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Best Picnic grounds in Canada

Top Rated Picnic grounds

Top Reviewed Picnic grounds

Reviews

The Granville Island Picnic Pavilion, nestled in the heart of Vancouver's bustling Granville Island, offers a delightful retreat for both locals and tourists. This charming pavilion stands out with its modern yet rustic architecture, blending seamlessly with the island's artistic vibe. The pavilion is spacious and well-maintained, making it an ideal spot for family picnics and casual gatherings. Surrounded by lush greenery and with a stunning view of the waterfront, it provides a serene backdrop for a relaxing day out.
A gorgeous new disc golf course awaits you! Get outside and give this beautiful terrain a try. The holes are expertly designed with a balance between risk and reward with many of the holes challenging your strategy with unique shot shapes and elevation changes. We will be back again soon!
Absolutely loved this place. Beautiful time of year to walk down to the point (November 12th). I loved the hiking trails along the way. The staff were so friendly and helpful - thanks Charisse & Josh!
Tracey
at 2023 Nov 08
Tracey
at 2023 Nov 08
Have visited here 3 times now and will keep coming back. Shuttle to tip is fun, frequent and pet friendly. The walk back to the visitors center is nice walk. We did three trails that day. Walk to the tip, marsh trail and woodland nature trail, all were well marked and beautiful on a fall afternoon.
休闲的好地方
I really loved hearing how this park came to be. The monuments are beautiful and the grounds are well taken care of. I would have liked to see an off leash area for the dogs as there is plenty of space by the parking lot. I would caution people to keep their dogs away from the river as it is a very popular fishing spot. There are bound to be sharp hooks among the river bed.
Amazing hiking, biking trails, paths are seperated upon entry, the noise from high way is drowned pretty quick as you walk closer to Wilson Falls, the views are breath-taking. Bring snacks, the walk can be as long or short as you like, we spent about 3 hours there, taking pictures, jumping on the rocks, having little snacks, they have proper washrooms in their welcoming centre with seating to relax and fresh drinking water. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the parc.
About 35 minutes from Montreal, I had a great time hiking in the serene embrace of nature. The entrance fee is $11.50 per adult, and you can purchase it at the entrance. The trails were enjoyable, and the views were truly breathtaking. The sound of water flowing over the rocks is incredibly serene and relaxing. Tip: Bring some snacks and fluids for a perfect day out.
Unfortunately not that impressed with Albion Hills for camping. Seems you can park your trailer any way you want on your site. Guess this is because one hydro/water post serves 2 sites and i guess most folks don’t carry extension cords or extra water hoses.
Anyway here in early October and it was rather dumpy looking with cars and trailers parked any which way.
Bathrooms were not clean on any day (we were here 4 days).
I count my blessings that my dog rarely barks, but there were plenty of other folks that don’t seem to mind letting their dog bark all day while at their site (that isn’t the fault of Albion Hills though).
There is plenty of hiking and cycling trails that were great.
Small area where you can hike/walk for a good 20mins. We went there around 5:30 and we noticed huge birds resting on the branches of the trees, that might be their home considering the amount of dropping we saw on the ground (I'm not sure what kind). The place is very interesting.
We visit Point Pelee once a year and it never disappoints. We go during the week in September and its never too busy. We can always find a spot on either side of the peninsula on the beach to chill with our dogs. The trails are always well groomed and all the facilities are clean. Dogs are welcome (on leash) and the cost for the day is excellent, $7.50 per adult, much better than most conservation areas and tons more to explore. Youth under 17 years of age are Free!
The boardwalk Marsh walk is also very nice and an easy walk for those that may struggle on the trails.
Easy access from city limits. Plenty of trails, campsites (serviced and non-serviced, pool/ splash pad and chalet to host events. Nice to go on one day too
Skadi Crowe
at 2023 Sep 14
Skadi Crowe
at 2023 Sep 14
This historical park is only few streets away from me and i must say that this is the most beautiful park i ever seen. Beautiful Joe has a place in every meaford citizen’s heart. His burial and statue are in the park that holds his name. It also have plates for your little loved pets who passed away as well, if you wish your pet to have one there. You can bring your pet and take a calm walk. The water and trees makes the walk an absolute relaxation. You can also give your respect to Beautiful Joe as i said about his burial. If you wish to know about our Beautiful Joe, there is a book about it called « Beautiful Joe » But dont forget to read the back before to read the book to understand about the location of the story not being the right one but the story is all true.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Point Pelee National Park is a natural gem with diverse ecosystems, stunning views, and abundant wildlife. The "Tip" offers breathtaking panoramas. Enjoy birdwatching, serene walks, and canoeing. Don't miss the Marsh Boardwalk. The park's flora is impressive. The Visitor Centre is informative. A must-visit for nature lovers! It’s a long drive from Toronto but totally worth it
Albion Hills Conservation Park is a haven for those seeking an escape from the chaos of the city. Nestled amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of rolling hills and vibrant forests, this park offers solace and tranquility to its visitors. Unfortunately, the once-pristine surroundings are marred by careless actions of some visitors who choose to litter. It is disheartening to see plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other debris scattered across the otherwise enchanting trails and picnic areas. Albion Hills Conservation Park deserves to be charished and preserved allowing future generations to revel in its splendor. Please show respect to this incredible sanctuary of nature. Visitors should refrain from shouting or creating excessive noise in the picnic areas. While it maybe tempting to let our voices carry in the open space, we must remember that others also come to Albion Hills seeking tranquility and relaxation.
This is a big nature parc... for walking around.. biking... have a picnic... enjoy the rapids
11.5 $ for adult
Lot of car parking.
You can spend about 3 hours easily.
Get your food and spend time with your family.
Directly accessible from the Car parking.
JR
at 2023 Aug 28
JR
at 2023 Aug 28
May very well be one of the best spots in the park .
Nice green space in Brampton for a picnic/ barbecue/ day's outing with family and friends.

