You probably have ever tried to ebook a campsite at Algonquin, Sandbanks, Bon Echo, Killbear, or Pinery, you already know the wrestle! Based on the Ontario Parks web site, over 50% of campsite reservations made by the tip of March are made at simply these 5 parks. That may make discovering a campsite, particularly on the final minute, really feel practically not possible.
However I’ve excellent news! The province is stuffed with stunning, hidden gem Ontario Parks places that supply beautiful surroundings, peaceable travels, and unbelievable tenting alternatives (with out the crowds). Over the previous few years, my husband and I’ve road-tripped to a protracted record of provincial parks with our pack of adventure-loving pets, and we will confidently say there are lots of AMAZING choices outdoors of that high 5 record!
Whether or not you’re planning a weekend tenting getaway or simply want an escape from town, listed below are 10 lesser-known Ontario Parks which might be 100% definitely worth the drive from Toronto.
Lake St. Peter Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 3.5 Hours
Simply north of Bancroft, Lake St. Peter Provincial Park is an ideal instance of why you must take a look at a few of the lesser-known Ontario Parks in your space. This park could also be small, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for in its peaceable appeal. For those who’re on the lookout for quieter, much less fashionable options to Algonquin, this could undoubtedly be in your record.
The park is located on a transparent, calm lake with loads of waterfront campsites to select from (together with some with electrical entry). The lake is ideal for paddling and swimming. We even had the unbelievable alternative of witnessing a loon in her nest by the facet of the lake whereas kayaking throughout our keep. The park’s two sandy seashores have been surprisingly quiet even on the most popular days. Whereas there isn’t any devoted canine seaside, our pups have been capable of take a dip on the boat launch space to chill off.
There are two trails positioned throughout the park boundaries, the Lookout Path (2.5 km) and the Cabin Path (4 km). These are thought-about strenuous trails and aren’t the best choice for a newbie hiker, however for those who’re up for the problem, the lookouts are beautiful.
For these whose excellent weekend getaways begin with a seek for the most effective Ontario provincial parks for a peaceable paddle and escape to nature, Lake St Peter is a strong alternative.
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 3 Hours
Because the identify suggests, Silent Lake Provincial Park is a superb possibility for many who want peaceable Ontario Parks for tenting and climbing. Simply south of Bancroft, this park is a superb alternative for many who are involved in calm paddling, together with first-time paddlers. Why? No motorboats are allowed on the lake, holding it calm and straightforward to handle for any ability stage.
One of many park’s main highlights is the Lakeshore Mountain climbing Path, a shocking 15 km loop across the park, providing stunning waterfront lookouts, beaver meadows, and hardwood forests. We visited the park over the Thanksgiving weekend, and my pup, Lucifer, joined me for the hike. Not solely have been the views unbelievable, however they have been made much more magical by the autumn colors. For those who’re on the lookout for a memorable fall hike, I can’t advocate it sufficient!
For many who want a barely shorter or much less difficult hike, there are two different trails to select from: Lakehead Loop path (1.5 km) and Bonnie’s Pond Path (3 km). Whereas they’re significantly shorter, don’t let that discourage you. They nonetheless supply some unbelievable views of the park and the lake it’s named after.
For those who’re on the lookout for a winter getaway, Silent Lake can be an excellent possibility. When the snow falls, the park is remodeled right into a cross-country skier’s paradise, with 4 trails starting from novice to tough, totaling 34 km. Tenting, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are additionally obtainable.
Awenda Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 2.5 Hours
Simply north of Penetanguishene on Georgian Bay, Awenda Provincial Park is a good vacation spot for anybody looking for provincial parks near Toronto. The park is a well-liked family-friendly getaway with non-public campsites, a number of seashores (together with a pet-friendly seaside), and usually scheduled kids’s packages to study concerning the park and its native wildlife.
We visited this park throughout a heatwave and have been extraordinarily grateful for the pet seaside! Positioned between 1st Seashore and a pair ofnd Seashore, the Pet Seashore is a good place to take a dip and funky off whereas having fun with the views of Georgian Bay. No pet? No downside! With 4 camper seashores to select from, there’s loads of beachfront area. It’s a gorgeous different to the extra fashionable places with their crowded seashores!
