Round Lake Provincial Park

Round Lake Provincial Park, a 2,585-hectare nature reserve near Parry Sound, protects rare Atlantic coastal plain flora and vital habitats for species like the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. While camping isn’t permitted, visitors can enjoy hiking, paddling, and fishing in this ecologically significant, undeveloped wilderness.

Home » Parks » Round Lake Provincial Park

Round Lake Provincial Park is located near Parry Sound, Ontario, and offers a quiet, undeveloped setting that highlights the natural character of Ontario’s cottage country. This small and largely untouched park is valued for its calm atmosphere, natural shorelines, and simple backcountry appeal, making it well suited for visitors looking to step away from busier, fully serviced parks.

The park is centered on Round Lake, a clear and sheltered body of water surrounded by mixed forest and wetlands. The lake provides ideal conditions for canoeing and kayaking, with calm waters that are easy to explore at a relaxed pace. Anglers are also drawn to the area, as the lake supports common freshwater species such as bass and trout. With little development along the shoreline, the setting feels quiet and undisturbed.

Round Lake Provincial Park supports a range of wildlife typical of the Parry Sound region. Deer, foxes, and small mammals are often present, along with waterfowl and forest bird species. Wetlands around the lake contribute to the park’s ecological value, providing habitat for amphibians and birds while helping maintain water quality.

As a non-operating park, Round Lake Provincial Park has no maintained trails, campgrounds, or visitor facilities. Visitors should be prepared for self-sufficient use and low-impact exploration. This lack of infrastructure is part of the park’s appeal, offering a more natural and secluded experience for paddlers, anglers, and nature observers.

Conveniently located near Parry Sound, Round Lake Provincial Park works well as a quiet day destination or as part of a broader exploration of the surrounding lakes and forests. It provides a simple, peaceful introduction to the region’s natural landscapes without the crowds found in more developed parks.

General Information

Year Established: 1989

Park Size: 2585.00 ha

Park Classification: Nature Reserve

Phone: 705-342-5492

Location

Latitude: 49.758122 Longitude: -92.653490

Facilities & Recreation

Round Lake Provincial Park is a quiet, non-operating park that offers a simple and undeveloped setting for day-use exploration. Visitors come to enjoy low-impact activities such as paddling, nature observation, and time spent along the lake in a peaceful wilderness environment. With no staffed facilities or services, all visits require a self-sufficient approach.

Fishing is available on Round Lake, where anglers commonly target northern pike and various panfish species. There are no formally developed hiking trails, but experienced visitors can explore the natural shoreline and surrounding terrain on foot for wildlife viewing and backcountry-style hiking.

Backcountry tent camping is permitted in undeveloped areas around the lake, and visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles. Pets are allowed but must be kept under control to protect wildlife and natural habitats. During winter months, skilled visitors may access the area for snowshoeing or backcountry cross-country skiing when conditions allow, though no facilities or maintained routes are provided.

Nearby Attractions

Bobby Orr Hall of Fame: Located in Parry Sound, this museum celebrates the legendary hockey player Bobby Orr, featuring memorabilia and interactive exhibits that honor his contributions to the sport.

Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts: This waterfront venue in Parry Sound hosts a variety of concerts, theatrical performances, and cultural events throughout the year.

Waubuno Beach: A family-friendly beach in Parry Sound, offering sandy shores, clear waters, and amenities such as picnic areas and playgrounds.

Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre: Located just north of Parry Sound, this centre offers extensive trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking amidst scenic landscapes.

Island Queen Cruise: Experience the beauty of Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands with this popular boat tour, departing from Parry Sound and offering stunning views of the rugged coastline.

Nearby Parks

  • Grundy Lake Provincial Park

    Grundy Lake Provincial Park, located near Britt, Ontario, offers family-friendly camping, sandy beaches, and scenic hiking trails through mixed forests and Precambrian rock formations. With canoeing, kayaking, and excellent fishing across multiple inland lakes, it’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The park also provides educational programs and backcountry sites for a peaceful nature escape.

    Read more: Grundy Lake Provincial Park
  • Limestone Islands Provincial Park

    Limestone Islands Provincial Park is a remote, non-operating park in northern Georgian Bay, protecting ecologically significant islands with limestone bedrock, coastal wetlands, and nesting bird habitats. With no visitor facilities, it offers a peaceful setting for experienced paddlers and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude, wildlife viewing, and exploration in a unique island ecosystem.

