Stealing just a couple of days to reconnect with nature and remind yourself of what real life is really can often save your sanity. One of the best parts about living in Ontario is being so close to some of the most beautiful campgrounds. Plus, some are actually a reasonable driving distance from Toronto!
Want to get away this weekend? Head to any of these campgrounds less than 4 hours from Toronto!
Bruce Peninsula Provincial Park
Head up to Tobermory to enjoy Bruce Peninsula Provincial Park. The views are stunning and you can even check out the park’s iconic grotto. If rock formations are what get you going, take a tour boat over to Flowerpot Island which is named for its unique rock pillars.
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours, 33 minutes
Whispering Springs
Looking to go glamping this summer? Head over to Whispering Springs to reconnect with wilderness in style. Located west of Cobourg in Northumberland County, this escape features canvas tents outfitted with queen-sized beds, electricity, chic furnishings, and outdoor cooking areas.
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Silent Lake Provincial Park
If year-round camping is your thing, then you need to know about Silent Lake Provincial Park. Located just north of Peterborough in the Kawarthas, this park features 19 km of hiking trails and mountain biking trails as well as a stunning look-out point.
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Located just north of Parry Sound is Grundy Lake Provincial Park which boasts nine camping areas for tent campers as well as RV and trailers campers and full amenities. There are also countless inland lakes for all your canoeing and kayaking adventures.
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours, 19 minutes
Elora Gorge Park
Only, about an hour and a half drive from downtown Toronto, you will find the picturesque Elora Gorge. Pitch your tent at Elora Gorge Park and head to the quaint town of Elora in the morning and you’ll really appreciate the out-of-city life.
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours
Bon Echo Provincial Park
You absolutely do not want to miss out on going to the gorgeous and extremely well-maintained Bon Echo Provincial Park. Make sure you’re prepared — bring bug spray and other camping essentials, and you’ll be golden. It’s also important to note that it’s a bit of a drive from Toronto, but so worth it once you arrive. You can enjoy backcountry camping or check out the views from your car.
Distance From Toronto: 3 hours, 32 minutes
Albion Hills Conservation Park
A short car ride to Caledon will get you to Albion Hills Conservation Park where you can be hiking, biking, or simply snoozing on the beach. Do all the things that the city won’t allow: fish, swim in the lake, and then fall asleep under a star-filled sky. Pretty enticing, huh?
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 31 minutes
Awenda Provincial Park
The gorgeous Awenda Provincial Park is located on Georgian Bay so it’s a bit on the further side. However, once you’re there you’ll see that it’s well worth the journey. With 33 km of trails on offer, it’s the perfect retreat from city living. Breathe it in, soak it up, and go for a swim in the crystal clear lake.
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours, 43 minutes
Sandbanks Provincial Park
While Sandbanks Provincial Park is also slightly farther away, you’ll be happy you made the trek once you see the beach. Located in Prince Edward County, there are a ton of fun things to do in the area and the dunes at the park are a sight you won’t want to miss.
Distance From Toronto: 3 hours, 5 minutes
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead Provincial Park is just north of Huntsville, but you’ll feel like you’re much further north with all the dense greenery, lakes, and hiking trails. The main attractions at this campground is a trail that leads to a waterfall, and one that passes by a U-shaped river bend.
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours, 43 minutes
Rockwood Conservation Area
With all the unique landforms at Rockwood Conservation Area, including limestone cliffs, caves, and glacial potholes, it’s hard to believe this place is so near Toronto, located just outside of Guelph. The Eramosa River also runs through it, making this campground an awesome place for avid canoers and kayakers.
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Sibbald Point Provincial Park
If your idea of camping is hanging out, Sibbald Point Provincial Park, located just south of Orillia, is another campground near Toronto you should visit. There’s a large sandy beach that sits on Lake Simcoe and plenty of grassy picnic areas for kicking back and relaxing.
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is the perfect place to camp if you don’t feel like driving very far. Located in between Burlington and Oakville, it’s also accessible by GO Transit leaving from Union and Exhibition Stations. The park features a 115-foot deep ravine, five great hiking trails, and more!
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 7 minutes
Darlington Provincial Park
Darlington Provincial Park is another great option for those seeking a camping retreat that’s around an hour away. Darlington is just outside of Oshawa on Lake Ontario and has a long sandy beachfront, nature trails, and a number of day-use picnic facilities.
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Algonquin Provincial Park
There is so much to explore at Algonquin Provincial Park that you will definitely want to spend the entire weekend here. The popular campground features forests, rivers, and numerous lakes that are home to lots of wildlife.
Distance From Toronto: 3 hour, 30 minutes
Mara Point Provincial Park
This awesome campground has a beautiful beach that’s right on the shores of Lake Simcoe. There are even picnic shelters available for registration, as well as ice, firewood, and ice cream at the registration office! Don’t forget about all of the restaurants, convenience stores, and boat rental shops nearby to make your trip extra special!
Distance From Toronto: 2 hours
Emerald Lake Campground
If you’re looking to camp with a side of entertainment, check out Emerald Lake! Experience a day of water fun in its five-acre, pollution-free, spring-fed quarry lake where you can cliff jump, jump on the water trampoline and more. This is a great place to camp with the whole family!
Distance From Toronto: 1 hour
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17 Beautiful Waterfalls To Explore Near Toronto
Looking for your next big, fun adventure? There are some absolutely stunning waterfalls near Toronto that give you the perfect excuse to escape the city.
