Ontario Provincial Parks have something for every outdoor enthusiast, from nature trails and canoe routes to interpretive centres and programs. Within the 25,000 square km. of Rainbow Country, you will find 10 Provincial Parks, 5 of which are listed below. Each park provides opportunities to experience unique landscapes and natural beauty.

Windy Lake Provincial Park is a great recreation spot in both summer and winter. 3 kms north of the town of Levack on Hightway 144, it's only 55 km northwest of Sudbury. 92 campsites, 56 of which have electricity. Campground open Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day, with day use skiing in the winter months. 705-966-2315

Chutes Provincial Park runs along the picturesque banks of the Aux Sables River in the town of Massey. Only minutes from highway 17, it is a perfect stopover for travelers between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. 130 campsites, 56 are electrical. Open Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day. (705) 865-2021

Fairbank Provincial

The main attraction at this park west of Sudbury is Fairbank Lake, a crater created by a meteorite that hit the earth millions of years ago. The spring-fed lake is so clear it attracts snorkellers and scuba divers. Camp around the rim of the lake and climb to trail lookouts to view it and the Fairbank fault. 160 Campsites; 55 Electrical. Open Victoria Weekend to Labour Day. 705-866-0530.

Grundy Lake Provincial Park is located halfway between Parry Sound and Sudbury, near the junction of Highway 69 and Highway 522. Grundy is a large natural environment park (2554 ha.) with 486 campsites (including 180 electrical sites and 10 backcountry sites). With numerous lakes and hiking trails to explore. Phone (705) 383-2286 for further information.

Halfway Lake Provincial Park offers plenty of outdoor adventure and relaxation with 46 kms of hiking trails and 20 lakes to explore by canoe. The park straddles Highway 144, about 90 kms north of Sudbury. 199 campsites, 80 electrical, with an additional 40 interior sites for hikers and canoeists. Open Victoria Day weekend to mid September. (705) 965-2702.

Embracing a host of clear lakes and spectacular quartzite ridges, Killarney Provincial Park is Ontario's southern most wilderness park. On the north shore of the Georgian Bay, Killarney's rugged landscape offers backcountry hiking and canoeing at its best. The George Lake campground and main access point to the parks interior is located on Highway 637, about 100 kms southwest of Sudbury. 126 campsites, with an additional 170 interior sites for canoeists and backpackers. Campground (with facilities) open from May to end of September. Campground and Interior open year-round (no facilities) except for April during ice break-up. (705) 287-2900.

Killbear Provincial Park: Thirty minutes northwest of Parry Sound on Highway 559, located in the middle of Georgian Bay's 30,000 islands. The gentle sand beach is the finest on the eastern shore and conditions are excellent for windsurfing and sailing. Seven campgrounds offer 880 campsites (including 147 electrical sites), all near the water. Hikers will enjoy the three trails, as well as the view from Lookout Point. For more information call (705) 342-5492.

Massasauga Provincial Park: Situated along Georgian Bay's eastern shore, south of Parry Sound, all of the park's 135 campsites are water accessible only and are located either amongst the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay or on the many inland lakes that are reserved for non-motorized travel. There are three trails for visitors to explore. For more information please call (705) 378-2401.

Oastler Lake Provincial Park: Located 7 km south of Parry Sound on Highway 69, this is a full service camping facility with good swimming, canoeing and fishing. Facilities include: drinking water, toilets, a comfort station (equipped with regular and barrier free showsers), a boat launching ramp with nearby docks, picnic shelter, wood lot and trailer filling/dumping station. There are 148 regular campsites and 22 electrical campsites. For more information call (705) 378-2401.

Six Mile Lake Provincial Park: Located 2 hours north of Toronto at exit 162 off of Highway 400, Six Mile Lake provides a typical Canadian Shield landscape with rocky shores, clear water and wind swept pines. Canoe rentals are available within the park and there are three sandy beaches as well as playground equipment and hiking trails. There are 217 campsites including 53 electrical sites available. For more information call (705) 756-2746.

Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park: Located only 6 km north of the village of Pointe-au-Baril, in the heart of the 30,000 islands. The park is an ideal recreation destination for boating, fishing and swimming, picnics and hiking. An ideal fishing spot for pike, pickerel, muskie, large and smallmouth bass, perch, black crappie and sturgeon Licences, bait, boats and fishing equipment can be found in numerous places nearby The sand beach is 77 metres long and is a great place to have a swim. There are 81 campsites (including 31 electrical sites). For further information please call (705) 366-2521.

Misery Bay Provincial Nature Reserve is located on Manitoulin Island's south shore, Misery Bay protects rare alvar communities, diverse woodland and wetland habitats and one of Manitoulin's most pituresque bays. Misery Bay is home to a variety of rare and significant plant species and is a migrations stop-over and refuge for many birds.

For more information on the parks within Rainbow Country, please call Rainbow Country Travel Association at 1-800-465-6655. For further information on Provincial Parks throughout Ontario, call 1-800-ONTARIO (1-800-668-2746). For Reservations call: 1-888-668-7275.