Is there a better way to celebrate the birth of Canada than reveling in its natural beauty and tranquility during a weekend camping trip? We sure can’t think of anything that can top that.
Especially since the weather looks great this weekend AND it’s not too late to book a campsite! Also, many of our parks will be hosting Canada Day events.
Remember that possession or use of Fireworks is prohibited in Provincial Parks at all times. They constitute a fire hazard and disturb visitors who wish to enjoy the park in a peaceful manner. Why not take advantage of the dark and clear skies and take some time to stargaze?
In northern, central and southern Ontario, many parks still have a good selection of sites available, especially for tent campers. In the north, many electrical and Trailer/RV sites are still available.
Scout out your ideal campsite on our Campsite Browsing/Reservation tool (including pictures of most campsites!), or check out these featured campsites (available as of noon, June 29):
Southeastern Ontario
Silver Lake Provincial Park
At 9 km long, Silver Lake is large enough to accommodate all types of boats: motorboats, sailboats, paddle boats, canoes and kayaks. A boat ramp is located next to the large sandy beach which is Silver Lake’s main attraction. Canoe rentals are available at the park.
Silver Lake is just over 1 hour north of Kingston, and just over 1 hour south of Ottawa.
Voyageur Provincial Park
Champlain Campground has a sandy beach that is a short five minute walk from any of its campsites. Iroquois Campground has its own beach which is a short walk from this site. Since Voyageur is located on the reservoir of the Carillon Dam, the Ottawa River portion of the park is wide and more lake-like in nature.
Voyageur is just over an hour away from both Ottawa and Montreal.
Central Ontario
Mikisew Provincial Park
There are three sand beaches for swimming located along Eagle Lake in Mikisew Provincial Park. All of these beaches are marked with buoys and have gradual drop-offs which make them perfect for family swimming.
Mikisew is just over 3 hours away from Toronto and 2.5 hours from Sudbury.
Driftwood Provincial Park
The refreshing, cool, clear waters of the Ottawa River provide a relaxing way to spend a warm summer day. A sandy camper’s beach stretches the entire length of the Ottawa Campground adjacent to many of the campsites.
Couldn’t get into Algonquin? You can day trip to Algonquin with your camping permit – which gives you free access to any provincial park. The Brent Access Point is only 1 hour away, and Achray Access Point is just over 2 hours away.
Driftwood is 2.5 hours north of Ottawa, and 1.5 hours east of North Bay.
Northeastern Ontario
Mississagi Provincial Park
If you have been to Mississagi Provincial Park, you’ll know that it’s one of Ontario’s best kept secrets. The scenery is spectacular, thanks to the geology of the area, which forms a series of hills, ridges and cliffs, and valleys with sparkling blue lakes.
Three beaches slope into the pleasant waters of Semiwite Lake and hikers will love the seven hiking trails with great views.
Mississagi is just over 3 hours west of Sudbury and 3 hours east of Sault Ste. Marie.
Nagagamisis Provincial Park
The sandy beaches, clear water and buoyed area at this angler’s paradise are perfect for family swimming. There are change facilities, a full size sand volleyball court, and a place to play horseshoes. A bit closer to the campground is a new playground!
Nagagamisis is about 3 hours northwest of Timmins and 4 hours northeast of Wawa.
Northwestern Ontario
Lake Superior Provincial Park
On July 2, join the Lake Superior staff around the campfire for songs and stories of iconic Canada- songs from voyageurs and lumberjacks and tales of the beaver, the moose, and much more. We invite you to bring along an instrument to play or a song or good story to share with us!
Eleven trails let visitors explore the variety of landscapes that make up Lake Superior Provincial Park – rocky shores, beaches, lakes and rivers, waterfalls, forests, wetlands and rolling hills.
Lake Superior is 1.5 hours from Sault Ste. Marie.
Quetico is an iconic wilderness class park renowned for its rugged beauty, towering rock cliffs, majestic waterfalls, virgin pine and spruce forests, picturesque rivers and lakes. You can access 35km of hiking trails from the Dawson Trail campground.
There will be a Canada Day Voyageur Bonfire on July 1. Learn paddling songs and swap tales of bravery and skill with our resident voyageurs!
Quetico is 4 hours east of Kenora or 3 hours west of Nipigon.
Find a campsite near you with our online Campsite Browsing tool and spend this long weekend in nature!