Family Camping at Albion Hills Conservation Area

Looking to go tent camping, but don't want to venture too far from the city? Check out Albion Hills Conservation Area - one hour north of Toronto in Caledon, Ontario.

Earlier this month, we had the genius (and last minute) idea to go for a fall tent camping trip. As a first for our new family of five (yes, Bear counts as a family member), we wanted to choose some place close to home in case it was an epic fail. After scouring the provincial parks within an 1.5 hour drive and discovering they were all booked up, I remembered there are also local conservation areas that offer camping. So, just an hour from home, Albion Hills Conservation Area it was.

Set in the hills of Caledon on the banks of the Humber River, Albion Hills campground offers dramatic scenery, exciting activities and excellent facilities, just an hour north of Toronto! 

We packed up the car Saturday morning, and hit the road. Check in was at 2pm, so we weren't in any rush to get there. 

When I booked on line earlier that week, the selection was limited. I picked a spot that seemed decent, but with no photos to look at, I didn't really know what we were getting. Turns out, there was a reason that spot (#22) was not booked - it was essentially on the side of the road, with no tree cover. Completely exposed, and that was not what we wanted for the impending rain storm. So, we went back to the main office to see if there were any other sites available. Turns out, it didn't hurt to ask - we got a new site just around the corner, with enough cover to put up a tarp and keep us dry. The spot we ended up taking (Humberside #79), was also along the Humber River, with path access, so the girls had fun walking around in their boots, looking for frogs. I will admit, the site didn't have a ton of privacy BUT, for one night of camping, that was ok by us. 

After the skies cleared and the sun came out, we went for a walk around the other campsites. While closed for whatever reason (assuming either covid or because the season was winding down, we didn't ask), Poplar Circle looked to be the best tent camping sites, and ones we will remember when and if we decide to go back next year. 

With plans to hike the next morning, we took is pretty easy that afternoon, sitting around the fire, reading books, playing with Bear, looking for frogs and eating our favourite camping meal - hot dogs and beans (with some cold Ontario brews for mom and dad, of course). 

After a few toasted marshmallows, it was off to bed... for all of us. I guess that's the thing when you're tent camping with little ones. When they go to bed, so do you. Or at least that was our case - making an exit from the tent is not so easy. 

Check this out >> Whether you're going camping or for a hike with the kids, check out our Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt. (Download for free and print at home for your next outdoor adventure.)

I won't lie, it was pretty chilly. While Bear was perfectly content (and probably slept the best out of all of us), I spent the majority of the night making sure Berks wasn't too cold. Her and I were sharing a sleeping bag, and on a good night at home, she is not a fan of covers. 

We woke up to a layer of frost, and after a quick and chilly breakfast, we decided to abandon our hiking plans, pack up and head home. An hours' drive from Toronto, we can always go back. 

A note about the fire pits - If you are used to camping at an Ontario Provincial Park, you will be used to a metal pit, often with a grate for cooking. At Albion Hills, that was not the case. Instead, it was essentially a large hole in the ground. The sides of the pit were fairly sloped, so I was worried to have the girls sit too close, for fear they would lean in their chairs and fall forward into the fire. A little disappointing, but also glad I brought our portable camp stove, pots and pans as backup because they came in handy for cooking dinner!

Albion Hills has 234 serviced and unserviced sites, with some pull-through sites for RVs.

Overnight rates are extremely reasonable at $37.50 + HST per night (unserviced) and $43.00 + HST per night (serviced - 30 AMP hydro service and water).  Booking fees do apply. More information can be found on the website, here. 

If you plan to go, here are some items you may want to bring:

• Tent (This is similar to the one we have.)
• Sleeping bags (Here is the sleeping bag our daughter uses.)
• Air mattress (with battery-operated pump)
• Ground sheet (for under tent)
• Tarp with string (in case it rains)
• Camp chairs (These are the chairs our kids use.)
• Camping stove with fuel
• Camping utensils (pots, pans, etc.)
• Dishes and cutlery
• Jug of drinking water
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable coffee maker
• Reusable coffee mug
• Cooler (This is the one we have.)
• Lighter and newspaper (for fire - firewood available for purchase)
• Rain boots
• Rain jackets

Camping with a dog? Here is what we recommend you bring (on top of the usual essentials):

• Collapsible silicone water bowl
• Metal group stake
• 20 foot training leash
• Extra towels
• Extra blankets

Not a camper? Not a problem - you can still visit for the day. Check out the website for the cost of a day pass, and activities available. 

