Park Spring Getaways - Southeastern Ontario

Park Spring Getaways (SE-ON)

Sunday March 15 2020 - Today was a beautiful, bright and sunny day in our nation's capital. Looking outside my window, seeing the beams of sunlight making the streets shine and trees glisten, I caught myself thinking of the spring to come and the early season adventures to be had. With the year’s two coldest months behind us and winter's icy grip receding soon...hopefully, it seems a great time to plan for time outdoors. 

Spring is a great time of the year to be outside. Not only will you feel great about getting active, with the sun kissing your skin and fresh air running through your lungs, especially if you've been a hibernating couch potato this winter, but it is the season of life and if you're lucky you might get to see some of spring’s wonders unfold right in front of you. It's the best time of the year to; experience the sprouting and budding of plants and flowers, witness the return of migrating birds and the unmistakable V formations in the skies as waterfowl return to our northern waters, and perhaps even spot new life as fawns, calves and cubs follow their mothers learning all about the routines, and experiencing the rhythms, of a life they've just received.    

Whether you're in the lookout for a new camping spot, want to try a different canoe route, are eager to cast a line in a new body of water or simply want to enjoy the sun, have a swim or go for a leisurely paddle check out these spots near the capital region for your next outing. 

Backcountry Camping

If you like heading deep into the wilderness and traversing paths less traveled, the parks listed below have got you covered!

• Bon Echo Provincial Park: This well known park boasts several opportunities for backcountry camping. Those who are up for a paddle can set up their camp in one of 25 canoe-in campsites spread out along the shores of Joeperry and Pearson Lake on the west side of the park. All campsites lie inside an easy 1.5km paddle from the boat launch which can be accessed through a well maintained 500m portage from the parking lot. In addition, for all of you backpackers out there, there are five hike-in sites along the 17km of the Abes & Essens trail. Backcountry campsites have a picnic table, fire pit and privy (dry toilet/outhouse).

• Charleston Lake Provincial Park: Here campers and families new to the backcountry experience can camp on one of 10 equipped sites available. This is a great place for the backcountry beginners as the camp sites are not as bare or as secluded as they might be in other parks. Camp sites here are accessible by hiking, boating or paddling and they can be found as close as 10 minutes from the main campground. At these sites wooden tent platforms, fire pit, picnic table and privy are provided.

• Frontenac Provincial Park: Backcountry camping is what this park is all about. There are 48 campsites in the interior of the park all accessible to backpackers by a network of hiking trails over 100km long. Loops are of varying lengths and difficulties. Most sites are also accessible by canoeing and portaging. Boasting 22 lakes, plenty of hiking and paddling opportunities, great fishing and wildlife viewing this park is sure to impress. Campsites are equipped with a tent platform, privy, picnic table, fire pit and food locker.

• Murphy's Point Provincial Park: Another great park for those new to backcountry camping. Sites here, similarly to those in Charleston Lake are fully equipped minus the wooden tent platforms. Accessible by water only, you'll find your campsite a short paddle from the main grounds, these sites provide the best of both worlds, the seclusion and tranquility that comes with backcountry camping and the entertainment and facilities that can be found at campgrounds.

• Thousand Islands National Park: While lacking the expansive tracts of undisturbed, wild land found in, say Algonquin or Bon Echo, campers can still have a semi wilderness experience when island camping on this park. Thousand Islands park is composed of a number of granite islands popping out of the turquoise waters of the St Lawrence river offering an abundance of rocky shorelines, beaches and unlimited water recreation. Access to the islands’ 61 campsites (27 reservable) is by boat only(motor or paddle). Water ferry/taxi, powerboat and canoe/kayak rentals are options available to get you to your destination. Fire wood has to be purchased at the park to help prevent the spread and introduction of invasive species. Toilets are provided on all islands but water is not so campers should ensure they have enough potable water for all their needs.

• Gatineau Park: For those looking to connect with their wild side but who also want to stay close to the city and all its comforts, avoid driving long distances or potentially hitting traffic, Gatineau park is a great option. In the northwest part of the park, lake La Peche offers backcountry camping. On this vast lake, campers will find 33 water-access, tent-only sites equipped with; fire pit and grill, picnic table, privy, and food and garbage hangers. Campers should bring their own potable water but will be provided with firewood. 

Car camping

If you’re headed out for some fresh air with family and friends, or enjoy RVing instead of tenting these places offer great campgrounds. Some of the facilities and services available at these parks are restrooms, showers, electric hook ups, visitor centres, running water taps and even laundry. Different parks and campgrounds can accommodate varying sizes of trailers, RVs and tents but usually parks can accommodate most folks (contact the campgrounds for size specifications).

