Biking
Biking is allowed on all park roads and most trails. Biking is not recommended on the Lookout Trail.
Canoeing
Bring your own canoe or rent one from the Rental Booth located in East Beach. Rentals are available during peak season (check Park Store for hours) and include the use of lifejackets and paddles. Paddleboats are also available for rent.
Discovery Program
Join Discovery staff at an Exploration Station during the months of July and August. Bring along your Discovery Activity Book (or pick one up at the Exploration Station), and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature. Be sure to share your observations with park staff! For more information keep an eye out for weekly calendar of events posted throughout the park.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the river below the dam and in the lake. Check the Ontario fishing regulations for seasons and restrictions. Tackle Share rods and reels are available for rent at the Resource Centre at no charge. Visit the Gatehouse or Resource Centre for a map of the best fishing spots!
Enjoy our Learn to Fish program, a free, hands-on program that teaches new anglers how to fish in Ontario. This fun and engaging two-hour program combines a practical teaching session with an hour of supervised hands-on fishing. For more information and program times visit ontario.ca/learntofish
Hiking
Fletcher’s Mill Pond Trail – 1.5 km (linear) – 30 minutes to complete
This easy trail connects Earl Rowe Dam to the pool along the edge of the Earl Rowe Lake. It also passes right by the Park Store. Stop in and grab an Ice cream cone along the way.
Rainbow Run - 11 km – approximately 3 – 4 hours to complete
This trail is a loop that encompasses the entire trail system around Earl Rowe. This shared-use trail allows for walking or biking to the pool, park store, Resource Centre or your favourite fishing spot. A portion of this trail includes a moderate incline to a lookout platform. Biking is not recommended on this portion of the trail.
Little Trail – 0.5 km (linear) – less than 1 hour
Designed for a quick, easy walk through the woods from Westbeach to the main road, the Little Trail will bring you out by our fish ladder and dam.
Lookout Trail – 4 km (loop) - 2 hours
Take this trail for a hike up to a beautiful lookout platform overlooking Earl Rowe and surrounding area. This trail includes a moderate climb and biking is not recommended.
Resource Trail – 1.5 km (loop) – 1 hour
Follow this easy trail and learn about the great natural resources at Earl Rowe.
Riverside Campground Trail (linear)
This trail connects campers to both sides of the park. We encourage all Riverside campers to “park” their cars and access the west side of Earl Rowe using this new trail. Hop on your bike and enjoy a quick ride to the beach, swimming pool, park store, Resource Centre or other hiking trails. This is a non-motorized vehicle trail.
Swimming
Earl Rowe has two large beach areas; East Beach and Westbeach. The water quality of the lake is sampled and tested according to the Ministry of Health and the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit guidelines and standards. If water quality tests indicate the lake is unsafe to swim in, notices are posted at the entrance to the park and at the beach areas.
No lifeguards are posted on the beach and no pets are allowed in the beach area.
Winter Activities
Parking is available for self-guided winter activities. Visitors can explore the best of what winter has to offer on Earl Rowe’s many hiking trails and campground loops. Sturdy boots or snowshoes are recommended. Be sure to avoid ice and steep slopes, dress appropriately for the weather, and plan to be off the trails before sunset