When my daughter, Scotia, turned nine, I decided it was time to introduce her to the great Canadian experience: camping. There were just a few minor glitches. We didn't own sleeping bags, let alone a tent, and my husband was reluctant to invest in what he thought would be a one-off. I couldn't blame him – Scotia hated bugs, snakes and the thought of sleeping outdoors with them almost as much as my hubby hated the thought of setting up and taking down a campsite.
Do you live to go camping in the summer? Share your go-to camping destination with other readers, or find a new favourite in the comments section on the next page.
Then I read about a "turn-key camping" experience offered at Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay, Ont. The first sentence sold me: "All equipment and activities included in the cost, from pickup to preassembled luxury campsites to hikes, canoeing and campfires."
In early September, we boarded a boat with sleeping bags (our one modest investment), warm pajamas and a cooler full of food. As soon as we docked, we spotted the tents, nestled into the pine and granite Group of Seven scenery. "They're humongous!" my daughter yelled, racing up the path to check out the accommodations. Our home-away-from-home was the camping equivalent of a five-star hotel: a king-size bed (OK, two twin-size camp beds raised off the ground, pushed together and topped with an air mattress), a table, chairs and lantern. Outside on the deck – yes, deck! – were two comfy chairs that looked out over the water.
While we settled in and met our fellow campers, our two on-site guides, Scott and Chris, stocked the outdoor kitchen shelter and started preparing a pasta dinner. We dined alfresco overlooking the bay and watched the sun set. Later that night, as we toasted marshmallows and made s'mores around the campfire, Chris showed the kids how to find their favourite constellations. My daughter was so enthralled, she barely noticed the mosquitoes.
The next morning I woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the cry of loons. I slipped out of bed for an early morning paddle and when I returned, I found Scotia and her dad in the camp kitchen frying up ham and eggs over a kerosene stove. This is a kid who can barely work the toaster at home! I've never had a better breakfast.
Page 1 of 3 – Discover the amazing amenities and recreational activities many campgrounds offer on page 2.
