Located on Lake Simcoe, Sibbald Point Provincial Park is a great spot for day-use. The park has a sandy beach and shallow water perfect for kids.
But during the hot summer months, the park can get extremely busy. Many weekends, Sibbald Point hits capacity and can’t welcome any more visitors.
We really hate to turn away visitors, especially knowing many have driven several hours to get here.
Planning a trip to Sibbald Point? Check out our top tips for a fun and frustration-free visit:
- Do I need a day use reservation? How do I get one?
- How do I know if the park is already at capacity?
- When is the best/worst time to visit?
- I made a camping reservation? Do I wait in the same line?
- I made it in the gate, but the main beach is jam-packed. What else can I do?
- Where can I get lunch?
- What are the park hours?
- How much does it cost to get in?
- Can I stay overnight?
- Where can I park?
- What kind of accessibility does the park provide?
- Are PFDs available at the park?
- Can I rent a picnic shelter?
- Can I bring my dog?
- Can we barbecue at the park?
- What should / shouldn’t I pack?
- Is your beach safe to swim in?
- Does Sibbald Point have ticks or poison ivy?
- What else should I know?
1. Do I need a day-use reservation? How do I get one?
Yes. You need to book your permit in advance to guarantee entry.
Our park is getting more and more popular, but we only have room for a limited number of visitors each day.
Daily vehicle permits will become available at 7:00 a.m., five days in advance of your arrival date. Reservations can be made:
- online (here’s a walkthrough of how to book, including how to use your seasonal permit)
- by phone: 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
2. How do I know if the park is already at capacity?
On busy days and weekends, park staff post capacity updates on Twitter.
Please visit our Alerts page for updates on park and beach conditions.
3. When is the best/worst time to visit?
One of the best times to visit Sibbald Point is during the fall season — try visiting after Labour Day.
If you’re looking to beat the crowds during the summer, plan a midweek visit!
The park is much quieter on weekdays for both camping and day use, and you will likely find a nice spot on the beach or in the grassy day use areas for a relaxing day in the sun.
Summertime weekend or bust? Be sure to reserve in advance to guarantee your spot, or you’ll likely be disappointed.
4. I made a camping reservation? Do I wait in the same line?
If you’re already checked in to your campsite, you’ll need to wait in line.
If you’re just arriving, please take the first right into the parking lot to check in.
Please note that on busy days, all roads going into the park can be backed up, so campers arriving at peak times may still face long waits to access these bypass options.
5. I made it in the gate, but the main beach is jam-packed. What else can I do?
Discovery programming: Park staff offer weekly educational programs for children and adults from late June to Labour Day. Programs include nature and heritage drop-in programs with interactive activities, evening programs, and roving interpretation.
Schedules and hours are posted throughout the park and on Twitter. Check out the park’s events page to see what events will be taking place during your stay!
Visit the Eildon Hall Museum where you can learn all about the history of Sibbald Point and the Sibbald Family Estate Home.
Take a hike. Sibbald Point’s hiking trails take our visitors through variety of ecosystems and the rich history of the Sibbald family.
Try Sibbald Point’s Adventure Lab course! Visitors can learn all about the different habitats found in Sibbald Point.
Go fishing. Lake Simcoe is a great fishing spot with plenty of fish to catch like lake trout, Whitefish, pike, Yellow Pickerel, and jumbo perch.
6. Where can I get lunch?
Grab lunch at the Park Store on the main beach. We offer a variety of food options such as chicken fingers, fries, and ice cream.
We’re also a great spot for a picnic. Don’t forget to pack your food in reusable containers and dispose of any trash responsibly!
7. What are the park hours?
During the summer, Sibbald Point is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Park Store is open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
8. How much does it cost to get in?
Day use is $21.00 per vehicle or $125.00 for buses.
Remember: you still need to book your permit in advance to guarantee access. Busses can also reserve their bus permit in advance.
9. Can I stay overnight?
Yes! While weekend availability may be limited, booking a midweek trip is a great way to explore all that the park has to offer without the crowds.
Enjoy large and private electrical sites surrounded by mature forest, or radio-free and non-electric campgrounds if that’s your preference.
Hoping to visit on a weekend that’s already booked?
Sign up for our availability emails to be notified of any cancellations.
10. Where can I park?
Our beach area has parking.
If you’re camping at the park, we encourage campers to enjoy the nice walk to the beach from their site.
11. What kind of accessibility does the park provide?
Our beach parking offers accessible parking for those with accessible parking passes, and our washrooms are all accessible.
An all-terrain wheelchair is available on a first come, first served basis. To borrow, please contact the park directly at (289) 763-6451.
12. Are PFDs available at the park?
Yes, our PFD Lending Program loans out PFDs to both adults and children. They can be acquired through a parks staff member or at the Park Store.
Whether you’re a parent, friend, sibling, cousin, or dog, we want you to be safe and wear a PFD when enjoying the water. Check out this blog for important water safety tips at Sibbald Point.
13. Can I rent a picnic shelter?
Yes, picnic shelters are available. They can be reserved on the online reservations site.
14. Can I bring my dog?
For sure! Just keep your pup on a leash (no longer then 2 m).
Dogs aren’t allowed in the main beach areas, but we have two special sections for pups: near the Lake Simcoe Fisheries Assessment Unit and a small section on the main beach.
15. Can we barbecue at the park?
Yes, hot ash pits are placed around the day use area to dispose of hot ash.
16. What should/shouldn’t I pack?
What you should definitely pack: sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, swimwear, lifejackets, change of clothes, towels, bug spray.
What you shouldn’t pack: alcohol (only permitted on your campsite, not on the beach), firewood (no campfires on beach), drones.
We don’t recommend bringing: large pieces of beach equipment (volleyball nets, oversized umbrellas or sun shelters, tents), multiple vehicles, radios.
17. Is your beach safe to swim in?
The water quality is tested every week.
Any advisories will be posted on the Ontario Parks Alerts page.
18. Does Sibbald Point have ticks or Poison Ivy?
Ticks are common throughout Ontario, including at Sibbald Point. To protect yourself from Lyme Disease, follow these safety tips.
We remove Poison Ivy from campsites and designated park trails, but it’s still prevalent in the park. Avoid it by staying on trails and keeping a close eye on kids.
19. What else should I know before visiting Sibbald Point?
Before visiting Sibbald Point please take some time to educate yourself about one of biggest issues: garbage.
Here’s how you can help.
