Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve: Video Review
Are you searching for a new dog-friendly camping spot to explore with your canine companion? We have a hidden gem to share…
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve is a private, year-round getaway located near Huntsville, Ontario. The lands were settled in mid-1800s and today, you can still witness remnants of these early inhabitants including stone walls, former flower gardens, and apple orchards.
Today, the location offers over 10,000 acres of mixed forest, including 20 private lakes, and over 70 kilometers of trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing (depending on the time of year). Day use is available to the public free of charge. Traditional tent campsites and heated cabins are also available for those interested in a multi-day trip.
Please note: Camper vans, RVs, pop-up trailers, and teardrop trailers are not permitted on the Limberlost Forest property.
In this video, we’ll take you with us for a July weekend camping trip with our dogs, Lucifer and Willow. We camped at Lee South 7, a beautiful waterfront campsite with our own private outhouse. Plus, we’ll take you with us to hike the Clear Lake & Turtle Lake trails. We even made a pit stop at Benjamin’s Bay, allowing the pups to enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake (Lucifer’s favourite part of the adventure).
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or seeking a new outdoor adventure, Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve offers a beautiful and unforgettable experience for pet-friendly travellers. Come explore this hidden gem and start planning your next trip camping with dogs (or cats) today!
This video is part of The Kas Pack’s Ontario Parks Reviews series. CLICK HERE to visit our YouTube channel and subscribe to get notifications when new parks are added.
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
- Location: Huntsville, ON
- Year Established: early 1900s
- Open Seasons: Year-Round (Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter)
- Park Maps: Campsite Maps, Summer Trail Map, Winter/Ski Trails Map
The Best Things to Do at Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
Camping Opportunities
There are many different styles of camping available on the property, depending on your desired experience, from traditional tent camping to heated “glamping” cabins.
However, it should be noted that RVs, pop-up trailers, teardrop trailers, and camper vans are not permitted on the property.
The campsites are spaced out across 7 of the property’s private lakes:
- Lee Lake
- North (18 Tent Campsites, 1 Camping Cabin)
- South (9 Tent Campsites)
- Solitaire Lake (8 Tent Campsites, 1 Camping Cabin)
- McReynolds Lake (2 Tent Campsites)
- Eastall Lake (3 Tent Campsites)
- Buck Lake
- North (1 Tent Campsite, 5 Camping Cabins)
- South (1 Tent Campsite, 5 Camping Cabins)
- High Lake (1 Log Cabin)
- Spaniel Lake (1 Tent Campsite)
Additionally, if you are interested in a more “glamping” experience, with the creature comforts of home, the property offers 3 remote outposts, 5 family cottages, and 2 luxury lodges.
There truly are options for all outdoor lovers!
Hiking Trails
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve is best known for their 70 km of beautiful woodland trails, ranging from easy to difficult.
Approximately two-thirds of the trails are groomed to offer easier hiking, while the others remain more rugged and untouched for those seeking a rustic hike.
Many of the trails will take you alongside the property’s many private lakes, across boardwalks, or to beautiful lookouts showcasing the beauty of the area. Volunteers have been working on developing and maintaining the trials for more than 80 years.
Dogs are welcome on the trails. However, all dogs must be on leash and in control at all times during your visit. There are no leash-free locations on the property.
Unlike nearly every other location we have reviewed, Limberlost does not charge for day use.
Outdoor adventure lovers looking to explore the trails are welcome to visit the property free of charge from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. However, you must sign a safety waiver online before your visit.
All trails at Limberlost are reserved solely for foot traffic or biking. Off-road vehicles like dirt bikes and ATVs are not permitted on trails or roads.
Beaches
There is a beach available for visitors in the day-use area. However, the beach is NOT dog-friendly.
Many locations are available throughout the property where dogs can access the water, allowing them to cool off with a quick dip or relaxing swim.
But for those seeking a dog beach day, there is no designated beach spot for our furry friends.
