5 classic camping destinations in Ontario

After a long, frigid winter, most of us in Canada are ready to make the most of sunnier, warmer days, and what better way to do it than to bask in Canada’s natural beauty? Camping is a classic pastime of the Canadian summer, and you don’t have to travel too far to make the most of some beautiful spots. In fact, Ontario has some of the most magical camping zones in Canada. Grab some friends, your tent, and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

1.Algonquin Park

Nestled between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River is Algonquin Park, the oldest provincial park in Canada. This vast expanse of natural beauty spans over 7,650 sq km and is home to roughly 2,500 lakes. As you might imagine, one of the best ways to experience this park is on the water, and if you own a canoe you open up a world of backcountry camping opportunities-just be prepared for a little bit of a hike.

If you want to take it a little easier, there are also a number of car camping spots throughout the park, most of which are along Highway 60.

You certainly won’t be alone when camping either, as the park is also the stomping ground of all kinds of animals, including 55 mammal species and 32 kinds of reptiles and amphibians. A great place to start your animal spotting is along Highway 60, with moose being attracted to the area at certain times of the year.

If the idea of sleeping outside isn’t for you, there are also 15 rustic cabins scattered through the park that are available for rent. While they are fairly basic, they are a great way for novice campers to still enjoy a full experience.

When you aren’t tucked up in your sleeping bag, hike one of Algonquin’s 14 trails, take part in one of the extensive Natural Heritage Education programs or visit Algonquin’s visitor centre to learn more about the history of the area.

2. Lake Superior Provincial Park

Set on the Northeastern shores of the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior, is this massive provincial park that covers a whopping 1,600km. If you’re hoping to clamber out of your tent and be awestruck at the view, camping on the rugged shoreline is the spot for you.  A mix of greenery, hills, sparkling azul lakes, streams, and rivers, the Lake Superior Provincial Park is the epitome of Mother Nature’s power.

The park has two designated campgrounds and a further 200 backcountry campgrounds for the adventure seekers among you. For a more comfortable experience, head to the Rabbit Blanket Lake camping ground at the north end of the park, which offers flushing toilets, showers, electrical power points, and even laundry.

The Trans Canada Highway stretches for 83 km throughout the park, giving access to picnic areas, hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, rivers and beaches. You also have the option of parking up, donning your hiking boots and exploring the lesser travelled parts of the park by foot. Lake Superior Provincial Park is also home to 8 canoe routes for those hoping to explore the waters. 

3.Bruce Peninsula National Park

This national park sat on part of the Niagara Escarpment is one of the most breathtaking areas in all of the province. The park takes over 156 sq km around Tobermory and is one of the largest protected areas in Southern Ontario. From aquamarine waters that look like something from a Hollywood movie to hidden grottos and shipwrecks, you won’t be short of photo opportunities. The park offers four different camping experiences, including drive-in sites and ground camping at Cyprus Lake. Like most provincial parks, there are also plenty of opportunities for backcountry camping along the Bruce Trail. If you want to be a little more enclosed, but still have a quintessential Canadian experience, why not consider hiring a yurt along the shores of the lake? Although this is the more expensive option, it's a small price to pay to emerge each morning to the crystal blue waters of the lake.

You can really explore your nature side, and take on one of the hiking trails at the park, which range in difficulty from easy to expert. Or, kick back and relax on the golden shores of Singing Sands Beach. Plus, see how many of the park’s wildlife you can spot in their natural habitat-from the mighty black bear, to the massasauga rattlesnake, to a whole variety of birds.

4.Wabakimi                                                               

The wilderness park, established in 1983, is paradise for canoe lovers with more than 2,000km of lakes, river routes, and whitewater throughout. The park itself spans 8,920km and has a long cultural history-many patches are actually traditional areas for several Indigenous communities.

Although this Northern Ontario park is a bit of a road trip to get there from both Toronto and Ottawa, Wabakimi is definitely an opportunity to explore the wilderness. The park offers over 500 backcountry campsites that are both remote and primitive. It isn't for the faint of heart, as the majority of the park can only be accessed by canoe or on foot.

If you’re serious about your trip, but want a quicker journey into the wild, you can always arrange for direct floatplane transportation. There are a couple of companies in the area who offer accommodations and other services.

With so much water around, it's no surprise that the park’s key activities include boating, fishing and swimming. Wabakimi is also a great place to get a closer look at birds that are native to the area, including Bald Eagles and Gray Jays.

5. Sandbanks Provincial Park

Just a two and a half hour drive from downtown Toronto can land you at Sandbanks Provincial Park, home to one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in all of Ontario. On the shores of Lake Ontario, in Prince Edward County, the park is a picturesque camping zone, perfect for families. You won’t be short of fun things to do; from kicking back on the golden sands to dipping your toes in the gorgeous, fresh waters. Plus take advantage of windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, and boating opportunities.

The park has over 500 car campsites, along with a handful of larger sites for group camping-great if you want to get a group of friends together. Camping at one of Sandbanks' grounds is also a great starting point to explore the rest of Prince Edward County- famed for its cycling trails, wineries, and quirky, antique stores. Make sure you book fast though; the area is so popular that camping spaces fill up quickly in the sunnier months.