Whether you are staying at a lodge or campground in Vermilion Bay, just traveling across Canada and need a place to stretch your legs, or just want some exercise in the wilderness, try one of the many hiking and walking trails around Vermilion Bay.
Pine Tree Park
Commencing along the shoreline of beautiful Eagle Lake, the trail system, Pine Tree Pathways at Pine Tree Park makes for a great hike. Along the waterfront area is a sand beach for swimming, dock facilities for your boat if you have one, washrooms, and picnic tables.
As part of Vermilion Bay's Centennial in 2009, the Vermilion Bay Centennial Pavilion was built. The 1,300-square-foot log pavilion includes a set of interpretive panels that depict some of the important events over 100 years in the community. Why not have a picnic outdoors prior to exploring the rest of the trail system?
Discover the many different natural features of the landscape as you go along the lake. The beauty of the Canadian Shield is breathtaking and Eagle Lake is a true jewel in the Ontario wilderness. The trail features areas that are easy to access and easy to walk so everyone can enjoy time outside. The trail meanders through Vermilion Bay and continues north of Highway 17, where you can do a 2-km loop around Fort Vermilion.
See birds and other wildlife along the trail such as owls, chipmunks, rabbits, and deer. Bring your camera, as you never know what you might come across. If you're lucky, a moose may be around the corner and you can get that once-in-a-lifetime picture. After your hike, take a cool dip in Eagle Lake or relax on the beach.
Blue Lake Park
This Ontario Park is just a short drive northwest of Vermilion Bay. Blue Lake Park has four trails for you to explore.
Boulder Ridge Trail – 1 km, easy, 30 minutes
The Boulder Ridge Trail is an interesting half-hour stroll that includes areas that were once wiped out by fire, as well as a ridge made by ice and over sands carried by rivers now dry.
Goblin Lake Trail – 11 km, moderate, full day
Looking for some adventure? The Goblin Lake Trail follows the edge of Goblin Lake and explores the wilds of Northern Ontario. Follow the directional signs, and always let someone know where you are hiking and when you expect to return. Bring a snack and plenty of water for this all-day hike.
Rock Point Trail – 4 km, moderate
Your journey starts at the beaver pond and loops back to the campground near M road. This 4-km trail takes you through a variety of environments from cedar groves to Jack Pine ridges. As you will be hiking through varying terrain, be sure to wear appropriate shoes.
Spruce Fen Boardwalk Trail - 1 km, easy, barrier-free, 30 minutes
The Spruce Fen Trail takes you through a Black Spruce fen and a beaver pond. Interpretive signs help describe these environments along the trail. The trail is on a boardwalk and is wheelchair-accessible.
Get outside and enjoy the fresh air!
