Paddler’s preference
Restoule Provincial Park is in Parry Sound District, Central Ontario between two lakes namely Restoule Lake and Stormy Lake. Established in 1963, it has an area of 2619 hectare ( 26.19 km sq, 6471.69 acre). The camp has 3 campgrounds; Kettle Point campground, Putts Point campground and Bells Point campground. Walk-in campsites are also available at Bells Point.
In my opinion, the walk-in campsites have their own advantages and disadvantages. The pros being, they are a bit separated from the main Bell Point camping sites therefore less traffic and more privacy. They are also closer to the beach and boat docking area which serves as a perfect fishing spot for anglers. Parking is also close-by, spacious and mostly empty.
The disadvantages are firstly, as the name suggests, walk-in sites which means no car can drive closer to the actual campsite and camping gear has to be carried all the way. Secondly, I found the sites to be extremely rocky and uncomfortable for tent set up. Lastly, the comfort stations are very far from the sites and although there is vault toilet, to go for a shower means a short car drive. As for the beach, as much as it is in close proximity, it is a pet friendly beach so expect some pet company when going for a dip.
Restoule offers a lot of activities including; Biking Trails, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Hiking, Fishing, Hunting, Swimming and Discovery programs. Let’s explore a bit further to understand what treat is instore for the campers.
Biking.
Mountain biking is available on Angles Point, Rangers Point, Grawbarger River and Gibbs Trails. Mountain bike rentals are available at the camp. The tracks trail have beginners intermediate/advance levels of difficulty.
Boating.
Launching access is at Stormy Lake and Bells Point Campgrounds where one can venture to Restoule Lake, Stormy Lake, and Restoule River.
Canoeing/Kayaking/ SUP boarding.
Canoes, Kayaks and SUP boards are available for rental. Campsites are well marked and portages are provided for easy access to Restoule, Stormy and Clear Lake and Restoule river. There are several Day paddling routes namely;
The Bluff – a 2.5 Km route takes around 30min to 1 hrs. to and back, main attraction being a sheer cliff face raising 60m straight out of the water.
The Elephant – a 7 km route taking about 1.5 to 2 hrs. with an impressively large erratic boulder.
The Eye of the Storm – a 7.5 km route takes 1.5 to 2 hrs. to complete through Stormy Lake and Clear Lake separated by two very narrow channels.
Restoule River Run – a 9 km route taking 2 to 2.5 hrs. with the high water you can paddle down the rapids otherwise you’ll need portage.
Dock to Dam – a 14 km route taking 3 to 4 hrs. return with a main attraction being the Scotts Dam controlling the water levels of Stormy Lake.
Fishing.
The lakes at Restoule provide a variety of fishing experience with commonly caught species being, Splake, Northern Pike, Musky, Larger and Small-mouth Bass and Whitefish. I did pull out a nice size Pike out from the docks with a plastic lure.
Hunting.
Although it is allowed, there are restrictions for time and location for hunting. Being a time sensitive activity, campers are encouraged to contact the park directly for more details and instructions prior engaging in this activity.
Swimming.
There are 3 sandy beaches on Restoule Lake providing campers a place to relax and soak up the sun. Kettle Beach is spacious and has a volleyball pitch with a net. Putts beach is more natural, however it is smaller and a little more private. Bells Point is a pet friendly beach for dogs to exercise and swim which is fairly shallow but muddy.
Discovery Programs.
Restoule do host Discovery Programs, these are staff-led programs, self-led activities and interpretive displays where a guide accompanies the campers to explore nature. If this sounds fun and want to experience it, you can click here for more information and details about the program.
Hiking.
Restoule provides hikers a thrilling experience with their hiking trails of which the highlights is the Fire Tower Trail. For much about the hiking trails let us have a closer look at each one of them.
1. Fire Tower Trail – a 1.5 to 2 hrs, 4 km Trail.
A ‘Must-Do’ rated hiking trail which is the favorite of Restoule campers who indulged in hiking. Trail takes you through beautiful mature forest, travelling across boardwalks and rugged rocky ridges. A Historic Fire Tower and a rest location including a view point at the Amber Lake are the main attraction of this trail. After a challenging climb through this trail, a treat of spectacular view atop high Stormy Lake Bluff is in the waiting.
2. Grawbarger Trail – a 15 min, 1 km Trail.
These are series of trail segments travelling through forests and along Grawbarger Rapids.
3. The River Trail – a 30 min, 1.2 km Trail.
A gently paced trail that takes you through rolling topography of west side of the Restoule river and then through some beautiful mature forest.
4. Rangers Point Trail – a 20 min, 860m Trail.
Perfect for a casual short afternoon get away either on bike or just a s hike heading to two spectacular waterfront picnic sites with views of the Stormy Lake Bluff and Historic Fire Tower.
5. Angels Point Trail – a 1 hour, 2.8 km Trail.
Providing two mountain biking loops through vibrant hardwood forests. The inner loop is single-track trail designed for mountain biking with smooth winding corners, moderate changes in elevation and flowing dips, humps and bumps. The outer double-track loop is an easier option with a wide-trail surface and fun rolling hills.
6. Gibs Trail – a 2 hour, 4.8 km Trail.
A return trip distance (2.8 km one way) trail travelling through large mature Beech and mixed hardwood forests ending at a scenic lookout and swim spot on the shore of Stormy Lake.
My impression for recommending Restoule Park
- The ample spaced camping sites which majority have drive in capability except for the walk-in sites at Bells Point campground.
- The sandy swimming beaches which some do accommodate other beach activities like beach volley ball, kayak launch area.
- Boat docking facilities ideal for campers with private boats for a thrilling fishing expedition and sight seeing on both Restoule and Stormy Lakes.
- Hiking and biking choice of trails with several attraction along the way and different levels of difficulty and challenges.
- Day paddling options are also a highlight to consider as there are several routes ranging from easy to challenging ones depending on the level of experience and type of equipment.
You can also watch my video I shot in 2020 where I went around the different campgrounds and beaches to have a closer look of what Restoule Park looks like prior to your visit.
And remember keep exploring always but most importantly: Explore – Experience – Share.
