Home on wheels: RV travel makes it easy to explore the province by visiting RV-friendly parks where you can enjoy nature and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALAN DAWES
TRAVEL
RV Roundup: Top Picks for Parks in Ontario
Stunning landscapes, wildlife sightings, all-around family fun — here’s where to go for your next RV adventure.
By Briony Smith
RVing HAS EXPLODED in popularity over the past decade, with many Canadians eager to explore their country with their homes on wheels. RV usage nearly doubled between 2014 and 2023, according to the 2024 KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, and RV retail sales have grown 18.3 percent since 2013, The Portage Group Inc.’s RVDA Economic Impact Study revealed.
“The pandemic has opened Canada’s eyes to what is in our backyard and there’s no better way to explore that than [with an RV],” says Go RVing Canada’s president, Christopher Mahony. “It really offers that freedom and flexibility. Just get out there and do your thing your way. And if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, pick up and move. That flexibility is a huge positive.”
Ontarians are lucky, given the numerous RV sites in the province. Between Camping Ontario campgrounds and the provincial and national parks, there are more than 700 options, with the majority of them RV sites, plus private campgrounds offering additional choices. Whether you’re looking for spectacular views, wildlife spotting or overall family fun, Ontario has it all. Mahony shares some of his top insider picks.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROB ANZIT PHOTOGRAPHY
GREAT VIEWS
Inverhuron Provincial Park, Tiverton “Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this hidden gem is less popular than the neighbouring Bruce Peninsula campgrounds,” notes Mahony, who loves this park’s panoramic vantage points. “The wetlands, forests and shoreline ecosystems are perfect for the landscape and scenery hunter.”
WONDERFUL WILDLIFE
Quetico Provincial Park, Atikokan Head to this park in northwestern Ontario for an immersive experience in tranquil remote wilderness and expect to see moose, black bears and wolves, perhaps even sightings of lynx, deer and timber wolves. “There’s also numerous bird species, amphibians and fish, making it an amazing haven for wildlife,” Mahony says. Quetico, which spans 460,000 hectares and boasts over 2,000 lakes, is world-famous for backcountry canoeing.
FABULOUS FOR FAMILIES
Sherkston Shores, Sherkston “Sherkston has waterslides!” Mahony exclaims. A surefire hit with the kids, the park also offers beach access, multiple pools and lots of water sports. Once you’re done at the beach for the day, Mahony notes that Sherkston is “just a short drive away from Niagara Falls, making it a great base for exploring the area.”
ROMANTIC RESPITE
Sandbanks Provincial Park, Picton If you’re looking for a snuggle with your sweetie, Prince Edward County is an ideal destination. “You can go to wineries and restaurants [and] try biking, hiking or kayaking: it’s the best,” Mahony says. “Plus, it’s got your beach and wildlife, too.” CAA
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