Sibbald Point Provincial Park attracts thousands of visitors every year, with most coming to relax on the sandy beach and the forested campgrounds in the summer months.
But did you know that Sibbald Point is open all year round for visitors to come and explore?
Read on to discover what’s in store this winter at Sibbald Point and how to plan your trip.
We’ve assembled a list of frequently asked questions and top tips for planning your Sibbald Point adventure:
- What are Sibbald Point’s new Fire and Stars torch-lit hikes?
- Do I need a reservation? Or a separate reservation for the Fire and Stars Hikes?
- When is the park open?
- How much does day use cost?
- I’m a season’s pass holder; do I still have to reserve?
- What winter activities are available at the park?
- How do I get there?
- Where do I park?
- Are rentals available?
- Are washrooms available?
- Can I stay overnight?
- Is food available for sale?
1. What are Sibbald Point’s new Fire and Stars torch-lit hikes?
We’re excited to be offering NEW torch-lit hikes this winter.
Beginning December 23, you can visit Sibbald Point for an evening journey lit only by fire and the stars. This journey takes approximately 1–1.5 hours to complete depending on your pace.
Hike between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on your own or join a guided hike led by Sibbald Point’s Discovery team beginning at 6:30 p.m. on event dates.
We recommend bringing your own snowshoes, however they are are optional depending on amount of snow fall. Visit the Ontario Parks Snow Report for up-to-date snow conditions or call the park directly.
We recommend reserving your permit for Fire and Stars Hikes up to five days in advance. When reserving, make sure you select the “Day Use + Fire and Stars” option.
Visit Sibbald Point’s event page for dates more details!
2. Do I need a reservation to visit for the day? Or a separate reservation for the Fire and Stars Hikes?
All vehicles require a permit. We recommend booking a daily vehicle permit (DVP) online to guarantee access.
You can obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance of your trip, beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Make your reservation online through our reservation site.
There is a separate reservation for the Fire and Stars Hikes. When reserving your permit, make sure you select the “Day Use + Fire and Stars” option.
3. When is the park open?
Sibbald Point is open all year long.
Day use hours are 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Fire and Stars torch-lit trail hours are 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on select days.
4. How much does day use cost?
The cost is $21 per day, per vehicle.
5. I’m a season’s pass holder; do I still have to reserve?
Yes, but at no extra cost.
If you have an annual or winter Ontario Parks permit, you can use the serial number on your pass to reserve in advance.
Remember that a seasonal permit does not guarantee entrance if the park reaches capacity.
6. What winter activities are available at the park?
*NEW* Fire and Stars Hikes
Join us every other Friday and Saturday (December 23 – February 17) from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. to experience our Maidenhair Fern Trail by torchlight.
Explore on your own or join our Discovery staff for a guided hike at 6:30 p.m. each of the event nights.
Winter birding
Discover which birds are busy at Sibbald Point in the winter.
Walk along the shore of Lake Simcoe to spot mergansers, goldeneye, Buffleheads, and other ducks.
Looking in-land, common winter birds such as Dark-eyed Juncos, American Goldfinches, Black-capped Chickadees, several species of woodpeckers, and other birds can be found throughout the park.
Self-guided Adventure Lab
Adventure Lab is a platform that allows you to create, play, and share location-based experiences.
The Adventure Lab app guides players through the process of finding clues, solving puzzles, and completing “Adventures,” one location at a time.
Click here to learn more about Adventure Labs across Ontario Parks.
Download the FREE Adventure Lab app and learn all about the habitats of Sibbald Point.
Ice fishing
Lake Simcoe is one of the most popular ice fishing destinations in Ontario and is considered a world-class fishery.
The main species targeted here are Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Whitefish, Northern Pike, and Burbot.
Anglers can access the lake via the boat launch at Sibbald Point Provincial Park.
Daily vehicle permits are required for all vehicles. Please review the 2023 Ontario Fishing Regulations before you visit.
For up-to-date ice conditions, check with a local ice hut operator.
7. How do I get to Sibbald Point Provincial Park?
Sibbald Point is an hour north of Toronto, located 20 km northeast of the end of Highway 404.
From the 404, turn left on to Woodbine Avenue, right on Ravenshoe Road, left on Highway 48, then left on Park Road.
8. Where do I park?
There is parking available at the Maidenhair Fern Trail, park store parking lot, and boat launch.
Only vehicles using the boat launch are allowed to park at the boat launch.
9. Are rentals available?
Equipment rentals are not available at the park.
If you wish to snowshoe, ski, or ice fish, please bring your own equipment.
10. Are washrooms available?
Washroom facilities are limited.
There are vault toilets located at the Maidenhair Fern trailhead and the boat launch.
11. Can I stay overnight?
No – camping is only open at Sibbald Point from May until Thanksgiving.
12. Is food available for sale?
Food is unavailable for purchase.
It’s best to pack your own food to the park.