Sibbald Point Provincial Park — Attraction in Georgina

On August 3, 2023, my husband and I decided to enjoy a leisurely walk at Sibbald Point Provincial Park.

As we approached the lake, the darkened sky hinted at the possibility of an impending thunderstorm.

Undeterred, we continued our walk, engrossed in conversation.

Being mindful of my weather concerns, my husband remarked, "The forecast mentioned the chance of a thunderstorm."

I reassured him, "No worries, if it starts raining, we can head back."

Gazing at the sky once more, I pointed out, "This cloud formation seems ominous, almost like a devil's presence."

He responded, "It looks like a thunderstorm is indeed on its way."

About 7:45PM, within a mere five minutes walking distance to the lake, we noticed a distant yellow gust of wind.

Suddenly, within seconds, we found ourselves struggling to maintain balance as if caught in a vortex.

Then, just five meters to our left, a loud crack echoed, and a tree was struck down. Following that, an explosive roar filled the air as a massive ball of red fire burst overhead, causing power lines to snap and fall perilously close to us. In the chaos, I couldn't even keep my eyes open, and my mouth filled with sand.

"Quick, back to the car!" my husband urgently shouted.

Clutching the car door tightly, I feared the fierce winds might rip it away. Then, I managed to open a small gap just enough for me to squeeze inside, and I swiftly settled into the driver's seat.

To our left, a fallen tree lay with the broken cable only a foot behind the car. Fearing the cable might still be live, I anxiously sat inside the car, worrying about being swept away.

"Escape!" my husband said firmly. As I turned the ignition, a thought raced through my mind: if the car caught fire, I must be prepared to exit quickly, not knowing if the door might jam.

Fortunately, the car started smoothly, and after checking the side-mirrors and rear one, I saw no signs of smoke. "We have to get away from here!" was the only thought in my mind.

As we drove off, we noticed that once familiar paths now appeared dark and unrecognizable. The navigation system failed, and our sense of direction wavered.

Thankfully, we managed to escape the danger. We encountered a few ambulances, fire engines and police cars as we left the park.

Those few minutes felt like a rare and intense adventure.

Today, Aug. 5, 2023, my husband and I returned to the park, amazed to see that everything seemed back to normal, as if the events of that fateful day had never occurred. But many people were gathered around that massive broken tree, taking pictures. The fallen tree had become somewhat of a symbol of the intensity of the storm and a new sight...

Not a great provincial park if you enjoy peace and quiet, nature, and real hiking.

This was our first (and last time camping here). While we had a good time for the most part, after camping at provincial parks many times per year most of my life and having visited most of the parks in the province--I'd have to say this is my least favourite park, and not really designed for enjoying nature for these reasons:

very busy-even in shoulder season due to its proximity to Toronto. very loud in comparison to other parks. We were in a radio free zone and the people next to us created a lot of noise all night long the first night. A ton of noise, and not one park ranger to be found. On our second night I could clearly hear shouting, hooting, music at 3 am from the neighbouring radio free area. It was party time, not nature time. dirty bathrooms. Most provincial parks have the day use beach separate from the camping beach. It was a total zoo with day use people mixing with campers. the campsite numbers on the post are the wrong colour and very small. Impossible to see...especially in the dark. Same with the arrows and numbers that guide you onto the correct loop. Usually the post numbers are yellow and large. Terrible if you're pulling a trailer. complete lack of hiking. The one trail if you call it that, is just a walk in the woods to the sewage lagoon. 900 campsites and one filling and dumping spot? A nightmare. Due to that, campers were leaving with full blackwater tanks. Where are they dumping it as a result???? NOT A GOOD PRACTICE ONTARIO PARKS TO IN A SENSE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO DUMP THIS ON A SIDEROAD SOMEWHERE. IF I ENCOURAGED THAT, I'D GET A CALL FROM MNRF AND A HEFTY FINE. garbage everywhere. I don't consider this the fault of the employees...but those that go there (esp day use) just literally don't care and drop things everywhere. They're there for a party, not for nature.

I do have to say that the staff at the museum and park store/restaurant were nice, and the site itself was reasonably private so this moved my...

The Provincial Park is an absolute gem, offering an experience that is nothing short of exceptional. 🌳🏞️ Nestled within its expansive grounds lies a truly remarkable beach area, an oasis of tranquility and beauty. 🏖️ The beach's allure is heightened by the crystal-clear, pristine waters that gently lap its shores, creating an inviting playground for all. 💧☀️

A standout feature of this park is the beach's shallow waters, a haven for families with children. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The calm, shallow expanse is tailor-made for kids to frolic and explore in complete safety, much to the delight of parents and guardians. 🕊️🐚 And if that wasn't enough, the beach's golden sands provide the perfect canvas for crafting sandcastles and cherished memories. 🏰👪

Ample space along the shoreline allows families to carve out their own cozy nooks, a little slice of paradise for relaxation and bonding. 🏖️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Picnic tables dotting the grassy area offer a comfortable setting for intimate gatherings or grand feasts, accommodating families of all sizes. 🧺🌿 Whether you're seeking a quiet escape or planning a lively picnic party, this park caters to your every need.

Parking woes are a thing of the past here, with plentiful parking spaces available for your convenience. 🚗🅿️ To ensure seamless access on bustling days, remember to secure your day pass in advance. 🎟️📅 By doing so, you're guaranteed uninterrupted access to the wonders this park has to offer, allowing you to fully embrace the joy of the outdoors.

So, venture forth and immerse yourself in the unparalleled charm of this Provincial Park. 🏞️✨ Let the rhythmic waves serenade you, the soft sands embrace you, and the natural beauty enchant you. 🌊🏖️ Whether you're seeking a day of family fun, serene solitude, or lively picnicking, this park promises an experience that transcends expectations. 🌅🌳 Your next unforgettable adventure awaits amidst the sun, sand, and laughter of this...