Kingston 
When in search of somewhere quiet, maybe a bit more remote, or simply peaceful to visit this summer, Eastern Ontario has a lot to offer. The St. Lawrence Forest regions are littered and dotted in all directions with gorgeous lakes. This includes a variety of lakes with provincial parks surrounding each, providing destinations for those quieter, calmer getaways.
Silent Lake Provincial Park is a natural choice for a quiet escape to the woods, given its name, but this destination, located 25 km from downtown Bancroft, offers a peaceful summer escape for several reasons.
Escaping to the Woods around Silent Lake
The stunning variation of tree species found in central Ontario’s St. Lawrence forest region includes the mature trees that surround Silent Lake. These forests and wooded areas also line the park trails, campgrounds, and beaches to offer beautiful backdrops, shelter from the elements, and privacy between campsites. The park itself is a perfect display of that variation, as the trails and lake shore are lined with cedar, black ash, sugar maple, red oak, beech trees, and strands of hemlock. Under all of that tree cover are busy natural habitats like lush forest floors, meadows, beaver ponds, and swamps.
And while this park has many peaceful and calming elements that make it an awesome summer destination, the facilities also help to make for a relaxing weekend in the woods. This includes boat rentals, beaches, extensive trails, and camping options for all sorts of camping styles.
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Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails around Silent Lake
With close to 20km of hiking trails and mountain biking/cycling trails around Silent Lake, there ar multiple adventure opportunities for campers and day-visitors.
- A large chunk of the park’s trail system is from the 15km Lakeshore Loop. The more challenging hike closely follows Silent Lake’s shoreline for the entire trip. This means that there are rockier and rugged sections, and a bit of climbing involved on the way. That climbing does offer up some incredible views over the lake! Plus, the trail travels through a variety of scenery from meadows and marshes to cliffs and forests.
- The extensive loop around Silent Lake is easily broken up into shorter sections as an out-and-back trip.
- Bonnie’s Pond Trail is suitable for all types of hikers at 3km in total. It is a perfect snapshot of the wide array of nature that surrounds Silent Lake.
- The Lakehead Loop Trail is a much easier and shorter hike which still provides excellent views of Silent Lake, as well as the park’s varied forest scenery.
- Mountain bikers and cyclists can also take advantage of trails within the park: there is a large 17km loop which winds around the Lakeshore Trail and Silent Lake to offer cyclists a beautiful ride that is challenging all the same.
Beach Day at Silent Lake
This park has two beautiful beaches to offer campers and day trippers alike; the larger beach is at the main day use area, while a second and smaller beach is at the Pincer Bay Campground.
- The day use area beach is closest to the park gates and entrance with amenities for beachgoers like parking, picnic tables and shelters, washrooms, and showers. The sandy beach is also lined with a wide and grassy area that offers even more space for beach towels or picnic blankets.
- Getting picnic snacks and foods on the way into Silent Lake Provincial Park is convenient no matter what direction you’re headed; Bancroft is 23km northeast of Silent Lake on ON-28, while Apsley is about the same distance from Silent Lake but south on 28. These two destinations are home to numerous local eateries with several takeout options among them.
- Pincer Bay beach is much smaller but still offers visitors a place to park and use the washroom. A major highlight of this beach is the seclusion and shelter offered by the trees and the small cove on which it sits.
- Getting between the two beaches on the Lakeshore Trail will be about 2km of hiking in one direction, or a 4km return trip. The bike ride, on the main mountain biking trail, is about 3km one-way (6km return) between the two beaches.
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Peaceful Paddling on Silent Lake
The name “Silent Lake” certainly rings true when you consider that no motorized boating is allowed on the waters. So, when out for a peaceful paddle around the twisting shoreline of Silent Lake, it will truly be a calm and serene experience. And the further you paddle from the beaches or campgrounds, the quieter and more silent it all becomes.
- The main canoe launch is located at Pincer Bay beach, with another dock located at the day use beach.
- Anyone wanting to try paddling for the first time, or without equipment, will have rental options available from the park office, including canoes or kayaks.
Sightseeing around Silent Lake
A stay at Silent Lake Provincial Park means you’re within a short distance of numerous other interesting sights, trails, or parks. The nearby towns of Bancroft and Apsley provide numerous dining options to fuel the adventures, while the smaller highways east of Silent Lake are also dotted with a handful of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. So fuel up for all the extra sightseeing available around Silent Lake.
- The Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park takes up enough space that is has numerous access points around the boundaries. There are a handful located right off ON-28 and a short drive from Silent Lake. These are especially great spots for anyone looking for extra paddle space with Loon Call Lake, Long Lake, and Big Cedar Lake, all accessible from this stretch of highway.
- The town of Bancroft has several reasons for a visit including the art gallery and playhouse theatre, local shopping, the Gem & Mineral Museum, and scenic trails like the Eagle’s Nest Lookout.
- All of the region’s many lakes mean that there are also many beaches around Silent Lake Provincial Park in addition to those on Silent Lake. Find more beach and swimming space at the nearby Paudash Lake, Chandos Lake, or Wollaston Lake.
Camping & Comfort Camping at Silent Lake
The lakeside haven, which is the Silent Lake campground, has many different campsite options. Choose from among traditional campsites, those with services for trailers and RVs, or the different comfort camping options provided by Silent Lake Provincial Park.
- There are two main campground loops at Silent Lake Provincial Park: the Granite Ridge and the Pincer Bay loops. All of the park’s sites with electrical hook-up are within the Granite Ridge, while Pincer Bay is better for tenting, and it also has a few walk-in sites.
- Silent Lake Provincial Park also has double campsites that are ideal for two families, tents, or trailers/RVs.
- And for those who prefer a bit more comfort, or those who do not own camping equipment, Silent Lake offers comfort camping options. These include rustic cabins, which sleep up to five people, or soft-sided shelters, which sleep up to six people.
- All campers have access to the park store and office with firewood, ice, and coffee for sale, as well as campground washrooms and comfort stations.
Planning Your Trip – Silent Lake Provincial Park
What: While a popular summer destination, Silent Lake Provincial Park is a year-round park with activities for every season. The central Ontario park and lake provide winter recreation like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Regular campsites and comfort camping are also open year-round at Silent Lake. During the spring and fall seasons, the quiet park is ideal for paddling, hiking, cycling, and enjoying the stunning fall colours or spring flower blooms; those same activities are available during the summer, as is swimming in Silent Lake.
Winter Fun in Silent Lake Provincial Park – Adventures to Make the Best of Your Winter Trip
Location and how to get there: 1589 Silent Lake. Pk. Rd., Bancroft
Silent Lake Provincial Park is located approximately 245 km (3 hours drive) from Ottawa, 220 km (2 hr 45 min drive) from Toronto and 210 km (2 hr 30 min drive) from Kingston.
Best time to go: day use and camping open May 9, 2025 to March 22, 2026
May to Late March.
Cost: Vehicle Pass: $18.00
Camping: Varies
For more information:
