Camping in the summertime: An excellent way for newcomers and new campers to learn about Ontario
Have you ever thought about going camping? If you haven’t, it may be something for you to consider as summer comes to an end.
Camping is a great, inexpensive way to learn about the wilderness, have fun with friends and family, and explore all there is to know about Ontario!
[Photo Credit: www.hubzz.net]
What is it? Where is it?
Throughout Ontario, there are 330 Provincial Parks that are managed by Ontario Parks. These parks include lots of recreational activities; such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, and more! There is also beautiful outdoor scenery to discover and lots of different skills to learn within the environment of Ontario's wilderness.
Where do I begin?
Start by visiting the Ontario Parks website. You will need to make an account before you can check for available campsites and reserve them for a fee.
Once you’ve created your account, locate the park that interests you, check the park fees, operating dates, and reservation policies, and either reserve the site through the phone or through the Internet’s online reservation system. Ontario Parks's online reservation system is a great place to find out more about booking your campsite!
[Photo Credit: Ontario Parks Website]
Learn to Camp!
There has been lots of coverage on camping for newcomers, in an attempt to give them the opportunity to learn and embrace the outdoors. The Vancouver Sun is one such media source that has expressed the attitudes of newcomer campers and their enthusiasm in spending time with family, being in the wilderness, and learning new skills.
In another push to introduce camping to Ontarians, a pilot program from Ontario Parks called Learn to Camp @ Ontario Parks gives new campers an opportunity to go through hands-on camping experiences.
Because of the popularity of this program, Learn to Camp has also provided online resources for those who are unable to attend their sessions and workshops. These online resources include tip sheets and advice on camping, instructions, recipes, and checklists for camping convenience!
Do you need more information about camping? Check out some of our family-friendly books! Simple tips and instructions for beginning campers:
Camping has been a hot topic that has also been blogged about by other library staff, have a look at Life is an adventure… Explore a Provincial or National Park! and also Life is an adventure… Go camping! to find out more about camping adventures!
A Newcomer’s Testimonial as a Camper
[with my personal camping photos as supplement!]
Renata, her 12-year-old son Pawel, and his father Robert came to Canada three years ago in 2008. Since then, they have camped every summer in different provincial parks throughout Ontario.
When Renata and her family moved to Canada, Renata’s sister was already living in Toronto. Fortunately for them, her sister was an experienced camper and under her guidance, Renata and her family were able to establish the comfort and confidence needed in learning how to camp.
“They taught us everything. We borrowed the tent and the equipment from them that first year. Later we bought our own tent, sleeping bags, gazebo, and portable gas stove.”
[Above Photo: My trip to Killarney Provincial Park in August 2010. It was a rainy weekend and the blue tarps proved to keep the tents dry]
When asked about her first experiences of camping in Canada, Renata has nothing but good things to say,
“camping here is so organized.All the conservation areas and provincial parks have information visitor centres,an easy booking online system, park activities for kids, maps, and tours of the park.”
[Above Photo: On La Cloche's white quartzite cliffs in Killarney Provincial Park, August 2010. The climb up this mountain was intense, but the view was well worth the hike!]
Renata also reassures those who are new to camping that campgrounds are both secure and protected.
“It is very safe too, there is a phone both,
park rangers, and they also watch whether
people are cleaning properly before they leave.”
The family has plans to go camping at least once a year and there are many reasons why they continue to go camping every summer.
“We enjoy having family time together, camping is great for family bonding. In the afternoon sometimes we sit under our shelter and play board games and draw paintings or play badminton.”
Camping is a great activity for everyone and creates an environment for friends and family to get together, connect and create memories.
We wanted to know if Renata had any tips to share for first time campers.
“Always book your camping spot as early as possible. Also, save in advance for the trip. We start saving at the beginning of the year – every week we put aside a little towards our vacation ‘piggy bank’ fund.”
[Above Photo: Night time Campfire, Tobermory May 2009. Making some evening skewer snacks above a campfire, before the marshmallows and s'mores!]
Now it's time for you to tell us, what's one of your most memorable and favourite camping experiences in Ontario?