Albion Hills Conservation Area is located in Caledon, Ontario at 16500 Regional Road 50, just 8km north of Bolton.

Do you go fall camping with your family? What's your favourite place to go? I would love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns To & Fro a small commission. Thank you for your support!

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Our First Family RV Trip - Road Trip From Toronto to the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island

With COVID putting a halt to big travel plans this summer, many have turned to staying local. And what is more local than renting an RV and hitting the open road to explore your own backyard? Check out our first family RV trip, where we explored the Northern Bruce Peninsula, Manitoulin Island and Earl Rowe Provincial Park in southern Ontario. 

Earlier this summer, we decided to switch things up and rented an RV. While my parents have had a pull trailer for a number of years, and its become the new norm for our family camping adventures, renting an RV (you know, one that you drive) was a first for my husband, two daughters and I. 

We love tent camping. But travelling in an RV opened up a whole new world to us. We were able to go at our own pace, be on our own schedule, while enjoying the comforts of home that you may not experience tent camping.

Read on to learn where our first family RV adventure took us.

We picked up the RV from Canadream, located in Brampton, ON - one of the only major RV rental centres in the Greater Toronto Area. It may be out of the way for most, but luckily it was right by Highway 410, the highway we would take to get us to the northern Bruce Peninsula.

As renting an RV was a new experience to us, we did learn a lot. BUT, I will keep that for another post.

After we were loaded into our RV, we hit the road, or Highway 410, and drove north. Our first destination was my family’s cottage on the Lake Huron side of northern Bruce Peninsula. We didn’t get a chance to visit last summer - I really couldn’t tell you why - so we were long overdue. With social distancing in effect, we had the entire place to ourselves for two nights. 

This place has a special spot in my heart. My mom’s parents built it in the 70s, and I have been visiting since I was 3 weeks old. That’s almost 35 years. So to be able to share it with our girls, who are the 5th generation to visit, is extremely special. Luckily, they love it just as much as I do.

Some rain and grey weather did not stop the girls from swimming in the lake. Either did the record water level - the highest we’ve seen in many, many years. The lake front at the cottage is not sandy, but rocky. So to access it, many many years ago, my Poppa built stairs into the rock. Sadly, the water level has caused a lot of his hard work to wash away. Water shoes and steady feet are now required to navigate the slippery rocks. 

We had the best couple of days, relaxing, swimming and waking up to the sound of the waves on the shore. But, come Tuesday morning, it was time to pack up early and hit Highway 6, driving 20(ish) more minute north to the end of the road at Tobermory.

Usually a trip to the cottage involves an afternoon in Tobermory - lunch at The Fish & Chips Place, ice cream at The Sweet Shop, beers at Tobermory Brewing Company, checking out the boats. If we’re lucky, maybe we even take the glass bottom boat to Flower Pot Island, or dive the wrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park. But, not this time. This trip, we were boarding the MS Chi-Cheemaun and heading across Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island. Something I haven’t done in at least two decades, and a first for Steve and the girls. 

The 1.5 hour ferry ride took us from Tobermory to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed sitting out on the top deck, taking in the beauty of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay surrounding us on either side.

I should also mention, despite COVID, we felt extremely safe the entire trip to and from on the ferry. Owen Sound Transportation Company (the company that runs the MS Chi-Cheemaun) has numerous protocols in place for the health and safety of their crew and passengers. Prior to lining your vehicle up to board, they screen everyone in the vehicle with the typical COVID screening questions and ask to see masks for every person. Once you board, you are required to where your mask for the entire trip, something that I thought would be a lot more difficult to enforce during the 1.5 hours with a 2 and 4 year old. Social distancing is in effect inside the ship, from limited seating and directional signage to washroom capacity and no access to the gift shop or cafeteria. There are also a lot of staff on hand, continuously sanitizing the cabin. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend you visit their website to see all COVID safety protocols in place.

From South Baymouth we drove to Gore Bay, on the north west part of the island, to grab some beers from Split Rail Brewing Co and have lunch along the beautiful harbour. This place was something out of a postcard, and we easily could have stayed there for longer. But, out next stop called so it was back in the RV. We had every intention to stop for a swim at the very popular Bridal Veil Falls, but when we got there we discovered the stair access was closed for safety reasons AND, even if we chose to walk in, it was a little too busy for our comfort. So, we kept driving to our destination on the island - Batman’s Cottages and Campground, where we would spend the night. 

