Ultimate Guide to Hardy Lake Provincial Park: Tips & What to do Nearby
Are you looking for an awesome place to hike in Ontario? Then let me introduce you to one of my favourite places to hike, Hardy Lake Provincial Park. This park is located in the heart of Muskoka and makes for an easy day trip from Toronto.
The park is located just outside Gravenhurst and has numerous features that keep me coming back. It’s home to floating boardwalks. Wraps around a scenic lake. And it’s free to hike!
I’ve hiked Hardy Lake in the heat of the summer, when it’s covered in fantastic fall colours and knee deep in snow. So, after countless hikes, I’m sharing all my best tips for visiting Hardy Lake. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get there, about the trails in the park, and learn about hiking here. Plus, I’m dishing out my favourite things to do nearby.
So, lace up your hiking boots and let’s get ready to plan a memorable hike!
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Hiking Hardy Lake Tips & Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Hardy Lake Provincial Park is located in Muskoka, roughly 15 minutes west of Gravenhurst. The parking lot for Hardy Lake is off of Highway 169.
If you’re planning to visit from Toronto, Hardy Lake is approximately 2 hours north of the city, via Highway 11.
Address: Hwy 169, Torrance, Muskoka Lakes (MAP)
Insider tip: This hike is one of the gems and cool stops you’ll find on my surprise Muskoka day trip itinerary. The Muskoka Loop Adventure features over 30 stops, from hikes to waterfalls, and cute cafes to lookouts. Grab yours now!
Parking lot
Hardy Lake is a non-operating park, meaning there is no visitor centre or facilities. This also means that there is no parking fee. But there is a portable toilet near the trailhead seasonally.
The parking lot is not large. So, if you’re visiting on a weekend or during the summer, it typically fills up before 10 am. Many park along the side of the road, but this is a busy highway and not recommended. I recommend arriving before 10 am or visiting in the off season.
Is it Free?
Yes, Hardy Lake is free to hike.
Hardy Lake Provincial Park Trails
There are 3 trails in the park and all considered moderate.
- A Trail – 9 km (3-5 hours) also known as Hardy Lake Loop Trail
- B Trail – 3 km (1-2 hours)
- C Trail – 3 km (1-2 hours)
What You Can & Cannot Do in the Park
Along with hiking, you can kayak and canoe in the park.
There is no camping permitted. Nor are motorized vehicles or hunting allowed in the park.
Safety Tips
The trails are full of uneven ground, roots and rocks. So, it’s important to wear proper footwear and mindful of where you step.
If you are a novice hiker, please familiarize yourself with how to follow blazes. The blazes along the trail help to keep you on the right path.
Also, if you’re hiking Hardy Lake in the winter, it can be very slippery with ice and tricky footing with deep snow. I’ve known a few people, avid hikers, who have injured themselves in the winter. So, caution is a must.
When to Go
I think the best time to visit Hardy Lake is in the fall! There are no bugs, the temperatures are comfortable and the colours are awesome. It’s one of the best fall hikes in Ontario!
Summer is another ideal time to visit as you can enjoy a dip in the lake during your hike. However, it’s the busiest season to visit.
Spring is a quieter time to visit, but there are a number of sections that get very muddy.
What to Pack
If you plan to hike the Hardy Lake Loop Trail I recommend packing a day hike bag. A few essentials are a large water bottle, some snacks and sunscreen.
Also, remember to pack out whatever garbage you brought in.
Where to Eat Nearby
If you’re looking for a great meal after your hike, one of my favourite places to eat near Hardy Lake is Clear Lake Brewery. They do an awesome, and BIG, nacho plate and tasty burgers. It’s only a 5-minute drive west.
Another cool place to eat is Dock of the Bay in Gravenhurst. Roughly 15 minutes east of the park, this lakefront restaurant has a large menu and has awesome water views from the patio.
Hiking Hardy Lake Loop Trail
While one of the small provincial parks, at 808 hectares (2,000 acres), Hardy Lake Provincial Park is one of the best places to hike in Muskoka. It’s the incredible features that really make it stand out.
The Loop Trail (also known as A Trail) is roughly 9 km, including a 1 km extension. During your hike you’ll encounter a range of environments, from cedar forests to swatches of the Precambrian rock that Muskoka is known for. Plus, Hardy Lake is one of the best lakes in Muskoka!
Nature lovers will love the biodiversity in the park, from birds to plants. One thing that really struck me was the wealth of mushroom species I found throughout the park. I saw everything from Chicken of the Woods to Puffballs as well as the pretty Orange Mycena.
The Hardy Lake Loop Trail circles the lake. It takes you through forest and along the rocky shoreline. But one of my favourite features of the park are the boardwalks! There are two main ones along the trail.
Looking for more trails like this? Check out these boardwalk trails!
There’s an extension of the trail, roughly 1 km long, that leads you to a hidden gem. A waterfall! This small cascade waterfall is located along the stream that empties Hardy Lake into Lake Muskoka.
Hiking the B Trail
If you’re looking for a shorter trail at Hardy Lake, the B Trail is a great choice! This 3 km loop offers a peek at the beauty of Hardy Lake Provincial Park.
Along the B Trail, you’ll wander through forests, along the shoreline and over rocky terrain. The only downside is that it doesn’t take you over the two iconic boardwalk sections that the park is famous for.
Things to do Near Hardy Lake
Explore Gravenhurst
This scenic small town is a short 15-minute drive from the park. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Gravenhurst. A few of my top picks:
- Explore the Muskoka Wharf
- Visit the Muskoka Discovery Centre
- Take a Muskoka boat tour
Hike Torrance Barrens
If you’re looking for another hike near Hardy Lake, head over to Torrance Barrens. Located 15 minutes south of the park, it’s also free to visit. You can easily do both parks in one day. But the best thing about Torrance Barrens is that it’s a Dark Sky Preserve, making it one of the top places to see northern lights!
Check out a Lookout
If you’re looking for another nearby hike, head to Walker’s Point. Located less than 10 minutes east of Hardy Lake, it’s one of the best lookouts in Muskoka! And it’s a short hike up the hillside.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you’re planning a hiking getaway, there are a few great places to stay near Hardy Lake.
Chalets on Lake Muskoka – this is one of the best lakefront cottages in Muskoka! They have cozy cottages to book and plenty of amenities. Enjoy a private beach, hot tubs, fire pits and a sauna.
Residence Inn – this lakefront hotel in Gravenhurst has an ideal location. It’s close to attractions and restaurants. Amenities include an indoor pool and a complimentary breakfast.
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Nothing excites me more than an incredible hiking trail that has it all, varying terrain, a wealth of flora and fauna, boardwalks and picturesque views! And Hardy Lake Provincial Park has it all! Which is why I know you’ll love hiking it too!
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