Keen to get out of town for the Canada Day long weekend?
This week’s vacancy highlights (available as of 12:00 pm on June 27, 2018) are primarily in northern Ontario, with one hidden gem in southern Ontario at the end of the post.
Or scout out your ideal campsite on our Campsite Browsing/Reservation tool (including pictures of most campsites). Better hurry! Sites are being snapped up quickly.
Northern Ontario
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
The cool waters of Lake Superior could be just the thing you need this weekend. Shake out the cobwebs with a hike along the Casque Isle Trail, or view the cascading waters as they plunge over the rock ledges of Rainbow Falls on their way to Lake Superior.
Rainbow Falls is 2.5 hours from Thunder Bay, and 5 hours from Sault Ste Marie (just follow the Lake Superior shoreline!).
Quetico Provincial Park
**Waterfront site alert!**
Quetico is known for its its rugged beauty, towering rock cliffs, majestic waterfalls, virgin pine and spruce forests, and picturesque rivers and lakes.
Stay in comfort in this rustic cabins that would make a great basecamp to explore the many lakes in Quetico. Each cabin sleeps four and provides many of the comforts of home including small fridge, coffee pot, and propane barbeque.
Quetico is under 2 hours from Thunder Bay or 30 minutes from Atikokan.
Sandbar Lake Provincial Park
The sandy beach’s gently sloping swimming area is great for kids. Paddle through some of the finest fishing lakes in Northern Ontario (canoe rentals available). A fish-cleaning station, with lights, running water and cutting tables is located by the boat launch.
Sandbar Lake is 3 hours from Thunder Bay or 1.5 hours from Dryden.
René Brunelle Provincial Park
There are excellent paddling opportunities on Remi Lake, especially exploring the park’s undeveloped north shore, and the park rents canoes and kayaks.
This is an ecological region known as the Boreal Forest, often called the songbird nursery because so many nest here each summer. The four sandy beaches, shallow, clear water and buoyed areas are perfect for family swimming.
Event: Amazing Amphibians! Stop by the Discovery Drop-in and get set up to explore, observe, and discover the amazing amphibian species that call our park home.
René Brunelle is less than 2 hours from Timmins.
Esker Lakes Provincial Park
Esker Lakes lies within the vast Boreal Forest that covers much of Northern Ontario. The collection of picturesque lakes, separated by short, fairly level portages and no motorboats, makes the park ideal for canoeing.
Event: Art in the Park — follow in the footsteps of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven and explore the park to find just the right spot to create your own masterpiece. Art supplies provided.
Esker Lakes is an hour from Rouyn-Noranda, 2.5 hours from Val d’Or, and 4 hours from Sudbury.
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
Kettle Lakes is part of the great expanse of the boreal forest that covers northern Ontario, and offers great hiking, birding and fishing opportunities. Kettle Lakes has 14 km of bike trails that wind through the forest and lead you to Slab Lake where you can have a swim before continuing your journey.
Events: Kettles Lakes’ long weekend programs include fun Canada Day activities and crafts with park staff!
Kettle Lakes is 4 hours north of Sudbury.
White Lake Provincial Park
**Waterfront site alert!**
White Lake is a very large lake and motorboats are an ideal way to explore it. A fish cleaning station with power and lights, a cold beverage machine, paved boat launch (lit at night) and a dock for boat launching provides anglers with services to enhance their fishing opportunities. Canoes are available for rent at the park.
White Lake is 4 hours from Sault Ste Marie and Thunder Bay.
Nagagamisis Provincial Park
Camp by the lake, or use the park as a jump-off point for challenging canoe routes on the Nagagami and Shekak Rivers. Anglers return year after year to this large secluded lake north of Hornepayne, drawn by the excellent fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch.
Events: Long weekend events include Art in the Park and Amazing Amphibians discovery programs.
Nagagamisis is 4.5 hours north of Sault Ste Marie.
Wakami Lake Provincial Park
**Waterfront site alert!**
One of Ontario Parks’ undiscovered fishing hotspots! This waterfront campsite is nestled on the shoreline of Wakami Lake. Discover strange plants like the pitcher plant and sundew on the park’s hiking trails, or rent a kayak and explore by water.
Wakami Lake is 4 hours from Sault Ste Marie, and 5 hours from Sudbury.
Southern Ontario
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
This cabin sleeps 6 and features a large comfortable common area, harvest table with six farm back chairs and full kitchen. Right on the water, this beautiful cottage allows you to enjoy the sun, the surf and all the comforts of home.
*NOTE* Call the Ontario Parks reservation service at 1-888-ONT-PARK (668-7275) to reserve.
Event: On July 1st, balladeer and story teller, David Archibald, returns to Presqu’ile on his Happiest Camper in Ontario tour. In celebration of Ontario Parks’ 125th Anniversary, David has written five brand new songs that he will be performing. Don’t miss this fun, interactive concert that celebrates the rich natural and cultural heritage of Presqu’ile and Ontario!
Presqu’ile is 1.5 hours from Kingston, 2 hours from Toronto, and 4 hours from Montreal.