Lake Wilcox Park
Lake Wilcox Park features the city of Richmond Hill’s largest body of water, Wilcox Lake. The park and lake offer various outdoor recreational experiences for friends and families. Enjoy a day on the water kayaking, canoeing, fishing or windsurfing. If you prefer to spend your time on land, the park is an excellent place to lounge by the shore, plan a picnic, play at the skatepark or compete in a friendly game at one of the sports complexes.
Although you can’t swim in Lake Wilcox, you can stroll along the walking trails, including a boardwalk that stretches out and above the lake. And for hot summer days, you can always find relief at the property’s mini waterpark filled with splash pads and fountains.
The park sits on the western shore of Wilcox Lake and offers several facilities. Walk along its vast waterfront promenade or on a few paved trails that meander through the forested property. Along the way, stop to admire the park’s statues and gardens. To truly get a sense of the scenery, walk out onto the 130-metre wooden boardwalk that creates a crescent shape over the lake. It’s a popular path offering excellent views of the lake and its tree-lined shore.
To learn more about the property’s forest, you can opt for a self-guided tree tour of Lake Wilcox Park. In around 45 minutes, the tour will take you along its eastern shores to admire a total of 20 different tree species native to Ontario. You can learn all about the unique characteristics of the species and understand how to identify them.
Located in the northerly neighbourhood of Richmond Hill in the Greater Toronto Area, Lake Wilcox Park is about 40 km from Toronto via Don Valley Parkway and Highway 404.
We recommend visiting Richmond Hill’s website for up-to-date information and details on Lake Wilcox Park. For more information about the park and other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.
More about Lake Wilcox Park
Lake Wilcox Park is a favourite locale for the Richmond Hill community. Set within the Oak Ridges neighbourhood, the beloved green space offers a reprieve away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s commercial and business areas. Locals and visitors use Lake Wilcox Park and its surrounding areas for a morning, afternoon or an entire day spent enjoying nature.
If you’re travelling with your kids or families, the property features a large playground with a seasonal miniature water park consisting mostly of splash pads and fountains. There are other youth facilities, including a skate park, a beach volleyball court and other sports complexes. Of course, boating is one of the most popular activities in Lake Wilcox Park. Or get out on the water canoeing, kayaking, fishing or even windsurfing.
Lake Wilcox Park is the primary green space of the Oak Ridges area and offers the most variety of activities. However, three other small parks line the shores of Wilcox Lake. If you feel up for a little exploring, consider a quick visit to Jesse Vanek Park to the south via a walking and cycling path. On the western shore is the Lake Wilcox Fish & Wildlife Refuge, a quiet green space protected by tall grasses. You can walk out onto a small boardwalk and try your luck spotting ducks, turtles, fish and other bird species.
Along the shore and next to Lake Wilcox Park is the Richmond Hill Canoe Club. rent a boat and enjoy a leisurely paddle around the lake. Just down the street is the Oak Ridges Community Centre and Pool. Many locals and visitors combine the park with a visit to the community centre since swimming in the lake is prohibited for safety reasons.
The city of Richmond Hill — especially the northerly neighbourhood of Oak Ridges — is also known for its golfing. There are three golf areas around Lake Wilcox Park, including Bloomington Downs Golf Course, DiamondBack Golf Club and Summit Golf & Country Club.
Other popular attractions in Richmond Hill include the city’s historic Yonge Street filled with shopping and dining, Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts and Richmond Hill Heritage Centre. You can also find Canada’s largest telescope at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory.
Last updated: August 18, 2023