Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is a beautiful park west of Toronto. It offers excellent hiking, picnicking, and fishing opportunities, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
But the secret is out on this hiking destination located close to home! Forks of the Credit can experience large crowds of visitors, especially on summer weekends.
As the park’s popularity has grown, so has our need for visitors to put extra thought into being respectful. Visitors should plan ahead to avoid large crowds, potential fines, or being turned away at the park gate.
Planning a trip to Forks of the Credit?
Here are our top tips for a fun and frustration-free visit:
- What’s new?
- How do I book my daily vehicle permit in advance?
- When is the best/worst time to visit?
- How much does it cost to visit?
- What do I do when all available permits are sold?
- Can you recommend a hiking spot other than Forks of the Credit?
- Where can I get lunch?
- Where can I find the best view of the waterfall?
- Can I bring my dog?
- What should / shouldn’t I pack?
1. What’s new?
Have you ever arrived at Forks of the Credit and found no space for your vehicle even though you’ve already booked in advance? We’re working hard to prevent that frustration and help visitors guarantee their space before they arrive.
This year, there are new gates at the entrance of Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. These gates will be fully-automated.
To gain access, all you need to do is scan the barcode on your advance daily vehicle permit at the gate, and you’re ready to explore!
If you arrive at the park and are having technical difficulties with the gate, simply press the call button to contact park staff. We’ll do our best to help you get into the park as quickly as possible!
2. How do I book my daily vehicle permit in advance?
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park has a limited amount of space for visitors.
To help guarantee access for day use, our visitors must now obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance.
Advance daily vehicle permits are available to be booked at 7:00 a.m., five days in advance of your arrival date. We are offering daily vehicle permits on four-hour time slots, in addition to full day permits.
When purchasing your permit, please note that you will only be guaranteed access during your selected time slot. Access to the park outside the designated time slot is not permitted.
Reservations can be made:
- online
- by phone: 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
For more information, including how seasonal-permit holders can take advantage of this opportunity, please visit our website.
3. When is the best time to visit?
Forks of the Credit can experience large crowds during the weekends, especially in the summer and fall. Because of this the best times to visit are winter and early spring. Beat the crowds by visiting November through April.
If you’re planning a late spring, summer, or fall trip, consider visiting on a weekday.
Whenever you plan to visit, you must obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance, as described above. Entry will not be permitted without a permit. Once all available permits are sold, the park is full for the day.
Please note that the parking lot has limited capacity, and parking is not permitted on municipal roadsides. Visitors must park in a designated parking spot and obey all signage, or they risk receiving a parking ticket or fine, or even having their vehicle towed.
Wondering if the park’s reached capacity? When registering online, the available time slots will be indicated in green. If there are no green time slots, then the park is full.
Check out Forks of the Credit’s Twitter for more information:
4. How much does it cost to visit?
Day use fees are charged per vehicle:
- full day: $18.00
- four hours: $8.50
You can also use your seasonal permit to book in advance at no extra charge.
5. What do I do when all available permits are sold?
If there are no vacancies for the rest of the day through our reservation system, try exploring somewhere new in the area (see #6 below).
There are many local eateries and unique attractions. The Caledon-area boasts enough options to fill anyone’s weekend.
6. Can you recommend a hiking spot other than Forks of the Credit?
Certainly!
Earl Rowe Provincial Park offers six hiking trails, including the Lookout Trail that leads to a lookout platform with a view of the park and surrounding area.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville has five great hiking trails. The 50 m deep Bronte Creek ravine is a photogenic feature.
If you’re willing to venture farther from the GTA, MacGregor Point Provincial Park boasts a collection of cycling and hiking trails, with several routes along the breathtaking Lake Huron shoreline. The sunsets here are not to be missed!
7. Where can I get lunch?
There are options in Caledon to suit any palate.
8. Where can I find the best view of the waterfall?
The Dominion Trail leads to the best viewing spot.
Please be aware, though, that the Meadow Trail connection is currently closed due to infrastructure damage. Hikers must return the same way they hiked in. Signage is in place to direct you.
9. Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Just make sure to follow all dog-related rules, including keeping Fido on a leash (no longer than 2 m).
Don’t forget to pick up after your pup, and dispose of waste properly.
10. What should or shouldn’t I pack?
What you should definitely pack: sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, and a good pair of hiking shoes. Ticks are also common throughout Ontario, so bring a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.
What you shouldn’t pack: alcohol and firewood. Fires are not permitted in the park at any time, and violators will be fined.
Also, try to limit the amount of food packaging and other disposable items you bring with you. Litter and waste disposal in non-designated areas is unacceptable and fines are in place.
