There’s no doubt that Ontario is full of natural beauty. Beyond its dramatic cliffs and shimmering lakes, the province shelters some of nature’s rarest and most awe-inspiring wonders — one of them being McGinnis Lake in Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Here’s what to know about this stunning piece of outdoor beauty.
Next stop: Petroglyphs Provincial Park
About two hours away from Toronto is Petroglyphs Provincial Park. It’s a gorgeous nature preserve home to the “largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada, depicting turtles, snakes, birds, humans and more,” according to Ontario Parks.
These ancient carvings, known as petroglyphs, give the park its name. This sacred site is also referred to as “The Teaching Rocks.”
Step back in time
Visitors can learn about the land’s history through the traditions of the Ojibway (Nishnaabe) people. The Learning Place Visitor Centre offers insight into their teachings, including that of the medicine wheel.
After your history lesson, it’s time to check out the jaw-dropping views of McGinnis Lake.
Meromictic wonder
What makes the lake stand out is its very bright blue and green hues. They are pretty visible to the naked eye. And the reason for its bold colours is because it’s actually a meromictic lake. This term means that its different layers of water don’t mix.
With a calm surface and teal water, meromictic marvel McGinnis Lake, is only 1/10 in all of Canada! Its layers don’t mix the way a regular lake does, also meaning that there are thousands of years of undisturbed sediments resting on the bottom. This means it is a no swim zone 🚫 pic.twitter.com/lT6sAvoXF5
— PetroglyphsPP (@PetroglyphsPP) August 15, 2024
Though you’ll only be able to view it to truly enjoy it.
Swimming is not allowed in McGinnis Lake. That’s so we can preserve its meromictic nature and scientifically significant sediment record, according to Ontario Parks.
The area also allows for hiking adventures. There are three trails to explore:
- Marsh Trail – 7 km (2.5 hours) moderate – winds through dense pine forest and marsh and then climbs to uplands.
- Nanabush Trail 5.5 km (1.5 hours) easy – crosses a variety of terrain from wetlands to rock outcrops.
- West Day Use Trail 5 km (1.5 hours) moderate – winds through large pine stands, areas of oak and birch, and over a bridge that crosses an ancient streambed made thousands of years ago.
Get ready for an outdoor experience like no other at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Explore its ancient carvings, learn about Indigenous traditions, and embrace its beauty.
The park officially opens for the season on May 9, 2025.
Where: 2249 Northey’s Bay Rd.
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