Attractions:
1) Tree top trekking -Always get advance online booking.
2) kayaking in transparent kayaks in Heart lake
3) Ziplinning across Heart 💖 lake.
4)Enjoy a few trails around the lake and in the wooded area.
5) Barbecue is allowed for barbecue enthusiasts

Tip: Carry mosquito repellent spray especially in the summers to avoid getting eaten alive by the mosquitoes.
Heart Lake Conservation Area is located in Brampton, which is a fantastic site for family or group events, no matter large or small.

Boathouse fishing and tackle, no license required. Learn to Fish program for beginners, pool and splash pad, picnic areas with benches, fitness trail, Tree Top Trecking/ Zip Line, canoeing and kayaking, cycling and hiking, dog walking, or just a nature walk is fine.

If you are looking for an adventure for kids of all ages, get outdoors and choose your adventure, this is the place. However, you have to pay extra if you want to play those activities. I don't think they will allow for overnight camping over there.

There is a bathroom/change room located near the pool and splash pad. There are stairs to walk down to the Heart Lake where you can find another washroom facility. However, there are porta-potties only in the picnic areas or along the trails.

Several huge parking lots in different areas are available, but you have to pay for general admission.
Passenger vehicle: $24.00
Large van: $42.00
Bus: $300.00.

The Medicine Wheel Garden is organized by the Aboriginal Network, TRCA, City of Brampton, and community groups, a place for healing, celebration, and peace, which is fantastic to drop by.

