5 Ontario camping spots for the adventurer in you

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on January 31, 2022

Tired of suburban sprawl and city congestion? Plan a trip to one of Ontario’s gorgeous camping destinations for a change of scenery. From canoeing to stargazing, there’s plenty to see in the province! While some parks may offer equipment rentals, it’s best to pack your own. Call ahead and find out what you need to bring, so there won’t be any surprises.

1. Killarney Provincial Park

• Location: 960, Highway #637, Killarney, ON P0M 2A0
• Activities: Hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, winter trails available
• Contact: 705-287-2900

Boasting gorgeous mountain ridges, pink granite rocks along Georgian Bay, and spectacular lakes for swimming, Killarney is one of the most beloved recreational parks in Ontario. The Georgian Lake campgrounds offers you spaces to put up your tents or trailers, and gives you access to the park’s beaches, canoeing spots, and hiking trails. With gorgeous colours on display around fall, and winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing available, Killarney Provincial Park is a great place to visit any time of the year.

2. Bruce Peninsula National Park

• Location: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
• Activities: Beach, scuba diving, mountain climbing, fishing
• Contact: pc.bruce-fathomfive.pc@canada.ca / 519-596-2233 / 1-888-773-8888 (toll free)

The rugged rock faces and crystal-clear waters of Bruce Peninsula National Park are an experience unlike any other. Smooth hiking trails and challenging rocky paths open up to the picturesque Grotto, offering lakeside caves, beaches, cliff diving, and climbing opportunities for the most adventurous travelers. Camping options here are extensive: Self-serve backcountry campgrounds for experienced campers, frontcountry camping with amenities on the Cyprus Lake Campground, and unique wooden tent-like structures called yurts which you can book (offering fire pits, decks and more comfort than tents.) Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned explorer, Bruce Peninsula National Park has something you’ll love.

3. Algonquin Provincial Park

• Location: Highway #60, P.O. Box 219, Whitney, ON K0J 2M0
• Activities: Biking trails, hiking trails, fishing, skiing and backcountry camping in the winter
• Contact: 705-633-5572

Much like Bruce Peninsula, Algonquin Provincial Park offers a wide range of camping experiences. For pitching tents and taking in the wilderness, there are campgrounds available. You are also offered spots for RV camping. Yurts are also found here, as well as rentable lodges for a more comfortable stay. For a unique experience, you can also book one of the old ranger cabins shrouded in the woods (which don’t have electricity or running water—can’t make things too easy!) Algonquin also has great fishing spots if you’d like to try your hand at the ancient tradition.

4. Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

• Location: P.O. Box 280, 1004 Highway 17, Terrace Bay, ON P0T 2W0
• Activities: Lake swimming, hiking trails, canoeing, summer discovery program
• Contact: 807-824- 2298

As the name suggests, this park is home to gorgeous waterfalls hidden among the wooded campgrounds along Lake Superior. Cascading streams and rocky trails make hiking here a unique experience. Camping areas are fitted with comfort stations (which usually include toilets and may have showers.) The spots are spread across the Whitesand and Rossport campgrounds, each offering a slightly different camping ambience—so you can keep coming back! For a well-rounded, classic camping experience, Rainbow Falls is a great choice.

5. Gordon’s Park/Manitoulin’s Eco Park

• Location: 18777, Highway #6, Tehkummah, Manitoulin Island, ON P0P 2C0
• Activities: Stargazing, astronomy events, cabin camping, hiking, fishing
• Contact: reservations@gordonspark.com / 705-859-2470

Perhaps the most unique on this list, Gordon’s Park (or Manitoulin’s Eco Park) specializes in astronomy events, nighttime camping, and stargazing. All campgrounds come with a picnic table, fire pit, cooking stand, and parking for one vehicle (with more parking available in a nearby communal space.) You can also rent a locally crafted tipi, built to protect against elements and provide a comfortable camping experience. There are also cozy wooden cabins you can book for up to four people, each with its own private little campsite for outdoor activities. The park’s itinerary for group activities includes planned astronomy and stargazing activities, including night-time hiking trips through the woods! Whether you’re interested in seeing the grandeur of the Milky Way or just want a cozy camping experience, Gordon’s Park is perfect for you.