Four Seasons in Harcourt Park

Spring

The main road (Sumcot Drive) is usually not too muddy but the cottage roads can get very soft when the frost comes out. The ice is usually off the lakes by the end of April or the first week of May. The first 2 weekends in May can be very enjoyable if the weather is nice. There is a transition from the quiet of winter to the sounds of chirping birds and signs of other wildlife. Early May is a good time to get the outdoor chores done before the blackflies show up for the long weekend. The blackflies disappear in early June but are replaced by mosquitoes which are quite popular in cottage country (not!). The mosquitoes usually disappear by early August.

Summer

Summer is by far the most popular season for Harcourt Park members. Members enjoy swimming, fishing, waterskiing, boating, wind surfing and canoeing. The amount of summer activity pales in comparison to the lake activity experienced in the Muskokas and Kawarthas. On the July long weekend, the Summer Recreation Program begins with a Welcome Back Wine & Cheese Party at the Community Centre. The Aquatic Day events are held on the August long weekend. There are land events on the Saturday morning and swimming events in the afternoon followed by a dance in the evening. On Sunday there is a waterski competition on Big Straggle Lake in the afternoon.

The summer can host hot sunny days but it usually cools off quite nicely in the evening.

Fall

After Labour Day weekend the Park quiets down quite a bit. The fall colours in the Park are outstanding. Red maples are mixed with golden birch. Thanksgiving is a popular weekend for most members of Harcourt Park. It is a great time to view the fall colours and the last opportunity to close up the cottage for the winter. Fall is a great time for hiking on many of the scenic trails within the Park. Fishing is still good in the fall. Partridge and bear hunting is available in September, moose in October and deer in November. Most lakes usually start to freeze by the third or fourth week of November.

Winter

By the first day of winter, all lakes in Harcourt Park usually have a good layer of ice on them. All lakes in the park normally have safe ice conditions throughout the winter months as there are no river areas. Ice fishing is very popular in Harcourt Park. There are many excellent trails for cross country skiing and snowmobiling within the Park.

The OFSC main "E Trail" goes right through the eastern boundary of Harcourt Park. This provides access to hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

Viewing by appointment only. Please email us or call 705-448-3031 or 613-332-0080.