Ontario has one of the densest networks of provincial parks in North America, with over 330 parks and nature reserves. From rustic backcountry camping in the boreal forest to glamping in heated yurts, Ontario's camping offering is as varied as its landscapes. Each year over 10 million visitors pass through Ontario's provincial parks — a testament to the province's extraordinary natural wealth.
Algonquin Provincial Park — The Legend
Created in 1893, Algonquin is one of Canada's oldest and largest provincial parks. Four hours north of Toronto, this 7,630 km² wilderness contains over 1,600 lakes connected by winding rivers. Moose cross the provincial highway at dusk. In autumn, the maples and birches explode in colour — one of the most spectacular fall foliage displays in North America.
Canoe-camping is king at Algonquin: paddlers spend days moving from lake to lake, portaging between waterways, camping on remote sites accessible only by canoe. This tradition, inherited from the Algonquin First Nations and French-Canadian voyageurs, lies at the heart of Ontario's outdoor identity.
Booking Campsites
Since the introduction of online booking through Ontario Parks, advance planning is essential. The most sought-after sites at Algonquin, Sandbanks and Killarney are often fully booked within minutes of reservations opening — sometimes months in advance.
- Online booking: Via the Ontario Parks website
- Reservations open: 5 months before arrival date — be online at midnight on opening day for popular parks
- Rates: $15 to $55 CAD per night depending on site type
- Yurts and cabins: Available in many parks for glamping-style stays — book 6 months ahead
- Day-use fee: $11 CAD per vehicle per day at most parks
Killarney — Ontario's Most Beautiful Park
Killarney Provincial Park, on the north shore of Georgian Bay, is arguably the most scenically spectacular park in Ontario. White quartzite ridges rise above turquoise lakes — a landscape so striking that the Group of Seven painters made it a recurring subject. The La Cloche Silhouette Trail (80 km) is considered one of the finest backcountry hiking routes in Canada.
Quetico — True Wilderness
On the border with Minnesota, Quetico Provincial Park is a true wilderness preserve where motorized boats are banned. Over 2,000 km of canoe routes wind through a landscape barely changed since the fur trade era. Quetico attracts serious paddlers from across North America who spend up to two weeks crossing its lakes and portages.
Travelling from Europe?
Camping is the most affordable way to experience Ontario. A week in nature — flights to Toronto, car rental, Ontario Parks reservation — can be planned from around €800 per person. Compare flights on AlloVoyages.fr.