Looks like Ontario’s getting great weather for the Victoria Day long weekend, and it’s not too late to book a camping getaway!
In northern, central and southern Ontario, many parks still have a good selection of sites available, especially for tent campers. In the north, there are even a few roofed accommodations 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, May 19):
Southeastern Ontario
Presquile Provincial Park
The annual Warblers and Whimbrels Festival unfolds this weekend. Enjoy bird-finding walks, bird-banding, and evening programs. Presqu’ile was made for walking, and its views of Lake Ontario attract walkers all year. With its flat terrain, the park is also great for cycling.
Presqu’ile is 1.5 hours from both Toronto and Kingston, just south of Highway 401.
Rideau River Provincial Park
Located on the historic Rideau Waterway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Rideau River offers lots of opportunities for day paddlers, and makes a great base for exploring Ottawa.
Rideau River is 40 minutes from Ottawa and 1.5 hours from Kingston.
Southwestern Ontario
Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Don’t miss 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.
Balsam Lake is 2 hours from Toronto and 45 minutes from Orillia.
Darlington Provincial Park
Darlington offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The sheltered waters of McLaughlin Bay are ideal for canoes and paddle boats. PFDs are available for loan at the main gate and fishing gear is available through the Tackleshare program at the park store.
Darlington is 15 minutes from Oshawa, and 45 minutes from Toronto.
Central Ontario
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
Six Mile Lake offers six campgrounds in a natural setting and within walking distance of all park facilities. The park is an ideal location for canoeists of all levels of ability, whether you prefer to stay in the sheltered waters of the park or spend the day exploring the lake. Canoes are available for rent at the park store.
Six Mile Lake is less than 2 hours from Toronto, and 40 minutes from Barrie.
Oastler Lake Provincial Park
Oastler Lake offers lots of waterfront campsites (including the one above). The Boyne River flows through the park, which is minutes from Parry Sound and Georgian Bay.
Couldn’t get into Killbear for the long weekend? Head over for a daytrip — it’s only 30 minutes away (and your camping permit gives you free day-access to any other provincial park!).
Oastler Lake is just over 2 hours from both Toronto and Sudbury.
Northeastern Ontario
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. Canoe rentals, including paddles and life jackets, are available.
Don’t miss the Biodiversity Photo Scavenger Hunt this Saturday!
Kettle Lakes is 4 hours north of Sudbury.
Rene Brunelle Provincial Park
Imagine waking up to this view! Rene Brunelle’s cabin‘s high-quality mattresses provide a comfy night’s sleep. The cabin features a kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, and coffeemaker. There is a dining table and chairs for inside meals. Outside, you’ll find a gas barbeque and picnic table. A propane/electric fireplace provides additional comfort.
Rene Brunelle is 5 hours from Sudbury and less than 2 hours from Timmins.
Northwestern Ontario
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Sleeping Giant boasts a number of waterfront campsites (including the one above!). Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior from the Top of the Giant Trail and Thunder Bay Lookout, or explore 80+ km of incredible hiking trails with many spectacular geological features such as the “Sea Lion.”
Sleeping Giant is 1 hour from Thunder Bay on the shores of Lake Superior.
Caliper Lake Provincial Park
Caliper Lake‘s campground features an impressive stand of old growth red and white pine trees. The dedicated angler might catch northern pike, crappie, walleye, or smallmouth bass on the lake’s peaceful waters.
The park still has a number of electrical sites available for the long weekend!
Caliper Lake is 4 hours from Winnipeg and 4.5 hours from Thunder Bay.
Blue Lake Provincial Park
Blue Lake’s travel trailers are equipped with dinette, couch slide, screened-in “add a room,” cook stove, fridge, air conditioner, heater, shower and two sinks with potable water.
Renowned for its crystal clear waters and long sandy beach, Blue Lake is an outstanding destination for all types of water activities. Take a canoe out or spend the afternoon fishing for walleye, muskie, pike, lake trout and smallmouth bass.
Blue Lake is 3.5 hours from Winnipeg, and 4.5 hours from Thunder Bay.