For many who get pleasure from climbing, there are seven trails starting from 1 km to 13 km in size, together with a barrier-free path. We took our canines on the Nipissing Path, a well-groomed 1 km return path with a 155-step staircase taking you up onto the bluff.
Whether or not it’s your first time tenting in Ontario provincial parks otherwise you’re looking for a brand new park to discover, Awenda is effectively definitely worth the journey!
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 3.5 Hours
I couldn’t create a listing of hidden gem Ontario Parks with out highlighting this stunning and peaceable location. Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is a smaller park, however it solely took one go to for me to fall fully in love. Positioned within the Frontenac Highlands, this park is surrounded by two lakes: Sharbot Lake and Black Lake. Not solely are there loads of waterfront campsites, however it’s additionally a great getaway for many who get pleasure from water-related actions, akin to seaside days, fishing, and paddling.
The park options two sandy seashores, positioned on Black Lake, and a chosen canine seaside on Sharbot Lake. Whereas we did make a journey to the canine seaside with our pups at one level (simply to test it out), we have been capable of swim proper off our campsite after following a path right down to the water.
Throughout our time on the park, we rented a canoe and explored Black Lake with each canines and our cat (sure, a canoeing cat). Not solely was it a calming, stunning paddle, however we additionally witnessed a loon and its child out on the water, swimming.
Sharbot Lake provides two trails for many who get pleasure from climbing. The Discovery Path is a 1.2 km loop with some stunning views. It is a bit more rugged at factors, and the rocks on the path can grow to be fairly slippery after a rain (ask us how we all know), so acceptable climbing footwear is required. For those who want a shorter hike, the 0.5 km Ridgeview Path can be obtainable.
That is the right possibility for many who love quiet Ontario Parks with stunning views.
Restoule Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 4 Hours
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a country backcountry getaway or a comfy automobile tenting weekend, Restoule Provincial Park could be your excellent vacation spot. It is a little farther from Toronto, however it’s effectively definitely worth the drive for its unbelievable views, quiet lakes, glorious paddling, and delightful climbing trails. Regardless of having a lot to supply, it’s one of many hidden gems in Ontario for nature lovers.
Once we camped right here with our canines, I used to be struck by simply how peaceable it was, even throughout peak season. The automobile tenting campsites are shaded with a wide range of choices for campers of every kind, together with electrical, non-electrical, barrier-free, and waterfront websites. It’s even one of many spots for seasonal Ontario Provincial Parks tenting, for those who’d want discovering that excellent go-to spot to name your individual.
For those who want a extra non-public or adventurous expertise, there are secluded walk-in campsites obtainable. Their easy-access paddle-in websites are the right alternative for these involved in attempting backcountry tenting for the primary time. On the identical time, longer paddle routes lengthen out into the French River for extra skilled backcountry lovers.
For climbing lovers, the park’s standout path is the Hearth Tower Path (4.1 km). This reasonably difficult hike leads as much as a shocking lookout, providing panoramic views of Stormy Lake and the encompassing forest. You would simply plan a complete weekend on the paths, with 5 extra trails within the park, starting from 860 m to 4.8 km.
There are three sandy seashores for many who need to take a dip. For pet-friendly vacationers, a pet-friendly seaside is offered close to the boat launch. Nevertheless, the true gem was the fenced leash-free pet space which featured its personal devoted seaside. Our pups beloved operating and enjoying on this spot for hours on finish.
Restoule is a perfect getaway in order for you a extra remote-feeling journey at one of many much less crowded Ontario Parks.
Level Farms Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 3 Hours
Positioned on the shores of Lake Huron, simply north of Goderich, Level Farms Provincial Park is a must-see vacation spot for many who want to stay to the Southern Ontario provincial parks. This park is one in every of our go-to spots for a relaxed tenting expertise.
Right here, you possibly can select from a mixture of shady and open websites throughout two campgrounds, one in every of which (Huron) is radio-free. We discovered many non-public choices, particularly in Huron Campground. There are additionally six group campsites for those who’re planning a getaway with a bigger group of household or mates, with the flexibility to accommodate from 9 to 45 individuals.
The park options three trails, together with two simpler choices for an informal stroll along with your pets: the Outdated Farms Path (4 km) and the Under the Bluff Path (0.5 km). The Outdated Farms Path was a favorite of my senior canines, permitting them to get out and revel in a hike with out pushing them too far. The Ravine Path (1 km) isn’t too lengthy, however the rugged terrain is barely more difficult.