The breathtaking landscape along the lake is absolutely an oasis for nature lovers. It's definitely a natural beauty for spending a whole day with family and friends.
Would recommend!
Asher Bennett
at 2023 Aug 23
Asher Bennett
at 2023 Aug 23
Wonderful park and specially very instructive and inspirational to the ones that love dogs and the respect to animals. Congratulations to the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society for keeping the story and this fantastic park.
The southern most point of Canada. Its a worthy trip. Great way to nature. Its a large park. The place is like paradise 🥰 It’s great place for people to about nature. Amazing experience and truly incredible. You can take thousands of photos here and all of them turn up to bd perfect. Shuttle service is amazing.
Very big park.. lots of entrance ..very pretty..... lots of parking spots.... great for picnic and walks
One of my favorite parks in Metro Vancouver. It is a center place to visit and spacious
Wayne Newton
at 2023 Aug 12
Wayne Newton
at 2023 Aug 12
What started as a lasting tribute to a rescue dog that inspired a book 100 years ago has morphed into an inspiring woodland riverside park in Meaford. Besides Beautiful Joe, the dog whose original owner violently abused, there are beautiful tributes to the dogs of 911, service dogs and police dogs. Unfortunately, the free park is mostly ash trees that are now being killed by the emerald ash borer, so the woods will soon be stark, changing the park dramatically. Even now, I'd be wary of dead limbs. There's a picnic shelter and a portable toilet, no playground.
The Southern-most point on the Canadian mainland is worthy of a full day trip. The marsh boardwalk is amazing and best enjoyed when the sun is not overhead. The "tip" is fascinating and a great place to watch the sapphire water and lots of birds. And if you can stay late, it becomes a star-gazers paradise.
Love the place for camping and mountain biking! As a mountain biker, great technical trails to learn from. Been here a lot of times and would still love to come back for more. Great place to exercise your lungs with a lot of uphill climbs before you enjoy the downhill.
A remarkably clean and picturesque area that we thoroughly enjoyed. It's perfect for walking, hiking, cycling, and photography. You'll need to pay around $29 per car at the entrance, but don't worry if you're uncertain about which activities to try. There are numerous options available, including a water park, playground for children, and boat rentals and etc. However, there aren't any public restrooms available.
Good place for hiking, clean bike trails. Lots of picnic spots. Charcoal and gas BBQ allowed, clean public swimming pool $3 but not heated 🥶, splash pad and a small area for the little kiddies to play. Park admission fee of $7, lots of parking, very little phone reception and washrooms available. Overall a good place to visit and explore!
Really enjoyed visiting this conservation area. If you go on a weekday it typically isn't very busy. If you are entering the park by car it's about $30 for the day so make sure you bring a credit card as they don't accept cash. There are lots of different paths to hike as well as a lot of seating room and picnic benches. This park also has water activities including kayaking and swimming.
Heart lake is a beautiful area, with expansive land for picnics and activities. In addition to the tree top trekking, splash pad and zip lines there were a few small areas to fish, and boat rentals. In addition to the entry fees, all activities have additional fees.

After following the first trail for a few km, it ended, and the only option was to follow the same trail back or make the mistake of diverting to another one and getting lost like we did. We eventually exited into a parking lot 15 minutes away from our original starting point and walked along the road. There are no maps along the trail...only numbered posts which do not particularly help. The trails were long but not very interesting. If you are not interested in the other activities, there is not a lot to see along the trails.
This park is a real beautiful! It's clean and brimming with beauty. You'll find a stunning river and some gorgeous falls that are a treat for the eyes. Whether you're up for a walk or a challenging hike, this park's got you covered. And there's a fun stuff for the kids too! And the views? Just wow! Every corner is a perfect snapshot. Enjoy the natural charm, and make some beautiful memories. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Love Granville Island Picnic Pavilion especially when Jessica McMann performs
A great overall place for a picnic or family getaway. Parking to specific zones could be more better signed as one would often find themselves lost looking for the correct zone.
What an absolutely beautiful national park! 100% worth visiting. Unfortunately I could only stay for a few hours, but I could have easily spent the entire day here. There are hikes (I don’t think they’re very challenging), picnic areas, swimming beaches, and lots of other activities to do. I loved going to the tip area, and the scenery was just incredible. I also love the range of sceneries you can get at this park, to Sandy beaches and rough waves to just kilometres of marsh (highly recommend the marsh boardwalk, by the way). If you’re ever in the area BE SURE to visit!!!
And again this is a very good picnic area
This review is specifically for my kayak/boating rental experience in June of 2023.

Having enjoyed my hiking visits to Heart Lake in the past, I was excited to rent a kayak. The Toronto and Regional Conservation (TRCA) parks website stated boat rentals are $20/hr, which seemed reasonable to me. When I got there, I discovered that that price pertains only to fishing rowboats, which are limited to visitors that fish. The staff will not allow non-fishing visitors to rent these if it is a busy time with many fishers.

