Outdoor Spaces

Parks

You can walk to Cooper Park from downtown Dryden. It's a very popular waterfront spot for picnicking and birdwatching, and the Cooper Park pathway forms part of the Dryden Signature Trail. Along the Wabigoon River, you can walk, jog and bike on a brick pathway and many people use the path to walk their dogs.

You can also play volleyball on the courts - sign-up with the Riverview Lodge, (807) 223-4320, use our boat launch and sight see the many nearby attractions. Parking and washroom facilities are also available for you to use. View a map of Cooper Park.

Reclaiming Roots Public Art Project

In 2018, a decision was made to remove the upper portions of two well-loved Cottonwood trees in Cooper Park for public safety. The loss was deeply felt, and the trunks that remained were reminders of what had been lost. The remainder of the trees are currently being carved into representations of the community. The first tree being carved will be in representation of the Indigenous peoples so closely connected to Dryden and Cooper Park which was once a gathering place called Paawidigong.

To complete the next step, the City needs to raise $15,000 towards the fabrication of custom mounting systems that will be both beautiful and safe to display the carvings once completed. Although only the first carving will be finalized this year, building both mounting systems now will make the installation of the second carving seamless when it is finished.

For more information on this project, click here.

To become a part of this project and make a donation, click here.

Dryden Skatepark/Rotary Park

The North Dryden Rotary Park is home to our soccer complex, also called Raposo Fields. There, you'll find three available fields. You can email us to book a soccer field at arenadesk@dryden.ca , or call our administration department at (807) 223-1425, ext. 3.

The skatepark is also available for bikers, skaters and scooters. View a map of Dryden Skatepark/Rotary Park.

Johnston's Park

Johnston's Park is a great place to stop for a rest, eat lunch, view the park's Mosaic structure, or explore the path to the suspension bridge. You can also enjoy the sun under the many trees that are in the park. Picnic areas, washrooms and walking trails are available as well. View a map of Johnston's Park.

Kinsmen Park

Kinsmen Park is full of mature trees, playgrounds and is located close to downtown. Here you can find water fountains, play structures, picnic tables, private play areas and washroom facilities. It's a great park to bring the kids along. View a map of Kinsmen Park.

Lions Park

Lions Park was developed by the Lions Club of Dryden and backs onto the Dryden High School. View a map of Lions Park.

Milestone Park

Come play a game of tennis at Milestone Park during the summer, or skate or play hockey at our outdoor skating rink from mid-December to March. You can change into appropriate clothing at our heated changing area. Contact the recreation department at (807) 223-1425 for more information. View a map of Milestone Park.

Plumridge Park

Plumridge Park is a hidden gem used a lot by locals as an outdoor public green space where you can enjoy the hot summer days with a splash pad and play structure. View a map of Plumridge Park.

Pronger Park

Pronger Park is a lovely, private location where you can spend the day in the shade of the many trees in the area. It's perfect for a family gathering, or you can use the playground, biking, hiking, ski and snowshoe trails. The park is also pet-friendly, with lots of room to play with your dog. Washrooms and waste bins are also available. View a map of Pronger Park.

Aaron Provincial Park

Established in 1958 and located on the South shores of beautiful Thunder Lake, Aaron Park is an Ontario Provincial Park operated by the City of Dryden. It is approximately 116.7ha in area and conveniently located within City limits along the Trans-Canada Highway. Offering full-service camping sites (long and short-term), amphitheater, covered pavilion with BBQ pit and playground area, 2 beaches, trail system, lake access, and (of course) fishing, Aaron Park has a little something for everyone! Photographers take note; with low light pollution, easy access and beautiful lakefront, Aaron Park is a premiere destination to photograph Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Be sure to mark this one on your photo map. Check out the Ontario Parks for more information.

You can also check out nearby Blue Lake Provincial Park for more beach access and camping opportunities.

Beaches

View all of our beach locations in our beaches map overview.

Sandy Beach Recreational Area

Spend a few hours enjoying the sun and sand at Sandy Beach Recreational Area. The area offers pavilion picnic tables, barbecue pits, playground equipment, and washrooms. Close by, you can experience nature trails, Flat Rock fishing area, a nine-hole golf course, baseball diamonds and soccer pitches. The park is also available for birthday parties and other event bookings. Call (807) 223-2367 for more information.

Johnson's Public Beach

You can find this beach located on Thunder Lake just outside Dryden city limits. Be sure to bring a towel and sunscreen for the nice weather!

Ghost Lake Public Beach

Located just outside Dryden city limits on Ghost Lake, this beach includes a shallow, sandy beach area, a boat launch and plenty of shade for picnics. There are also many areas to canoe, kayak or paddle boat.

Hiking

There are many trails for you to hike or bike your way through within the City of Dryden, and within the greater region.

City of Dryden Trails

View our network of trails available for you to enjoy below. As well, year-round indoor walking is available from Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dryden Memorial Arena.

Urban Trail

The Urban Trail system (shown on the Dryden Trail Systems map) is made up of five routes that run through the city. They provide safe, enjoyable walkable access to stores, neighbourhoods, and community facilities and services. The trail system is 12.3 km in length.

Signature Trail

The Dryden Signature Trail system (shown on the Dryden Trail Systems map) is made up of two routes. They are designed to give you a hands-on recreational experience with interpretive signage located throughout. The trail system is 5.4 km in length. Nature in the City Trail The Nature in the City Trail (shown on the Dryden Trail Systems map) is shaped like a necklace and link the natural areas around the city. You can walk, hike, jog, cycle or ski sections of the trail, which is 6.8 km long in total.

Laura Howe Marsh Trails

Spanning two kilometres, the Laura Howe Marsh wetlands trail features both forest and aquatic wildlife for you to see. Make sure to bring sturdy shoes with you and dress for the weather. From May to early August, it's a good idea to bring insect repellant. Also, bring along your camera and capture all that the area has to offer! For more information, view our Laura Howe Marsh map.

Aaron Provincial Park Trails

Aaron Provincial Park features two trails in the area.

The first, Aspen Trail, is 1.9 km in length. Here, you can see different types of Boreal forest trees, like aspen, birch, jack pine, balsam fir and spruce. Some wildlife you might see include white-tail deer, 26 species of warblers and many other songbirds.

The Eastern White Cedar Trail is 0.5 km in length. On the route, you can walk through large stands of trees, shores and wetlands along Thunder Lake and climb up to a clay plain. You can also see many types of animals, trees and flowers on your route.

Aaron Provincial Park is open from May Long Weekend to mid-September. For more information, contact the Community Services Office at (807) 223-1425 ext. 5.

Ghost Lake/Mavis Lake Trails

These trails are great for skilled bicyclists and hikers. The route is made up of bush roads and forest trails. The network of trails are 22 km in length altogether and include rocky paths, wetlands, swamps and forestry. Ghost Lake is also a habitat for up to 200 Common Loons. The trails make for another great opportunity to bird watch and see wildlife in a variety of habitats.

For more information, call the Dryden Ghost Riders Mountain Bike Club at (807) 223-4903, view the Ghost Riders Facebook page, or view the Ghost & Mavis Lake Trails Brochure.