westmeath provincial park

We love this park. Although it is not open, you can still take a walk down the old access road (and if you are adventurous, you can reach the beach - but it is quite a hike!). My recommendation is to walk at least until you get to the flooded maple swamp. It's so beautiful. In the Spring you will be pleasantly overwhelmed by the spring peepers and the muskrats, and in the Fall you will be treated to a great show of migratory birds. We have been very lucky in the winter to watch a number of Bald Eagles along the shore of the Ottawa River from various locations in this park.

My husband and I have been coming to the area for years and finally decided we needed to walk in the park. It is definitely a walking or bike ride path in. Took us about 45 minutes. Motor vehicles are not allowed. It is a beautiful and serene walk. You come out to a beach at the end. Living in the Caribbean it does not compare but it is still beautiful. There are no facilities or garbage pails so come prepared to carry out what you take in. It is a day park and no camping is allowed. We will definitely go back next summer and take the grand kids.

As it was too cold for the beach at Westmeath Provincial Parlk (which is supposed to be awesome!), we stopped at the lookout point not far from the park. Wonderful view of the valley and my kids loved the shortness of the "hike" up to the lookout (about 200m). Everyone was happy!