Single-person kayaks are $30/hr, while tandem kayaks are $60/hr. We were a party of 3 and ended up spending 3 times what I had budgeted for. I found this to be highly unreasonable and deceptive - is there a reason you charge twice as much for two people using one kayak? Furthermore, they should at least give a comprehensive listing of all rental options on their website, not just the cheapest one. Your lack of transparency ruined what would otherwise have been an excellent outing. This is not a respectable way to do business.
Magical Lake side park location and one of the most beautiful yet most underrated parks in Ontario!
It's a large park with many small destinations for you to look for, varying from camp sites to beaches to nature reserves. And the nature reserves (wetlands) area is a must-go! It features a long floating bridge/track to walk into the wetlands and enjoy what it has to offer. Because it's a nature reserve, you can see birds, swans, insects (not the ones that bug you). There's also an observation deck to check on the whole area, amazing!
The other famous attraction from the park the the point of course, which is where the park get its name from. So I heard it has a nickname "Ontario's Maldive". I'd say it definitely live up to it (aside from the fact that you cannot get into the water because of generous tides). Taking the park's own tram takes you to the southern most pit of Ontario, which is already a pleasant experience. You'll get the best view to Lake Erie and the shiny sand, all of which give you the vibe of Maldive and tropical scene.
Highly recommended!
Place is nice for hiking. There is no network in that area so be prepared. There is 7 dollars something fees per person, place has pool too. Good area . 8/10.
The picnic shelter area is perfect for a large group. It has tables, benches, grills and is close to the public bathrooms and Rouge River. The park itself is beautiful and spacious. The shelter has a roof so it is also great on days with random periods of rain.
A wonderful place for hikes.
They have removed the per person entry and introduced per car entry at $24.
Also the Treetop trekking here is a great adventure activity!
Nice quiet corner of the park with two picnic tables in the shade and an outhouse. No parking lot but ample street parking on residential streets nearby.
It was an awesome experience. The conversation park was not crowded. You can enjoy hiking, cycling or exploring trails even by walking. The lake is beautiful and the cool breeze can soothe your soul. There are a lot of points for photography as well and the natural lighting and beautiful nature will add the jinx in your picture. There is a playground for kids, lots of places to sit and hangout with your friends and family. It's a good idea to enjoy your day picnic as well.

Overall it was an excellent experience, one should definitely go and visit this place once.
AMANDA POST
at 2023 Apr 11
AMANDA POST
at 2023 Apr 11
The park itself is lovely, picnic tables, Pavillion and gorgeous trails...

We went across the road and followed the hiking trail.

It's a 12km loop that usrs some farmers' fields, and road way to connect, but it was a lovely walk all the same.

It's definitely not a trail for strollers or bikes. You should be capable of watching your footing and maintaining personal balance but not difficult either.

Gorgeous area.
It's just a roof to protect you from the rain if you are picnicking and it's a good spot to meet for group walks.
Beautiful place for walking with family
Nice picnic area.
We went to this park in August and really enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful and easy stroll in nature along a small cascade. Picnic tables everywhere to rest. There were different activity sections: the sensory path was quite a change in perspective, the artistic path had cool wooden sculptures, there was some history on the way too. A part of the park had apple trees, we picked a few and shared one with a cute squirrel.
If you’re the type of person that loves the outdoors but can’t manage rough terrains. This is the place for you. There is a small fee to enter. All the paths are easily maneuvered. They’re picnic tables everywhere to enjoy some chow by the water or on the small island. Explore and enjoy the outdoors 🌿🪵🌳🐞🐿
Good place for a day picnic but washrooms arrangements are poor. This is highly crowded area requires proper maintenance of washroom by city.
EDITED REVIEW POST-EVENT: the washrooms were open and clean! The area was clean! The staff was very accommodating. And the view was stunning. We had 180 guests and we were able to place 15 eight-foot tables, 150 rental chairs, utilized the gazebo for the buffet with chaffing dishes, etc. This is THEE best picnic area in centennial park. The baby shower was an absolute success!!! THANK YOU - 5 stars

PREVIOUS REVIEW: Went to check out the site which we booked for a baby shower. At the time, washrooms were closed due to maintenance but the park placed 2 portapotties. There are better washrooms in Picnic area 5 if need be (4 min drive). The area is clean and spacious. The trees offer shade and as the afternoon/evening hits, the treeline offers shade towa4ds the pavilion. The pavilion and area is clean. Let's see how this turns out in september. Missing 5th star due to washroom/portopotty inconvenience.
Vinz T
at 2022 Jul 03
Vinz T
at 2022 Jul 03
It is a decent place for a summertime family picnic: a prominent area with lots of picnic tables, so usually able to find an unoccupied one; mostly under tree shadows so that it will not be too hot even in summer; have water taps inside the picnic area, and washrooms not far away; great playground nearby with water spray park in summer; the parking nearby has hundreds of stalls, but if you don’t have a car, Patterson SkyTrain station is also within walking distance.
Huge park with 2 big parking area. They have lake. Kids play area. I am not giving 5 star as all the toilets were locked. Portable toilets were not in a condition to use.
Very nice park. It is huge! It has several types of trails according to difficulty level. Good signalling. Plenty of parking which is included in the entrance fee. Washrooms are clean but in specific locations, so most likely you’ll need to drive or go in your bike to get to them.

