This past weekend, I traded the hustle and bustle of daily life for the serene embrace of Silent Lake Provincial Park, located in the Kawartha Lakes. Known for its pristine waters and lush forests, Silent Lake offered the perfect getaway, especially with the added comfort of staying in one of the park’s yurts. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to camp in a yurt, let me take you through this unforgettable experience.
Driving up to Silent Lake Provincial Park, was a drive I have done many times before. Growing up in Peterborough, I have been in this area many times before, however I have never camped at this park. My step mom's parents have a cottage just a few kilometres from here so I have always just gone to the cottage and never stayed here to camp. The park is aptly named, with a calmness that envelopes you as soon as you enter. The check-in process was seamless, and the park staff were friendly and informative, providing us with all the details we needed for our stay.
The yurt area is tucked away in a quiet part of the park, offering privacy and a sense of seclusion. Each yurt is strategically placed to ensure minimal disturbance from neighbours, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in nature.
Walking up to our yurt, I was immediately struck by its sturdy, inviting structure. Unlike traditional tents, the yurt felt more like a cozy cabin. Inside, the yurt was spacious and well-appointed with wooden floors, 2 bunk beds with a double bed on the bottom and a single on top, and a table, and chairs. The propane fireplace was available to provided warmth during the cool nights if needed, and the large windows allowed for plenty of natural light during the day. One of the best features of the yurt was its deck, complete with a picnic table and BBQ grill. It was the perfect spot to enjoy meals while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Once we unpacked the car, we decided we needed to hang up a few tarps. There was a lot of rain in the forecast and we wanted to be able to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. I hung one tarp over the picnic table as well as a large tarp over the fire pit so we could have a cozy campfire and make s'mores.
Hanging a trap has been a learning experience for us on these camping trips. Most times we camp, we have rain but learning how to secure the tarp so we have shelter has been a game changer for us. With me only being 5'2, it is a struggle to get the ropes high enough on the trees, luckily the guys I was with this weekend were much taller than me and were able to get the straps high up in the tress. We have learned that using ratchet straps to secure the corners is better than using rope. With the straps, you are able to keep the tarp nice and tight to ensure that there is proper runoff so you don’t get pooling on the tarp.
Silent Lake Provincial Park offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. We started our Saturday with a hike along the Lakeshore Hiking Trail, we wanted to find the lake and a good spot to go fishing as bass season opened up this weekend. This moderate trail winds around the lake, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The tranquility of the lake and the vibrant greenery made the hike both invigorating and peaceful.
After the hike , we decided to try our hand at fishing. Silent Lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish, and spending the afternoon by the water, rod in hand, was both relaxing and exciting. The peaceful setting made every moment enjoyable, whether we were catching fish or simply enjoying the view.
I didn't have any luck with fishing, but Phil managed to catch 7 little bass. Watching Phil in the water bringing in all these little fish just brought me so much joy. I have never really seen anyone fly fish before. It was a great experience to watch one of the oldest ways of angling.
As the afternoon approached, we returned to our yurt to prepare lunch. Cooking on the BBQ was a highlight, we had some grilled brie and array of meats and cheeses. After lunch, the boys decided they wanted to go back to the lake to try to get some bigger fish. This time I stayed behind with Rosie and took a nap in the yurt. I felt it was important for the boys to have some bonding time without me around. Saturday evening, a crazy rainstorm rolled in. Thankfully, we were well-prepared and had set up a tarp over the fire pit. The sound of rain pounding on the tarp was intense, but we remained cozy and dry underneath, turning the storm into a memorable part of our adventure.
Sunday morning came all too quickly, and with a check-out time of 10 AM, we had to forgo a leisurely breakfast. Checking out a t 10 AM was different for us, when we tent camp, you do not need to check out until 2 PM. Instead, we packed up swiftly, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of Silent Lake one last time. After we were all packed up, we drove around the park to see the other campgrounds as well as different parts of the lake. For me, there is something calming about being around the water. Taking off my socks and shoes and being in the lake is such a huge part of any of these trips. I feel the most grounded when I am in the water. It is like all of the stresses of life just wash away in the waves and just for a moment, I don't have to think about what life is like back home, I am just living in that moment.
Going away this weekend and camping in a yurt was an unforgettable experience. I have been camping for many years, but this was my first time in a yurt. This was also the first time Phil has tagged along. I have been asking him for years to come with us and this time he finally did and I am so grateful he did! I hope there will be more adventures with him in the future. Showing my family things that really truly bring me the most happiness, is a blessing. Camping isn't for everyone, but if I am able to shine a light on it for people it may not be as daunting as one may think.
On our way home, we made a delightful stop at the Swiss Bear Cafe Bistro & Express for lunch. This charming spot offered hearty meals that were the perfect way to refuel after our morning packing frenzy. The food was delicious, I had the Little Bear Schnitzel sandwich and he had the Big Bear sandwich and we shared an order of pierogis and a fresh baked apple tart. I have driven past this place many times over the years, but this was the first time we stopped and I am so glad we did.
Before heading back to the hustle and bustle of daily life, we decided to make one more stop at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Hitting 2 Ontario Parks in one weekend is always a great adventure. This park is known for its ancient Indigenous rock carvings, the park is a site of significant historical and cultural importance. Exploring the petroglyphs was a fascinating experience, offering a deep connection to the past and a contemplative end to our weekend.
Visiting Petroglyphs Provincial Park was an enlightening experience. The park is home to the largest collection of ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) in Canada, with over 900 carvings depicting turtles, snakes, birds, and human figures. These carvings are believed to have been created by the Algonquin people between 900 and 1100 AD, making them a valuable window into the spiritual and cultural practices of the area's original inhabitants.
Walking to the petroglyphs site, we followed a serene trail through the forest. The carvings are protected under a pavilion to shield them from the elements, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Standing in front of these ancient carvings, I felt a profound sense of connection to the past. The detailed depictions of animals and humans, combined with symbolic patterns, spoke volumes about the spiritual life and cosmology of the Algonquin people.
A knowledgeable guide was available to answer questions and provide further context about the carvings. We learned that the petroglyphs site, known as "The Teaching Rocks," is considered a sacred place by Indigenous peoples. The carvings are believed to be messages from the spirit world, offering teachings about life, nature, and the universe. Photos are not permitted on the site of the carvings so I would highly recommend doing a google search to see how incredible these are.
Camping in a yurt at Silent Lake Provincial Park was a truly unique and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, staying in a yurt offers a level of comfort that can make your adventure more accessible and enjoyable. Silent Lake itself is a gem, offering stunning natural beauty and a peaceful retreat from the everyday grind. Visiting Petroglyphs Provincial Park added a profound historical and cultural dimension to our trip. The ancient carvings are a testament to the rich heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the area, and the park's efforts to preserve and interpret this site are commendable.
If you’re looking for a camping trip that combines the best of nature with the comforts of home and a touch of history, I highly recommend booking a yurt at Silent Lake Provincial Park and making a detour to Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Next weekend we will be heading to Macgreggor Point Provincial Park for the Canada Day long weekend so make sure you check back for that post! As always, you can follow me @fitness_adventures_with_liz to stay up to date as to where I am headed next!
Happy Camping 🏕️
Love,
Liz
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