Located on Lake Simcoe, Sibbald Point Provincial Park is a great place for day use. The park has a sandy beach and shallow waters perfect for children.
But during the hot summer months, the park can get very crowded. On many weekends, Sibbald Point reaches capacity and cannot accommodate any more visitors.
This year, you must reserve your day-use permit in advance to guarantee entry.
We really hate turning visitors away, especially knowing that many have driven several hours to get here.
Planning a trip to Sibbald Point? Check out our top tips for a fun, frustration-free visit:
1. Do I need a day use reservation? How do I get one?
Yes. You must reserve your permit in advance to guarantee entry.
Our park is becoming increasingly popular, but we only have space for a limited number of visitors each day.
Daily vehicle permits will be available at 7:00 am, five days in advance. of your arrival date. Reservations can be made:
- online (here’s a tutorial on how to book, including how to use your season permit)
- by phone: 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
2. How do I know if the park is already full?
On busy days and weekends, park staff post capacity updates on Twitter.
Visit our Alerts page for updates on park and beach conditions.
3. When is the best/worst time to visit?
One of the best times to visit Sibbald Point is during the fall season; try visiting after Labor Day.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds during the summer, plan a weekday visit!
The park is much quieter on weekdays for both camping and day use, and you’ll likely find a good spot on the beach or grassy areas to spend a relaxing day in the sun.
Summer weekend or failure? Be sure to book in advance to guarantee your spot, or you’ll probably be disappointed.
4. Did I make a camping reservation? Do I wait in the same line?
If you have already registered for your camp, you will need to wait in line.
If you are just arriving, take the first right into the parking lot to check in.
Please note that on peak days, all roads entering the park may be congested, so campers arriving at peak times may still face long waits to access these bypass options.
5. I got to the door, but the main beach is packed. What else can I do?
Discovery Programming: Park staff offer weekly educational programs for children and adults from late June through Labor Day. Programs include drop-in nature and heritage programs with interactive activities, evening programs and traveling interpretation. Hours and schedules are posted throughout the park and on Twitter. Check the park’s events page to see what events are happening during your stay!
Sibbald Point Eildon Hall
Visit the Eildon Hall Museum where you can learn all about the history of Sibbald Point and Sibbald Family Estate Home.
Go for a walk. Sibbald Point hiking trails take our visitors through a variety of ecosystems and the rich history of the Sibbald family.
Try the Sibbald Point Adventure Lab course! Visitors can learn all about the different habitats found at Sibbald Point.
Go fishing. Lake Simcoe is a great fishing spot with many fish to catch including lake trout, whitefish, pike, yellow pike and barramundi.
6. Where can I have lunch?
Have lunch at the Park Store on the main beach. We offer a variety of food options such as chicken wings, fries, and ice cream.
We are also a great place to have a picnic. Don’t forget to pack your food in reusable containers and dispose of trash responsibly!
7. What are the park hours?
During the summer, Sibbald Point is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Park Store is open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
8. How much does it cost to enter?
Day use is $21.00 per vehicle or $125.00 for buses.
Remember: you still need to reserve your permit in advance to guarantee access.
New this year, buses can also reserve their bus permit in advance.
9. Can I spend the night?
Yeah! While weekend availability may be limited, booking a midweek trip is a great way to explore all the park has to offer without the crowds.
Enjoy the park’s large, private electric sites surrounded by mature forests, or its radio-free, electric-free campsites if you prefer.
Are you hoping to visit on a weekend that’s already booked?
Sign up for our availability emails to be notified of any cancellations.
10. Where can I park?
Our beach area has parking.
If you are camping in the park, we encourage campers to enjoy the pleasant walk to the beach from your site.
11. What type of accessibility does the park offer?
Our beach parking lot offers accessible parking for those with accessible parking passes, and all of our restrooms are accessible.
An all-terrain wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To borrow, contact the park directly at (289) 763-6451.
12. Are PFDs available in the park?
Yes, our PFD loan program provides PFD loans to both adults and children. They can be purchased from a park staff member or at the park store.
Whether you’re a parent, friend, brother, cousin, or dog, we want you to be safe and wear a PFD when enjoying the water. Check out this blog for important water safety tips at Sibbald Point.
13. Can I rent a picnic shelter?
Yes, there are picnic shelters available this year. They can be reserved on the online reservation site.
14. Can I bring my dog?
Safely! Simply keep your puppy on a leash (no more than 2m).
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach areas, but we have two special sections for pups: near the Lake Simcoe Fisheries Assessment Unit and a small section on the main beach.
15. Can we have a barbecue in the park?
Yes, hot ash pits are placed around the day use area to remove hot ash.
16. What should/shouldn’t I pack?
What you should definitely pack: sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, swimsuits, life jackets, change of clothes, towels, insect repellent.
What you should not pack: alcohol (only allowed at your campsite, not on the beach), firewood (no campfires allowed on the beach), drones.
We do not recommend bringing: large beach equipment (volleyball nets, large umbrellas or awnings, tents), various vehicles, radios.
17. meIs your beach safe for swimming?
The water quality is tested every week.
Any notice will be posted on the Ontario Parks Alerts page.
18. Does Sibbald Point have ticks or poison ivy?
Ticks are common throughout Ontario, including Sibbald Point. To protect yourself from Lyme disease, follow these safety tips.
We removed poison ivy from campgrounds and designated trails in the park, but it is still prevalent in the park. Avoid it by staying on trails and keeping a close eye on children.
19. What else should I know before visiting Sibbald Point?
Before visiting Sibbald Point, take some time to educate yourself about one of the biggest problems: trash.
This is how you can help.