I’m normally one for lots of trees and privacy when camping, but for one night, this was the perfect spot. We had a site directly across the street from the beach access, which is where we hung out for the rest of the day. The waters of Georgian Bay were cold, as they always are, but that didn’t stop the girls from going in. Before we tucked in for our first night in the RV, we walked around and explored the rest of the campground, checking out the other sites (it’s fun to see other people’s camping setups), the second beach (which is basically non-existent due to high water levels) and fed the ducks. Marshmallows were roasted around the fire, and we called it a night. It had been a long day.

After a successful night in the RV, we had an early start the next morning, heading back to South Baymouth to catch the return ferry to Tobermory.

Knowing we had to return the RV early on Friday morning, we decided to make the most of the last two nights and book a campsite closer to home. Earl Rowe Provincial Park, located in Alliston, ON, fit the bill. From what we could see, it was an hour from the drop off location and had a beach for the girls. 

Well when we we got there, turns out, the beach was closed because of high bacteria levels. (Cue dramatic sigh.) The big fail on our part was that we were really banking on spending the day at the beach, so we didn’t really have any back up plans. Luckily, we were able to fill the time with walks to explore the park (scavenger hunts and ‘I Spy’ have become recent favourites), playing on the slide and swings, ice cream at the park store and inventing our own games that involved pool noodles, buckets and pinecones. 

When it comes to COVID, we felt pretty safe at Earl Rowe. The park was not busy at all, which gave it a peaceful quiet feeling. Something that is definitely welcomed once you’ve been to places like the Pinery and Algonquin at their peak busiest. Showers were closed, but the play structure was open, making sure to go at times when there weren’t any other kids playing. 

*Side note: I have heard from others that Earl Rowe may have been the exception to a quiet Ontario Park, as others such as Pinery, Algonquin, Awenda, Sandbanks and Bon Echo have been just as busy as they normally are during the summer, with very limited social distancing happening. 

After two successful nights camping at Earl Rowe (seriously, RV or not, there’ just something about sleeping in ‘the wilderness’), it was time to head back to Canadream to drop off the RV, pick up our car and head home.

Drop off was very easy, but again, I’ll save those details for another post. 

In all, it was a very successful 5 days exploring southern Ontario in our RV. I could definitely get used to this way of travel. The only question is, where to next?!

There are so many perks to “living the RV life” on vacation. From planning your own schedule, being able to bring the pets, bringing all of the comforts of home and beyond, I can definitely see why people prefer it.

Long story short, it was an amazing trip and we are already planning another one for next summer. This time, it will be a bit longer and a bit further, hopefully exploring a region of Canada we’ve never seen before.

Have you travelled in an RV before? Share your favourite RV destinations. I’d love to hear!

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Annual Family Camping Trip: Awenda Provincial Park

We are so lucky to have many incredible provincial parks to explore here in Ontario. Everything from swimming, to hiking and camping, and even cross country skiing in the winter months - our provincial parks are what an outdoor lover’s dreams are made of.

For our family, camping is an annual summer tradition. It’s a way to break away from the every day, to slow down, disconnect and escape the city for a few days of relaxation and fun in nature.

Earlier this summer, our annual family camping trip took us to Awenda Provincial Park. A new park for us to explore, Awenda sits on over 2,900 hectares of forested land on the shores of Georgian Bay. I had been told by many that it was a very kid-friendly park. And just a short 2 hour (approximately 170 km) drive north of Toronto, we definitely agree.

>> You May Also Like: Best Family-Friendly Camping in Ontario

Awenda offers camping in six campgrounds - Wolf, Snake, Hawk, Deer, Bear and Turtle. Sites are shaded beneath Sugar Maples and Red Oaks and are spaced further apart than many other provincial parks. We stayed in Wolf, a radio- and dog-friendly area with electrical hookups (for my parents’ trailer).

The site we stayed at (Wolf 247) was a large site, with two picnic tables. It had a high canopy, which was perfect for the trailer. However, it was also very shady which caused a few issues after it poured the morning of our second last day (more about that later).

The Wolf campground also had centrally located washroom with showers and children’s play structure, which was always filled with kids. 

We were surprised at how quiet the campground was. Coming from other provincial parks, like the Pinery (which has sites closer together), it was a welcomed surprise.

