Why Visit Beautiful Pinery Provincial Park?

An expansive sand beach, melting golden sunsets, and pristine nature combine to provide excellent RV trips in Southwestern Ontario.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Expansive beaches don’t normally come to mind when visiting Ontario but the 10 km (6 mi)  stretch of sand along the shores of Lake Huron in Pinery Provincial Park ranks as one of the most popular in the province. When you combine the numerous hiking trails, active fishing, excellent bird watching and relaxing camping opportunities, RVers are provided with the best of all worlds during a visit here.

One of the reasons why so many enthusiasts visit Pinery Provincial Park is to experience the rich nature among its expansive 2,500 ha (6,177 ac). The park has a unique, flourishing ecosystem to discover time and time again. Explore some of the 21 sq km (8 sq mi) of dunes one day, enjoy the beach the next, and then plan a hike through one of the largest masses of rare Oak Savanna forests in Ontario. You can take on a new outdoor adventure every day.

One of the first impressions of any RV park is the quality of the campsites. Convenience, cleanliness,  and accessibility always count and there are some nice choices of sites throughout this park.

For instance, Riverside Campground - located by the Old Ausable Channel (OAC) - consists of four areas, which have electrical/non-electrical and convenient pull-through sites. There are also water taps, comfort stations and laundry facilities. This part of the park is open all year if you enjoy four-season camping.

When you don’t require power and prefer to rely on your RV’s systems, Burley Campground, open from May to September, is more isolated. You can set up among an old pine forest minus some of the crowds and it’s only a short walk to the beach.

Dunes Campground is another choice. Open from May to September, it’s close to the beach, the park’s outdoor amphitheatre, and the Visitor Centre. While some of the sites have power, others don’t so be sure to be specific when making your online reservation. This campground commonly consists of pop-up trailers with tent sites. (*Ed note: Ontario Parks suggests using the designated boardwalks to access the beach as the dune system is extremely fragile and sensitive to human impact).

Once settled in at one of the campgrounds, you’ll want to organize your fishing gear as the OAC will provide some action. Lines can be cast anywhere along the channel except near the canoe rental docks and the south side of Burley Bridge.

The OAC has approximately 50 species lurking below its surface and if you select the right presentation, you’ll likely land perch, catfish, sunfish, bass and even northern pike. Fishing is popular here from the spring to fall. Although power and electric boats are not permitted on the channel, there are canoe rentals in the park to increase your chances of success (SUPs and single or double kayaks are available to rent as well).

Of special note, catch and release practises are encouraged. There’s currently a ban on using baitfish and the OAC has three fish species that are at risk including the Pugnose Shiner, Lake Chubsucker and Grass Pickerel. Ontario Parks requests to release them if they are caught. A fishing license is required for those 18 years of age and older.

If you tow a fishing boat here, the park doesn’t have launches to access Lake Huron but there are a few choices in the nearby community of Grand Bend. A testament to the excellent fishing on the second largest Great Lake is the variety of fishing charters available for hire. But you may want to set your own course in efforts to land king salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout and walleye. Fishing can even be enjoyed from shore at various locations in the area.

The lake and the beach are also popular for a number of watersports. It’s where you can swim in the refreshing water and launch a paddle board or kayak (the latter two pastimes can even be enjoyed on the OAC). Just imagine gliding along the calm surface with a warm, stunning sunset melting on the horizon.

To further explore the park, which consists of more than 800 types of plants, 300 species of birds, and approximately 32 mammals and many types of reptiles, take advantage of the park’s organized Discovery Programs. From hiking and biking to relaxing strolls, park naturalists will lead you through a variety of environments to learn all about the unique nature in the area. One-and-half-hour children’s programs are scheduled from late June to Labour Day.

But perhaps venture out on your own. Ten designated hiking trails range from  .8 km (.5 mi) to 3 km (2 mi). For great views of the dunes, take the Nipissing Trail. Considered challenging, it consists of hilly terrain, spans 2 km (1.2 mi) and has a staircase leading up to a lookout on the top of Pinery’s oldest and largest dune ridge. There are also great views of the park, the lake and regional rolling farmlands. A similar hike is the Lookout Trail to further admire the dunes and area.

Biking is very popular here and you’ll want to try the 14 km (9 mi) Savanna Trail. Created by the Friends of Pinery and Pinery Provincial Park in 1997, the looped trail starts from the park store and leads along many forested sections and the OAC. It takes about three to four hours to complete and wildlife can be spotted. Be sure to try it.

Dedicated birders will appreciate the park’s 124 species that call the park home. Some exciting species to observe include the migration of thousands of Tundra Swans in March while Warblers fly through from May to June. Although Red-Throated Loons may be seen in the spring, Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles or Cerulean Warblers are often spotted throughout the summer.

Many experiences can be enjoyed in Pinery Provincial Park. It can offer a great weekend getaway practically any time or serve as a full-on vacation to escape for longer mount of time. To reserve a campsite online be sure to visit www.ontarioparks.com/reservations. For information and all of the details about the park go to www.ontarioparks.com

Services and More in Grand Bend

What makes a trip to the Pinery extra enjoyable is visiting the nearby summer haven of Grand Bend. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron and approximately 10-minutes from the park, it provides the chance to further explore this region of Southwestern Ontario.

There’s a variety of dining options for many tastes and budgets and you’re bound to enjoy the active nightlife.  Better yet, if you’re an avid golfer who just can’t depart without the Hogan’s, the White Squirrel Golf Club is an 18-hole course where you can practise your game. Maybe even try the links at the Oakwood Resort. Both are located within 15 minutes of the park.

Locally scheduled events also take place throughout the season and range from regional farmer’s markets and live entertainment to car cruises and sporting events.

For more information about services, dining options, scheduled events and more be sure to visit www.itstartsatthebeach.ca