Ferris Provincial Park is a hidden gem in southeastern Ontario, just two hours east of Toronto.
It is best known for its pedestrian suspension bridge with panoramic views of Trent River Gorge and Ranney Falls.
It is also conveniently located in Northumberland County. This region is full of fantastic restaurants, rich cultural experiences, entertainment, beaches, and fantastic outdoor adventures.
And that makes Ferris the perfect base camp to explore it all. Here’s why you need to visit this region:
Your base of operations: Ferris Provincial Park
More than 150 campsites are available at Ferris’ two campground loops, Valleyview and Bedrock.
Valleyview Loop has electric campsites and is located on a wooded drumlin. Bedrock Loop also has electric campsites available for RVs and is a short walk to the playground and day-use picnic areas.
Ferris Campgrounds offer three conveniently located comfort stations, including one on Valleyview Loop with showers.
Did you know Ferris has a new fenced and off leash dog? Pet exercise area? Dog lovers, rejoice!
What to do in the park
At Ferris, you can explore more than 10 km of trails that take you through forest and riverine environments.
The Ranney Falls Trail follows the original road to Ferris Provincial Park before returning along the river. Here you will find the suspension bridge that overlooks the Ranney Falls of the same name.
In autumn, the Ranney Falls Suspension Bridge takes visitors through a forest of red, yellow and orange trees displaying the iconic colors of the season. Check out the Fall Color Report before visiting to ensure you have a chance to see this unique sight.
The Drumlin trail system takes you through mature mixed forests, small wetlands, and seasonal streams that have developed into two elongated hills called drumlins.
Destination: Northumberland County
It’s surprising how quiet life becomes just two hours from the city.
Northumberland County is home to several small, quiet communities, including Cobourg (nickname: “Ontario’s Feel-Good Town”), Port Hope, and Campbellford.
Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
It is bordered to the south by Lake Ontario and to the north by Lake Rice, and the Trent-Severn Canal links them.
Campbellford
Campbellford is the closest settlement to Ferris, an eight-minute drive away.
Campbellford Centre. Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
And that’s good news for you, because the city offers clothing boutiques, gift shops, antique stores, specialty food stores and groceries, all highlighted by unique restaurants.
Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
In the normal summer months, Campbellford hosts several festivals, including the Incredible Edibles Festival or the Campbellford Seymour Fair.
Or visit one of Westben’s concerts at The Barn to enjoy live music performances.
Warkworth and Hastings
The nearby communities of Warkworth and Hastings offer further opportunities for discovery, just over 20 minutes each from Ferris.
Spoiled by seven picturesque hills, Warkworth is both a farming community and an arts centre. Two signature events in Warkworth are the Maple Syrup Festival and the Millennium Trail Lilac Festival.
Hastings, Ont. Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
Nearby is Hastings, which has a picturesque center with a variety of shops, services and places to eat.
The community sits on the banks of the River Trent, meaning you can spend a day boating, fishing, or swimming in the water.
Cobourg and Port Hope
Cobourg and Port Hope are the two largest communities in Northumberland County. Both are just over an hour from Ferris, making them great day trip destinations.
Coburg Center. Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
Cobourg exemplifies the open, small-town feel. Here you can enjoy unique architectural monuments and excellent shops, restaurants, galleries and theaters.
The city has an active and diverse waterfront.
Cobourg Harbor. Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
You can spend a day relaxing on the fine white sand of Cobourg Beach or watch the sailboats go by at Cobourg Marina. Both are just minutes from restaurants, cafes and pubs (how good would ice cream be right now?).
Downtown Port Hope. Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
Many areas of Port Hope’s old town, including the downtown commercial core, remain little changed since the days of Queen Victoria, and are carefully preserved by the town’s residents.
Like a time capsule, Port Hope captures the flavor of small-town Ontario in the late 19th century.
Downtown Port Hope. Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
Port Hope is now known as a dining destination, with many restaurants offering locally grown produce on their menus.
Outdoor experiences
There is no shortage of access to the outdoors in Northumberland Country.
Cycling the Trans-Canada Trail. Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
You may want to cycle the The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans-Canada Trail) section of Northumberland. It is a 37km stretch that runs between Ferris and Hastings with spectacular views all along the way.
Alternatively, try the Trent River Truckin’ Cycle Route. On the 64km route you’ll explore Warkworth, Campbellford, the locks along the Trent-Severn Canal and the stunning Ranney Gorge.
Paddling the Trent-Severn Canal is also popular. Northumberland is one of the only areas in Ontario that allows you to paddle through a system of locks and canals.
Photo: ©Northumberland Tourism
Of course, Presqu’ile Provincial Park is also home to Northumberland County. Presqu’ile was created for walking and its views of Lake Ontario attract walkers year-round.
Peninsula Provincial Park
With its flat terrain, the park is also ideal for cycling.
Other local trails and conservation areas offer opportunities for hiking and bird watching, including Seymour Conservation Area, Goodrich Conservation Area, and more.
And finally, because Ferris can’t offer swimming in the park, there are several local places where you can take a dip: Campbellford Pool, Seymour Conservation Area and Crowe River Conservation Area.
To discover more about the area, visit Northumberland Tourism.
Ferris Provincial Park It is 1.5 hours from Kingston and just over 2 hours from Toronto. Visit our online booking service to book your visit to Ferris and Northumberland County today.