>> You May Also Like: Camping Reflections

The park has numerous activities, including biking, birding, canoeing (rentals available), fishing, hiking, swimming and more. They also offer a wide variety of staff-led educational programming, for all ages. Regularly scheduled guided hikes, children’s programs, special events and evening programs occur from late June to early fall featuring the unique cultural history and the biology of the park. While we didn’t make it to any of these programs, there was at least one or two scheduled every day, including a Friday night bonfire on the beach. 

White Admiral Butterfly

Speaking of the beach… Sadly, this year it was virtually non-existent. To be expected I guess, as the park sits on Georgian Bay which is a part of Lake Huron. Considering how high the water is at my parents’ house along Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario and our family cottage up near Tobermory, it should have been expected.

One of the negatives of the park (if it can even be considered a negative?!) is that the campsites at Awenda are located far from the beach, so a car or bike is required to get around. You could walk, however, from where we were in Wolf, it would have taken approximately an hour on the Bluff Trail which is not necessarily stroller- or clumsy/slow toddler walking-friendly.

When it comes to hiking, Awenda offers a nice variety of looped and linear, easy to moderate trails that range from 1 to 13 km in length. One trail provides barrier-free access - the Beaver Pond Trail, perfect for those with limited mobility or, like us, pushing a stroller. With a double stroller in tow, this is one of the trails we chose to hike. Located in a nature reserve zone, most of this trail is a boardwalk that takes you through an area altered by past and present beaver activity. The 30 minute hike is full of history, and along the way you will see the remains of both a building and a bridge from the early logging days.

Beaver Pond Trail

If you are looking to go for a paddle, skip Georgian Bay (it can get pretty rough) and head to Kettle’s Lake. This lake is thought to be a kettle lake formed by the gradual melting of a large buried piece of ice left by retreating glaciers. The quiet and scenic lake is an excellent location for having a picnic and then putting in your canoe or kayak for a relaxing post-lunch paddle. This small, motorboat free lake is ideally suited for the novice paddler or nature enthusiast. It apparently also has good bass fishing. Canoes and PFDs are available to rent through the park.

>> Check out our other annual camping trips, here: 2014  //  2015  //  2017  //  2018

While we didn’t get the chance to get out on the water with our new kayak, we did take a short walk along the Wendat Trail (5km, 2 hour loop) to the boardwalk through Kettle Lake’s marsh. Despite having our littlest (and chattiest) daughter with us on the walk, it was extremely peaceful sitting on the board walk, watching the birds and listening to the breeze roll through the reeds. Ah, nature. Sometimes living in the city, I forget what that sounds like...

Kettle's Lake

Unfortunately, our time at Awenda was cut a bit short and we took off a day sooner than planned. We woke up Saturday morning to an unwelcome down pour and a soggy camp site. Because the site was so shaded (as previously mentioned), we knew it wouldn’t dry out and we’d likely be forced inside the trailer with the girls for the day. So instead, we decided to pack up and take off. In the end, it was probably for the best. We had bought a new house just a few days before and time was ticking to get ours staged and on the market. Leaving early gave us an extra day of cleaning and packing. But more on the move later…

We had a great time with family at Awenda Provincial Park. If you are looking for a family-friendly campground within a short distance from Toronto, we highly recommend Awenda. 

And with this summer’s family adventure behind us, we’ve already started thinking about next… Looking forward to checking another of Ontario's provincial parks off of our list!

You can find Awenda Provincial Park, here: 670 Awenda Park Rd Tiny, ON L9M 2J2

Have you been to Awenda? What other Ontario Provincial Parks do you recommend for families? I’d love to hear!

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Best Family-Friendly Camping Destinations in Ontario

Now that spring is upon us, it’s time to start planning our spring and summer outdoor adventures. For our family, that means lots of camping. Today, we’re sharing the best family-friendly camping destinations in Ontario! Whether you are an experienced camper or new to camping, whether you hike in, drive in or even canoe in, there is a family-friendly Ontario camping destination for you.

Living in Ontario, we love exploring the camping spots in our own backyard. There is so much more to this great province than tall buildings and concrete.

Today, I’ve teamed up with a group of bloggers from the Toronto Bloggers Collective (TBC) to share the best family-friendly camping destinations in Ontario - a list of both provincial and national parks that you NEED to visit if camping with your family, regardless of your camping experience level.

