About the Ganaraska Forest

Ganaraska Forest Centre main entrance

Important Ganaraska Forest Information

Double track trail in the Ganaraska Forest

Explore the Ganaraska Forest

Come and experience southern Ontario's largest forest. Located within an hour's drive of Toronto, straddling the Municipalities of Northumberland County, Peterborough County, City of Kawartha Lakes and Regional Municipality of Durham, the Ganaraska Forest offers the best in outdoor recreation.

Today, the Ganaraska Forest is a living example of how the principles of integrated resource management can be used to balance many different uses of forested lands on a sustainable and ecologically sound basis. The Forest is home to the Ganaraska Forest Outdoor Education Centre, which includes public washrooms and shower facilities for Forest users.

The Ganaraska Forest is a source of local, high-quality, sustainable wood products. By following Good Forestry Practices and sound silvicultural strategies, timber harvests are utilized to achieve the long-term goals of restoring and maintaining native, healthy forest stands in the Ganaraska Forest.

Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature appreciation are popular activities throughout the Forest. With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Ganaraska Forest provides year-round opportunities for a variety of activities.

Motorized activities such as off-road motorcycle riding, ATVing and off-roading are permitted in the West Forest and East Forest only. Snowmobiling occurs on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) opened trails only. The Central Forest is maintained as a passive use area and is where cross country ski and snowshoe trails are located.

Day passes or Forest memberships are required to use the Forest and can be purchased from the GRCA Online Store or from the self-serve kiosk at the Ganaraska Forest Centre gatehouse.

The Ganaraska Forest hosts many special events and is a popular filming location.

Treetop Trekking Logo

Treetop Trekking

Treetop Trekking Ganaraska is an aerial park in the Central Ganaraska Forest.

While at the Ganaraska Forest, visit Treetop Trekking Ganaraska, who independently operate in the Central Forest.

For more information, call 905.797.2000. Special rates for school groups participating in Ganaraska Forest Centre Outdoor Education programs are available.