While we did our best to find The Shire and other wonderful Middle Earth locations in our parks, due to inescapable factors (geography), this Middle Earth may look a bit different than the Middle Earth you’ve seen on screen or visited in your imagination. Please read this with a Tookish sense of fun and adventure, rather than a Sackville-Baggins’ sneering eye of judgment.
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We may live on Earth rather than Middle Earth, but that doesn’t mean we can’t go on our own unexpected journey!
In fact, we’ve done some exploring of our own, and have found some stunning provincial park landscapes that might trick you into thinking you’ve turned into a hobbit and are actually hiking across Middle Earth with a fellowship of your eight (hey, we can dream, right?) best friends.
Put down Farmer Maggot’s vegetables, and join us on the road that goes ever on and on – you may just spot your next dream destination!
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The Shire: Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Campground open until October 14, 2025
Open for day use all year
Like all good journeys, ours starts in The Shire.
At Earl Rowe, you can indulge in a hobbit’s favourite hobbies: eat delicious food at the various picnic shelters, take an ambling walk on one of the park’s short trails, or do a spot of fishing along the gentle and winding Boyne River.
If you find these activities have tuckered you out, enjoy a cheerful rest on your campsite, conveniently located close to many park facilities.
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Rivendell: Arrowhead Provincial Park
Open all year
Just as Rivendell marked a moment of transition for the intrepid hobbits, Arrowhead lives in a transition zone between our southern and northern parks. The park’s architecture – like this graceful bridge over Stubb’s Falls or their iconic Visitor Centre – captures the elegance and nature-woven beauty of Elrond’s stunning home.
Whether you’re at Arrowhead to start or end your journey, this park has all the amenities, rentals, and activities to help you feel relaxed and at home.
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The Misty Mountains: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Campground (excluding roofed accommodations) open until October 21, 2025
Open for day use, roofed accommodations, and backcountry camping all year
An epic hike along craggy cliffs and rocky terrain awaits any traveler who makes the long trip from Bag End to these Misty Mountains! Sleeping Giant is known for its backcountry hiking trails and day use hiking and biking trails, all of which look even more stunning when fall colours are in full swing.
If you want to fully experience the Fellowship’s struggle to make it over the Misty Mountains, hike the Top of the Giant Trail! You may decide it’s better to face a Balrog in the Mines of Moria after all. 😉
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The Mines of Moria: Murphys Point Provincial Park
Open until October 14, 2025
Don’t worry, there’s no Balrog or orcs in this mine! Murphys Point has the 2 km Silver Queen Mine hiking trail, which takes you to see the restored, early 1900s partially open pit mica mine, heritage displays, and the rebuilt miner’s bunkhouse.
If you’re lucky and visit on the right weekend in the fall, you may get the chance to attend a guided interpretive tour and see inside the mine and bunkhouse!
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Lothlórien: Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park
Open until November 9, 2025
Stepping into this park’s unusually well-preserved old-growth forest, you may feel like you’ve traveled to Galadriel’s forest home, Lothlórien. A small day use only park nestled against the city of Peterborough, Mark S. Burnham’s maple, beech, elm, and hemlock trees display stunning fall colours.
Hiking the park’s 1.5 km loop and bathing in the light of this forest will connect you to an ancient and wise beauty, similar to that of the elven Lady herself.
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Falls of Rauros: Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Campground open until October 14, 2025
Open for day use all year
The majestic Kakabeka Falls, like the Falls of Rauros, are a mighty landmark composed of rock, water, and history. At the bottom of the falls, the Kaministiquia River has cut deep into the rocks to reveal 1.6-million-year-old fossils.
Adventurers can start the 750 m, wheelchair-accessible Boardwalk Trail from the main parking lot. This trail provides spectacular views of the falls from lookouts on both sides.
For all the Samwise Gamgees out there, don’t worry: you can follow your Frodo across this river, using the pedestrian bridge.
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Fangorn Forest: Restoule Provincial Park
Open until October 14, 2025
We can neither confirm nor deny the presence of Ents in Restoule’s forest, but what we can say is that hiking, mountain biking, or paddling beneath or beside these trees may remind you of how amazing and alive our forests are. Visit Restoule for your next fall camping trip to truly see the forest in its most stunning hues!
Pro tip: make friends with these trees (Ents?) by being a considerate camper – don’t damage a tree with nails, axes, or knives.
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Rohan: Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
Open until October 14, 2025
The spirit of Rohan can be found at Kettle Lakes!
With sandy and rocky terrain left over from glaciers, a golden encore of fall colours, and kilometres of bike trails weaving through the forest, this park lets you swap the horse for a bike, and still experience the thrill of riding through Rohan’s rugged beauty.
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Wow, that was quite the journey! We definitely needed that second breakfast
If any of these destinations have tempted you to leave your cozy hobbit hole, visit our website to book your stay!
Want to wait for autumn leaves to look their best? Keep an eye on our Fall Colour Report, and book your daily vehicle permit in advance.