There are tons of amazing spots in Ontario that are absolutely gorgeous and cheaper than a plane ticket to visit. Make it a fun day trip and pack some snacks, your camera, and some hiking shoes.
Here are beautiful Waterfalls near Toronto to check out for your next adventure.
Albion Falls
Located in Hamilton on the Mountain Brow, this waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. A gorgeous cascade at the bottom is totally picturesque. There are many hiking trails around the area, so you can get all the different angles and views of the falls.
Ball’s Falls
With a quaint little town nearby, Ball’s Falls is a perfect place to escape to. Located in the Niagara region, there are two hiking trails to choose from: the upper or lower levels of the falls. Here you’ll be able to get some great exercise while embracing all that nature has to offer.
Chedoke Falls
Known as a ribbon waterfall, the Chedoke Falls is situated on the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton. The area is also full of activities to enjoy such as hike trails, bike paths, and the Chedoke stairs.
Devil’s Punchbowl
Another ribbon waterfall on the Niagara Escarpment is Devil’s Punch Bowl. As one of Hamilton’s most known sites and one of the most popular waterfalls near Toronto, it should be on your bucket list! At the top of the waterfall, there is a great view of the Stoney Creek and Hamilton harbour. Also enjoy a yummy market down the road with freshly baked pies, pastries, and so many more goodies.
Elora Gorge Falls
One of the most popular tourist areas, the Elora Gorge Falls is located in Elora which is about 30 minutes away from Guelph. Classified as a complex cascade fall, it makes for super cool water flow down the rock shelves.
Great Falls
Situated in Waterdown, Ontario, the Great Falls is also known as Smokey Hollow, Grindstone, or Waterdown Falls. Check out the lower level of the water flow and take in the beautiful view.
Beamer Falls
Take a lovely stroll around Beamer Falls, which is located in Grimsby, Ontario. If you’re a fan of birds, you’ll be excited to hear that people have been able to spot bald eagles, turkeys, and other gorgeous winged animals in the area. Check out these falls and maybe you’ll get lucky spotting a cool bird, too!
Niagara Falls
Of course, our list of waterfalls near Toronto wouldn’t be complete without the famously known Niagara Falls. Take an up-close and personal look at the falls on the Maid of the Mist or even take a walk behind the falls. If there is one waterfall that you must cross off your list, this is it.
Billy Monkley Cascade
A small but beautiful cascade, water seamlessly flows off rock shelves making for a great photo background. Located in Hamilton on Rymal Road, it’s the perfect place for some peace and relaxation.
Borer’s Falls
The high ribbon waterfall in Dundas, Ontario has a large area on the lower level of the waterfall to hang out and enjoy. You can also access Borer’s Falls from the well-known Bruce Trail. Pack a picnic and make a full day of it — you won’t regret it!
Webster’s Falls
Located in Dundas, Ontario, this beautiful waterfall is the largest in the entire region. Not only can you enjoy the view, but it’s also very close to hiking trails, green spaces, amenities, and restaurants in the town.
Louth Falls
Louth Falls can be found near Lincoln, Ontario, and features a 1.8km trail where you can take in the scenery. You can even bring your pup there too as long as they’re on a leash!
Canterbury Falls
Head on out to the Bruce Trail in Ancaster, and follow it to the Canterbury Falls side. Here you’ll see the two-stage, ribbon cascade waterfall situated on Canterbury Creek.
Felker’s Falls
This lovely site is in Stoney Creek in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area. The falls flow over the Niagara Escarpment and have a unique rock formation at the bottom that’s definitely worth checking out. It’s near other waterfalls as well, so you can make an awesome day trip out of it!
Tiffany Falls
The conservation area actually features two waterfalls within it which include Tiffany Falls and Washboard Falls, that’s formed by Tiffany Creek. So, you get the sight of two waterfalls at this spot—two is always better than one!
Darnley Cascade
Darnley Cascade is located at Crooks Hollow Conservation Area in Greensville and is a cascade waterfall measuring around 4 meters high. At 225 meters above sea level, it’s actually the highest elevation of any Hamilton area waterfall!
Belfountain Falls
Belfountain Falls is located on the Niagara Escarpment in the West Credit River Valley. It’s a man-made waterfall with a suspension bridge across the river gorge, providing the perfect view.
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Sometimes brands extend their normal reach and work on something that benefits not only themselves but society as a whole. If you’ve been following American news lately, you may have caught the story that President Donal Trump has made a decision to significantly reduce the protection of two prominent American national parks. If not check out this video below to catch up.
Following this announcement outdoor lifestyle brand Patagonia has announced plans to fight back against the Trump administration. If you check out Patagonia’s website, you land on a redesigned website that features just a black page with the words ” The President Stole Your Land” (this message only shows up on the U.S. version of the site. If you go to the Canadian version you’ll see a similar sentiment with the words “This land is your land?”). The click-through leads you to a page that discussed the problem. Essentially critics of Trumps move say that the Trump administration is privatizing national parks and that this move by Trump will equal the largest elimination of protected land in American history.
According to CNN, Patagonia’s founder Yvon Chouinard has had enough and has stated: “I’m going to sue him”. Patagonia has always had a strong commitment to the environment and has released an online petition urging visitors to take action against the Trump administration.