Emily Provincial Park

Emily Provincial Park is a gem in the Kawartha Lakes region. It doesn’t get much better than lazing by the water, catching some fish and soaking up the atmosphere. Three generous campgrounds give you plenty of space to spread out and explore while providing plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable. Camping in a tent or bring in your RV— there is room for everyone. 

Families love Emily Provincial Park for the friendly activities and secure location. During summer, the water is warm at the two sandy beaches (clearly marked with buoys). Boating and paddling are also popular on the water, with two boat launches on Pigeon River that connect to the Trent Severn Waterway. 

As the days get colder, we’d recommend you take a nature walk along the trails. The park comes alive in the fall, creating glorious backdrops of warm colours and rich wildlife throughout the area. There are paddle boats and canoes for hire, giving you a peaceful glide across the water and a superb chance for wildlife viewing. 

When night falls, you will realise just how far you have escaped into nature. With very little light pollution, Emily Provincial Park becomes a night-time wonderland, perfect for viewing shooting stars and gazing at the Milky Way Galaxy. 

Emily Provincial Park is well-placed for exploring the waterways and beyond. The campsites all have access to Pigeon River, which leads into the Trent Severn Waterway. This area is popular with recreational boaters and canoes, as it connects with Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. Along with the banks are a myriad of wetlands and resting spots for wildlife viewing, including birds and frogs. If you don’t have your own, you can rent a canoe from the Park Store and teach yourself on the river, perfect for beginners. 

Once you have gained a taste for the sport, head over to the Canadian Canoe Museum in nearby Peterborough. They have the world’s largest collection of canoes and the informative displays guide you through the history of the canoe and its cultural significance in Ontario. After you have visited the museum, you will see the Kawartha Lakes (and Emily Provincial Park) with new eyes.  

During the summer, take your outdoor skills to the next level with Emily Park’s Discovery Programs. Park staff offer a variety of activities for kids (and kids at heart) to learn about conservation, campfires, hiking, and general information on the Kawartha Lakes. The park is also famous for its free hands-on fishing program, aimed to teach new anglers how to fish (with a few local secrets on where to fish too). Swing by the park office for information on all the programs available. There is always something new to discover at Emily Provincial Park.