For those who’re on the lookout for a possibility to chill off on a scorching day, Level Farms has a gorgeous lengthy seaside space. This features a human-only seaside close to the Colborne campground and a big canine seaside space by the Huron campground.
For a peaceable and enjoyable getaway, I extremely advocate trying out this park.
Lengthy Level Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 2.5 Hours
One other stunning park in Ontario, Lengthy Level Provincial Park is located on a slim, sandy peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, making it an unbelievable seaside vacation spot.
With over 1.5km of lengthy, sandy seaside, together with two designated canine seaside areas, there’s loads of area for everybody to benefit from the heat waters of Lake Erie with out feeling such as you’re crammed in too shut (even when there are extra individuals there on the height summer time days). The shallow waters rapidly made this a favorite swimming spot for our pup Lucifer (pictured) throughout our final journey.
The park itself is cut up into two separate campground areas, the Outdated Park, the place you’ll discover Cottonwood Campground, and the New Park, which incorporates Firefly Campground, Monarch’s Relaxation Campground, and Turtle Dunes Campground. Many campsites even supply direct entry to the seaside. We stayed in Cottonwood throughout our go to. The campsites have been all sand, which was a really totally different tenting expertise than what we normally discover when visiting different Ontario Provincial Parks.
There are not any climbing trails at this park. Nevertheless, there are lots of locations to discover close by for those who’re seeking to hit the paths, together with the Large Creek Nationwide Wildlife Space, which is a brief 10-minute drive away. Right here, you’ll be capable to see a variety of native wildlife within the space’s marshes and wetlands, together with frogs, turtles, and over 200 species of birds.
For those who’re on the lookout for a beachy different to fashionable parks like Sandbanks, contemplate planning a visit to Lengthy Level Provincial Park.
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 3.5 Hours
Grundy Lake Provincial Park is actually one of the vital unbelievable hidden gem Ontario Parks within the Canadian Protect. Discovered simply south of Sudbury, this park combines pink granite rocks, pine timber, and deep blue lakes in a shocking, rugged, and peaceable vacation spot for nature lovers.
That is one in every of my favorite parks to discover by canoe or kayak. There are a number of lakes, all linked, making it a great place for day paddles and even beginner-friendly canoe tenting. There are six sandy seashores unfold all through the park, plus two canine seashores, making this an excellent possibility for a scorching summer time day. There are additionally many easy rock areas alongside the shoreline for sunbathing or taking a dive into the cool water.
Nevertheless, my favorite time of yr to go to Grundy Lake is through the fall. The attractive surroundings all through this park is made much more magical with the transition into the daring fall colors.
The park options 4 climbing trails, ranging in issue from simple to tough, that means there are alternatives to go well with hikers of all ability ranges. If I needed to decide a favorite, it will be the Swan Lake Path (1.5 km loop). Rated “average to tough” on the Ontario Provincial Parks web site, the path does have some rugged rocky ridges that might be difficult for newer hikers. That mentioned, the beautiful lookouts make it effectively definitely worth the effort.
For those who’re looking for a peaceable and nature-focused park the place you possibly can really disconnect from the world and benefit from the unbelievable magnificence held by the Northern Ontario provincial parks, Grundy Lake is a good alternative.
MacGregor Level Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 3 Hours
Simply south of Port Elgin on the Lake Huron shoreline, MacGregor Level Provincial Park is definitely one in every of my favorite go-to parks. The truth is, we make a degree of visiting this level not less than as soon as yearly. Whereas many Southern Ontario provincial parks appeal to massive crowds (like Pinery), MacGregor Level tends to remain a lot quieter, making it an excellent possibility for many who wish to loosen up and revel in an escape to nature.
The park options 5 climbing trails, three of which additionally enable bicycles, and a devoted biking path, the Deer Run Bike Path (3.7 km). The paths vary in size from 0.8 km to 4 km. Most trails are rated as “simple” in issue, with the one exception being the Lake Ridge Path (4 km, average). A few of our favorite experiences on the path embrace the view from the remark path on the Tower Path and the logging historical past of the realm shared on storyboards alongside the Lake Ridge Path.