• Bon Echo Provincial Park: Bon echo offers two fully equipped campgrounds to car campers; Mazinaw Lake and Hardwood Hill. Those with trailers and large RVs can camp on the Mazinaw campground where electrical hookups are provided and all facilities are nearby. Those looking for a more rustic experience, the electricity free campsites of Hardwood hill, which can accommodate tents and smaller tent trailers can provide a semi secluded nature connection.

• Bonnechere Provincial Park: 45km west of Pembroke, ON, just below and outside the southeast corner of Algonquin park, campers will find this small and lovely park. Offering great car camping opportunities, adventurers will be able to set up at any of the three campgrounds; Tall Pines, River Loop and Sandy Flats. For those looking to stay on-grid, Tall Pines campground provides electrical hook ups and can accommodate large trailers and RVs. River Loop campground would be the best choice for those aquaphiles among us as most sites have great access to the river, perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing and all other water activities. Sandy Flats is a radio free campground, perfect for those searching for a quiet experience.

• Charleston Lake Provincial Park: This park offers car camping in three campgrounds; Bayside, Shady Ridge & Meadowlands. All campgrounds have access to; comfort stations, water taps and laundromat while a park store, visitor’s centre, amphitheater, boat launch and boat rentals facilities can all be found nearby. Bayside and Shady Ridge campgrounds are located lakeside on the southern corner of Big Rideau Lake’s Runnings Bay whereas the Meadowlands campground is located on a young forest. All three campgrounds offer some sites with electricity and have sites able to accommodate larger trailers and RVs. 

• Fitzroy Provincial Park: This park is a great place for outdoor recreation, an hour away from Ottawa and with lots of fishing, swimming and canoeing opportunities, this park is great for  families and/or groups of friends. Campers will be spoiled for choice with well over 200 campsites for families and groups to set up.

• Gatineau Park: With over 250 campsites and minutes from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau, visitors to this park can get their nature on with ultimate ease. Families and friends looking to camp here can do so at one of three campgrounds/sectors; Phillippe, Renaud and Taylor Lakes. Campground amenities include; bathrooms, running water, laundry, convenience store and boat rental facilities. Philippe Lake is the largest campground, it has a great family atmosphere, all the amenities and campsites for tents, tent trailers, trailers and large (21ft+) RVs. If you prefer a smaller campground close to all amenities, then Renaud Lake is for you. For those looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience Taylor Lake, the smallest of the campgrounds, offers amazing tent camping on a peaceful lake shore 5km from the registration kiosk. All sites have a fire pit, picnic table and parking spot.

• Murphy’s Point Provincial Park: Car campers, group campers and families will all find a perfect site on which to pitch their camp at this park. Offering car camping on two campgrounds; Hoggs Bay accommodates large trailers and RVs and has electric hookups while those who have smaller trailers or those who are tent camping will find their site on the Fallows campground. Facilities offered here include; comfort stations, water taps, laundromat, a park store, boat rental facilities, a visitor’s centre, beaches, amphitheatre and boat launch stations.

• Rideau River Provincial Park: If your idea is to mix some camping, kayaking/canoeing and nature with urban and town exploration Rideau River is your park. Only 40 minutes from Ottawa this park serves as a great base for exploring the capital as well as those picturesque towns on the shores of the Rideau. On a UNESCO world heritage site families and friends will find ample sites to set up camp, these level campsites are surrounded by a mature forest offering shade while a comfort station with toilets and showers is centrally located and other facilities can be found nearby.

• Sharbot Lake Provincial Park: This smaller, quiet and often overlooked park offers some great camping, swimming and natural recreation for those willing to explore it. Right off Highway 7 and around 90 minutes from Ottawa, Sharbot Lake offers over 100 campsites (some with electricity) able to accommodate large trailers and RVs. With access to two expansive, clean and bright lakes perfect for swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing, families and nature lovers will find a place where to create fun and adventurous weekend memories.        

• Silver Lake Provincial Park: On a large lake perfect for swimming, boating, canoeing and fishing, just off of Highway 7 you will find Silver Lake. Ideal for those looking for nature and recreation close to all the comforts of civilization. If you want to read lakeside in the morning, canoe, fish and swim in the afternoon and be enjoying a restaurant dinner and perhaps a movie or a sports game by the evening, you have to come here. With over 100 campsites, most of them with electric hook ups and able to accommodate large trailers, a park store with souvenirs and canoe rentals this park sure is perfect for both nature and urban explorers alike.

• Voyageur Provincial Park: With 4 beaches on the Ottawa River and around one hour away from the capital, Voyageur Provincial Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing, fun-filled riverside hangout. Families and friends can camp in one of 3 campgrounds. While all campgrounds offer some sites with electricity, the Chaplain and Portage campgrounds are better able to accommodate guests with large sleeping units. If you prefer a quiet and/or animal/pet free camping experience, book a site in the Iroquois campground. Group camping, a park store and a boat rental facility (canoes, kayaks, paddle boats) are also available.