The Best Places for Winter Camping in Ontario

Ontario winter camping is a truly magical experience. It lets you enjoy the serenity of snowy landscapes and the beauty of nature. From backcountry trips to drive-in sites, Ontario has winter camping options for everyone whether you are an adventurous outdoor enthusiast or a first time winter camper traveling with your family. Let’s dive into the best winter camping destinations in Ontario, the types of experiences you can choose from, and tips to make your trip enjoyable and safe.

Types of Winter Camping in Ontario

Ontario is a wonderful place for camping thanks to its diverse rugged landscapes and well-managed parks. It is an ideal location suitable for both drive-in and backcountry winter camping. You can pick whichever depending on the experience and comfort level you want. Here is more about each one of them:

Ontario Drive-in Winter Camping

Winter camping with your car is a great option for people who want to enjoy nature and have some comfort at the same time. You can drive right up to these campsites, so you don't have to hike through the snow for a while to get there. Plus, many parks in Ontario have winterized drive-in campsites that you can use during the colder and snowy months which makes it a perfect choice for beginners or families.

Why choose drive-in winter camping?

• Convenience
  

  You can park your vehicle right next to your campsite, so you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy gear over long distances. This is especially helpful if you have ‌children or you are new to winter camping.

• Comfort
  

  Many of these campsites offer some basic amenities like heated washrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and sometimes even electricity.

• More gear
  

  Since your car is always nearby, you have the flexibility to bring more gear. Whether it’s extra clothing, larger tents, or even portable heaters, you can pack whatever makes your stay more comfortable, as long as it fits in your car.

• Nearby activities
  

  Most drive-in sites are located close to trails for activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even tobogganing. This allows you to easily step outside and enjoy the frozen landscape without having to travel far from your campsite.

Backcountry Winter Camping in Ontario

Backcountry winter camping is for more adventurous campers who want to experience Ontario's winter wilderness. These campsites can only be reached by foot, snowshoe, or skis. Even though it takes more effort to get there, ‌it's definitely worth it. Winter backcountry camping lets you be fully surrounded by nature without having many other campers around you. This gives you peace and quiet in snowy forests and mountains.

Why choose backcountry winter camping in Ontario?

• Solitude
  

  Backcountry camping lets you leave all your daily worries behind. You will be surrounded by snow-covered trees and untouched landscapes, which give you the experience of tranquility that only a remote wilderness can offer.

• Adventure
  

  This kind of camping is more challenging because you have to snowshoe or ski to get to your winter campsite. But it's a great option for campers who are looking for a challenge and are ready for winter activities.

• Unique activities
  

  Besides the traditional camping activities (hiking and cooking over a fire), backcountry winter camping offers unique experiences like building snow shelters like igloos or quinzhees, tracking wildlife in the snow, exploring frozen lakes, or trying ice fishing.

• Minimal amenities
  

  Backcountry campsites usually don't have many facilities, if any, so, you'll need to bring everything you may need. Remember to bring the essentials like a warm sleeping bag, cooking gear, extra clothing, snow gear, a first aid kit, and food and water.

Where to Winter Camp in Ontario

Ontario has many parks and natural areas for winter camping. Each place has its own special features – some have frozen lakes and tall cliffs, others have peaceful forests covered in snow. Let’s explore some of them.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

The park is located on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula and is famous for its high cliffs, bright blue water, and calm snowy landscapes in winter.

In the winter season, the park becomes a peaceful place for those who love snowshoeing and hiking. The trails are covered in snow and the cliffs that overlook Georgian Bay look surreal when they're frozen. It's an amazing place for photographers and people to enjoy nature.

• What’s Available:
  • Year-round camping is available at Cyprus Lake Campground.
  • Heated Yurts: Option to reserve yurts during winter months.
  • Quieter Winter Experience: Fewer visitors, providing a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy nature.
  • Limited facilities, but firewood can be purchased at the Visitor Centre.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing the Bruce Trail with stunning views of the cliffs.
  • Exploring frozen caves, such as the Grotto, which is especially marvelous when covered in icicles.
  • Wildlife tracking: Look for signs of foxes, deer, and hares.

Note: Roads are snow-covered, so ensure your vehicle is winter-ready.

Frontenac Provincial Park

Located just north of Kingston, Frontenac is ‌the perfect place for those who love backcountry camping. This park offers backcountry campsites that you can reach by snowshoeing or skiing making it a quiet place, ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.

