Located just 40 minutes from Canada’s capital in the Ottawa Valley, Fitzroy Provincial Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Nestled in the picturesque Fitzroy Harbour in Ottawa, this park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it an ideal destination for both day trips and extended camping adventures. One of the park’s most captivating features is its 100-year-old white pines.
These towering trees, the provincial tree of Ontario, were once used to make masts for British Royal Navy ships during colonial times. Walking through the wooded areas of Fitzroy, you’ll find yourself surrounded by these majestic pines, standing tall and proud as they have for centuries. As you hike the trails, you’ll pass sparkling waterfalls and shale pillars that stand as testaments to the erosive power of water.
The fields are strewn with erratic, massive boulders left by glaciers, offering a glimpse into the park’s glacial past. By the river’s edge, shale terraces and pillars reveal an even mightier waterway, creating a stunning backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Fitzroy Provincial Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Among the century-old white pines and a stand of 300-year-old bur oak by the Carp River, Ontario Parks says you can spot kildeer, goldfinches, flickers, and white-tailed deer. The park is also home to over 120 documented species of birds, making it a bird watcher’s paradise. Situated on the Ottawa River and bisected by the Carp .