Forks of the Credit Provincial Park

Forks of the Credit is the 282-hectare Niagara Escarpment day-use park that still feels like a real gorge hike an hour north of the city. Ontario Parks requires an advance daily vehicle permit — book at reservations.ontarioparks.ca from 7:00 a.m. Eastern, five days out (four-hour slots or a full day). No permit, no entry; when the green slots are gone the park is full. Seasonal-permit holders still have to reserve a spot (no extra fee). The 10 km loop is the standard first visit: Credit River, kettle lake, talus slope, and the old mill/powerhouse ruins. Pack water and food — there is no store in the park. October Saturdays fill first. Winter and weekday shoulder seasons are the sane play. Phone the Ontario Parks line at 1-888-668-7275 if the site is being stubborn.