Lake on the Mountain is one of the county's best-known viewpoints. The small park sits on a limestone ridge near Glenora, about sixty metres above Lake Ontario, and its lookout gives a wide view over the Bay of Quinte and the Glenora Ferry crossing to the north shore. The lake itself is the curiosity, a body of clean fresh water on top of the ridge with a steady flow and no obvious source. The park is a day-use picnic stop with a comfort station, and it is run by Ontario Parks from the staff at Sandbanks. The viewing platform and parking area were refurbished in 2023. Be aware that it is seasonal: the season runs from May to mid October, so it is closed to day visitors in winter.
What to do
Park, walk to the lookout and take in the view of the bay, the ferry and the far shore, then stroll to the lake and read about the local legends. Canoeing and fishing are the activities the park lists, and the spot works well as a picnic stop between a morning in Picton and an afternoon at the wineries. It is a short visit rather than a day out, which makes it easy to add to almost any plan.
Seasons and planning
Ontario Parks runs it from May to mid October as a day-use park with no camping and a day-use fee. Treat it as closed in winter and confirm the dates on the park page before you drive over. The Glenora Ferry, which crosses the Bay of Quinte for free and carries cars, is visible from the lookout and is a good companion stop in the open season.
Fitting it in
Allow thirty to sixty minutes. The park is at 296 County Road 7 near Glenora, west of Picton, and is easiest by car. It pairs well with a ride on the Glenora Ferry, a stop in Picton or a winery visit nearby. If you arrive in the off-season, the Millennium Trail and the town of Picton offer similar views and a walk, and both are open year round.
What to expect
The experience
A small day-use provincial park with a viewing platform over the Bay of Quinte and a spring-fed lake on top of the ridge.
Best time
The season runs from May to mid October, and a clear day gives the best view; the park is closed for the winter.
How long
Allow thirty to sixty minutes for the lookout, the lake and a picnic.
Tips
Check Ontario Parks for the season and the day-use fee, bring a picnic, and add the Glenora Ferry for a short crossing.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a quick, scenic stop with a view over the bay and a picnic table.
- Families
- The short walk and the open lawn suit children, and the ferry below is an easy second stop.
- Couples
- Come on a clear afternoon for the view and a picnic before heading to a nearby winery.
- Pair with
- The Glenora Ferry, Picton and the wineries along County Road 7 sit within a short drive.
- Time needed
- Thirty to sixty minutes, plus about fifteen minutes by car from Picton.
Good questions
Is Lake on the Mountain open in November?+
Not in the winter. Day use runs from May to mid October, so it ends for the year in the autumn. Check the park page in spring for the new season's dates.
Why is it called Lake on the Mountain?+
The small lake sits on a ridge about sixty metres above Lake Ontario and has a constant flow of fresh water with no obvious source. That mystery gave the park its name.
Is there a fee to enter?+
It is a day-use park with a day-use fee, which Ontario Parks publishes each year. Check the park page for the current amount.
Can I camp there?+
No, it is a day-use park only. The nearest camping is at Sandbanks Provincial Park, whose staff also manage Lake on the Mountain.
What can I see from the lookout?+
The view runs across the Bay of Quinte to the north shore and takes in the Glenora Ferry crossing. A clear day gives the best outlook.
