Ontario is Canada’s second-largest province. It is home to the country’s capital and it’s largest city. More than 13.5 million Canadians live here. Despite the urbanization, Ontario has an abundance of undeveloped space and a variety of landscapes. More than 10% of the area of the province is managed by the Ontario Parks system which is dedicated to conserve and preserve its natural features. There are 90+ Recreation Parks with over 20,000 campsites suitable for equipment of all sizes. Ontario is yours to discover and here are 10 reasons why you should consider it a premier RV Place to Go.
1. Sunsets:
Point Farms Provincial Park
A visit to Point Farms Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Huron, or what Ontario tourism likes to call “Ontario’s west coast”, affords some of the best sunset viewings anywhere. The campground offers 208 sites many with electrical hook-up. Clear skies, a dry atmosphere with no haze or smog, and an unobstructed view are the key components of the perfect sunset. No problem here getting that perfect picture.
2. Canoeing:
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
The canoe is a vital part of Canada’s history and a backcountry canoe trip is a uniquely Canadian experience. However, if ditching all your creature comforts to set out on a multi-day voyage eating dehydrated food and filtering your water from beside a beaver dam is too much of a commitment, then a trip to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is the perfect alternative. RV camp on one of the parks 207 sites and rent a canoe. You can enjoy a paddle on Moore Lake or day trip on one of the country’s most significant fur trade routes. You can even take a guided tour on a replica Voyageur canoe. Dip dip and swing that paddle!
3. Wildlife Viewing:
Algonquin Provincial Park
Wildlife and camping go hand in hand. Ontario is home to 80+ mammal species, 400+ species of birds and 50+ species of reptiles and amphibians. Algonquin Park is one of the best places in the province to view a critter in its natural environment. An iconic symbol of Ontario is the moose and Algonquin Park is home to more than 3500 of them. There are 9 campground areas along the highway 60 corridor with sites suitable for RV camping many offering electrical hook-up. Listen carefully and you might even hear the wolves. It’s restorative.
4. Swimming/Beaches:
Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Ontario borders 4 of the 5 Great Lakes and has over 1/4 million inland lakes- finding a beach is not a problem. A trip to Sauble Falls Provincial Park makes it even easier. The Park has 152 RV friendly campsites and is located less than 3 km from one of the longest natural beaches in Ontario. In fact, Sauble Beach on the shore of Lake Huron is 11km long and is the second longest freshwater beach in the world. There is lots of space and easy access. The water is shallow and warm. Relax and cool off.
5. Hiking:
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
For the hiking enthusiast, Ontario has it all. You can hike everything from the Boardwalk at Point Pelee, to the rugged terrain of the Far North. The possibilities are infinite and limited only by your inclination. A premier RV destination which also incorporates a number of hiking options is Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay. There is over 100km of designated hiking on 19 named trails. The Marie Louise campground has 200 campsites that can accommodate equipment of various sizes. Lace up those hiking boots and go for a walk.
6. Scenic Drive:
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Ontario is a great place for a road trip. The various Great Lake Circle tours are very popular. Over multiple days you stop at various points of interest around one of Ontario’s 4 Great Lakes. A favourite of these is the tour around Lake Superior. A portion of this tour incorporates the 83km drive through Lake Superior Provincial Park. This drive is one of the prettiest in Ontario. There are 2 campground areas within the Park and numerous lookout points to stop and soak in the view. Picture worthy.
7. Boating:
Ferris Provincial Park
Ontario has countless lakes and rivers for boaters to enjoy. The Trent Severn Waterway is a 386 km canal route connecting Lake Ontario at Trenton to Lake Huron at Port Severn. Its scenic, meandering route has been called “one of the finest interconnected systems of navigation in the world”.[1]
Ferris Provincial Park combines RV camping with access to the waterway via the Trent River. It is located just outside of Campbellford adjacent to Lock 11/12. You can launch your boat directly from the campground. A boaters dream.
8. Fishing:
Marten River Provincial Park
Ontario is a premier fishing destination. Whether you charter a flight to a remote northern location or drop a line in at the town dock- opportunities to fish throughout the province are abundant. Marten River Provincial Park combines RV camping with access to the river and the adjoining lakes. You can rent canoes or kayaks at the Park or you can rent motorized boats from the Land O’Lakes Lodge located directly beside the Park entrance. Marten River Provincial Park provides 197 campsites in 2 campground areas, many that are RV compatible and have electric hook-up. Try your luck- Smallmouth Bass and Pickerel are favourites.
9. Biking:
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Some great family and recreation biking can be enjoyed at MacGregor Point Provincial Park near Port Elgin on the shores of Lake Huron. There is over 40 km of biking trails, with a continuous trail from MacGregor Point Provincial Park right through to Southampton. The trails are generally wide with a hard packed even surface. The Park offers 360 campsites many serviced with electricity and suitable for RVs. Pack a lunch and get out there.
10. Interpretive Programs:
Do you want to learn something new? Do you want to try something different? You can immerse yourself in native legend, follow the paths of early explorers, learn how to read the night sky, protect a rattlesnake, or just enjoy a good ole campfire sing along. Ontario Provincial Parks offer a variety of interpretive programs to entertain and educate. Join one the next time you venture out- you just might be surprised at what you didn’t know.
Enjoy RV camping at Ontario Provincial Parks at your pace in your comfort. Ontario Provincial Parks are a premier RV Place to Go and are yours to discover.