6 Ontario provincial parks to visit this summer
Getting outdoors and close to nature is a great way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Whether you prefer to camp in a RV or tent, provincial parks are a great way to have a fun and safe camping experience with friends or family. Ontario is home to some beautiful provincial parks, so you don’t even need to travel too far to enjoy stunning landscapes, sandy beaches, rewarding trails and so much more. Here are six provincial parks in Ontario that should be on your list this summer.
Algonquin Provincial Park – Whitney
There is a reason that when you ask someone about camping in Ontario, Algonquin is typically the first park that comes to mind. It has certainly earned its notoriety of being, quite possibly, the most popular provincial park in the province. Measuring over 7,500 square kilometers, there is never a shortage of things to do, or sights to see. Tent and RV camping, numerous hiking trails, interactive attractions, various species of wildlife, and multiple bodies of water are just a few of the things that make Algonquin what it is.
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park – Port Severn
Six Mile Lake is a great destination for those that do not wish to travel too far from the city, but still get back to nature. Just a two-hour drive from Toronto will find you experiencing great Ontario fishing, sandy beaches, scenic views, hiking trails, various wildlife and peaceful campsites.
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park – Sharbot Lake
Sitting on the shores of Black Lake and Sharbot Lake, this provincial park features two clean and clear sandy beaches, prime fishing areas and plenty of open water to enjoy your boat. Although it is on the smaller side, with just over 190 campsites, you have many options available, whether you prefer to be along the water, enjoy the privacy of trees or are in need of an electric site. If you are feeling real adventurous, Sharbot Lake also offers an area called “The Point,” a hike in only area with no pre-set campsites and next to no amenities.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park – Port Elgin
Year round, MacGregor Point is seen as a recreational destination. From bird watching, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating, there is something to do every month of the year. Camping is also available during all seasons, and features “yurt” camping in the winter months.
Bon Echo Provincial Park–Cloyne
Aside from a fantastic camping experience, Bon Echo features many lakes throughout its park, including that of the Mazinaw Lake. The Mazinaw Lake is the second deepest lake in Ontario and features a 330ft tall rock wall, adorned with over 200 Aboriginal drawings along its shoreline. In 1982, the site of the Mazinaw drawings was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.
Silent Lake Provincial Park – Bancroft
Silent Lake is located along the Canadian Shield and is home to over 19 kilometers of hiking trails and lookout points with beautiful scenic views. These attractions make it a perfect place for those wishing to do some exploring and experience one of our nation’s natural wonders. There are also no motorized boats allowed on the site’s lake, so it is a great place if you wish for a quieter environment.