Balsam Lake

shiju varghese

This was our first visit to Balsam Lake Provincial Park, and we wanted to wrap up our camping season surrounded by the beauty of fall colours — it did not disappoint! Our RV site was spacious, spotless, and perfectly located. I love that the park is close to the city, making it an ideal weekend getaway. It’s absolutely worth the visit — a must for anyone who enjoys peaceful nature escapes. We had an amazing weekend here. The park offers beautiful waterfront trails, a clean and inviting lake perfect for swimming, and a well-maintained beach. There are several park stores nearby for snacks or essentials, and the campsites are large, quiet, and relaxing. The grounds are very well kept, the beach is lovely with clear water, and the comfort stations are clean and easy to access. Whether you prefer open sites or more secluded spots, there’s something for everyone. The park also features great amenities like canoe and kayak rentals, open fields for games, and a lookout point with a breathtaking sunset view. We’ll definitely be coming back — a truly relaxing and memorable camping experience!

Wendy Uzz

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is the kind of “close-enough to get there, far-enough to feel away” escape that is a win for us. Its clean, sandy, kid-friendly beach and easy hiking trails/scenic loops provide a well rounded experience (note, many trails were closed when we went due to an earlier wind/snow storm bringing down some trees). The park and campgrounds are well-maintained and family-friendly. Since we camped there, we got to the beach early and was able to feel comfortable as the beach got crowded later in the day. Be aware, the campground roads are a bit narrow, so be aware while driving and walking. At Balsam, you’ll get solid outdoor fun, decent facilities, and a comfortable dose of nature with your ice cream at the Shop.

Konrad Szczepanik

Great spot! Well maintained, easy to navigate. Some secluded spots or plenty of wide open sites. The comfort station was well maintained. Lake is nice, solid beach with sand for the kiddies. Parks and open fields to play in. Rentals are available to canoes and such.

amin ardeshiri

Balsam Lake Provincial Park offers a truly wonderful outdoor experience. The lake water was exceptionally clean and inviting, perfect for swimming and enjoying a peaceful day. The overall environment was calm and friendly, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities. Both the beach area and the campsites were well-maintained and spotless. However, I was disappointed with the state of the washrooms, which were quite dirty and could have been much cleaner. This is one area that definitely needs improvement. Despite the issue with the washrooms, I'll definitely be visiting this park again. A key tip for anyone planning a trip: if you want to secure a campsite, be sure to book 5 or 6 months in advance, as spots fill up very quickly. This park is a gem, and with a little more attention to the washrooms, it would be perfect.

Austin Wilson

My fiancé and I had an amazing weekend at Balsam lake. It was a relaxing and beautiful stay. There are nice trails along the waterfront, the water is so clean and nice to swim in and the beach was very welcoming and well taken care of. Lots of park stores around if you’re in need for snacks or essentials. The campsite was very spacious and quiet, and our little dog loved every minute of being there with us. I’d definitely come back again!