    Read more: Limestone Islands Provincial Park
  • Magnetawan River Provincial Park

    Magnetawan River Provincial Park is a non-operating waterway park in central Ontario, offering a scenic backcountry paddling route through rapids, quiet stretches, and Canadian Shield landscape. With no visitor facilities, it’s ideal for experienced canoeists seeking adventure, wildlife viewing, and solitude along one of Ontario’s most historic and picturesque river systems.

    Read more: Magnetawan River Provincial Park
  • Oastler Lake Provincial Park

    Oastler Lake Provincial Park, located near Parry Sound, offers lakeside camping, a sandy beach, and great swimming and paddling opportunities. Nestled in a forested setting, the park provides easy access to boating and fishing on Oastler Lake. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly destination for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of Ontario’s cottage country.

    Read more: Oastler Lake Provincial Park
  • Round Lake Provincial Park

    Round Lake Provincial Park, a 2,585-hectare nature reserve near Parry Sound, protects rare Atlantic coastal plain flora and vital habitats for species like the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. While camping isn’t permitted, visitors can enjoy hiking, paddling, and fishing in this ecologically significant, undeveloped wilderness.

    Read more: Round Lake Provincial Park
  • The Massasauga Provincial Park

    The Massasauga Provincial Park is a backcountry gem in Georgian Bay, offering stunning island-dotted waters, rugged Canadian Shield landscapes, and excellent paddling and hiking. Accessible only by boat or trail, it features remote campsites, quiet bays, and rich wildlife. Ideal for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty in a true wilderness setting.

    Read more: The Massasauga Provincial Park

Park Blog

  • Ontario Provincial Parks With the Best Hiking Trails

    Ontario Provincial Parks With the Best Hiking Trails

    Discover nine Ontario Provincial Parks with some of the best hiking trails in the province. From scenic Lake Superior lookouts and challenging mountain climbs to waterfalls and easy family-friendly walks, explore outstanding hiking destinations. Compare trail distances, difficulty levels, and attractions, and find practical tips to help plan your next Ontario hiking adventure.

    Read more

  • Where to Eat Near Pinery Provincial Park

    Where to Eat Near Pinery Provincial Park

    Looking for somewhere to eat while camping at Pinery Provincial Park? Discover restaurants, cafés, pizza, pub food and easy takeout options in nearby Grand Bend and Port Franks, plus convenient food choices inside the park. Find ideas for breakfast, lunch or dinner when you’re ready to give the camp stove a break.

    Read more

  • Visiting Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: What You Need to Know

    Visiting Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: What You Need to Know

    Discover Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, from camping at Marie Louise Lake and hiking the famous Top of the Giant to paddling, cycling, fishing, and shorter nature trails. Learn what to pack, where to camp, when to visit, and what you should know before exploring this spectacular Northern Ontario park.

    Read more

  • Radio-Free Campgrounds in Ontario Provincial Parks

    Radio-Free Campgrounds in Ontario Provincial Parks

    Looking for a quieter camping experience? Discover radio-free campgrounds in Ontario Provincial Parks, including options at Awenda, Bon Echo, Algonquin, Grundy Lake, MacGregor Point, Balsam Lake and more. Learn what radio-free camping means, how it differs from generator-free camping, and how to choose the right campsite for your next Ontario adventure.

    Read more

  • Family-Friendly Ontario Provincial Parks Worth Visiting

    Family-Friendly Ontario Provincial Parks Worth Visiting

    Discover some of the best family-friendly Ontario provincial parks for camping, swimming, hiking, paddling, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures. From Sandbanks and Pinery to Algonquin, Awenda, Killbear, and more, these parks offer plenty of ways for families to enjoy time together outside.

    Read more

  • Scenic Drives Near Ontario Provincial Parks

    Scenic Drives Near Ontario Provincial Parks

    Discover some of the best scenic drives near Ontario provincial parks, from Highway 60 through Algonquin to the rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Explore beautiful routes near Killarney, Bon Echo, Pinery, the Bruce Peninsula, and Northwestern Ontario, with ideas for viewpoints, small towns, hikes, beaches, and stops along the way.

    Read more