Grundy Lake Day Trip
Six Beaches, Three Trails, Zero Itinerary
Grundy Lake sits on exposed Canadian Shield granite, its nine campgrounds fanned out around four lakes — Grundy, Clear, Gurd, and Gut — with six real beaches between them. No motorized boats are allowed anywhere in the park, so the water stays calm enough for a first-time paddle. There are three hiking trails of different lengths, and about three hundred kilometres of highway between here and the city — far enough to feel like you left, close enough to be home for dinner.
Bring Whoever, or Bring Nobody
Self-guided days like this tend to draw a mixed crowd — families splitting off to the beach, a couple with one canoe between them, someone showing up solo with a paperback and zero plans beyond a swim. All of it works. You pick your people, or don't, once you're actually there.
The Day
- 7:30 AM: Board the coach at 34 Asquith Ave (just north of Yonge & Bloor subway station)
- ~11:30 AM: Arrive at Grundy Lake Provincial Park
- 11:30 AM–~3:00 PM: Free time — swim, hike, paddle, your call
- 7:00 PM: Meet back at the bus, depart the park
- ~ 11:30 PM: Back at 34 Asquith Ave
Choose Your Day
- Beaches: Six natural beaches across Grundy, Clear, and Gurd Lakes — sand and smooth granite shoreline
- Paddle: No motorized boats anywhere in the park; canoe and kayak rentals available at the park office (separate from your bus ticket); Clear and Gut Lakes are calm enough for a first-timer
- Hike — pick one:
- Swan Lake Trail — short and easy, with nice lookouts
- Pakeshkag Lake Trail — 2.6 km one-way (5.2 km return), flat and easy, passes the Beaver Lake wetland — good for birdwatching
- Gut Lake Trail — the longest and rockiest of the three
$115 / Adult Includes
- Return coach transportation from 34 Asquith Ave (Yonge & Bloor)
- A full self-guided day at Grundy Lake Provincial Park — beaches, trails, and paddling routes all accessible on arrival
- Park admission included
- Canoe and kayak rentals are available online here: https://grundylakesupplypost.ca/rentals/
Pickup Locations
What's the bus like? A coach — reclining seats, AC, big windows. It's a 3+ hour ride each way, so it's built for actually sitting in comfortably.
Is this trip guided? No — this is a self-guided day. There's no Parkbus guide and no set itinerary once you're dropped off. You get the whole day at the park to spend however you want.
What is there actually to do at Grundy Lake? Six beaches spread across Grundy, Clear, and Gurd Lakes, three hiking trails of different lengths, and calm inland lakes for canoeing and kayaking — no motorized boats allowed anywhere in the park.
Which trail should I do? Depends how much time you want on the trail versus the beach. Swan Lake is short with nice lookouts. Pakeshkag Lake is flat and easy at 2.6 km each way, good for birdwatching.
Can I rent a canoe or kayak? Yes you can book online here: https://grundylakesupplypost.ca/rentals/
What should I bring? Lunch and snacks (not provided), a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, a swimsuit and towel, and sturdy shoes if you're planning to hike. Cash or card if you want to rent a canoe or kayak at the park office.
Where does the bus leave from, and what time should I be there?3 4 Asquith Ave, just north of Yonge & Bloor subway station. Departure is 7:30 AM sharp — plan to arrive a few minutes early.
Is this trip good to do solo? Sure. You set your own pace either way, and there's enough going on at the park — beaches, trails, rentals — that you're never short of something to do, with or without company.
What if it rains? This trip runs rain or shine. The only exceptions are an active Environment Canada weather warning or a cancellation request from the park authority — if either happens and Parkbus cancels, you'll get a full refund.
What's the cancellation and refund policy? Cancel more than 14 days before departure and you'll get a 90% refund (a 10% processing fee is withheld). Inside 14 days, tickets aren't refundable except for a genuine last-minute medical emergency — a doctor's note submitted within 14 days of the missed trip can qualify you for a 50% refund. Full details are on the Parkbus Terms of Service page.
Can I give my seat to someone else if I can't make it? Yes. Tickets are transferable — you can change the passenger name on your booking up to 48 hours before departure.
