Barrie 
Ontario Parks will officially open Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park on July 1, 2024, marking a significant expansion in the province’s commitment to conservation and public recreation.
Credit: Ontario Parks
The new park, located in the Township of Uxbridge, represents a departure from traditional provincial parks, which typically consist of large, contiguous tracts of land. Instead, Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park will comprise several separate parcels of land scattered throughout the area.
This innovative approach aims to eventually link these parcels with other local recreational spaces and trails, enhancing access to natural settings from Lake Ontario to Uxbridge and beyond. A fitting addition to the trail capital of Ontario!
Per Ontario Parks, the park’s design reflects a broader goal to integrate community and natural landscapes, encouraging residents and visitors alike to engage with and explore the area’s scenic and cultural offerings.
At Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park, visitors can enjoy hiking, walking, biking, and exercising pets on a leash. Winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on trails, although these are not maintained. However, camping, campfires, off-road motorized vehicle use, and hunting are strictly prohibited to preserve the park’s natural environment.
The decision to establish the park follows extensive public and stakeholder consultation, with more than 4,300 responses received in support of the initiative. The site’s historical and environmental significance is underscored by its location within the Oak Ridges Moraine and its proximity to lands traditionally occupied by Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat nations, as well as areas governed by historic treaties like the Gunshot Treaty and the Williams Treaties.
Environmental assessments have highlighted the park’s diverse ecosystems, including significant wetlands, sand barrens, and mature forests, which are home to several endangered species and a provincially significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. These features play a crucial role in watershed protection and wildlife habitat connectivity, reinforcing the park’s value to both the community and the natural environment.
Parking at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is limited, with only 6 spaces at 565 Old Stouffville Road and 4 at 579 Old Stouffville Road. Visitors are advised not to park on municipal roads when lots are full and to consider other local trails and recreational areas or visiting at a different time for safety.
Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park – Trip Planning
When: Opens July 1, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
What:
Activities permitted:
- Hiking/walking
- Biking/Mountain Biking
- Pet Exercise (pets must be on a leash at all times)
- Skiing and snowshoeing are welcomed on hiking trails. However, please note that trails are not maintained or track set and be sure to use caution during winter months.
Activities not permitted:
- Camping
- Campfires
- Off-road Motorized Vehicle Use (e.g., all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), dirt bikes, snowmobiles, etc.)
- Hunting
Where:
Limited parking is available at:
- 565 Old Stouffville Road – limited to 6 parking spaces
- 579 Old Stouffville Road – limited to 4 parking spaces
How Much: Free Admission
