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If you dream of snowy landscapes and a wintery getaway, we just have the adventure. Winter camping in Ontario offers a unique escape into a beautiful winter wonderland and is perfect for campers of all experience levels.
If you’re new to the world of camping but are intrigued by this exciting opportunity, you are in luck. Camping in Ontario is perfect for all experience levels, and we have created a beginner’s guide to help you prepare for the perfect intro trip to enjoy the icy scenery.
The winter season won’t last forever – read on to get started on planning your camping trip during this serene and stunning time of year.
Types of Winter Camping in Ontario
Winter camping is a unique experience unlike any other. No matter how adventurous of a camper you may be, there is guaranteed something to enjoy. Ontario is vast, and there are tons of unique spots to explore in various ways. This is the perfect winter camping option for you.
The first step when planning your winter camping excursion is to decide on a camping style. There are a variety of styles to choose from, though you must find one that matches your experience and comfort levels.
Here are a couple of the styles we believe to be best suited for beginner campers.
Drive-in Winter Camping
Ontario is known for harsh winter conditions that can be amplified without the proper camping shelter equipment. If you want to explore the wintery landscapes without the concern of freezing conditions, consider drive-in camping as your method to explore.
Drive-in camping is great for beginners as it allows easy access to campsites in wintery conditions without having to brave the cold and hike to your destination. Having your car at your campsite simplifies many aspects of winter camping and can ensure you have a warm and sturdy shelter ready if conditions worsen.
Drive-in camping is also great, as it lets you bring everything you need to ensure you are comfortable and warm throughout your stay.
Portable power stations like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max and EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable power stations are compact and easy to bring along on these extended trips into the winter conditions. These power stations are powerful and can easily supply power to portable heaters, electronics, or whatever else you may need while on your trip.
Drive-in camping is a great intro trip for beginner campers and is an excellent way to ensure you are fully prepared for the chilly conditions ahead.
Backcountry Winter Camping
For the more adventurous campers who may have a few more trips under their belt, backcountry camping may be the camping style for you. This off-the-grid style of camping offers a unique opportunity for travellers to venture into the wilderness while staying away from developed campsites.
Backcountry camping requires more of an advanced skillset, though if you take the time to prepare, you will have the opportunity to explore untouched and undeveloped lands on your own terms. This style of camping typically requires campers to hike to their desired campsites and is perfect for those looking for a serene and quiet escape into nature.
While drive-in camping may be a bit easier for true beginners, backcountry camping will allow you to explore remote destinations without the barriers of regular campgrounds. You will have to brave the conditions without access to traditional amenities, though EcoFlow Portable Power Stations are easy to bring along to your chosen campsite and can help to enjoy the immersive experience with the added benefit of access to power.
Where To Go Winter Camping in Ontario
Regardless of which camping style you choose, there are tons of excellent destinations to visit while on your winter camping trip in Ontario. Below, we have created a short list of some drive-camping spots and some of the more well-known backcountry camping spots for you to consider as you plan your trip.
Algonquin Provincial Park
The perfect spot for beginner campers is the Algonquin Provincial Park. This destination is an excellent spot for drive-in camping and is one of Ontario’s oldest and most well-known camping destinations.
This park is open year-round and transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder seasons. Cross-country skiing is a popular activity at this destination, which is also a great spot to view the vast winter landscapes that Ontario has to offer.
Pinery Provincial Park
This park is another destination well-known for its natural features and offers tons of outdoor activities for campers to enjoy. If they want to glamp, they can rent yurts.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
This hidden gem is located on the coast of Lake Huron and is an excellent spot for campers of all experience levels. This destination is open year-round, though visitors can enjoy smaller crowds during winter. There is even an ice-skating trail to take in all the scenic views while travelling through the forests.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a backcountry campground, Lake Superior Provincial Park is a great option. The campsite is located directly on the coast of Lake Superior and boasts stunning cliffside views from all angles.
There are plenty of forests and trails to explore, though you should be prepared for particularly windy conditions. If this is your destination of choice, be sure to check out the Nokomis Trail for some stunning scenic views.
