Imagine walking through a beautiful park, where each June every route and pathway is filled with spectacular blooming rhododendrons, and azaleas and magnolias. A simple trail easy enough for most to navigate and quick enough to enjoy on your lunch break.  A perfect place for families or kids to explore and get back in touch with nature. Welcome to the lovely Pine Grove Park in Milton, Queens County.

Pine Grove Park is a 54-acre community Park, established by the former Bowater Mersey Paper Company, officially opening in 1987 when Queens County received the designation of the Forestry Capitol of Canada, for that year. With 1.6km of groomed trails, Pine Grove Park is a perfect destination for visitors and locals.

I’ve been coming to Pine Grove Park for many years, and started bringing my family and kids when they were small and we were on the hunt for outings and activities. We would do the trail loop, spend some time at the water’s edge on the beach, skipping rocks and stop to watch the ducks and wildlife. It’s just long enough to burn some energy and get some exercise and experience the calming effects only a walk in the woods can bring.

You can bring a group and a picnic lunch and enjoy the views of the stunning Mersey River. The beach area has picnic tables, a fire pit and an artesian well.

There is a marshy cove area where you can spend time observing the black ducks and teal. Pine Grove Park is a duck breeding and resting area in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited.

In June 2010, Pine Grove Park was dedicated in memory of Captain Richard M Steele. Mr. Steele, a retired navy captain who died in 2010, was awarded the Order of Canada for his work in horticulture. Nicknamed Capt. Rhododendron, he was a founding member of the Atlantic Chapter of the Rhododendron Society of Canada, and was an advisor and supporter of Pine Grove Park. He selected most of the rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, some of his own breeding, that are planted there.  Captain Steele believed passionately that gardens “hold the power to soothe the human spirit”.

Pine Grove Park is now owned and maintained by the Region of Queens Municipality. The park is easy to find and get to. Just take exit 19 off of Highway 103. Turn right on Highway 8. The park is on the left hand side of the road, a short distance from the highway. Maybe stop and pick up a picnic lunch from The Port Grocer? 

There are so many beautiful areas to explore and visit up and down the South Shore.  Beaches, trails, parks, museums, lighthouses, off the beaten path treasures, and more.  We hope you have enjoyed this latest post in our South Shore Scenery series. Have you ever been to Pine Grove Park? Gone swimming in the river or taken a picnic or maybe prom pictures there? Leave a comment and let us know.