5 reasons to stay at Emily Provincial Park

Family with young kids? This is the park for you!

We have large private campsites, activities to keep the wee ones entertained for hours, and large towns are just a short drive away.

Emily Provincial Park is located in Omemee (hometown of Neil Young!). Keep this little hidden treasure in mind for summer road trip plans.

Front entrance sign at Emily.

Just 30 minutes northwest of Peterborough, one hour from Oshawa, and less than two hours from Toronto.

Here are just a few reasons why your family will adore this park.

1. Large private campsites

We know the feeling. Some days, you just need an escape. It’s important to recharge.

At Emily, you can pack everything AND the kitchen sink, and it would still fit on your site! We have 300 campsites to choose from. One will surely fit your needs.

Cedar Campground: the traditional, typical sites. Best for tent camping.

View of campsite 24 in cedar campgrounds.

Hill Campground: Best for small RVs and pop-up trailers.

View of campsite 116 in the hill campground.

Circle Campground: Large RVs, 5th wheels, and BIG tent sites!

View from one of the campsites in the Circle Campground at Emily.

Lookout Campground: premium sites (book early before they are gone!).

View from campsite 308 in the Lookout Campground.

2. Swimming in Pigeon River

No vacation time would be complete without a trip to the beach!

Visitors enjoying day on the beach.

Enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes at either of Emily’s two spacious beaches. Both have shallow entry which makes it great for kids!

3. Weekly Discovery Programs

Stop by one of the many programs happening around the park!

We have something for everyone to enjoy.

Visitor investigating a glass with aquatics inside during one of the programs.

Discover something new at our “Meet the Naturalist” programs.

Participants checking out the touch table at Meet the Naturalist program.

We also offer several children’s programs throughout the week. Fan favourites include: “Bold bug builders,” “It lives beneath the waves,” and “Art in the park.”

Young camper painting during one of the Art in the Park programs.

Join us Thursday and Saturday nights at the amphitheatre for one of our entertaining evening programs.

Staff in costumes taking photo after an evening program.

We also host the Learn to Fish program! During this two-hour session, you will learn all the basics of fishing. PLUS we provide all gear, tackle, and bait! Cast your first line with our staff members by your side in case you need help bringing in the big one.

Participants of a Learn to Fish session check out the fish they just caught with Emily's Learn to Fish leader.

On the rare occasion we have no programming, visit the Park Store or gatehouse for our self-guided Emily Quest activity pamphlets!

Three of the self guided quest pamplets on a table.

4. Exploring Emily

Being only 83 ha, we don’t have the largest trail system, BUT we have an informative one!

Walk the Marsh and Fern Trails to learn all about the local flora around you.

Trail sign being held up with a view of the trail

Each trail is less than 500 m — perfect for little feet!

If hiking isn’t your thing, rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from the Park Store and explore the beautiful marsh just south of the beach.

A view of the north docks boat launch.

A boater? Launch your own boat and explore the Trent-Severn Waterway.

We have plenty of designated trailer parking spots right next to the boat launch, giving you more time out on the water.

5. Close to picturesque little towns

Downtown Peterborough during PTBO Pulse with Maket Hall in the background.
Beautiful Market Hall during PTBO Pulse

One of the best reasons to camp at Emily — especially if you have little kids — is that something is always happening in Peterborough and the Kawarthas! Sometimes you just need time off the campsite. A change of scenery. Emily is the perfect spot to base your outings.

Visit the City of Peterborough, and take in one of the many events going on each weekend. If you are looking for some retail therapy, head over to beautiful downtown Bobcaygeon or Millbrook.

Whatever your adventure, it is sure to be close by.

Have we convinced you yet?

We also offer locally made ice cream at the Park Store, adjoining campsites for larger group outings, and two rentable picnic shelters if you simply want to escape for the day, and reconnect with family and friends in nature!

Want to see more? Visit our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page and we hope to see you around!