Ontario Parks | Darlington

Phone: 905-436-2036
Size: 208.82 ha
Year established: 1959
Park Classification: Recreational
Address:
1600 Darlington Park Rd.
Bowmanville
L1C 3K3

Birding

Birding is a popular activity at Darlington. Many species of migratory birds can be seen in the park in the spring and fall. Check out the bird sightings board at the main park office to find out what has been spotted lately.

Boating

The sheltered waters of McLaughlin Bay are ideal for canoes and paddle boats. The open waters of Lake Ontario are suitable for larger motorboats and sailboats.

Canoeing

The sheltered waters of McLaughlin Bay are ideal for canoeing, whether you are an experienced paddler or setting out for the first time.

Discovery Program

Daily, during the summer months, there are many opportunities for the whole family to learn about the natural ecology and cultural history of Darlington and the surrounding area. Many programs are offered including children’s activities, evening films, campfires and sing-alongs, as well as guided hikes. Many special event weekends also take place throughout the season.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity for the whole family in Darlington’s McLaughlin Bay. You can even borrow fishing rods and tackle at the park store through the TackleShare program.

Enjoy our Learn to Fish program, a free, hands-on program that teaches new anglers how to fish in Ontario. This fun and engaging two-hour program combine a practical teaching session with an hour of supervised hands-on fishing. For more information and program times visit ontario.ca/learntofish

Hiking

Burk Trail 1.25 km (30 minutes) moderate
This trail moves through fields, meadows and mature forest past a pioneer cemetery to a scenic lookout over Lake Ontario. Watch for the elusive Coopers Hawk at the bluff and songbirds in the meadows.

McLaughlin Bay Trail 1.5 km (1 hour) easy
As you hike this trail from McLaughlin Bay, you travel through a marsh ecosystem into the transitional zone between wet and dry land. Plants and animals abound here, especially nesting waterfowl such as the Great Blue Heron. This trail links to the wildlife reserve and Oshawa Second Marsh Trails system at the west boundary of the park.

Robinson Creek Trail 1 km loop (30 minutes) easy
Starting and finishing at the Visitor Centre, this trail follows the intermittent Robinson Creek through a forested ravine full of mature willow, Staghorn sumac, maple trees and a diversity of plants and wildlife.

Waterfront Trail 2.6 km (1 hour) easy
A small section of the 350 km, multi-use trail that follows the shore of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Trenton and passes through Darlington.

Hunting

There is a controlled waterfowl hunt at Darlington which operates from mid-September to mid-December each year. Hunting is from designated blinds on McLaughlin Bay and takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. Contact the park for more information, (905)436-2036.

Swimming

Darlington offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming, on the shores of Lake Ontario. Please remember that there are no lifeguards on duty at the beach so children should be supervised. Pets are also not allowed on the beach.

Winter Activities

Although closed for camping, the park remains open for day-use during the winter months. Parking and self-serve permits are available at the main park office. Vehicle permits are required year-round.


Barrier-Free

Darlington offers barrier-free campsites as well as barrier-free access to comfort stations, the park store and the Visitor Centre.

Comfort Station(s)

Comfort stations are centrally located in Lakeside, Cliffside and Hilltop Campgrounds. The Lakeside Campground comfort station is equipped with showers. Showers are also available at the Hilltop A shower building, conveniently located between Hilltop and Cliffside Campgrounds. There is also a comfort station at day-use Area #2, close to the beach.

Day Use

Darlington has four large day-use areas equipped with picnic tables, barbecues, water taps and washroom facilities.  Three of the day-use areas have picnic shelters that are available for rent.

Flush Toilets

Flush toilets are found in each comfort station.

Laundromat

Laundry facilities are available at the Hilltop A shower building.

Park Store

Visit the park store for firewood, ice, camping supplies, groceries and treats. We have a wide variety of items for campers and day-users alike. Our scooped ice cream is always a big hit.

Picnic Shelters

Day-use Areas 1, 2 and 3 are equipped with large picnic shelters which are available for rent.

Reservations can be made online or by phone, or by contacting the park directly at 905-436-2036.

Rentals

PFDs are available for loan at the main gate and fishing gear is available through the Tackleshare program at the park store.

Picnic shelters and BBQs in the day-use areas are also available for rent; contact the park for details, (905) 436-2036.

Visitor Centre

The Log Cabin Visitor Centre is located in day-use Area #2 and is open daily throughout the summer. Stop in to check out the many artifacts, exhibits and live specimens, or chat with one of our friendly park naturalists and learn about the natural and cultural history of Darlington.