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5 National and Provincial Parks to Discover in Ontario

Sept. 8, 2022

Are you tired of the city? Is nature calling you?

Whether you need some alone time or want to create unforgettable memories with family and friends, Ontario’s parks are the perfect place to relax and unwind!

Although fall is quickly approaching, summer isn’t over quite yet. You can still enjoy the last warm weeks of the year and watch the leaves change colour by visiting some of the beautiful parks in your province.

Keep reading to organize a fun adventure for your next weekend road trip.

Thousand Islands National Park

Aerial view of the Thousand Islands National Parks in fall

This beautiful park is one of the most popular ones in Canada. It’s certainly a favourite among Ontarians. There are many small islands scattered between Brockville and Kingston.

Most are unoccupied and have never been. However, some hide unexpected surprises, like castles and ancient majestic houses. The best way to visit is by boat.

Things to do:

Point Pelee National Park of Canada

People walking on long boardwalk across waterIf you have a passion for wild birds, this is the place for you. Point Pelee National Park is a nature reserve home to over 360 wild bird species. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!

You can explore the marshlands by walking along the wood bridge or by kayak or canoe. A sand walking path along the water takes you to the most southern point of Canada’s mainland in Point Pelee Park.

Don’t skip the visitor centre. There are many fun activities, including guided night hikes during summer.

Pukaskwa National Park

Father and son looking a plants in the forest

Pukaskwa National Park is situated along Lake Superior in Heron Bay. It boasts over 60 kilometres of coastal hiking trails and more than a hundred kilometres to explore by kayak or canoe.

You can also enjoy geocaching with friends and family. What’s geocaching, you ask? It’s a treasure hunt that requires a GPS to locate the clues. Birdwatching and swimming are also very popular at Pukaskwa National Park.

Frontenac Provincial Park

Top of canoe with a paddle in front of many trees

This park is located on the shores of Otter Lake (North and South) in Sydenham. There are several hiking loops where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful boreal forest. With over 100 kilometres of trails to choose from, it’s truly a backpacker’s paradise.

You can also take a canoe trip to explore the 22 connected lakes. The fun part? It’s open all year round, so you can participate in winter activities.

White Lake Provincial Park  
Three people and a dog taking a selfie in the forest

This provincial park is a great choice for a weekend adventure. It’s situated near White Lake, one of the largest lakes close to Lake Superior.

If you want to enjoy water activities, this is the place to go! You can go fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing and more. The water is warm in this area during the summer. If you want to bring your furry friends, there are several dog-friendly beaches and pet exercise areas. Before you head out, consult their event calendar for kid-friendly activities.

Are you ready to pack your tent and camping gear and hit the road? We hope you have an unforgettable outing in nature. If hiking gets too tiring for the little ones, there are plenty of other family activities to do in Ontario this summer!