Pinery Through the Seasons

Any time of year is the best time to visit Pinery Provincial Park!

WINTER

In winter, the Park has a hushed beauty. You can:

  • Winter camp in your own tent or trailer, or one of our yurts or cabins (advance booking recommended)
  • Cross-country ski, snowshow, or hike on 38 kilometres of groomed trails – Map here
  • Skate on the ice rink
  • Toboggan
  • Warm up in the chalet or in front of a roaring outdoor fire
  • Admire ice-bound Lake Huron

Spring

In spring, the Park surges back to life. Watch for:

  • Wildflowers such as White Trilliums, Trout Lily, Mayapple Wood Anemone, and Lyre-leaved Rock Cress
  • The annual return of the Tundra Swans, orioles, bluebirds, kingbirds, and phoebes
  • The annual Pinery Migration Weekend

summer

When summer arrives, the Park is a welcome break from hot, sticky city weather for thousands of people. Enjoy:

  • Cycling
  • Swimming in Lake Huron
  • Hiking
  • Paddling on the Old Ausable Channel
  • Outdoor interpretive programs, including the popular Rum and Spirits play, Sunset Stroll, and Night Hike

Autumn

In the fall, enjoy the quiet and admire the trees of the Carolinian forest as they display their gaudiest colors. Watch for White-tailed Deer or listen to coyotes. Hike the trails or walk on deserted beaches.

School and youth groups can book the Dune Grass Planting program. This, and other programs, can be booked through the Park’s Outdoor Education Program. The Dune Grass Planting program is available for all age groups from elementary school to the adult level.

Whenever you visit, be sure to check the activity schedule to see what’s happening.

You can also learn about educational programs, the Junior Friends of Pinery Park, and the Future Naturalist program.