• What’s Available:
  • Backcountry sites with basic facilities like fire pits and picnic tables.
  • No vehicle access, so you’ll need to hike in to reach your campsite.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing on over 100 km of trails.
  • Ice fishing on the park’s lakes.
  • Winter wildlife watching.

Tip: Make sure you have a backcountry permit and be ready for a more remote camping experience.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin is one of Ontario’s most popular parks. It is known for its vast forests, beautiful lakes, and wildlife.

This park is open at all times and has both drive-in and backcountry campsites, making it a great option for all types of winter campers. It’s a winter paradise with snow-covered trails and lakes.

• What’s Available:
  • Mew Lake Campground is open year-round and offers heated yurts for extra comfort.
  • Easy access to drive-in camping
  • Trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing on the Track and Tower Trail.
  • Wildlife spotting: Algonquin is home to moose, wolves, and otters.
  • At Mew Lake, there's a parking lot that turns into an ice rink. You can find hockey sticks and nets there to use.

Note: All who use Algonquin Park (or any Provincial Park) must have a valid Park Permit.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located near Thunder Bay, and is famous for its unforgettable cliffs and wonderful panoramic views of Lake Superior.

The park is far away from other places and has a unique nature which makes it a perfect place for backcountry winter camping. If you're a family looking for fun weekend winter trips, someone who loves adventures outdoors, or an expert camper, you'll find something to enjoy in this park.

• What’s Available:
  • Backcountry campsites only, which require snowshoeing or skiing to reach.
  • Fully equipped cabins are also available for a more comfortable stay.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing to the Top of the Giant Trail, which offers amazing views of Lake Superior.
  • Cross-country skiing on over 50 km of groomed trails.
  • Ice fishing on Marie Louise Lake.

Killarney Provincial Park

Killarney is famous for its beautiful pink granite cliffs and crystal-clear lakes. The park has 30 walk-in sites and more than 200 backcountry sites across the park giving you a choice of comfort or adventure.

• What’s Available:
  • 49,000 hectares of backcountry campsites that you can access by snowshoeing or skiing.
  • 6 heated cabins at the George Lake Campground for a warmer stay.
  • Firewood is available for sale.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing to Silver Peak for stunning views.
  • Cross-country skiing on the La Cloche Silhouette Trail.

Quetico Provincial Park

Quetico is a remote park located near the Ontario-Minnesota border, ideal for serious winter adventurers. The park is known for its untouched wilderness which makes it a perfect place for experienced campers looking for challenges.

• What’s Available:
  • Over 2,000 backcountry sites are accessible only by snowshoeing or skiing.
  • Dawson Trail Campground offers over 100 drive-in sites at the 'Chippewa' and 'Ojibwa' loops, with heated yurts for winter stays.
  • Comfort stations with flush toilets, showers, and water taps are available at the campground.
  • Interior camping permits are required for backcountry campers.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing through the park’s remote forests.
  • Ice fishing.
  • Enjoying complete silence and solitude.

Silent Lake Provincial Park

Silent Lake Provincial Park is located 25 kilometers southwest of Bancroft, Ontario. It is a place to go for a calm and quiet winter vacation making it a perfect destination for beginners and families seeking such an atmosphere.

• What’s Available:
  • Yurts: Six cozy yurts, three with woodstoves, equipped with beds, propane BBQs, fire pits, picnic tables, and firewood.
  • Drive-In Campsites
  • Comfort Stations with flush toilets, showers, vending machines, and laundry facilities are available.
  • Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Park Office.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing on the Bonnie’s Pond Hiking Trail.
  • Cross-country skiing on over 40 km of groomed trails.
  • Ice fishing on Silent Lake.

Windy Lake Provincial Park

The park is located 50 km northwest of Sudbury along Highway 114 and offers a peaceful winter escape. Windy Lake is a great place for people who want to be comfortable and enjoy nature. It has cozy accommodations and amazing winter landscapes.

• What’s Available:
  • Four fully-equipped yurts with wood stoves.
  • 93 drive-in campsites with comfort stations, flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry.
  • 7 walk-in sites and two group sites with fire pits, picnic shelters, and BBQs.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on 15 km of groomed trails.
  • Ice fishing for lake trout and whitefish.
  • Enjoying the peaceful winter scenery.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park

MacGregor Point Provincial Park, located on the shores of Lake Huron near Port Elgin, offers a fantastic winter camping experience. MacGregor Point is great for families and people who want a comfortable camping experience as it offers heated yurts and drive-in campsites.

