Toronto 
Escape to the quieter side of the Blue Mountains this spring, summer, or fall with a trip to Craigleith Provincial Park.
The lakeside park is in a convenient location for any type of warm-weather fun, adventure, or vacation. This could include fun on the Georgian Bay water, up in the Blue Mountains, or along the lakeside Georgian Trail.
Here are all the ways you can enjoy a trip to Craigleith Provincial Park:
Ancient Surprises on the Craigleith Shores
Craigleith Provincial Park sits on the Georgian Bay’s south shores but is not an ideal beach location like many other nearby parks.
The Craigleith area of this Huron shoreline is made up of fractured pieces of shale. So, while not ideal for sunbathing or swimming, the beach areas are perfect for slow, meandering walks along the shore. These are walks you will want to take at a slow pace, no matter what, as the shale around this shoreline contains 450-million-year-old fossils! Along with making hiking the shores easier, the shale and rock steps also make the area ideal for launching canoes or kayaks into Lake Huron.
The grey and neutral tones of all the rocks and shale of the Craigleith shore combine with the blue waters and lush greenery to create an ideal picnic setting or place to catch the sunrise and set (the beach faces north).
Birding, Fishing, and the Nature of Craigleith Provincial Park
Craigleith Provincial Park is an ideal campground and day-use area for fall and spring fishing. Pick a shoreline area and cast off during a calm morning or evening for rainbow trout, salmon or whitefish.
During a spring or fall visit, the migratory birds will also make the park a bit busier with animals. Any time of year, Craigleith Provincial Park is home to a huge array of bird species, and even more so during the migration seasons of spring and fall. Watch and listen for hummingbirds, chickadees, bluejays, raptor birds, and waterfowl.
Exploring the Georgian Trail
The Georgian Trail, which passes Craigleith Provincial Park, extends from Meaford to Collingwood with many access points along the way.
Follow the Georgian Trail to explore the scenic shorelines of Huron and Georgian Bay. The trail is 34km in total, with simple ways to section off the trail into shorter hikes or bike rides. While there are no beaches or swimming areas at Craigleith, the Georgian Trail provides quick access from the Provincial Park to all of the nearby Georgian Bay beaches.
Some of the beaches closest to Craigleith on the Georgian Trail include the town of Craigleith’s Northwinds Beach and Council Beach to the northwest. And while not on the Georgian Trail, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is still relatively close by, as the longest freshwater beach in the world.
Each community or town on the Georgian Trail has different local attractions to explore, with Collingwood on the far southeast side. The trail then runs through Craigleith, Thornbury, Clarksburg, and Meaford.
There are a few provincial parks nearby, including Wasaga Beach, Awenda, Earl Rowe and Sauble Falls.
Camping at Craigleith
All of the campgrounds at Craigleith Provincial Park offer a combination of sites with electrical and sites without services. The park has four campgrounds in total, with all campers having access to park comfort stations (showers, washrooms, and laundry). Plus, all campsites will have individual picnic tables and fire pits. Each of the four campgrounds has distinct features that might appeal to different types of campers.
Sightseeing and Adventures in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountain region, directly south of Craigleith Provincial Park, is a year-round outdoor playground. The resort area and Blue Mountain village offer recreational fun and relaxation for kids of all ages.
Some of the mountain-based summer activities around Blue Mountain include hiking, biking, Gondola rides, the Timber Ropes challenge, or the Zipline.
Along with the shoreline towns along the Georgian Trail, the Blue Mountain village is also a great place to find local dining and eateries. The village offers water-based fun, too, like a swimming beach and the Mill Pond Activity Centre.
Planning your trip – Craigleith Provincial Park
What: Craigleith Provincial Park is a seasonal campground on the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron shore. The park offers an affordable and scenic place to stay for trips around the Blue Mountains or Huron shores. Craigleith Provincial Park sits at the base of the Blue Mountains and along a shoreline made of fractured plates of shale.
Location and how to get there: 209403 Highway 26, Blue Mountains
Craigleith Provincial Park is located approximately 175 km (2 hr 30 min drive) from Toronto, 65 km (1 hr drive) from Barrie, 150 km (2 hr drive) from Kitchener and 470 km (6 hr) from Ottawa.
Best time to go: April – October (April 10 to October 18, 2026).
How much: camping $$42.00 per night & up; day use $15.50 per vehicle per day
For more information:
