If you have ever tried to book a campsite at Algonquin, Sandbanks, Bon Echo, Killbear, or Pinery, you already know the struggle! According to the Ontario Parks website, over 50% of campsite reservations made by the end of March are made at just those five parks. That can make finding a campsite, especially at the last minute, feel nearly impossible.
But I have good news! The province is full of beautiful, hidden gem Ontario Parks locations that offer stunning scenery, peaceful travels, and incredible camping opportunities (without the crowds). Over the past few years, my husband and I have road-tripped to a long list of provincial parks with our pack of adventure-loving pets, and we can confidently say there are many AMAZING options outside of that top five list!
Whether you’re planning a weekend camping getaway or just need an escape from the city, here are 10 lesser-known Ontario Parks that are 100% worth the drive from Toronto.
Lake St. Peter Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 3.5 Hours
Just north of Bancroft, Lake St. Peter Provincial Park is a perfect example of why you should check out some of the lesser-known Ontario Parks in your area. This park may be small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its peaceful charm. If you’re looking for quieter, less popular alternatives to Algonquin, this should definitely be on your list.
The park is situated on a clear, calm lake with plenty of waterfront campsites to choose from (including some with electrical access). The lake is perfect for paddling and swimming. We even had the incredible opportunity of witnessing a loon in her nest by the side of the lake while kayaking during our stay. The park’s two sandy beaches were surprisingly quiet even on the hottest days. While there is no dedicated dog beach, our pups were able to take a dip at the boat launch area to cool off.
There are two trails located within the park boundaries, the Lookout Trail (2.5 km) and the Cabin Trail (4 km). These are considered strenuous trails and aren’t the best option for a beginner hiker, but if you’re up for the challenge, the lookouts are stunning.
For those whose perfect weekend getaways start with a search for the best Ontario provincial parks for a peaceful paddle and escape to nature, Lake St Peter is a solid choice.
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 3 Hours
As the name suggests, Silent Lake Provincial Park is an excellent option for those who prefer peaceful Ontario Parks for camping and hiking. Just south of Bancroft, this park is an excellent choice for those who are interested in calm paddling, including first-time paddlers. Why? No motorboats are allowed on the lake, keeping it calm and easy to manage for any skill level.
One of the park’s major highlights is the Lakeshore Hiking Trail, a stunning 15 km loop around the park, offering beautiful waterfront lookouts, beaver meadows, and hardwood forests. We visited the park over the Thanksgiving weekend, and my pup, Lucifer, joined me for the hike. Not only were the views incredible, but they were made even more magical by the fall colours. If you’re looking for a memorable fall hike, I can’t recommend it enough!
For those who prefer a slightly shorter or less challenging hike, there are two other trails to choose from: Lakehead Loop trail (1.5 km) and Bonnie’s Pond Trail (3 km). While they are considerably shorter, don’t let that discourage you. They still offer some incredible views of the park and the lake it’s named after.
If you’re looking for a winter getaway, Silent Lake is also a great option. When the snow falls, the park is transformed into a cross-country skier’s paradise, with four trails ranging from novice to difficult, totaling 34 km. Camping, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are also available.
Awenda Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 2.5 Hours
Just north of Penetanguishene on Georgian Bay, Awenda Provincial Park is a great destination for anyone searching for provincial parks close to Toronto. The park is a popular family-friendly getaway with private campsites, several beaches (including a pet-friendly beach), and regularly scheduled children’s programs to learn about the park and its local wildlife.
We visited this park during a heatwave and were extremely thankful for the pet beach! Located between 1st Beach and 2nd Beach, the Pet Beach is a great place to take a dip and cool off while enjoying the views of Georgian Bay. No pet? No problem! With four camper beaches to choose from, there is plenty of beachfront space. It’s a beautiful alternative to the more popular locations with their crowded beaches!
For those who enjoy hiking, there are seven trails ranging from 1 km to 13 km in length, including a barrier-free trail. We took our dogs on the Nipissing Trail, a well-groomed 1 km return trail with a 155-step staircase taking you up onto the bluff.
Whether it’s your first time camping in Ontario provincial parks or you’re searching for a new park to explore, Awenda is well worth the trip!
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 3.5 Hours
I couldn’t create a list of hidden gem Ontario Parks without highlighting this beautiful and peaceful location. Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is a smaller park, but it only took one visit for me to fall completely in love. Located in the Frontenac Highlands, this park is surrounded by two lakes: Sharbot Lake and Black Lake. Not only are there plenty of waterfront campsites, but it’s also an ideal getaway for those who enjoy water-related activities, such as beach days, fishing, and paddling.
The park features two sandy beaches, located on Black Lake, and a designated dog beach on Sharbot Lake. While we did take a trip to the dog beach with our pups at one point (just to check it out), we were able to swim right off our campsite after following a path down to the water.
During our time at the park, we rented a canoe and explored Black Lake with both dogs and our cat (yes, a canoeing cat). Not only was it a relaxing, beautiful paddle, but we also witnessed a loon and its baby out on the water, swimming.
Sharbot Lake offers two trails for those who enjoy hiking. The Discovery Trail is a 1.2 km loop with some beautiful views. It is a little more rugged at points, and the rocks on the trail can become quite slippery after a rain (ask us how we know), so appropriate hiking footwear is needed. If you prefer a shorter hike, the 0.5 km Ridgeview Trail is also available.
This is the perfect option for those who love quiet Ontario Parks with beautiful views.
Restoule Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 4 Hours
Whether you’re looking for a rustic backcountry getaway or a cozy car camping weekend, Restoule Provincial Park might be your perfect destination. This is a little further from Toronto, but it’s well worth the drive for its incredible views, quiet lakes, excellent paddling, and beautiful hiking trails. Despite having so much to offer, it’s one of the hidden gems in Ontario for nature lovers.
When we camped here with our dogs, I was struck by just how peaceful it was, even during peak season. The car camping campsites are shaded with a variety of options for campers of all kinds, including electrical, non-electrical, barrier-free, and waterfront sites. It’s even one of the spots for seasonal Ontario Provincial Parks camping, if you’d prefer finding that perfect go-to spot to call your own.
If you prefer a more private or adventurous experience, there are secluded walk-in campsites available. Their easy-access paddle-in sites are the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying backcountry camping for the first time. At the same time, longer paddle routes extend out into the French River for more experienced backcountry lovers.
For hiking lovers, the park’s standout trail is the Fire Tower Trail (4.1 km). This moderately challenging hike leads up to a stunning lookout, offering panoramic views of Stormy Lake and the surrounding forest. You could easily plan a whole weekend on the trails, with five more trails in the park, ranging from 860 m to 4.8 km.
There are three sandy beaches for those who want to take a dip. For pet-friendly travelers, a pet-friendly beach is available near the boat launch. However, the real gem was the fenced leash-free pet area which featured its own dedicated beach. Our pups loved running and playing in this spot for hours on end.
Restoule is an ideal getaway if you want a more remote-feeling adventure at one of the less crowded Ontario Parks.
Point Farms Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 3 Hours
Located on the shores of Lake Huron, just north of Goderich, Point Farms Provincial Park is a must-see destination for those who prefer to stick to the Southern Ontario provincial parks. This park is one of our go-to spots for a relaxed camping experience.
Here, you can choose from a mix of shady and open sites across two campgrounds, one of which (Huron) is radio-free. We found many private options, especially in Huron Campground. There are also six group campsites if you’re planning a getaway with a larger group of family or friends, with the ability to accommodate from nine to 45 people.
The park features three trails, including two easier options for a casual stroll with your pets: the Old Farms Trail (4 km) and the Below the Bluff Trail (0.5 km). The Old Farms Trail was a favourite of my senior dogs, allowing them to get out and enjoy a hike without pushing them too far. The Ravine Trail (1 km) isn’t too long, but the rugged terrain is slightly more challenging.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to cool off on a hot day, Point Farms has a beautiful long beach area. This includes a human-only beach near the Colborne campground and a large dog beach area by the Huron campground.
For a peaceful and relaxing getaway, I highly recommend checking out this park.
Long Point Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 2.5 Hours
Another beautiful park in Ontario, Long Point Provincial Park is situated on a narrow, sandy peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, making it an incredible beach destination.
With over 1.5km of long, sandy beach, including two designated dog beach areas, there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the warm waters of Lake Erie without feeling like you’re crammed in too close (even if there are more people there on the peak summer days). The shallow waters quickly made this a favourite swimming spot for our pup Lucifer (pictured) during our last trip.
The park itself is split into two separate campground areas, the Old Park, where you’ll find Cottonwood Campground, and the New Park, which includes Firefly Campground, Monarch’s Rest Campground, and Turtle Dunes Campground. Many campsites even offer direct access to the beach. We stayed in Cottonwood during our visit. The campsites were all sand, which was a very different camping experience than what we usually find when visiting other Ontario Provincial Parks.
There are no hiking trails at this park. However, there are many places to explore nearby if you’re looking to hit the trails, including the Big Creek National Wildlife Area, which is a short 10-minute drive away. Here, you’ll be able to see a lot of local wildlife in the area’s marshes and wetlands, including frogs, turtles, and over 200 species of birds.
If you’re looking for a beachy alternative to popular parks like Sandbanks, consider planning a trip to Long Point Provincial Park.
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 3.5 Hours
Grundy Lake Provincial Park is truly one of the most incredible hidden gem Ontario Parks in the Canadian Shield. Found just south of Sudbury, this park combines pink granite rocks, pine trees, and deep blue lakes in a stunning, rugged, and peaceful destination for nature lovers.
This is one of my favourite parks to explore by canoe or kayak. There are several lakes, all connected, making it an excellent spot for day paddles or even beginner-friendly canoe camping. There are six sandy beaches spread throughout the park, plus two dog beaches, making this a great option for a hot summer day. There are also many smooth rock areas along the shoreline for sunbathing or taking a dive into the cool water.
However, my favourite time of year to visit Grundy Lake is during the fall. The beautiful scenery throughout this park is made even more magical with the transition into the bold fall colours.
