Turkey Point Provincial park

Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Turkey Point Provincial Park will always hold a special place in my heart. Back in 2002, it was the first park that we experienced as a family, with a small tent and 3 kids, all under the age of 4.

Many things have changed; the kids are all bigger, we camp in a trailer for the most part, and our dog Rosie accompanies us now. One thing that hasn’t changed is our family’s love of camping and the outdoors.

We decided to start the 2010 camping season with a return trip to Turkey Point and found that it hadn’t changed at all and is still a beautiful destination with lots to offer.

Booking a little late this year, we camped at site 208, which is in the middle of the Whippoorwill campground. The site was a great size but a little more open to the neighbours than I like. The best sites in the park are around the outer perimeter; particularly 107 and 109 (get these 2 if you want 2 amazing sites together!) Other great sites are 108, 117, 118, 121, 122, 123, 128, 153– 158, 159 and 161. These sites are large, private and have the added benefit of having nothing but woods behind them. They are a mixture of electrical and non-electrical sites, so check out the details when you are booking.

Turkey Point Park is not right on the water but is less than a 5 minute drive away. The park maintains a parking lot right on the beach and your park parking pass gives you parking privileges there. In my opinion, the beach is just average and if you are looking for a good beach day, my recommendation is to do the 20 minute drive to Long Point Provincial Park. Your parking pass grants you there as well and the beach is spectacular. (article to follow.)

All in all, Turkey Point is a great choice, particularly for families with kids as the park features 2 playgrounds, an interactive kids program and is in close proximity to Long Point and Port Dover.

Flower Pot Island - Part 2

Leaving the flower pots behind, the main trail continues along the shoreline taking you to a large cave which is accessible by a set of stairs.

Some of the cedar trees that grow from the tiny crevasses in the rock are centuries old and you can’t help but be amazed at their ability to survive in such a harsh environment. The age of some of these tree’s are incredible. Growing from the cliff face, researchers from the University of Guelph found one cedar to be over 1800 years old, making it the oldest known living tree in eastern North America. The cave itself is beautiful and a great place to cool off before continuing your hike across the island.

Continuing down the trail, you will eventually get to the lighthouse at the north-easterly point of the island. Although the original lighthouse was built in 1897, a new, more modern version was constructed on the cliff face in 1969. This site features a lighthouse museum which is the former light keepers’ home and the view from the veranda is spectacular. This is a great place to have lunch and take photos before hiking back.

Plan to spend the better part of the day exploring this great island hiking, taking photo’s and swimming in the cool, clear waters of Georgian Bay. For the more adventurous, the island features 6 campsites complete with tent platforms if you wish to stay overnight. These sites are not reservable and are available on a first come first serve basis.

A beautiful spot and a truly unique destination, Flower Pot Island is just one more reason why I return to Tobermory every summer.

Inverhuron Provincial Park

One of Ontario's best kept secrets, Inverhuron Provincial Park is quite small with under 200 sites. It is located on the beautiful shores of lake Huron, just north of Kincardine. This park features a nice sandy beach, biking trails and large private campsites. As this park was rebuilt over the last few years, the sites still appear to have a gravel based new look to them, but are starting to look more natural each year. The park features 2 campgrounds; Lime Kiln and Gunn Point and the best sites in each are the final row which follows the waters edge. The best sites in Lime Kiln are 165, 166, 167 and 168. The best sites in Gunn Point are 60 to 76 excluding 69, 71 and 75. Getting one of these sites will ensure that you are lolled to sleep to the sound of the rolling waves on Lake Huron.

There is a unique feature in the park, that being an old family cemetary that is like stepping back in time. This is within cycling distance of all camp sites and is worth a visit.

All in all, a great park to visit with spectacular Lake Huron sunsets, well maintained private camp sites and no crowds.