South Bay
Non-operating parks do not have operating dates. Please note that activities and facilities may be temporarily unavailable or restricted for public health.
Facilities and Activities summary
Availability of some facilities and activities may be restricted to specific areas of the park, may be ecologically dependent, or may be seasonally weather dependent.
Before you visit: check what facilities/activities are available and pack what you need (e.g. water, snacks, mask/face covering, and hand sanitizer). Postpone your visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to isolate.
When you visit: Continue to follow public health advice including practicing physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, wearing a face covering where required, when physical distancing may be a challenge or not possible and when entering indoor public spaces, and wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Facilities
Activities
- Blue - available at the park. - Grey - unavailable at this park.Restrictions
Biking 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Biking - (Mountain Bike) 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Birding - Festivals 
Restrictions
Boating 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Boating - Motorboat Restrictions 
Not all waterbodies in the park allow motorboats and/or motor size may be restricted.
Restrictions
Camping - Backcountry 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Car 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Dog Free 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Group 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Radio Free 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Seasonal Campsite Rental 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Walk In 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Winter (includes Roofed) 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Canoeing 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Dark Sky Viewing 
Officially designated as a Dark Sky Preserve
Restrictions
Disc Golf 
Restrictions
Discovery Program 
Discovery programs may be restricted due to public health measures.
Restrictions
Dogsledding 
.
Restrictions
Fishing 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Hiking 
Some of our trails are not ready for hiking. For your safety, please respect trail closure signs.
Restrictions
Hiking - Overnight Trails 
Reservation and check-in procedures may be temporarily modified at this location. Check re-open details under operating dates section more information.
Restrictions
Horseback Riding 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Hunting 
Hunting is permitted only in specific seasons/locations, contact the park office for more information.
Restrictions
Ice Skating 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Kite Boarding 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Rock Climbing 
Climbers at Bon Echo must be members of the Alpine Club of Canada or register at the park office with park staff.
Restrictions
Skiing - Cross Country 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Snowmobiling 
Snowmobiling is only permitted in certain areas. Contact the park for additional information.
Restrictions
Snowshoeing 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Swimming 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Tobogganing 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Whitewater Paddling 
This activity is not available in the winter.
(705) 729-2010
Size: 1525.00 ha
Year established: 1985
Park Classification: Recreational
P0H 2R0
What You'll Like:
This L-shaped tract on the shore of the South Bay of Lake Nipissing, has many interesting geological features. The area is on the Frontenac axis, a southward extension of the Canadian Shield that passes through Kingston, the Thousand Islands, and into New York State. Geologically, the area is known as the Grenville Province of the Canadian Shield. It contains examples of neohelikiam muscovite, a thinly layered rock of the mica family, and quartz and biotite gnesisses.
Park Facilities and Activities: The park has no visitor facilities. Recreational activities include swimming, fishing, boating and hiking.
Location: Twenty-five kilometres south of North Bay, near the town of Nipissing. Access is via water of Lake Nipissing Road from Highway 654.