The park features four hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult, meaning there are options to suit hikers of all skill levels. If I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Swan Lake Trail (1.5 km loop). Rated “moderate to difficult” on the Ontario Provincial Parks website, the trail does have some rugged rocky ridges that would be challenging for newer hikers. That said, the stunning lookouts make it well worth the effort.
If you’re searching for a peaceful and nature-focused park where you can truly disconnect from the world and enjoy the incredible beauty held by the Northern Ontario provincial parks, Grundy Lake is a great choice.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 3 Hours
Just south of Port Elgin on the Lake Huron shoreline, MacGregor Point Provincial Park is easily one of my favourite go-to parks. In fact, we make a point of visiting this point at least once every year. While many Southern Ontario provincial parks attract large crowds (like Pinery), MacGregor Point tends to stay much quieter, making it a great option for those who are looking to relax and enjoy an escape to nature.
The park features five hiking trails, three of which also allow bicycles, and a dedicated biking trail, the Deer Run Bike Trail (3.7 km). The trails range in length from 0.8 km to 4 km. Most trails are rated as “easy” in difficulty, with the only exception being the Lake Ridge Trail (4 km, moderate). Some of our favourite experiences on the trail include the view from the observation trail on the Tower Trail and the logging history of the area shared on storyboards along the Lake Ridge Trail.
Unlike many parks in Southern Ontario, MacGregor Point is open year-round. This means you can visit at any time, even for winter camping. During the winter months, the trails are transformed into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating trails. For those interested in snowmobiling, it is an option, but only on park roads.
The campsites are private and shaded, and the park has always felt calm and peaceful during our visits. They also have several rustic cabins and yurts for those who prefer a glamping getaway (a great option on those colder winter trips).
For those travelling with pets, the park is a great choice. There is a designated dog-friendly portion on the sandy beach in the day-use area of the park, and a second dog-friendly beach can be found near the Huron Campground.
If you’re looking for less crowded Ontario Parks with great trails and private campsites, MacGregor Point is a solid choice.
Chutes Provincial Park
Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 6 Hours
This is the longest drive time of all the options included on this list, but it is well worth the drive for a weekend away. Chutes Provincial Park is one of those places that truly feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle of daily life while still offering the convenience of a nearby town (Massey) for all your needs.
The park is named after the small waterfall (or chute) on the Aux Sables River that once powered a local logging mill. Today, you can view the waterfall from the beautiful lookouts on the Twin Bridges Trail (6 km), or swim right below it at a sandy beach on the river. The trail is one of our favourite peaceful trails to explore with our dogs because it’s quiet, shaded, and full of little surprises to make you smile along the way, like rock ledges, gentle rapids, and calm pools.
While dogs aren’t allowed at the beach at the base of the falls, there is a dog beach just a little further down the river. There is also a fenced exercise area where they can run and play off-leash.
The campsites are large and well-shaded. While they are generally a little less private than some other parks we’ve recommended, the fact that Chutes doesn’t draw big crowds means you can still enjoy a slower, quieter nature experience. We love booking sites in the Big Chute Crescent campground, as you can hear the sound of the waterfall all night, a natural white noise machine.
If you’re looking for the charming experience of the Northern Ontario provincial parks, Chutes is well worth the trip!
Start Planning Your Next Ontario Camping Getaway Today!
You don’t have to fight for a spot at the most popular park in the province to enjoy an unforgettable Ontario camping trip. The parks on this list are some of the most peaceful and scenic places I’ve visited, and they’re all within driving distance of Toronto. Whether you’re looking for quiet paddling routes, pet-friendly beaches, or just a break from the busy city, these hidden gem Ontario Parks are the way to go.
Many of these sites also book up more slowly than the better-known destinations. However, I still recommend making your reservations early, especially for summer weekend vacations or during peak fall colours.
So, load up the car, grab your gear, pack the snacks (don’t forget treats for the pets), and start planning your next Ontario road trip!
FAQ
When Do Ontario Parks Open for the Year?
Most Ontario Parks open for camping and day use in mid-May, with many considering the May long weekend the grand opening. They generally stay open until Thanksgiving weekend. However, a handful of parks, like MacGregor Point and Silent Lake, offer year-round access for winter camping, skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. Always check the individual park page on the Ontario Parks website for specific opening and closing dates.
Which Ontario Parks are Best for a Peaceful Weekend Trip?
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, parks like Silent Lake, Sharbot Lake, and Chutes are excellent choices. These parks tend to be quieter than popular parks like Algonquin, Sandbanks, or Pinery, but still offer beautiful scenery, well-maintained trails, and excellent camping opportunities.
How Do You Make Reservations at Ontario Provincial Parks?
You can book campsites online through the Ontario Parks Reservation System or by phone. Ontario Provincial Parks open for reservations five months in advance of your arrival date. Popular dates/parks fill up quickly, especially for summer weekends. If you’re planning a last-minute trip or looking for quieter options, consider booking at lesser-known parks, such as the ones featured in this post. You can also check regularly for cancellations in your preferred park or visit the Ontario Parks Cancellations Facebook group.
