Sandbanks Provincial Park

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Picton, ON
Sandbanks Provincial Park

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Home to the largest freshwater baymouth barrier bar on Earth! A great destination for swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, programs and camping!

10/29/2026

It’s year five of kicking buckthorn’s butt! And we are thrilled with the results of everyone’s hard work last weekend at West Point.

Invasive buckthorn doesn’t just spread quickly. It changes the forest by:

👎 crowding out native plants
👎 altering the soil
👎 reducing habitat quality, and
👎 preventing forest regeneration

Without a plan to manage and remove it, forests can quickly become a buckthorn monoculture.

Thank you to our staff, the Friends of Sandbanks, and an amazing team of volunteers for keeping this multi-year plan alive!

10/27/2026

Sandbanks is officially closed for the 2026 season and will reopen in April, 2027!

☎️ Our main office will remain open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily throughout the winter months. If you have any questions, call 613-393-3319 to speak directly with a staff member.

⛺ Reservations for the 2027 camping season can be made five months in advance, either online at https://www.ontarioparks.ca/reservations or through the reservation line: 1-888-668-7275.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff for another successful season, and to everyone who visited, explored, learned, and made memories at Sandbanks. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2027! 💙

10/24/2026

Our final day of operation for 2026 is Monday, October 26. Visit us for maps, merch, and more before our gatehouses close for the season:

🏠 East Gate
Oct 24 & 25, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Oct 26, 8:00 AM - 4:15PM PM

🏠 West Gate
Oct 24 & 25, 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Oct 26, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM

🛶 Woodyard & Rentals:
Oct 24 & 25, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Oct 26, CLOSED

The Main Office remains closed on weekends and open Monday to Friday, 8:30AM - 4:00PM year-round.

10/23/2026

🐸 Where do Sandbanks' frogs go in winter?

Not far! Many species spend the winter underwater on the bottom of the Outlet River, absorbing oxygen through their skin. Other species partially freeze during the winter and thaw back to life in spring!

Find out more about about the incredible ways frogs and toads survive the winter over on the Ontario Parks blog: https://blog.ontarioparks.ca/hibernation-frogs-toads/

10/19/2026

Colourful leaves and crackling campfires make fall one of the best times to camp! Here's what on our packing list this season:

☕ Hot drinks
🔥 Extra firewood
🧥 Lots of layers
🧦 Plenty of warm, dry socks
⛺ Sleeping bag rated for cooler temperatures
🔦 Headlamps & extra batteries

What's your must-have item for fall camping? 👇🍂

10/18/2026

Ron and Kieran completed their initial training together and have spent the past two seasons working side by side! Here are the special moments that keep them coming back to Sandbanks:

⭐ Ron: "The view of the stars from Lakeland Lodge made every night shift a little more enjoyable. In the fall, I love walking through the campgrounds surrounded by the beautiful fall colours!"

⭐ Kieran: "One of my favourite things is seeing all the deer at the Lakeshore intersection each night. But the sunset view from Lakeshore Lodge is what's kept me coming back for four seasons now!"

Thanks, Ron and Kieran, for all you do to help keep Sandbanks safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for visitors season after season!

10/16/2026

💛 A golden moment along MacDonald Trail.

Each fall, trees begin to shut down food production in preparation for winter. As the green chlorophyll disappears from their leaves, other pigments emerge, painting the forest with brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red! 🍂🍁

These golden leaves are more than just beautiful. They mark an important seasonal transition that helps trees conserve energy and survive the colder months ahead.

Have you hit the trails yet this autumn?

10/14/2026

⚠️ Partial trail closure:

Our team, and dedicated volunteers, will be removing invasive Buckthorn along a portion of the Lakeview Trail loop on October 15, 17, and 18. Signage will be in place to direct visitors towards the open portion of the trail.

Removing invasive Buckthorn helps restore native habitat, support biodiversity, and improve the overall health of the park! We appreciate your patience and understanding while this important conservation work is underway.

10/14/2026

You've bundled up, rented your watercraft, and are eager to paddle the Outlet River. But, before you push off from shore, safety should be your first thought.

Paddle with confidence; visit the Ontario Parks blog for these water safety tips: https://blog.ontarioparks.ca/water-safety-101/

10/13/2026

🍂 The beauty of fall is fleeting! Come visit your favourite Sandbanks trail or shoreline before the colourful leaves have all but fallen from the trees.

Address

3004 County Road 12
Picton, ON
K0K2T0

Telephone

(613) 393-3319

Website

https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks

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