Bass Lake Provincial Park

What’s in a name? One of the many highlights of Bass Lake Provincial Park is the calibre of sport fishing for ... you guessed it ... largemouth and smallmouth bass. It’s great for crappie, perch and sunfish, too. 

Centrally located in the heart of Ontario’s Lake County, the park also serves as a perfect base camp to explore amazing natural, cultural and entertainment attractions nearby. 

The 160 acre provincial park rests on the western shore of the 1,000 acre Bass Lake, a mere 7 km west of downtown Orillia. From Orillia’s harbour, boaters have access to Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. Sit back and enjoy a scenic boat tour with Orillia Boat Cruises. And, of course, you’ll find all the conveniences of an urban centre in Orillia, like restaurants, grocery stores, shops, museums and more. If high stakes is your game, try your luck at the slots or tables at Casino Rama on the eastern shore of Lake Couchiching. 

Explore nature trails at Scout Valley Loop Trail just 5 km from the park, or travel a little further afield for nature trails and wildlife viewing at Couchiching Conservancy or Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. About 20 km south, Hardwood Ski and Bike features some hair-raising mountain bike trails. Or learn about Indigenous history at Sainte Marie among the Hurons in Midland. All these attractions and so many more are with a 30-minute drive from Bass Lake Provincial Park.  

Back at the park, choose from electrical hook-up and non-electrical sites in four separate camping grounds: Lakeview, Eastside, Cedar and Hilltop. All campsites feature fire pits, picnic tables and access to washrooms, showers and water taps for fresh drinking water. Group camping and designated barrier-free sites are available for reservation. The day-use area also features washrooms and picnic shelters. 

For up-to-date information and reservation details on Bass Lake Provincial Park, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends. 

The sun hangs low behind the clouds and over the lake creating an orange glow in the reflection on the water.

Accessibility Features

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide  services or assistance with  communication, mobility, personal care,  medical needs or access to facilities.  Please check with the organization about  entry fees, if applicable.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual  indicators (guide dog or other animal  wearing a vest/harness); or  documentation available from a  regulated health professional to confirm  the animal is required due to a disability. 

More about Bass Lake Provincial Park

Fishing is a huge draw at Bass Lake, and with boat launch, docking facilities and boat rentals, the park caters to anglers eager to get out on the water. But there are plenty of other activities to keep guests engaged.

Families will appreciate the sandy beach, designated swimming area and children’s playground. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent from the Park Store. Other water sports commonly enjoyed all summer long include water skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing.  

Pick up the trail guide at the park registration office before setting out on the 2.8 km hiking trail. You’ll follow portions of the lake’s shoreline and hike through a variety of landscapes to the remains of the Rowe Homestead, a farm settlement that dates back to the 1830s. The park can be accessed year-round and maintains a 4 km network of trails for cross-country ski or snowshoe use.  

Ontario Parks Discovery Program is one more reason Bass Lake Provincial Park is loved by families. Each July and August, park staff lead exploratory nature tours to discover unique plants and animals. Kids can follow along with a Discovery Activity Log, and they’re encouraged to take the Discovery Ranger Pledge to receive a Discovery Ranger Button. 

Last updated: August 18, 2023

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