Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is a beautiful park west of Toronto. It offers excellent hiking, picnicking, and fishing opportunities, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
But the secret is out on this hiking destination located close to home! Forks of the Credit can experience large crowds of visitors, especially on summer weekends.
As the park’s popularity has grown, so has our need for visitors to put extra thought into being respectful. Visitors should plan ahead to avoid large crowds, potential fines, or being turned away at the park gate.
Planning a trip to Forks of the Credit?
Here are our top tips for a fun and frustration-free visit:
- How do I book my daily vehicle permit?
- When is the best/worst time to visit?
- How much does it cost to visit?
- What do I do when the parking lot is full?
- Can you recommend a hiking spot other than Forks of the Credit?
- Where can I get lunch?
- Where can I find the best view of the waterfall?
- Can I bring my dog?
- What should / shouldn’t I pack?
1. How do I book my daily vehicle permit?
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park has a limited amount of space for visitors.
To help guarantee access for day use, our visitors will now be able to plan their trip ahead of time and obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance.
Advance daily vehicle permits are available at 7:00 a.m., five days in advance of your arrival date. We are offering daily vehicle permits on four-hour time slots, in addition to full day permits.
When purchasing your permit, please note that you are only guaranteed access during your selected time slot. Access to the park outside the designated time slot is not permitted.
Reservations can be made:
- online
- by phone: 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
For more information, including how seasonal-permit holders can take advantage of this opportunity, please visit our website.
2. When is the best time to visit?
Forks of the Credit can experience large crowds during the weekends, especially in the summer and fall. Because of this the best times to visit are winter and early spring. Beat the crowds by visiting November through April.
If you’re planning a late spring, summer, or fall trip, consider visiting on a weekday.
Whenever you plan to visit, we highly recommend obtaining a daily vehicle permit in advance, as described above, to avoid disappointment. Further entry will not be permitted once all available permits are sold.
Please note that the parking lot has limited capacity, and parking is not permitted on municipal roadsides. Visitors must park in a designated parking spot and obey all signage, or they risk receiving a parking ticket or fine, or even having their vehicle towed.
Wondering if the park’s reached capacity? During weekends, we post regular updates on Twitter:
3. How much does it cost to visit?
Day use fees are charged per vehicle:
- full day: $15.50
- four hours: $7.25
You can also use your seasonal permit.
4. What do I do when all available permits are sold?
Plan ahead and have other local options in mind should you need to delay your visit for a few hours.
There are many local eateries and unique attractions. The Caledon-area boasts enough options to fill anyone’s weekend.
5. Can you recommend a hiking spot other than Forks of the Credit?
Certainly!
Earl Rowe Provincial Park offers six hiking trails, including the Lookout Trail that leads to a lookout platform with a view of the park and surrounding area.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville has five great hiking trails. The 50 m deep Bronte Creek ravine is a photogenic feature.
If you’re willing to venture farther from the GTA, MacGregor Point Provincial Park boasts a collection of cycling and hiking trails, with several routes along the breathtaking Lake Huron shoreline. The sunsets here are not to be missed!
6. Where can I get lunch?
There are options in Caledon to suit any palate.
7. Where can I find the best view of the waterfall?
The Dominion Trail leads to the best viewing spot.
Please be aware, though, that the Meadow Trail connection is currently closed due to infrastructure damage. Hikers must return the same way they hiked in. Signage is in place to direct you.
8. Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Just make sure to follow all dog-related rules, including keeping Fido on a leash (no longer than 2 m).
Don’t forget to pick up after your pup, and dispose of waste properly.
9. What should or shouldn’t I pack?
What you should definitely pack: sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, and a good pair of hiking shoes. Ticks are also common throughout Ontario, so bring a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.
What you shouldn’t pack: alcohol and firewood. Fires are not permitted in the park at any time, and violators will be fined.
Also, try to limit the amount of food packaging and other disposable items you bring with you. Litter and waste disposal in non-designated areas is unacceptable and fines are in place.