Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is located in the Kawartha Lake region on the Trent Severn Waterway in Ontario.

It is situated in the heart of cottage country and is a popular camping destination.

Site Review:

Balsam Lake Provincial Park has over 500 campsites in 5 designated campground loops. The sites are varied; some sites are huge and open, some enclosed and private. I can honestly say that I have never seen this diverse of an assortment of sites in an Ontario provincial park.Private Site

Large Site

 Sites close together

I highly stress consulting the Ontario Parks website before booking a site at Balsam Lake Provincial Park. Pay close attention to the site descriptions. When it says “pad slope-slight”- know that that means major levelling will be required. We had site #88 in the Lakeshore Campground area.

The comfort stations are typical of Ontario provincial parks-offering flush toilets and hot showers.

There are some vault toilets spread throughout the park as well. I usually take note of these, not because I use them, but because I don’t want to be near them. I have seen some vault toilets that are invasively close to actual campsites and in the summer the stench can overpower. The vault toilets at Balsam Lake Provincial Park are tucked away, almost unseen- nice!

Park amenities include a small (and I mean small) camp store where you can get wood and ice.

There is a rental hut by the beach where you can rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, or paddle boards. You can also purchase ice cream, cold refreshments, beach supplies, live bait and more. Life jackets and fishing rods are available to borrow.

Activities:

It’s all about the water here. It is a premier boating destination.

Boating:

Excellent facilities are provided for those wanting to enjoy their boats. There are docks, paved launch ramps, and ample parking for boat trailers.

Balsam Lake is part of the Trent Severn Waterway system- so opportunities to enjoy your boat are limitless.

Canoeing/kayaking:

You can enjoy the lake under your own power as well.

Rentals are available.

You can put in at the beach or from the boat launch. There is a small dock located near the 500 series campsites that can also be used for personal watercraft.

Balsam Lake is the highest lake in the Trent Severn Waterway System. This means it drains out on all sides. To the east, it drains into Cameron Lake and to the west into Mitchell Lake. This also means that it is the cleanest lake in the system which is great for swimming and fishing.

Swimming:

The beach is long,

sandy,

and groomed.

There is a picnic shelter and a play structure at the beach area as well.

There are no lifeguards- children are your responsibility- as many signs point out.

Fishing:

The fishing is reported to be very good at Balsam Lake Provincial Park. The lake supports a healthy sports fishing population and is renowned for its Muskellunge (Muskie), as well as its Walleye and Bass.

You can fish right off the dock at the boat launch area, or rent a canoe at the boat rental hut. Fishing is not permitted at the beach, or at the dock near the 500 series campsites.

An Ontario Fishing Licence is required for all persons ages 18-64. Licences CANNOT be obtained at Ontario Provincial Parks. Licences must be purchased in advance. They can be purchased at Canadian Tire retail stores and many sports/outdoor stores.

Hiking:

There are 4 trails to choose from at Balsam Lake Provincial Park. The trails are not long (max 3.6 km loop), nor are they that difficult. Frankly, though, they are not that interesting.

We had visited in the fall a couple of years ago.  The hike was pretty then, though if you are travelling to hike for the sole purpose to see the autumn colours this would still not be the park I would go to.

You should also be forewarned, there is Poison Ivy EVERYWHERE! Do not stray from the path.

I found it difficult with my dog. He likes to sniff and mark trees and bushes while we hike. He won’t have a reaction to Poison Ivy, but if he walks through a plant and the oils get on his coat and then I touch him, I could still ultimately suffer its effects. The hikes here aren’t worth it.

Biking:

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is one of the better places to take a leisurely bike ride through. I easily logged 10kms just looking around and travelling on the camp roads. The Lakeshore Trail is a 1 km walking/bike path you can use to access the beach area.

Things to Know:

1. You need an Ontario Fishing Licence to fish at Balsam Lake Provincial Park, and it must be obtained prior to your arrival- the park does not issue them.

2. Many sites require some degree of levelling. It is advisable to check the Ontario Parks website for specific site details.

3. Emily Provincial Park is located less than an hour away and is also a great park for boating if Balsam Lake is full.

4. Poison Ivy grows abundantly here.

The main thing to remember when trying to identify Poison Ivy is the cluster of 3 leaves with the middle leaflet having a longer stem than the 2 side leaflets. Leaves can be smooth or jagged, shiny or dull. If in doubt remember: Leaves of 3 let it be! A poison ivy reaction is very unpleasant. It will likely require a doctor’s visit.

5. Should you require any sundry items, or have forgotten any supplies- there is a store located just outside the western boundary fence. There is a walkway for ease of access.

6. The beach area is well-maintained and family-friendly with a shallow walkout- though it should be noted that there are no lifeguards.

IMO:

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is a great park for families. The boating and water-related activities are superior. The park is easy to navigate and though some sites are better than others, overall the camping experience is definitely enjoyable. Take care when it comes to the poison ivy situation. Would recommend it as an RV Place to Go and would stay again!