Ontario is home to some of the most beautiful spots for campers and nature lovers alike. The dense pine forests, thundering waterfalls, sandy beaches, and enormous lakes are only some of the highlights of what this unforgettable Canadian province can offer.
Ontario is home to 330 Provincial Parks. Some of these parks are home to numerous species of animals and plants, others have cultural significance, and most are designated as wilderness escapes or recreational spots. The one thing they have in common is that they have some of the most stunning views in the entire country, and they’re easily accessible to anyone willing to visit.
If you’re planning a camping trip soon, arm yourself with accurate camping information, and check out the best camping sites below to help get you ready for your excursion into the great outdoors:
1. Enjoy the Gorgeous Scenery of Rushing River Provincial Park
Rushing River Provincial Park is best known for its large campgrounds that can accommodate around 20 people at the same time. However, there are only a few trailers available. The park is situated in the Ontario’s Northwest in the region known as “The Lake of the Woods.” Its location is around 2.5 hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and just outside of Kenora.
In case camping is not your thing, you can always rent a room in one of the many cabins or hotels in Kenora. You can also lounge around the fire pits. Hiking is another option for people who want to get some exercise while camping. There are four marked trails with the shortest being 500 meters and the longest 2.7 km. Probably the most popular one is located near the Lower Rapid Falls. Visitors choose this trail because it leads them to an old portage trail and can see the incredible waterfalls.
Rushing River is a water-oriented park, as its name suggests. Water bikes, kayaks, and canoe rentals are available for visitors. Moreover, there are plenty of shallow spots that are family-friendly, if visitors with small children want to swim and enjoy the water.
2. Explore the Wilderness at Quetico Provincial Park
Canada offers a lot of untouched wilderness. Quetico, in particular, offers a rare chance for campers to deeply immerse themselves in nature. Remember, you won’t have a mobile phone signal there. There are no lodges or boats, and not many people as well. All this makes Quetico a very desirable location for campers who wish to rough it in the wild.
The park’s location is at the Canadian and US border. However, its beautiful solitude stretches for many miles, connecting with Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area as well. In case you’re up for kayaking or canoeing, the park offers over 600 lakes. The park has incredible hiking trails, but it also offers idyllic fishing spots for the those who prefer catching their meal. Some campers have even reported hearing wolf howls at night and getting a surprise visit from a black bear or a moose.
The park itself has well over 2000 campsites all around the wilderness with facilities like motor vehicle camping sites, stores, and an interpretive center. Full-service camping and drive-in are located off Highway 11 on French Lake and is known as Dawson Trail.
3. Go on Paddling Adventures at Missinaibi Provincial Park
The Missinaibi Provincial Park is a prime destination for canoe enthusiasts. The park protects a Canadian heritage river which has a vital importance to indigenous groups like Anishinabe and Cree. Since the river has the shortest route between James Bay in the north and Lake Superior in the south, it was frequently used by fur traders.
Today, the Missinaibi River is a first-rate location for canoers and campers. The river stretches for almost 800 km. The starting point is at Missinaibi Lake, and it ends at Moose River, which is famous for the Kenai king salmon. Paddling through Missinaibi will take four weeks of your time. The river’s first segment weaves through the Canadian Shield, and it offers class 2 and class 3 rapids. It’s worth mentioning that the roaring waterfalls have quite intimidating names like Hell’s Gate and Thunderhouse Falls.
The river’s second segment is located on Hudson Bay Lowlands. This section is more suitable for inexperienced paddlers because the river is straight and flat here until it merges with the Moose River. Upon reaching the end of the river, paddlers will see the towns of Moose Factory and Moosonee. They can participate in the Cree Cultural Interpretive Center’s cultural workshops or take a tour of the original Hudson Bay Company buildings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer active or relaxing holidays, visiting some of Ontario’s provincial parks will provide you with a vast selection of incredible experiences. You can camp in the designated campgrounds, or go on a trail hike. Most parks also provide visitors with plenty of fishing, canoeing, or kayaking activities. Choose your holiday location wisely, and enjoy your time in nature.
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