BY: SAMANTHA TAPP
Camping season is officially upon us. The best camping sites fill up quickly throughout the summer, so to make sure you have the camping trip of your dreams this summer, start your research now. There are breathtaking campsites to be found everywhere you travel, however, sometimes the best spots are only a short drive away.
Ontario is home to beautiful, famous camp sites. Complete with freshwater lakes, rivers, hiking trails, beaches, wilderness and spectacular scenery, Ontario is home to some of the best and most popular camp sites. Before it’s too late, book your camping spot now for this summer. But if you need more inspiration to spend a weekend at these campsites, we have it for you.
Here are photos of 10 Ontario camping sites that will inspire you to go camping this summer:
1. Algonquin Provincial Park
Only three hours north of Toronto, Algonquin is loaded with lakes, forests, spots for canoeing, hiking, backcountry camping and of course, camping sites. Spread over 1,600 km of rivers and lakes, this is a hotspot for campers keen on canoeing and swimming.
2. Awenda National Park
Located on the northern tip of the Penetanguishene Peninsula on Georgian Bay, this park has 31 km of hiking trails. Because this park is a protected area, book you’re trip knowing you’ll enjoy full, beautiful forests and the opportunity to go swimming in the Georgian Bay. Campsites are open all summer and include all amenities – even laundry.
3. Killarney Provincial Park
Only an hour drive away from Sudbury is this 363-square-km gem. This park is most famous for its pink granite coast off the Georgian Bay, La Cloche Mountains and the hidden lakes within the forests. Killarney is especially known for its memorable, gorgeous sunsets.
4. Sandbanks Provincial Park
Located in Picton, this park is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune. The freshwater lake and the 60-metre sand dunes make this park a must-see. Complete with large beaches and simple hiking trails, this park fills up quickly, so set a date ASAP.
5. Bon Echo Provincial Park
This park is located in South Eastern Ontario north of Kaladar. Known for its 100-metre tall cliffs of Mazinow Rock that has over 260 Aboriginal drawings, the park offers boat tours, hiking trials, canoe rentals, sand beaches and large campgrounds.
6. Point Pelee National Park
Essex County in Southwestern Ontario is home to this magical park. This park is popular with bird watchers as it’s a famous resting place on the path of migratory birds. It also features long boardwalks, beaches and is known for being home to lots of Monarch butterflies.
7. Pinery Provincial Park
In the heart of Grand Bend lies this park. Known for its sandy beaches, biking trails, tons of different hiking trails and world renowned sunset views, this park has been one of the most popular ones in Ontario.
8. Silent Lake Provincial Park
This park is on the eastern side of Ontario near Bancroft. With over 19 km of hiking and mountain trails, the park is also known for its sandy beaches and lookout points. This park is one of the smaller ones in Ontario so it won’t be too busy if you’re looking for a secluded spot.
9. Quetico Provincial Park
Photo via National Geographic.
About 160 km west of Thunder Bay lies this park. Because this park is more secluded than the rest it won’t be filled with as many campers as the others. There is much more wildlife in this park than others, along with lakes and forests. Most of the park is only accessible by boat, canoe or plane. However, there is a small highway to get you to your campsite.
10. Bruce Peninsula National Park
This park is located in Tobermory. Known for its crystal clear blue water, dramatic cliffs, gorgeous forests, beaches and walking trails, this park should definitely be on your list of parks you have to camp in.
