Conveniently located off Highway 401, Darlington Provincial Park offers a wonderful experience for campers and day visitors just minutes from Oshawa.
That said, the park can get extremely busy for both day use and camping.
We want to make sure our visitors have all the information they need to have a fun visit, while also keeping the park safe and protected.
~
Planning a trip to Darlington? Here’s what you need to know to have a fun and frustration-free visit:
Do I need to make a reservation for the day?
Obtaining your daily vehicle permit in advance is a breeze!
Check out this blog for step-by-step instructions.
Reserving your vehicle permit online in advance comes at no extra cost for day visitors and guarantees your entry – this also applies if you have an annual or seasonal pass.
To reserve a daily vehicle permit in advance, please visit our reservations page or call 1-888-668-7275.
When you arrive at the park, gate staff or park wardens may ask you to produce your confirmation.
If you find yourself at Darlington on a not-so-busy day and you’ve forgotten to buy your permit in advance, don’t worry!
You can still purchase a permit at the park store or by scanning the QR code posted in parking lots around Darlington.
If you’re a Canoo User, please remember to register at the park store upon your arrival to Darlington!
~
How much does it cost to visit the park?
A daily vehicle permit costs $XXX.
Discounts for seniors and persons with disabilities are available.
Did you know daily vehicle permits can be booked up to five days in advance of your arrival? Learn more here!
Visiting parks often? Purchase a seasonal or annual pass to visit as often as you’d like!
~
When’s the best time to visit the park?
Darlington gets busy during the summer months and often reaches capacity on weekends. Midweek visits are recommended during July and August.
Visiting during the late fall, winter, or spring? You’re more likely to have a serene experience; think hiking trails and views of the beach all to yourself!
• Can highlight DU4 for fishing opportunity and potentially try to differentiate DU3 for picnic groups seeking a less busy area and not requiring beach access.
What kind of activities are available?
Darlington has plenty of activities for all seasons!
Spring
This park becomes a birding hotspot as soon as spring hits!
Summer
Darlington offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming, on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Take a FREE Learn to Fish program
Fall
Catch a glance of migratory birds as they head south for the winter!
Winter
Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis and enjoy a wonderland experience close to home!
Burk Trail is perfect for snowshoers; take in scenic landscapes and spot a variety of wildlife including coyotes, deer, mink, and rabbits.
Day Use/Picnicking at Darlington:
• Information on picnic shelter rentals (three shelters available).
• First-come, first-served policy for picnic areas.
• Tips for a successful picnic, including visitor management and etiquette info. (Etiquette – Litter, Sharing tables & recommend the use visitors wishing to bring their own BBQ to use Propane. Charcoal BBQ’s should not be placed on picnic tables)
• Programming promotion. (LTF & Log Cabin)
Is the park accessible?
Can I stay overnight?
Yes, but Darlington is a very popular summer camping destination and fills up quickly.
We recommend booking early. Reservations for camping open five months in advance of the date of your arrival.
This year, you can sign up for availability notifications on our reservation website! This new feature allows you to sign up for email notifications if the site on your selected dates becomes available within the five-month booking window.
Is the beach safe for swimming?
• Is the beach safe for swimming? Yes
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
No
Can I have a fire on the beach? Can I barbecue on the beach?
Fires are not permitted on the beach at Darlington Provincial Park.
Can I dock my motorboat in the park?
The Bay is only less than 9.9hp and is not suitable for motorized boats. There is no access to Lake Ontario from within the Park
Facilities and Amenities:
• Details about beaches, rentals, and facilities.(We don’t have rentals with the exception of tackleshare and our Accessible beach wheelchair, both free of cost)
• Information on quiet hours and noise regulations.
• Information on accessible facilities and services.
Conclusion:
• Call to action: Plan your visit today!
• Highlight following us on our socials
There are lots of different topics that could be added to this one. Whatever you feel is the most useful. Other topics could include:
• The park is already full, now what? Day Users can follow socials and return later in the evening when capacity is restored.
Does the park have ticks/Poison Ivy?
| Rental Rates 2025 | ||||||
