Darlington Provincial Park

Darlington Provincial Park is a provincial park along Lake Ontario that features sandy beaches, nature trails, and camping facilities for outdoor activities. The property also includes wooded areas, meadows, and the shallow waters of McLaughlin Bay where different landscape types meet.

The land was acquired in 1818 by Samuel Burk, whose family cemetery remains within the park grounds as a reminder of early settlement. The geography shifted in the 1990s when wave action naturally separated McLaughlin Bay from Lake Ontario, creating an isolated shallow water area.

The park serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds and monarch butterflies moving through the region during seasonal journeys. Visitors can observe wildlife activity most notably during autumn months when large populations pass through the area.

The park is accessible year-round, though camping is available only from May through October and visitors need entry permits to access the grounds. Plan your visit during daylight hours when all facilities are fully operational and trails are easiest to navigate.

McLaughlin Bay within the park naturally separated from the lake in the 1990s due to wave action and is now a shallow isolated body of water. This unexpected transformation created a distinct ecosystem zone that many visitors overlook while exploring the more familiar beach areas.