Ontario Parks

Did you know that Ontario is home to over 330 provincial parks, covering 8% of Ontario’s landmass? Ontario Parks is the largest provider of outdoor recreation experiences in the province. Each year, over 10 million visitors from around the world travel to Ontario’s provincial parks to camp, swim, picnic, hike, bike, paddle, birdwatch and much more.

Here are some of the TBC’s favourite Ontario Parks for family camping:

Algonquin Provincial Park

There’s not much more stunning (and quintessentially Canadian) than Algonquin Provincial Park. It’s also only 3(ish) hours from Toronto, making it the perfect long weekend escape from the big city. 

Established in 1893, Algonquin was created as a wildlife sanctuary to ultimately protect the headwaters of the five major rivers which flow from the Park. As one of the oldest and largest provincial parks in Ontario, Algonquin is diverse, protecting a variety of natural, cultural and recreation features and values. It also offers something for nearly everyone. Whether it be a family camping trip, a back country portage or even just a day hike, there are many reasons why YOU must visit Algonquin Provincial Park. 

Awenda Provincial Park

We’ve camped with our two small children at nearly every provincial park in the southern half of Ontario. Awenda is among our favorites! With four enjoyable beaches, large campsites and 33 kms of easy-to-moderate hiking trails, Awenda makes for a really lovely family camping experience. It’s just two hours north of Toronto and perfect for a long weekend, although we prefer to stay five days to a week.

The campsites, surrounded on all sides by the tall straight trunks of hardwood trees, are prettier and more private than most. Rent a canoe for a morning paddle, take a hike on the Bluff Trail to have lunch overlooking Georgian Bay, then bicycle or drive to the beaches (they’re a bit far from the campsites to walk) to spend the afternoon swimming, sunning and exploring.

Kids aren’t ready for bed? Enjoy sunset while dock fishing off the Kettle Lake boardwalk or head over to the Amphitheatre to take in a presentation by a Friends of Awenda Park naturalist. And once all is quiet, the best part of the day: sitting quietly by the campfire, beverage in hand, gazing up at a sky full of stars.

Contributed by Zoe King - Wandering Family

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Bon Echo is the ideal place for new campers. To me, it’s best of both worlds. If you are looking for something resembling city camping all the amenities at the camp site will make sure camping adventure easy. From easy hikes, to interactive boat tour that gives the history of the park to the every popular annual art and craft show in the summer. 

If you are looking for a bit more of an adventure, you can take the ferry to the start of the clifftop trail. Even more adventurous? Climbing the rock wall will fill the cup of even the biggest adventure seeker. 

We love it so much it’s been the site for our yearly camping trip for our children’s birthday 10 years in a row. 

Now when I say city camping, I mean it. From laundry facilities, to comfort stations for hot showers this park has everything you need and it's only a 3.5 hour drive from Toronto.

Contributed by Claire Zlobin - Drop of Golden Sun

Chutes Provincial Park

Last fall, we had the chance to take the Ontario Parks RV for a spin to five of Ontario’s Provincial Parks for the 125th anniversary. Each one of the parks we visited had a unique footprint and series of hiking trails. But after several hours driving, our second last stop was the one that blew us away with its quiet charm. 

Chutes Provincial Park is in a tiny little spot way up north near Massey on the Aux Sables River on the way to Manitoulin Island. If you arrive in the fall you can spy salmon swimming upstream to mate near the main waterfall. The Twin Bridges Trail is 6 km long and follows the Aux Sables River. The trail leads to lookouts of the falls and the Seven Sisters Cataracts. Interpretive panels at the Falls Lookout tells the history of the area and at the base of the waterfall is a beach that is tranquil. 

Contributed by Paula Schuck - Thrifty Mommas Tips 

Killarney Provincial Park

If you’re looking for a true wilderness to escape some of the crows in Algonquin, head to Killarney Provincial Park. For the hiking family, try the challenging Crack Trail. With more time and an active bunch, climb to the top of infamous Silver Peak (part of the epic La Cloche Silhouette backpacking trail): both trails afford views that prove that Ontario isn’t so flat after all. Canoeing, kayaking, and swimming at the beach are just some of the summer water activities; snowshoeing and ski trails are maintained through the winter. With yurts, cabins, front country and backcountry camping, there is something for everyone. To me, the best feature of Killarney is its sapphire blue lakes. Due to the bright white crystal rock and pink granite, Killarney’s Lakes are some of the cleanest and brightest you can find in Ontario. It is certainly worth the drive, and I can’t wait to be back this summer for more!

