Whitestone Vista is the scenic lookout on the Whitestone Lake Inner Recreational Trail, a 3.1 kilometre loop near the village of Whitestone in Parry Sound District. The trail winds through mixed forest of hemlock, maple, and oak around North Meadowcove Road, passing Forkers Bay along the way. The climb to the lookout is the reward, a vantage point over Whitestone Lake and the surrounding bush that is especially beautiful in the fall when the maples turn.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow in either direction, and most hikers complete the loop in under an hour. It is rated moderately challenging, with some rugged inclines and sections that can be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Beaver dams along the route and the quiet of the woods make it a lovely short outing for birding and nature watching. Dogs are welcome.
In winter the trail takes on a different character. It is shared with snowmobiles and is a magical place to snowshoe after a fresh snowfall, when the forest feels straight out of a storybook. In summer, ATVs also use the trail.
Whitestone Lake itself is considered one of the premier cottaging lakes in the Parry Sound District, with an irregular shoreline full of private bays and excellent fishing for walleye, pike, and bass. The vista gives you a taste of that country from above. It is not a grand engineered overlook, just a quiet high point in the woods, and that is exactly its charm. Pack a snack, take the short climb, and enjoy one of the area’s hidden views.