If you’re looking for a winter camping experience that is scenic, look no further than Ontario. With plenty of parks and campgrounds to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to spend a few chilly nights under the stars. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 of the best winter camping spots in Ontario. So grab your coat, pack your camping gear, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Discover Ontario this Winter at these locations
1. MUSKOKA – ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK
Types of Winter Camping: Heated Roofed Accommodations, Tent, Trailer, Backcountry, Guided
Algonquin is ideal if you are new to winter camping, but it’s also a great option for those with more experience. That’s because they have a wide range of winter options from guided expeditions to backcountry camping. Their guided camping trips include accommodations, meals and equipment. While adventuring, you’ll enjoy authentic winter camping and learn about heated wall tents and winter backcountry travel skills.
If you’re looking for a more self-guided experience, Algonquin also has campsites and backcountry camping options.
Mew Lake Campground has 9 heated yurts with basic furniture as well as a heated cabin that you can rent. They also have RV and tent camping and access to year-round heated facilities with washrooms and showers. Each site is plowed as weather and time permit and most have electrical hookups.
Backcountry camping is available on Western Uplands Backpacking Trail and Highlands Backpacking Trail.
During the day, you can enjoy many different activities. Algonquin has numerous trails and frozen lakes to hike and snowshoe, a skating rink with hockey sticks and nets and a 70+ km groomed nordic ski trail. You can also ride a fat bike, dog sled and snowmobile, as well as take maple syrup tours and cooking lessons.
2. LAKE HURON NEAR GRAND BEND – PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK
Types of Winter Camping: Heated Roofed Accommodations, Tent, Trailer
Pinery Provincial Park is known for its summer beaches and dunes. But did you know that it’s also a great location for winter camping? The park has 12 heated and furnished yurts, 4 heated cabins or 2 soft sided shelters. There are also several tent and trailer sites with or without electrical service.
While visiting Pinery Provincial Park, be sure to check out their 38+ km groomed cross country trails plus more trails for snowshoeing and hiking. These trails weave through Carolinian forests and oak savannas, over ponds and by iconic rock structures. To make the most of your exploration, the park also offers guided tours.
Pinery also has great tobogganing hills that are lit up at night so you can enjoy them all day long. There’s also a heated chalet that’s perfect for warming up between adventures and a skating rink.
3. GEORGIAN BAY – KILLARNEY PROVINCIAL PARK
Types of Winter Camping: Heated Roofed Accommodations, Tent, Backcountry
Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, the town of Killarney was originally a fur trading post in the 1800s. Today, it is a short way away from Killarney Provincial Park. George Lake Campground is open year round with 6 heated yurts and 2 heated cabins for winter camping. The yurts sleep six and have a dining table and countertop with drawers. Some also have a skylight. The cabins are equipped with kitchenettes and propane heaters.
Pinery also has 30 walk-in tent sites and hundreds of backcountry sites. Because Killarney is classified as a wilderness park, there’s a major focus on preserving the natural landscape. That means that camping sites must be accessed by foot, ski or snowshoe. The good news is, each of the cabins and yurts are just 500 m into the park and toboggans are supplied to transport your gear.
Killarney was also the first Ontario park designated as a dark sky preserve. That means the area is protected against light pollution to preserve the darkness. This makes it a great spot for viewing the night skies. The park even has its own observatory.
4. HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS – SILENT LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Types of Winter Camping: Heated Roofed Accommodations, Tent, Trailer
Silent lake offers a magical winter experience with a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to really enjoy the world around you. Not to mention, the park’s dark nights are perfect for viewing stars. Silent Lake has 10 heated cabins, 8 heated yurts and plenty of drive-up tent sites at Granite Ridge Campground. There’s also a heated day-use comfort station a short drive from these accommodations. At the park, you can enjoy more than 40 km of groomed cross country trails as well as 3 km snowshoe trail. While exploring, you will see stunning views of white birch, beechs, hardwoods and cedar swamps. There’s also excellent fishing on Trout Lake for anybody who wants to give ice fishing a try.
5. LAKE HURON NEAR PORT ELGIN – MACGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK
Types of Winter Camping: Heated Roofed Accommodations, Tent, Trailer
MacGregor Point Provincial Park is a hidden gem when it comes to winter time camping. In fact, many campers choose to ring in the new year at the park while enjoying hot cocoa by the fire.
The park has 8 heated yurts and 4 heated cabins, as well as tent and trailer sites with electric hookups. There’s also a nearby heated comfort station. In addition to great camping, MacGregor also has an incredible 400 m ice trail through the trees. At night the trail is lit up for an even more magical experience.There’s also a great outdoor hockey rink, 11 kms of tracked ski trails and even more unplowed terrain for hiking, snowshoeing and more.
While exploring the park, be sure to stop at the observation tower on Tower Trail. From here you will be able to take in the scenic wetlands. Back at your site, you can look around for animal tracks or even hang a bird feeder to attract a wide variety of birds and critters.
No matter which park you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a cozy and unforgettable winter camping experience in Ontario! So bundle up, grab your gear and get ready for an adventure! With these nine spots, you’re sure to find the perfect destination for your next winter camping trip. So pack your bags, grab your gear and hit the road for some cozy winter fun! Happy camping!
For more things to do in Simcoe County, check out our previous blog posts!