Contributed by Lauren Chu - The Ridgeline Report

Killbear Provincial Park

Killbear Provincial Park is located on beautiful Georgian Bay, an easy drive from Toronto. The park has a wide range of summer activities for the whole family. Bring your bikes so that you can ride the 6 kilometre Recreational Trail and check out the lighthouse at the end of trail. Each of Killbear's seven campgrounds has a beach within walking distance, perfect for a day of swimming with the family.

For those looking for a more exhilarating water activity and one unique to Killbear, try jumping off the cliffs into the water below.  Even the little ones can experience the thrills and jump safely from the lower rock ledges.  

Contributed by Andy Vanr - Avrex Travel

MacGregor Provincial Park

MacGregor Point Provincial Park is open year round, but not all campsites are open. The full service campsites and yurts in the Algonquin campground are open through the winter.  One of the best winter camping activities there while you are camping is snowshoeing!

The sites in the Nipissing campground are closed during the winter season making that area perfect for snowshoeing because it’s not being used at all. The only competition for snowshoers on fresh powder are cross country skiers. The area does see a fair amount of snow so you are pretty much guaranteed a great time during the day and then can hunker down in a toasty yurt at night.  

MacGregor Point Provincial Park is located on the eastern shores of Lake Huron in Western Ontario.

Contributed by Kathryn Dickson - Kathryn Anywhere

Pinery Provincial Park

Growing up, my family and I spent many summers exploring all that the Pinery has to offer. 

Located on the shores of Lake Huron, just outside of Grand Bend, Pinery Provincial Park is a hidden gem in the Ontario Parks' system. The 21 square kilometres of rare forests and rolling dunes offer excellent year-round outdoor recreations, including 10 walking trails, a 14 km bike trail and 38 kms of groomed ski trails. The Old Ausable River Channel, which runs the length of the park, is perfect for wildlife viewing, fishing or a relaxing paddle in a kayak or canoe. During the winter months, the park offers cross country skiing, snow shoeing and yurt camping. 

Windy Lake Provincial Park

Sandy beaches, great swimming, and views for days. No, I'm not talking about Cancun, I'm talking about Windy Lake Provincial Park. 

It's a great spot to be in the spring or the summer, but I'm actually a big fan of what you can do up there in the winter. Firstly, there are actually gorgeous well maintained cross country ski trails up there, which I found out firsthand at Windy Lake. Beyond that, they've got a lovely cabin or two, and four all seasons yurts. I even did some ice-fishing while I was up there with my best pal, and we couldn't have been happier. 

That being said, this is a place that you'll be happy as a clam no matter what the season. The truth is, it's picturesque all year around and, in my humble opinion, Windy Lake Provincial Park is one of the best kept secrets in the whole province. 

Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

Contributed by Christopher Mitchell - Traveling Mitch 

National Parks

Camping in Ontario goes beyond provincial parks. Across Canada, there are also 450 000 km² of protected areas with countless unique experiences to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, or a break from the everyday, Parks Canada has something to offer.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park is located on the Niagara Escarpment that runs from Rochester to Tobermory. It is approximately 156 square km and is protected by UNESCO’s Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. It is perfect for family as it has many outdoor activities. This includes watching birds, camping and hiking. The views of the sunrise and sunset are amazing. The visitor centre has a boardwalk, theatre, reception, information and an exhibition hall. You can swim in the water during the summer. I strongly recommend going there and the drive is amazing.

Contributed by Jerry Godinho - Four Columns of a Balanced Life 

Rouge National Urban Park

If you are a beginner camper, or unable to escape the city, the Glen Rouge Campground within Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) is a great car camping and the only campground in the City Toronto. Set next to the Rouge River, it’s the perfect place to submerse yourself in nature while staying in the city! It is a fairly open space to camp, BUT the camping around is within walking distance to many of the trails in the park. 

One of the great things about Rouge National Urban Park is theirLearn-to-Camp Program. If you are interesting in going on your first camping trip, but don’t know where to begin, this program program equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to feel confident planning and carrying out your first camping adventure.

No car? No problem. RNUP is easily accessible via Toronto transit and Park Bus.

Where are your favourite places to go camping with your family? I'd love to hear!

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