Taking my mom camping for the first time in 20 years

In today’s post, Assistant Program Coordinator Megan Birrell takes us through her latest camping caper.

This fall, I took my mom to Arrowhead Provincial Park for our first fall camping experience. Not only was this our first time camping after Labour Day, but it was also my mom’s first time tent camping in over 20 years, so this was a big change.

I grew up camping around the province in massive trailers that, while comfortable, are not the easiest to tow around. So in the past few years I’ve switched back to tent camping, and this time my mom was joining me.

Our main worries ahead of our trip were:

  • what if it’s too cold?
  • what is there to do?
  • do we have the right gear?

With a little planning we soothed those worries, although some other issues popped up in the process.

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Perfect parks for your late fall camping trip

Looking to extend your camping season?

Many of our parks are open for overnight stays in October and November. Whether you snuggle up in your tent or get cozy in your RV, make sure you pack extra socks!

Bundle up and book a trip to one of these late fall camping spots:

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5 reasons to try late fall camping

It’s not time to say goodbye to your favourite park just yet!

While some of our parks close after Thanksgiving Weekend, many remain open through late fall and even through the winter.

If you’ve never tried a late fall camping trip, this might be the perfect opportunity to make the most of the season before packing up for the winter.

Here are five reasons to try late fall camping:

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Extend your paddling season at Rideau River Provincial Park

Influencer Diana Lee lives for adventure, the great outdoors, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)! Find out what she’s (S)UP to @only1phoenixx on Instagram and Twitter.

Enjoy land and water activities beyond the summer season at Rideau River Provincial Park, a cozy spot to experience fall.

Located on the traditional territory of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin), Anishinabewaki, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Haudenosaunee, Rideau River Provincial Park’s campground stretches right along the water.

And not just any body of water! Visible from almost anywhere in the park, the Rideau River is part of the Rideau Waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Canadian Heritage River System.

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5 reasons to visit Rideau River Provincial Park this fall

Located just 40 minutes outside of Ottawa, Rideau River Provincial Park offers a relaxing camping experience with activities for the whole family.

Rideau River is open for camping and day use until October 10!

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love to experience this park in the fall season:

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5 reasons to make a midweek visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park this fall

Arrowhead Provincial Park offers visitors a change to experience beautiful fall colours within the heart of Muskoka.

Weekends at Arrowhead are lively with lots of visitors and activity, but if you’re looking for that true serene “nature” experience, try visiting during the week!

Here are five park features you won’t want to miss:

Continue reading 5 reasons to make a midweek visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park this fall

Fall hiking at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

Todays’ post is from Allison Spadoni, superintendent of our Nipigon Node parks, Rainbow Falls, Neys, and White Lake. 

Ah, fall!

It’s the ideal time of year for getting outside and tackling some of the longer hikes on your bucket list!

What makes the fall season such a great time for hiking?

Well, while the days are still relatively long and warm, the temperatures have begun to drop, making it more comfortable to work up a sweat while hiking outdoors.

The black flies and mosquitos are gone for the year and the fall colours make some already spectacular views even more special to take in. What more could a hiker ask for?

One destination worth adding to your hiking bucket list is the Casque Isle Hiking Trail, a rugged 53 km section of the Voyageur Trail located between the Township of Terrace Bay and the Village of Rossport. Portions of this trail also travels through Rainbow Falls Provincial Park.

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Fall camping in southwestern Ontario

Not ready to say goodbye to summer?

Neither are we.

Fall arrives late in this part of the province, which means campers can extend their fair-weather excursions all through October!

Book a relaxing and rejuvenating midweek getaway at one of these parks:

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Experience autumn at Sibbald Point Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Laura McClintock, a senior park naturalist at Sibbald Point Provincial Park

I’m a naturalist.

I work in one of the busiest parks in the province, yet I’m always seeking out a quiet meadow or shoreline to observe nature.

While known for our popular beach and access to Lake Simcoe, Sibbald Point is a small but mighty hub of biodiversity.

Every season has its perks, but for nature lovers and solitude seekers alike, fall camping at Sibbald Point is where it’s at.

Here are some of the perks in store for Sibbald Point this fall:

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How to use Ferris as a basecamp to explore Northumberland County

Ferris Provincial Park is a hidden gem in southeastern Ontario, only two hours east of Toronto.

It’s best-known for its pedestrian suspension bridge overlooking a panoramic view of the Trent River Gorge and Ranney Falls.

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