Emily Provincial Park is small but wonderful, one of it’s finer features is that it’s right on Pigeon River. It was a little disappointing as I was hoping to see a river of pigeons, turns out this is one of those regular rivers that is full of water. I really like pigeons and below is Quen and myself at Pigeon River.
When we decided to go to Bobcaygeon I had no idea where Emily was, I saw it in the list of parks, she was very unassuming. While trying to find the correct street address on Google maps, I saw Balsam Lake was nearby. It turned out Emily was closer even though it was not on my section of the viewing map. As soon as we got close to the park there were large Osprey nests outside of the park. (Surprise, the Osprey are featured on their crest.)
What a beautiful park we figured we could go there first (as always) we got into town a bit late, a bit of confusion to find the place we’ve never been. Got unpacked, get everything inside, try to fall asleep for a good day of adventuring.
I was up half the night, so Emily with just under four kilometers of walking is ideal. Such a stunning place and I do like having the park pass for Ontario Parks. We only need to go into the park office to let them know we are there, get our sticker, patch and we are off to explore. They had two trails Fern and Homestead, they we serene walks within different environments. When you emerge from a forest into a meadow it is unexpected.
Right on the Emily Park crest is the Osprey so we were certain we would see one here and we certainly did.
The thing I have to say I enjoyed the most was the beach. What a spectacular area, there is a row of benches raised on a small break-wall that leads down to the beach, trees are pretty close to the edge, the canopy provides shade, the trunks are bare, and the view of the water is ideal. These benches seem out of place and kind of silly but I tell anyone who will listen about this spot. There is a wonderous breeze that comes off the lake and blows clear through refreshing and cool, that we stopped each time through to either rest or eat. I would sponsor or put my name on this bench, it is my favourite part of Emily Provincial Park.
eBird Checklist
Emily Provincial Park – 12 species
GPS Track
Emily Map
- Great family camping experience
- Located in the heart of the Kawarthas
- Excellent fishing opportunities
- Boating and paddling on the Trent Severn Waterway
- Fantastic fall camping and colours