October 2011
Situated near Penetanguishene on Georgian Bay, Awenda Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks in Ontario. The great thing about Awenda is that it’s only a 2 hour drive from Toronto therefore making it an easy day trip if one wants to escape the city briefly. The park offers magnificent views of Georgian Bay and has several clean beaches making it ideal for swimming. There are over 30 kms of trails for hiking and biking that provide nice views of Georgian Bay. The 4 km return Beach Trail skirts the shoreline and allows visitors to walk along the park’s four beaches. The Beach Trail also provides a great view of Giant’s Tomb Island in the distance which is also part of Awenda Provincial Park.

Awenda is one of the nicest parks to view the autumn colours which usually peak during the second week in October. A favourite hike of mine which showcases Awenda’s brilliant foliage is to start at the parking lot at First Beach and take the Nippising Trail to the Bluff Trail. Follow the Bluff Trail to Kettle Lake and then do a loop around the lake and return to the parking lot the same way you came. The total distance of the hike is around 12 kms. After working up a sweat it’s really nice to spend the rest of the day enjoying the beach and if possible do stay around for the spectacular Georgian Bay sunsets.