• What’s Available:
  • 16 yurts with beds, electricity, and heat.
  • Drive-in campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and comfort stations offering toilets, showers, and drinking water.
  • 11 km of groomed ski trails.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing on the Old Shore Road Trail.
  • Skating on the 400-meter ice trail through the forest.

Pinery Provincial Park

Pinery Provincial Park, located on Lake Huron near Grand Bend, offers a perfect winter getaway with a mix of nature and comfort. Famous for its stunning sunsets and mild winter climate giving you a unique winter experience without extreme cold.

• What’s Available:
  • 12 heated yurts, plus a cabin and soft-sided shelters for rent.
  • Electrical and non-electrical sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Comfort stations with laundry, flush toilets, and showers. Vault toilets are scattered throughout the park.
• Activities:
  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on over 38 km of trails.
  • Winter biking on the Savanna Trail.
  • Skating, tobogganing, and stargazing by Lake Huron.

Preparing for Winter Camping in Ontario

It's important to plan ahead for a winter camping trip in Ontario to make sure it's successful and fun. Bring the right equipment, clothing, and gear to stay safe and comfy in Ontario's cold weather.

Winterized Equipment

1. Four-Season Tent

There is no camping without a tent. Since you plan to go camping in winter, the tent has to be high-quality. A four-season tent is specifically designed to handle snow, wind, and freezing temperatures. These tents are sturdier than regular three-season tents and provide better insulation to keep you warm.

Look for winter tents with snow flaps to prevent snow from getting inside. Make sure the poles are strong and the tent has good ventilation to avoid condensation building up inside. Because winter nights are very cold in Ontario, a four-season tent will help you stay warm even in the coldest weather.

2. Sleeping Bag

A proper tent isn’t enough for camping in winter. Your sleeping bag is another essential piece of equipment you’ll need. A regular sleeping bag won’t keep you warm enough in freezing temperatures in Ontario, so make sure to buy ‌one specifically made for winter camping.

When choosing a sleeping bag, look for one rated at least -10°C or lower, depending on how cold it will get. Down or synthetic insulation is typically best because it keeps you warm without making the bag too big. If the temperatures are expected to get much lower, then you can also use a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth.

3. Sleeping Pad

For additional comfort and warmth, don’t forget about a sleeping pad. Even with a really warm sleeping bag, the frozen ground can draw heat away from your body, making it harder to stay warm at night. That’s why having ‌a thick, insulated pad is necessary as it will create a barrier between you and the cold ground.

Consider buying ‌a closed-cell foam pad or an inflatable pad with high insulation values designed for snow conditions.

4. Portable Stove

When you're cooking in the cold, it's important to have a good portable stove for tents to make hot food and drinks. Regular camping stoves might not work well in cold temperatures because the fuel can freeze or the stove doesn't work right.

Instead, look for stoves made for winter use, like liquid-fuel stoves or canister stoves with winter-grade fuel. Remember to bring extra fuel because you'll need it for cooking and heating water for drinking or washing.

5. Shovel

A shovel is a must-have for winter camping. Snow can pile up quickly, blocking your tent or campsite. So it's good to have a lightweight, small shovel to clear snow. You can also use it to make a windbreak around your campsite. This will block the cold wind and give you some shelter. It's also useful for digging a small trench around your tent. This helps prevent water from pooling during a snowstorm.

Clothing and Layers

Dressing appropriately for winter camping is vital to staying warm and dry. Follow the layering system:

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking thermal underwear.
• Middle layer: Insulating materials like fleece or down.
• Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof shell.
• Accessories: Hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots.

Remember to bring extra clothes in case it rains or snows. Also, make sure your shoes are suitable for walking in snow.

Must-Have Extra Gear

You can make your winter camping trip even safer and better by bringing these extra things:

• Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries for longer nights.
• First-aid kit: Tailored for winter conditions.
• Navigation tools: Maps, GPS, or a compass.
• Emergency shelter: In case of unexpected weather.
• Food and water: High-calorie meals and insulated water bottles to prevent freezing.

The Added Perks of Winter Camping in Ontario

Winter camping is a special kind of camping that has its own benefits. First off, the snowy scenes are so peaceful, and considering that fewer people go camping in winter, this type of camping is definitely for someone who wants a break from people and technology.

Many Ontario parks also have activities you can only do in the winter, like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing which let you truly enjoy the wintertime. There are also fewer bugs and it's easier to find a place to camp.

The best part is that there are so many parks in Ontario where you can go winter camping with different options. You can go into the wilderness or stay in a heated yurt. No matter what you choose, you'll have a great time winter camping in Ontario.