Day trips in Bancroft: come play at Silent Lake Provincial Park
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Photo from Silent Lake Provincial Park on Pinterest
In our previous post, we talked about camping at Silent Lake Provincial Park, Bancroft’s hidden gem. If you’re nearby and are looking for day trip ideas this summer, why not stop by Silent Lake and enjoy some of the many activities offered there? Silent Lake Provincial Park has lots of fun outdoor activities for families to enjoy. There is something for everyone from the experienced outdoor enthusiast to the young family just enjoying a nice summer day at the park. The park offers three different hiking trails to explore. While they are all peaceful and beautiful natural places, each are suited to different ability levels and interests.
Hiking and biking trails at Silent Lake
The Lakehead Loop Trail is 1.5 kilometres long. It takes about 30 minutes to complete a round trip, and is considered easy. This short trail follows the lakeshore and is perfect for a leisurely nature walk.
The Bonnie’s Pond Trail is 3 kilometres long. It takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete the round trip, and while it is longer than Lakehead, it is also considered easy. It passes over a beaver pond, and brings you to a gorgeous lookout spot. This trail is perfect for an explorer with a little more time or energy.
Photo from https://tips4camping.wordpress.com
Lakeshore Hiking Trail is a 15 kilometres hike that will take you about 6 hours to complete the round trip. Designed for the more experienced hiker, it is rugged and challenging. Bring a good supply of water! The trail starts out along the shoreline, and takes you past beaver meadows, hardwood forests, and cedar-black ash swamps. Be prepared for spectacular lookouts along the way.
If you’re more of a biker than a hiker, Silent Lake Provincial Park has a mountain bike trail with 3 different loops of different lengths and skill levels. The 6 and 12 kilometre trails are moderately difficult, and as you might expect, the 19 kilometre trail is the most challenging. The trail is well marked; to preserve the natural habitat around you, please follow the signs and stay out of unmarked areas. The trails typically have muddy spots in the spring to around the middle of June.