Paddling and Water Sports
With so many private lakes to explore, it is no surprise that paddling is a popular activity on the property.
One popular route takes you from Buck Lake through several lakes to the far end of Long Lake, which is the location of the breathtaking Crystal Falls. It’s the perfect day trip adventure for those with dogs who enjoy being on the water.
If you are interested in taking advantage of the many paddle opportunities but don’t have your own canoe, rentals are available on-site. They do ask that rentals be arranged prior to your stay.
Children’s and adult life jackets are available with the rentals. You will need to supply your own lifejackets for dogs (or cats) to join in on the fun.
In terms of additional water sports, motorized vehicles are not permitted on the property. Fishing is also prohibited.
Winter at Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
If you’re looking for a fun winter getaway, you’re in luck. Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve is open year-round.
Many of the various cabins and cottages are outfitted with propane heaters and/or woodstoves, creating a comfortable option for winter accommodations.
When booking your accommodations, read the description carefully. While many are available by vehicle during the winter months, some do become hike-in only when the snow flies.
For those feeling brave, tent campsites are also open for the winter months. But come prepared for the cold, snowy weather.
Throughout the winter months, Limberlost offers Nordic ski lovers many groomed ski trails throughout the park, from their easier primary ski trails on the wide, flat road base to the more technical and narrow secondary ski trails.
Infrequently groomed and ungroomed backcountry trails featuring challenging terrain and significant grade changes on the old ski hill are also available.
You can check the current conditions of the ski trails on their website.
If you’re not interested in skiing, the remaining hiking trails offer a beautiful, rustic snowshoeing experience. But keep in mind, dogs hiking alongside you during the winter months must still be on-leash throughout their adventure.
Other On-Site Activities
One unique attraction on the property is the Limberlost Links Disc Golf course.
This is an 18-hole course that wraps around Solitaire Beach and the Statue Hill, creating a fun backdrop during play. It offers 2 sets of tee pads, a “short” and a “long” option, allowing you to take the difficulty up a level if you so desire.
For those who want to challenge their running skills, check out The Limberlost Challenge. The annual race takes runners through the stunning property while the race fees help to raise money for Trails Youth Initiatives.
Pet-Friendly Travel Considerations
While Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve does not offer specific pet-focused amenities, like a dog beach or designated exercise area, it is an incredibly pet-friendly destination.
Dogs are welcome throughout the property as long as they remain on-leash.
Many of the campsites offer water access, giving you the perfect location for your dog to go for a swim. However, if your chosen campsite does not make swimming accessible, there are many spots along the trails or boat launches where dogs can enjoy splashing around.
If you are camping with a reactive dog, there are many incredibly private sites, making it easy to enjoy the experience without worrying about potential triggers (unlike busier parks and campgrounds).
The availability of many different hiking trails also makes it easy to head out and explore without running into large numbers of people.
Be sure to be respectful of other visitors to the property when hiking, including being mindful of other hikers on the trails and cleaning up after your dog (or cat) throughout your stay.
However, pay careful attention to the difficulty of the trail if you are planning on hiking with a senior dog or one with mobility concerns, as some of the more challenging trails feature terrains that may not be a good fit.
Things to Do Near Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
With so many activities available, you can easily occupy a weekend or even a full week without ever leaving the property. However, if you’re interested in exploring further, you’ll be happy to know that the town of Huntsville is just a 20-minute drive away.
Here, you will find several establishments with pet-friendly patios, allowing you to relax and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.
Some of our favourite pet-friendly stops in the area include:
If you are interested in finding more outdoor-focused adventures, Arrowhead Provincial Park is just outside of Huntsville. This is a great option for those looking for a pet-friendly beach outing with 2 designated pet beach/exercise areas. There are also 5 hiking trails.
Visit the Dorset Tower for a beautiful view of the area, especially during the fall with the changing of colours. Pets are allowed at the park, just not on the tower itself.
We also recommend checking out the Hunters Bay Trail (part of the Trans-Canada Trail) and the Oxtongue Rapids Trail.