Unfortunately this visit was the most disappointing Ontario Parks visit I have ever had. We were not provided with the necessary information to check in to the cabin prior to the office closing. Check in for the cabin is after the office closes (4 pm on weekdays in the early season) requiring the staff to contact patrons in advance to inform them of the location of the cabin keys (and place the keys in lockbox, provide the code to patrons). None of those happened for us, leaving us feeling quite stranded upon arrival.
In addition, all phone numbers for staff super intendants were inactive, which feels quite negligent considering the park has been open for a few weeks at this point. We were able to leave a message on the Warden line, but were informed later by park staff that this line is not monitored after the park closes for the day. This feels a little unsettling, especially if there is an emergency that arises.
We were able to find a few staff members in the employee only area (which feels a little wrong to have to chase down employees in their private area for a simple check in process). We then learned that none of the preparatory steps for a cabin stay had been done, but the staff were not overly surprised as apparently this has already happened once this season.
We did get a call back from the park super intendant after we left who let us know they were going to take steps for this to be prevented in the future. However, the lack of awareness to the multiple issues (incorrect contact numbers for park super and assistant super, unprepared staff, super unaware of check in times to name a few) from the park super has made me very unwilling to want to visit this park again in the future. If those in charge are not aware to check basic safety measures, I cannot imagine the staff would take that upon themselves.
Travellers from afar be wary- you may get stranded when expecting to have a...
Read moreKettle Lakes Provincial Park is an absolute gem! From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the natural beauty that surrounds this place. The pristine lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife make it a haven for nature enthusiasts like myself.
The well-maintained trails offer a variety of hiking experiences, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes. The Kettle Lakes themselves are a sight to behold, and the tranquil atmosphere by the water is perfect for relaxation or picnicking.
The campground facilities are top-notch, with clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and helpful park rangers who are always ready to assist. I particularly enjoyed the peaceful evenings by the campfire, gazing up at the starry night sky.
Whether you're into outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park has it all. It's a place where you can reconnect with nature and create lasting memories. I can't wait to return and explore more of this...
Read moreWe made a last minute switch from The Islands to The Pines and I'm so glad we did! Our site was huge and only had neighbors on the one side. (Site 12 I only took a picture of half our site, the other side had our truck and 8 man tent). Yes you can hear the road traffic but it stops at night and is just white noise during the day. The frogs can get noisy at night but that's nature. Water and toilets were nice and close but not too close that you see everyone coming and going.(Comfort stations are in the island campground and I would not walk it) Next time we will bring salt as there were a lot of leeches in Bull Frog Lake (most of the lakes actually). We brought a small motor boat and had a lot of luck fishing...
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