Road 1 South, which will lead you towards Lake on the Mountain. The drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. TikTok

Yes, there is a parking lot available. Some reviews suggest there might be a small fee or a QR code for payment, so be prepared for that possibility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is generally free to enter and explore, though parking may have a fee. It's more of a scenic viewpoint and picnic area than a ticketed attraction. Reddit

The park is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through early fall. It's best to check the official Ontario Parks website for exact opening and closing dates for the current year. TikTok

There is no admission fee to enter the park itself. However, parking may incur a charge, so it's advisable to have some cash or be ready to pay via a QR code if available. Reddit

While the park is seasonal, the scenic views are often accessible year-round, weather permitting. However, amenities like washrooms might be closed, and road conditions can vary in winter. Reddit

There are no regular guided tours or special events typically advertised for Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park. It's primarily a self-guided natural attraction. TikTok

🎫 compass Onsite Experience

The main activities include enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Quinte, having a picnic in the designated areas, and marveling at the unique, high-altitude lake with no visible source. There's also a small trail for a leisurely stroll. Reddit

While there's a small trail, it's not a destination for extensive hiking. It's more suited for short walks and enjoying the scenery. For serious hiking, consider other provincial parks. Reddit

Yes, public washrooms are usually available during the operating season. They are basic facilities, so keep that in mind. Reddit

Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted in Lake on the Mountain due to its unique ecosystem and lack of visible source. It's best enjoyed for its views. Instagram

The main lookout areas and picnic spots are relatively flat and accessible. The small trail might be uneven, so strollers could be challenging. Reddit

📸 camera_with_flash Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Clear days provide excellent visibility for capturing the vast Bay of Quinte. Reddit

You can capture stunning landscape shots of the lake and the Bay of Quinte, as well as serene nature photos. The unique elevation of the lake makes for interesting compositions. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to Transport Canada regulations and park-specific rules. It's always best to check the latest guidelines before flying a drone in any provincial park. TikTok

Experiment with different vantage points from the lookout. The area directly across from the parking lot offers a classic view of the lake and the bay beyond. Reddit

Yes, if the ferry is operating and visible from the lookout points, you can capture photos of it crossing the Bay of Quinte. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is a wonderful, low-effort stop for families. The main draw is the stunning view and the unique lake, which sparks curiosity in children. It's an ideal spot for a picnic lunch without requiring strenuous activity, perfect for families with young children or those seeking a relaxed outing. Reddit

While there isn't a playground, the open grassy areas provide space for kids to move around safely. The short, easy trail is also manageable for little legs. The nearby ferry ride can be an added adventure that kids often enjoy. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers

This park is a gem for day-trippers and those on a Prince Edward County road trip. Its convenient location makes it an easy and rewarding stop to break up your journey. The spectacular views and picnic spots offer a perfect opportunity to recharge and take in the scenery. TikTokReddit+1

Combine your visit with stops at local wineries, charming towns, or the famous Sandbanks beaches. The park's accessibility and its status as a unique natural wonder make it a must-see on any PEC itinerary. TikTok+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Lake on the Mountain offers a unique canvas. The high-altitude lake with its mysterious origins and the expansive Bay of Quinte provide diverse shooting opportunities. Capture the dramatic light during sunrise or sunset, or focus on the serene beauty of the water and surrounding landscape. Reddit

The park is also a great spot to photograph the Glenora Ferry in action, adding a dynamic element to your shots. The panoramic views are ideal for wide-angle lenses, while the clarity of the lake can be captured with telephoto lenses for detail. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enigmatic Lake

Lake on the Mountain is a truly unique geological feature. It's a meromictic lake, meaning its water layers don't mix, which contributes to its exceptional clarity. What makes it even more mysterious is that it has no visible source of water, yet it remains full year-round. This phenomenon has fascinated visitors for generations and adds to the park's allure. InstagramReddit

Locals and visitors alike often ponder the origins of this high-altitude body of water. Theories range from underground springs to ancient geological processes. The lack of a clear inflow or outflow makes it a subject of natural curiosity, perfect for contemplation during a peaceful visit. Reddit

While you can't swim in the lake, its beauty is best appreciated from the surrounding viewpoints. The clear water often reveals fish and other aquatic life, adding to the serene natural spectacle. Reddit

Prince Edward County Road Trips

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is a fantastic stop for anyone exploring Prince Edward County (PEC). The park's location makes it an ideal spot to break up a scenic drive, offering breathtaking views and a chance to stretch your legs. Many visitors discover it serendipitously while touring the county's wineries, beaches, and charming towns. TikTok+2

Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Sandbanks Provincial Park for beach activities, or explore the culinary delights of PEC, including restaurants like The Drake Devonshire. The county is also known for its numerous wineries and craft breweries, making it a popular destination for weekend getaways and day trips. TikTok+1

Consider incorporating the free Glenora Ferry into your PEC itinerary. This ferry crosses the Bay of Quinte and offers a unique perspective of the landscape, connecting you to different parts of the county and enhancing your road trip experience. Reddit

Picnicking and Relaxation

The park is renowned for its excellent picnic facilities, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely day out. Several designated picnic areas are equipped with tables and offer beautiful views, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature's splendor. It's a popular spot for families and couples looking for a relaxed atmosphere. Reddit+1

Visitors often praise the tranquility of the park, noting it as a great place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle. The combination of the scenic vistas and the peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal location for quiet contemplation or simply enjoying a good book. Reddit

Remember to pack your picnic basket and any essentials you might need, as amenities are limited. The focus here is on natural beauty and relaxation, so come prepared to enjoy the simple pleasures of a scenic picnic. Reddit

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