In contrast to many parks in Southern Ontario, MacGregor Level is open year-round. This implies you possibly can go to at any time, even for winter tenting. In the course of the winter months, the paths are remodeled into cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice-skating trails. For these involved in snowmobiling, it’s an possibility, however solely on park roads.
The campsites are non-public and shaded, and the park has all the time felt calm and peaceable throughout our visits. Additionally they have a number of rustic cabins and yurts for many who want a glamping getaway (an excellent possibility on these colder winter journeys).
For these travelling with pets, the park is a good alternative. There’s a designated dog-friendly portion on the sandy seaside within the day-use space of the park, and a second dog-friendly seaside might be discovered close to the Huron Campground.
For those who’re on the lookout for much less crowded Ontario Parks with nice trails and personal campsites, MacGregor Level is a strong alternative.
Chutes Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Roughly 6 Hours
That is the longest drive time of all of the choices included on this record, however it’s effectively definitely worth the drive for a weekend away. Chutes Provincial Park is a type of locations that really feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle of each day life whereas nonetheless providing the comfort of a close-by city (Massey) for all of your wants.
The park is known as after the small waterfall (or chute) on the Aux Sables River that after powered an area logging mill. At present, you possibly can view the waterfall from the attractive lookouts on the Twin Bridges Path (6 km), or swim proper under it at a sandy seaside on the river. The path is one in every of our favorite peaceable trails to discover with our canines as a result of it’s quiet, shaded, and filled with little surprises to make you smile alongside the way in which, like rock ledges, light rapids, and calm swimming pools.
Whereas canines aren’t allowed on the seaside on the base of the falls, there’s a canine seaside just a bit additional down the river. There’s additionally a fenced train space the place they will run and play off-leash.
The campsites are massive and well-shaded. Whereas they’re usually rather less non-public than another parks we’ve advisable, the truth that Chutes doesn’t draw large crowds means you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from a slower, quieter nature expertise. We love reserving websites within the Large Chute Crescent campground, as you possibly can hear the sound of the waterfall all evening, a pure white noise machine.
For those who’re on the lookout for the charming expertise of the Northern Ontario provincial parks, Chutes is effectively definitely worth the journey!
Begin Planning Your Subsequent Ontario Tenting Getaway At present!
You don’t should battle for a spot at the preferred park within the province to get pleasure from an unforgettable Ontario tenting journey. The parks on this record are a few of the most peaceable and scenic locations I’ve visited, and so they’re all inside driving distance of Toronto. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for quiet paddling routes, pet-friendly seashores, or only a break from the busy metropolis, these hidden gem Ontario Parks are the way in which to go.
Many of those websites additionally ebook up extra slowly than the better-known locations. Nevertheless, I nonetheless advocate making your reservations early, particularly for summer time weekend holidays or throughout peak fall colors.
So, load up the automobile, seize your gear, pack the snacks (don’t neglect treats for the pets), and begin planning your subsequent Ontario highway journey!
FAQ
When Do Ontario Parks Open for the 12 months?
Most Ontario Parks open for tenting and day use in mid-Might, with many contemplating the Might lengthy weekend the grand opening. They typically keep open till Thanksgiving weekend. Nevertheless, a handful of parks, like MacGregor Level and Silent Lake, supply year-round entry for winter tenting, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and different winter actions. At all times test the person park web page on the Ontario Parks web site for particular opening and shutting dates.
Which Ontario Parks are Greatest for a Peaceable Weekend Journey?
For those who’re seeking to keep away from the crowds, parks like Silent Lake, Sharbot Lake, and Chutes are glorious decisions. These parks are typically quieter than fashionable parks like Algonquin, Sandbanks, or Pinery, however nonetheless supply stunning surroundings, well-maintained trails, and glorious tenting alternatives.
How Do You Make Reservations at Ontario Provincial Parks?
You may ebook campsites on-line by way of the Ontario Parks Reservation System or by telephone. Ontario Provincial Parks open for reservations 5 months prematurely of your arrival date. Common dates/parks refill rapidly, particularly for summer time weekends. For those who’re planning a last-minute journey or on the lookout for quieter choices, contemplate reserving at lesser-known parks, akin to those featured on this submit. You may as well test usually for cancellations in your most well-liked park or go to the Ontario Parks Cancellations Fb group.