While hiking, we saw several families camping in their designated campgrounds, which was really cool.

If visiting in summer, bring repellent, sunscreen, food , water and a hat! It is HUGE and you can spend here 3-4 hours at minimum.
Sa Ch
at 2022 Apr 22
Sa Ch
at 2022 Apr 22
Amazing park🍀
Winter is kind to this area of the park. Thanks to a small little hill, I bring my kids to slide on the slippery slope at dusk.
This is a nice, clean park with plenty of trees providing lots of shade. The walking trail leads to the river and provides access to the riverbank. There is a pavilion close by to the parking lot which has several picnic tables.
We were given a lovely walking tour by one of the very friendly volunteers who told us all about Beautiful Joe, Canada's most famous dog, and she provided lots of interesting information about all the monuments erected at the park.
I love taking the kids to this park they always have An amazing time, plus you can see the frogs,turtles and ducks.Sometimes if you stop at the pond by the botanical garden. Walking through the small golf course Is also very satisfying. Well kept and clean. I hope others get to enjoy it just as much as we do.
Family friendly atmosphere with lots of Canada geese and their goslings especially this time of year in the spring time. False Creek Community Centre Waterpark nearby. Access to washrooms in the community centre. Sitting opportunities in sun or in the shade take your pick.
Beautiful spot to sit down and enjoy the sounds of the city and smell of the salty water! Would definitely recommend for a good afternoon
Easy trails and some picnic areas
The park is large, with plenty of open areas. There is plenty of parking for vehicles. It's fun to come with your family and have a barbecue, sit on the chairs by the lake, or walk the lengthy trails. Coming in the fall and witnessing the various types of leaves is a wonderful sight.
مكان مثالي لاقامه حفل شواء المرافق الصحيه نظيفه جدا و المكان رائع
Having come here over the years, many changes have taken place...some charm (several added wooden scuplture crafts etc.) has gone away, however, no one can question the spectacular nature found at this very easily accessible park. Entrance fee ($11.50/person for non-residents ---updated in 2023) has increased considerably, however, it is still worth the visit. Would be nice if more picnic tables and benches were placed at areas that afford the best views. Always a great place to come to, especially in the Autumn.
I always come here during lunch - at lease I used to before COVID. It has enough space to sit down and relax, or to have a picnic, or even to have a work meeting.

There is a beautiful lake with multiple benches, and you can always see geese and ducks. We shouldn’t feed them, but lots of people do.

The parking is always half-empty and the park isn’t crowded.
Nice picnic area, but beware of those irresponsible dog owners who leave their dogs unleashed. We were having lunch there while an unleashed dog charged at us from the adjacent trail. The dog owner called us "stupid" and "ridiculous" and said we should be aware that we were having lunch in a dog area... I guess she was too old to read the "keep your dog leashed" sign. But she was not the only one, so beware.
Beautiful. Lots of Eagles :)
This is a beautiful spot to gather for different occasions. Has barbecue, table & benchmark seating. Covered roof, lights later in evening.very peaceful spot.
It is a good place to have a barbecue picnic there.. good for maximum 50 people .. you need picnic chairs or rent tables and chairs as there are only three picnic tables.. there are an electricity socket there good for coffee maker or tea kettle
The walk is always interesting. One can either spot turtles in the pond or Canadian geeze around.
Absolutley beautiful park, please keet it clean so everyone can enjoy it.
Nice little park. The trail through it is lovely. The story behind the park name is a sad but good read. Well maintained, very clean.
Very nice quiet, huge park with plenty choices. Soccer, hiking trails, cycling fishing.

So many picnic area with facility to cook.
I am sure nice place to have picnic. Close to 401 and 427. Parking area enough to each picnic points. Well maintained park