McRae Point P.P. is located on 4366 McRae Park Road, in Ramara, ON. The park is on McPhee Bay, a shallower and warmer section of Lake Simcoe. The park is popular due to its proximity to Orillia and the GTA. We most recently visited in August 2024.
The park is built upon a drumlin on a peninsula, known as McRae. The park was established in 1971. The Water's Edge Trail used to only exist north of the main road, but now bulges below. Not only this, a part of the northern section was closed and a multiple areas (like the playground) have been greatly developed since opening.
The park is named after the peninsula it sits on. McRae is a rather common last name in North America.
McRae Point offers:
- swimming on a 400m long beach
- fishing for perch, pike, and bass
- paddling in a much calming part of the lake
- birdwatching for 79 species
- biking on the Water's Edge Trail
- hunting is seasonally and regionally allowed
McRae Point's trail is:
A surefire way to see all that McRae Point has to offer. This trail is cut up into numerous sections but a main route is easy to follow and is highlighted below. See the clear waters of McPhee Bay, interesting flora and fauna, and great sunset viewing locations. (bikes permitted)
Drive in. Pass the worst dump station in any provincial park ever. Pass the gatehouse. You'll have a choice. Left to South Campground; straight ahead to the boat launch and the main beach/day use area; or right to North Campground. See map below for more detail.
Note that the photos in this section are not explicitly from this park, they are good photos of species that live here.
Interesting wildflowers - see the Water's Edge Trail
Seagulls (especially at the main beach)
Crawfish - see the fishing dock at nighttime.
THE ROUND GOBY IS COMMONLY CAUGHT IN THIS PARK - it cannot be released back into the water. It must be killed or disposed of in nearby trash disposal, or by simply killing the fish on the dock.
Get site 113, 114, or 125 in North Campground - or any site along the Water's Edge Trail in South Campground.
Book in North Campground for multi-family, private campground style camping. Book in South Campground for quiet, peaceful, Ontario Parks style, secluded camping.
Use the route above for the Water's Edge Trail.
Go to the beach on a weekday. If not possible, swim behind South Campground on the Water's Edge Trail or at the dock in North Campground.
Bring the kids to the fishing dock. Great for catch and release fishing.
Day trip here from Mara.
Or even better - paddleboard here from Mara (route below).
If you look at Lake Simcoe from North Campground's fishing dock, you'll see a myriad of boats anchored in the shallow bay to your right. Well, these boats often come from the folk who live in Orillia or those who have brought and launched their boat in the park. You can go to Mara P.P., through Orillia's narrows into Lake Couchiching, down to nearby Strawberry and Goffatt Islands, and even nearby Lagoon City and Bayshore Village. Regardless, the waters in the bay are relatively shallow, providing great opportunities for swimming, jumping, and paddling.
Not bad. Better than nearby Mara but still nothing too special. Recommend for a day trip from the city, or a short weekend in August. 5/10.
Scanned Aug 28, 2024 at 9:09:36 PM.pdfScanned Aug 28, 2024 at 9:13:35 PM.pdf
