Hiking Mara Provincial Park - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Mara Provincial Park: trails, map and practical info

Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe • Ontario

4.4 Appreciated by 18 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 19/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Elevation
20 ft

Along Lake Simcoe's sandy shoreline in Ontario, this unique park combines forest trails with extensive beach access for swimming and lakefront relaxation. Gentle 20m elevation changes through mixed woodland and meadows, perfect for families seeking accessible hiking.

Recommended for :

Ready to explore Mara Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Correction in Wildlife and Natural Features section

Remove or clarify the comparative reference to Bruce Peninsula. The text states 'It's a quieter destination compared to some of the more dramatic terrain found elsewhere in the Bruce Peninsula and Southern Georgian Bay region' — this is contextually problematic since Mara is not part of Bruce Peninsula. Recommend: 'It's a quieter destination compared to some of the more dramatic terrain found elsewhere in Southern Ontario, but that's exactly what makes it worth visiting if you're looking for an easygoing day out in nature.'

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
181 Courtland St, Longford Mills, ON L0K 1L0, Canada
GPS coordinates
44.5875601, -79.359051
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the mara provincial park in Ontario can be accessed by travelling east on Highway 17 to Highway 6. The park is located approximately 10 kilometres north of Highway 6 on the east side of the highway.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.5875601, -79.359051
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.4
5 Reviews
LC
Linda C.
Sep 14, 2023
What a fantastic place for a relaxing day outdoors! I brought my camera and was thrilled with the variety of flora and fauna. The overall ambiance of the park is tranquil, making it perfect for a reflective hike. I’d recommend visiting in the fall when the foliage changes color—truly beautiful!
SM
Sophie M.
Aug 22, 2023
I visited Mara Provincial Park during the late summer, and while the scenery was nice, I found the trails to be a bit too short for my liking. There wasn't much variety in the landscape, and after a couple of hours, we felt we'd seen most of it. It’s great for a quick visit, but I wouldn’t travel just for this park.
JK
James K.
Jul 10, 2023
As an avid hiker, I found Mara Provincial Park to be a hidden gem! The trail's elevation changes provided a light challenge, while the lush greenery was a feast for the eyes. I particularly enjoyed the serenity of the early morning hike when the park was quiet and the light was perfect for photography. Highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts!
MR
Michael R.
May 30, 2023
I visited Mara Provincial Park in the spring, and the fresh blooms made the hike delightful. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers, and we enjoyed taking photos of the vibrant surroundings. There are a few nice spots to sit and enjoy the view, although I wish there were more options for trail lengths.
ET
Emma T.
Apr 15, 2023
Mara Provincial Park offers a peaceful retreat for a family outing. The trails are easy and suitable for kids. We enjoyed spotting various birds and small wildlife along the way. The picnic areas were well-maintained, making it a great place to relax. However, I wish there were more trail markers to guide us. Overall, a lovely day out!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
20.00
No
No
Beyond hiking, Mara Provincial Park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and exploring diverse ecosystems along the Bruce Peninsula. The park's unique flora and scenic trails make it ideal for nature photography and wildlife observation.
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Top 10 best hiking in Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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Did you spot an error?

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Update : June 2026