Many of our parks are already bursting at the seams for the busy Canada Day long weekend, BUT we’ve got the inside scoop for where you can still find a campsite (or even a cabin!).
Pro tip: Southern Ontario’s already fairly full, but if you’re willing to drive a little further, our northern parks have some beautiful sites 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 12:00 pm on June 29, 2017):
Southern Ontario and Near North
*NOTE* We do see last-minute cancellations, so keep checking back to the Reservation Site if you’re still on the hunt for a southern campsite.
Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Campers love the Lookout Trail (2.6 km). Walk through eskers and kames formed over 10,000 years ago from the Wisconsin Glacier, and take in a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Events: on Canada Day Weekend, the park is offering two free yoga-on-the-beach sessions, in addition to regularly scheduled natural heritage education programming.
Note: this cabin can only be reserved by phone at 1-888-668-7275.
Balsam Lake is 2 hours from Toronto, and 45 minutes from Orillia.
Ferris Provincial Park
At Ferris, you’ll find over 10 km of trails that take you through forest and riverside settings. The Ranney Falls trail follows the original roadway to Ferris Provincial Park before looping back along the river. The suspension bridge offers a panoramic view of the Trent River Gorge and — of course — the trail’s namesake Ranney Falls.
Ferris is 1.5 hours from Kingston and just over 2 hours from Toronto.
Bonnechere Provincial Park
Explore the quiet Bonnechere River, a great spot for introducing little ones to paddling. The park rents kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, which can be picked up right at the boat launch.
Events: Bonnechere’s Canada Day celebrations include facepainting, games and prizes!
Note: these cabins can only be reserved by phone at 1-888-668-7275.
Bonnechere is 2 hours from Ottawa, and 3 hours from Kingston.
Northeastern Ontario
Finlayson Point Provincial Park
Come stay with us on the shore of beautiful Lake Temagami, where canoes, boats, and float planes pass by. Hike to Caribou Mountain lookout and fire tower, with views over the park, the town of Temagami and Lake Temagami
Finlayson Point is under 5 hours from Toronto, and 2 hours from Sudbury.
Mississagi Provincial Park
If you’ve been to Mississagi, you 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.
Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park
The long sandy beach with warm, shallow water and a playground makes this park attractive to families with young children. Hikers will love exploring the boreal forest and beautiful esker ridges. And don’t forget your fishing gear!
Ivanhoe Lake is 2.5 hours from Timmins, and 5.5 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 a guided nature hike and Canada Day jeopardy!
Kettle Lakes is 4 hours north of Sudbury.
Northwestern Ontario
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Relax amidst the beauty and splendour of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park while you enjoy all the conveniences of home. This barrier-free cabin has three bedrooms, a washroom with large shower, a fully equipped modern kitchen, a propane fireplace, and a heated sun porch.
Events: Sleeping Giant has some special surprises in store for their Canada Day celebrations.
Sleeping Giant is 1 hour from Thunder Bay on the shores of Lake Superior.
Rushing River Provincial Park
Talk about an easy getaway; this site comes with a trailer already set up for you!
The on-site travel trailer includes dinette, couch slide, screened in add-a-room, cook stove, fridge, air conditioner, heater, and two sinks with potable water.
Events: Cake, Voyageur-themed games and campfire, and Canadian Jeopardy await! Complete a Rushing-River-themed Canadian Passport for a prize!
Rushing River is 2.5 hours from Winnipeg.
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
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!).
Find a campsite with our online Campsite Browsing Tool and spend this weekend under the stars!
Stopping by for the day? Find a fun Canada Day event at a park near you!