11 thoughts on “Camping in the summertime: An excellent way for newcomers and new campers to learn about Ontario”
Well written article ! As a ‘not-so-new’ newcomer who loves camping, I can relate to what was mentioned. Just a few things to add/ consider:
– Other than Ontario Parks, there’s also Park Canada (managed federally)
– For those who likes to shower before heading to bed, you may want to take note that not all the campgrounds are equipped with shower (or flushed toilets) facilities. (Last year, we had wanted to camp at Cyprus Lake Campground at Bruce Peninsular but changed to a private campground instead since the federal campground does not have shower facilities – and none of us wanted to go to bed feeling sweaty and sticky 😉
– Educate yourself on the ‘hazards’ out there: limes, ticks, the West Nile virus, bears, Massasauga snake and poison ivy …etc and know who to contact or what to do during such situations.
– Be well-prepared for wet/ stormy weather: extra tarps, and groundsheets are always useful.
– Obey the rules and regulations of the campgrounds at all times. If there’s a TOTAL alcohol ban in effect, or if it is a radio free zone, make sure you obey it. You can be asked to leave the campground if you are found to be violating these rules.
– For those of you who find it difficult to stay put on the campground for a few days(like me;), you may want to combine it with ‘side trips’ to sleepy/ touristy area (eg: Bruce Peninsular, Fergus/ Elora, Point Pelee, Prince Edward County…etc)
– Time to camp: Do you prefer the mild weather or the really hot summer nights ? Off-peak season (where’s there’s lesser people but restricted activities) or high-peak season (when you can participate in everything but it’s like a zoo out there ? We camped at Elora Gorge area in late June when the temperature was still in the low 20s but there were not many campers around. Then, we went tubing down the Grand River and it would have been a perfect experience except that everyone was shivering at the end of the session. I guess that’s our trade-off…
– Other seasons to camp: Fall and winter camping can be a totally different experience – if you are well-equipped for it. Some federal and provincial parks do have yurts, cabins and cottages for rental as well.
ps: We are very fortunate to live in a city where many of these campgrounds and activities are just a hop, a skip and a jump away
Hi Stanley, you’re right! Parks Canada (http://www.pc.gc.ca/) is another great place to check out information about Camping in National Parks and these are beautiful places to explore as well.
Those are some great and wonderful tips that first-time campers can’take note of. However, don’t let the list discourage you from camping! Complete rules and guidelines can always be found on the Ontario Parks or Parks Canada website. Also the online resources through Learn to Camp are so helpful: http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/online_resources.html and covers everything you will need to know.
Also, if you forget anything like sunscreen, bug spray, extra tarps, etc. you can visit the stores on the campground to purchase your necessities. You aren’t left completely on your own when you go camping!
Stanley, you made a good point about choosing the time of year to go camping as well. The time you go will give you very different experiences. Why not go camping every season and see which one you would like best!
Thank you Stanley again for sharing your wisdom of camping with us! If anyone else has any camping experiences, please feel free to share! I love to camp and am always fascinated with what others have to say and where their favourite camp spots are!
AS always we find the best information prepared by the Librarians. Greate place to start to find out about camping for new immigrants.
Diana, thank you for your support! We want to provide the absolute best information we can for our readers.
Do you have any camping experiences that you would like to share?
I used to live in Ontario and once you get outside of the cities and head north a little ways you can find some really great camping and outdoor places.
Hi Monty Germaine, you would be amazed at how many Provincial Parks are within an hour’s drive away. Even for a day trip, there are many hiking trails that are amazing around this time of year (fall colours!) and you wouldn’t think you were just right outside of Toronto.
I hope you’ve had the opportunity to explore some of these great places this year!
Thank you for commenting!
Debby
Hi Monty Germaine, you would be amazed at how many Provincial Parks are within an hour’s drive away. Even for a day trip, there are many hiking trails that are amazing around this time of year (fall colours!) and you wouldn’t think you were just right outside of Toronto.
I hope you’ve had the opportunity to explore some of these great places this year!
Thank you for commenting!
Debby
I heard many things about Ontario. Too bad I live so many miles away from there.
I entered Canada at Rainy River last summer and had mixed success finding out of the way places to camp by myself at rivers and lakes. I’d like to do the same this year in northeastern Ontario, northern Québec and the Gaspé. Is there some guide or detailed map that would show me the best way to do this? I’ll be sleeping in my car, so hiking in is not an option.
Wow, I have never been to Canada before, but your article described it sooo well, that I want to pack my favourite outdoor camping gear and hit the road! Thanks for sharing this, amazing <3
I love this post, I have never been to Canada too, but I am definitely putting Ontario on my “must see” list. Me and my family, we are so hooked on camping, as soon as me and my husband get days off, we will get some great clothing and footwear here https://www.trekandtravel.com.au/ and will be on our way to Canada!