Toronto 
Sibbald Point Provincial Park sits on the quieter south shores of Lake Simcoe. This is compared to the populated Barrie to the west, or the many parks and beaches near Orilla in the north. These southern shores of Lake Simcoe are dotted with smaller communities and towns, with Sibbald Point Provincial Park at the centre of it all.
The York Regional Forest separates the GTA from the calmer, more subdued environment of Simcoe Lake. This popular year-round getaway destination in southern Ontario is on the far north side of York Region and Forest. So, for many living in the GTA, Lake Simcoe is a quick, convenient, and quiet escape from the city. For anyone visiting southern Ontario, Lake Simcoe is an essential destination for hot summer days with beaches all around the shores: north, south, east, and west.
As with much of the York Region, the south Simcoe shores are covered in thick forests. For anyone staying at Sibbald Point or making a day trip out of the beach, these forests offer shade, shelter from the wind, and privacy between campsites. Along certain parts of the park’s long stretch of sandy beach, these trees extend almost all the way out to the shoreline. This creates beautiful waterfront scenery with views facing north: this means these areas are also perfect for catching a sunset or sunrise.
But beyond the natural beauty and environment around Sibbald Point, and all the recreation those areas offer, the park is also an important part of local history. Discover stories, artefacts, and buildings from when the land was settled and occupied by the Sibbald family.
History & Nature on the Hiking Trails
Sibbald Point Provincial Park’s two main hiking trails each offer something a bit different in terms of what you’ll get to explore and experience.
- The Maidenhair Fern Trail is a 2km loop with interpretive signs that educate on the variety of ecosystems at Sibbald Point. This trail is also the best area of the park for birding with chances to view various types of migratory birds or waterfowl.
- Get historical context for the park from The Cultural History of Sibbald Point trail, a quick 1km trek that helps hikers explore the rich history of the Sibbald Family. Walk amongst the original buildings of the area like Eildon Hall Museum/Sibbald Family Estate Home, a settler’s cabin, St. George’s Anglican Church, and a graveyard (burial site of local authors Stephen Butler Leacock and Mazo de la Roche).
Water Adventures on Lake Simcoe
Within the heart of southwestern Ontario, and surrounded by some much larger bodies of water, is the scenic Lake Simcoe. Still a considerably large lake, Simcoe has enough space for waterfront properties, beaches, shoreline trails, and all sorts of boating, watersports, and swimming.
- A day trip or hot day while camping is best spent at the sandy Lake Simcoe beach of Sibbald Point. Here, there is a ton of space for lazing on towels, setting up picnics, as well as a marked swimming area. The beach and day use area also offer amenities like washrooms, comfort stations, and change rooms.
- Lake Simcoe is an ideal fishing area, especially at the calmer times of dusk and dawn. This is thanks to the many types of fish that are abundant in the water like lake trout, bass, whitefish, pike, yellow pickerel and jumbo perch.
- All types of boating are permitted on Simcoe including sailing, motorized boating (plus sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing), or paddling with canoes and kayaks. Find the Provincial Park boat launch at the day use area next to the museum. PFDs are available for rent from the park store. Picnic snacks and drinks are available as well from the park store.
- No pets are allowed on the large sandy beach area; but there are on-leash pet areas on the far east side of the beach and parking lots, and the far west side beside the boat launch.
A Day Trip or Picnic at Sibbald Point
Picnic areas are located all along the shores and grassy fields next to the beach. Take your pick between picnic tables near the water or set back under the trees, as well as sheltered picnic areas. Summer day trips could be spent swimming, lazy floating on inflatables, sunbathing, paddling, boating, or picnics. Paddling and motorized boating are also ideal for spring and fall, as are picnics.
- The nearby shoreline communities have a lot to offer for snacks or meals for day trips and picnics at Sibbald Point beach. This includes over a dozen eateries in Jackson’s Point and Georgina on the west side of the park, and a handful more options on Highway ON-48.
- Larger groups can reserve picnic shelters in advance.
Camping at Sibbald Point & More Waterfront Accommodations
Sibbald Point’s campground is divided into the east and west campgrounds, with the group camping area on the far south end of the park. The campsites are set away from the beach and water and within the cover of tall trees. Choose between sites with electrical hookups or those sites without services that are ideal for tents. Set around the campground roads are comfort stations with washrooms and showers. Kids can take advantage of playgrounds in the camping area and at the beach.
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- If you don’t enjoy camping or can’t snag a reservation at the Provincial Park campgrounds on your preferred dates, then the northern part of York and the south shores of Lake Simcoe have dozens more options.
- To the west of the park in Jacksons Point and Sutton are options like The Briars Resort & Spa, or the Ramada by Wyndham Jacksons Point.
More to do Near Sibbald Point Provincial Park
A trip around the shores of Lake Simcoe will offer several more recreational opportunities, communities to see and experience, and a few ways to explore York’s local history. There are also more beaches along all sides of Lake Simcoe.
- Explore more natural areas, trails, and parks, around the south side of Lake Simcoe. These include shoreline areas like the Jacksons Point Harbour and Lighthouse, De La Salle Park, or the Willow Beach Conservation Area.
- And away from the water are the dozens of trails within the York Regional Forest: these include areas south of Georgina.
- Dive into regional history with visits to the nearby Beaver River Museum, Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives, Georgina Military Museum, or the Cannington Historical Museum.
- If you want an extended road trip, consider circumnavigating Lake Simcoe. The northern shores of Lake Simcoe are home to more parks to explore, including McRae Point Provincial Park and Mara Provincial Park. Both offer more beach space on the sandy Lake Simcoe shores. Both parks also offer launch space for boats, canoes, or kayaks.
Planning your Trip – Sibbald Point Provincial Park
What: Sibbald Point Provincial Park is on the southern shores of Ontario’s Lake Simcoe. The park covers a sandy beach area, as well as space south and into the forested areas around the lake. The park is popular as a summer destination with camping open during these months, while Sibbald Point remains open in the winters for day use activities. Sibbald Point Provincial Park provides access to all of the warm-weather recreation offered by Lake Simcoe including boating, swimming, picnics, paddling, fishing, and beach activities.
Location and how to get there: 26071 York Rd 18 (Park Road), Jacksons Point
Sibbald Point is located approximately 90 km from Toronto (1 hr 20 min drive), 110 km (1 hr 15 min) from Mississauga and 80 km (1 hour drive) from Oshawa.
Best time to go: camping May-October; day use open year-round
Cost: Day use $21 per day per car; camping $19.36-$59.33 per night
For more information:
Planning Tips: Sibbald Point in the Summer
