Province Expanding Charleston Lake Provincial Park

Expansion of Ontario’s first Adventure Class park would boost outdoor recreation while protecting the region’s natural beauty

Athens — The Ontario government is proposing to expand Charleston Lake Provincial Park to give park visitors more opportunities to enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and ATV and snowmobile travel. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the proposed expansion will help drive local tourism and strengthen economic development in the region, while permanently protecting an important piece of the region’s natural heritage.

“As Ontario’s first Adventure Class park, this significant expansion of Charleston Lake Provincial Park will create new opportunities for local residents and visitors alike to get outside and enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature, while protecting it for future generations,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We are grateful to our partners in the Charleston Lake Provincial Park Working Group like the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust, the Schad Foundation, the Ontario Conservation Accelerator and other key stakeholders who are helping turn a shared vision into reality.”

Ontario is proposing to expand Charleston Lake Provincial Park by approximately 2,273 acres (about 920 hectares), which would increase the size of the park by one third. Located directly east of the existing park, near the town of Athens, the proposed addition includes lands that are currently used for a wide variety of activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, cross‑country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, biking and ATV and snowmobile travel. The proposal would allow existing ATV and snowmobile trails to continue and there will be no change to these activities during the planning process for the proposed park expansion.

“I’m proud that Ontario is proposing to expand the park by 2,273 acres. I want to thank the many partners who worked closely with me to make this expansion possible while preserving existing uses on the land being added to the park.” said MPP Steve Clark. “We’re helping protect one of the most beautiful landscapes in Eastern Ontario and creating more opportunities for hiking, paddling, and exploring.”

“The Township of Leeds and the 1000 Islands is very pleased to see the expansion of Charleston Lake Provincial Park. Protecting our land, lakes, and wetlands is essential to environmental sustainability and to the health and well-being of our residents. The preservation of these natural areas strengthens our community and safeguards the landscapes that define our region. We sincerely commend the partners and the Province for their vision and commitment in adding this parcel to an already exceptional provincial park,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke Mayor of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.

The park was designated Ontario’s first Adventure Class park in December 2025 through Private Members (Bill 26). Adventure Class parks are a new classification of provincial park that were created to help expand opportunities for outdoor, challenge-based activities in natural settings across Ontario, while protecting natural features.

As Ontario’s first Adventure Class Park, Charleston Lake already attracts visitors from across the province. Last year alone, park visitation contributed $13.7 million to the local economy—showing how conservation and outdoor recreation go hand in hand.

Every visit to Ontario Parks generates spin-off benefits for nearby communities through local spending. It is estimated that in 2025 alone, visitation to Charleston Lake Provincial Park contributed approximately $13.7 million to Ontario’s tourism industry.

Over the coming months, the province will consult with Indigenous communities, local stakeholders and the public before making a decision on the planned expansion. Members of the public are invited to review the proposal and share comments on the Environmental Registry of Ontario until April 20, 2026.