Killarney Provincial Park
Another backcountry campsite option perfect for more adventurous travellers is Killarney Provincial Park. This stunning space is known for the La Cloche Mountains, which offer campers a unique view of the dramatic cliffsides. You can also see plenty of frozen lakes and stunning winter landscapes throughout this park, making it an excellent and picturesque destination for campers.
What To Pack for Winter Camping in Ontario
- Shelter and Sleeping Essentials
An all-season tent should be your first item packed when planning your winter camping trip. These tents are designed to withstand cold conditions and can help reduce the wind chill once inside. A thermal sleeping bag is also a great investment, helping to retain body heat and keep you warm even in freezing outdoor conditions.
- Clothing and Personal Gear
Packing the proper layers and personal gear is essential for your health and safety during a winter camping trip. You should always ensure that thermal layers are well-insulated and easy to add or remove at a moment’s notice. Overpacking with plenty of clothing items is the best practice for these trips in the winter and can ensure you have an adequate plan to stay warm and dry.
- Cooking and Food Supplies
In freezing conditions, we tend to burn a lot more calories at a faster rate than usual. To ensure you stay adequately nourished, you should have plenty of non-perishable food items in your pack. Canned soups and similar items are easy to heat up and will help to provide you with the caloric intake you need to feel your best.
- Safety and Navigation
Whether you are drive-in camping or backcountry camping, you will need a reliable navigation system for the duration of your stay. Remote destinations in Ontario can be particularly difficult to navigate in the winter season, as your planned routes may change. Electronic navigation systems are great options, though you should always have a map of the area packed to use in case of an emergency.
- Weather Protection
Conditions can change at the drop of a hat during the winter season. To be fully prepared, you should always overpack with plenty of weather protection at the ready. Have a way to anchor the tent to the ground and invest in some high-quality tarps to help mitigate the risk of snow and water entering the tent in case of an unexpected winter storm.
- Entertainment and Comfort
Some entertainment can make long nights in cold conditions much more enjoyable. Bringing along a good book or even a portable television set can help you settle in each night of your stay. This is also a great tip to pass the time if the weather turns for the worst and you have to spend some additional time in your tent.
- Emergency and Backup Supplies
With the drastic weather changes in Ontario, you should always have a plan in case of an emergency. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit and plenty of backup supply options for the extent of your stay.
- Insulation and Warmth
Staying warm throughout your stay should always be a top priority. With the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC, you can easily access a reliable heat source that can quickly raise the temperature inside your tent. Combining this portable heater with thermal blankets and proper tent insulation should work wonders in keeping you warm.
- Lighting and Visibility
During the winter months, daylight is typically short-lived. Flashlights and floodlights are great options for campsites and will allow you to safely move around your campsite even after the sun has gone down.
- Tools and Utilities
Setting up your campsite can be made a lot easier with the proper tools on hand. Tool kits take up little space in your pack and will save you time and energy, so be sure to include this on your packing list.
- Wildlife Protection and Storage
Camping in the more remote spots throughout Ontario means that you will need to plan for wildlife protection and storage. Bears are quite common in the outer regions of Ontario and may find their way near your campsite. Having proper deterrents and food and garbage storage can help keep you and your camping party safe and separate from these wild animals.
- Communication Devices
Having a reliable way to communicate with the outside world is an additional safety measure that should not be forgotten. Phones and electronics, especially in backcountry camping, can easily stay connected with the proper gear. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Solar Generators are easy to pack and make for a great backup power plan in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Ontario is a great destination to camp year-round. Each season offers a unique experience, and there are many campsites for campers of all experience levels. Spring and summer offer milder weather conditions, though winter and fall boast beautiful landscapes for those willing to brave the more extreme weather.
There are numerous locations throughout Ontario where you can live in your RV throughout the year. Most RV owners tend to find campsites that offer year-round rentals to park their vehicles and set up a more permanent camp for lengthy stays. Private properties and mobile home parks are some other options to consider when researching places that allow long-term RV stays.
Final Thoughts
Campers of all experience levels best enjoy winter camping trips in Ontario, and offer a great way to reconnect with nature with the serene and peaceful snow-covered landscapes. While you may have to make some extra preparations, we assure you that winter camping trips are well worth it.
Ready to get to packing? Make sure to bring EcoFlow Portable Power Stations for all of your backup power needs.