Check out one—or more— of Ontario’s official parklands.

1. John E. Pearce PORT BURWELL

Situated on the coast of Lake Erie, west of Port Stanley, this 68-hectare day-use park offers a gentle respite from busy city life. Two easy trails make it a great spot for a leisurely weekend excursion. One winds through hardwood forest, while the other meanders through new wetlands, so bring your birding binoculars! Enjoy a picnic lunch and then visit the on-site Backus Page House Museum, a restored 1850s home. ontarioparks.com/park/johnepearce

 

2. Petroglyphs WOODVIEW

This provincial treasure is a must-visit for the entire family. Learn about the traditions of the Anishinaabe people at the visitor centre, then trek to The Teaching Rocks, the sacred site of more Indigenous rock carvings than anywhere else in Canada, and pass by the vivid meromictic McGinnis Lake, where the layers of water don’t mix. ontarioparks.com/park/petroglyphs

3. The Massasauga PARRY SOUND

If backcountry camping accessed by canoe is your thing, look no further than this 13,000-hectare beauty spot on Georgian Bay. In fact, touring the pristine waters of this park by boat is recommended; moor your craft to explore the rocky islands, hiking trails and cool inland forests on foot, viewing wildlife as you go. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Massasauga Rattler—the park is a protected sanctuary for this venomous snake. On a hot day, a quick dip in one of the quiet coves feels like heaven. Before heading out, visit Calhoun Lodge, a 1930s cottage on the property. ontarioparks.com/park/themassasauga

4. Arrowhead HUNTSVILLE

Nestled in the popular Muskoka region is this little gem that offers family camping, canoeing, swimming, hiking and biking— and pet facilities! It’s a motorboat-free environment, so (hopefully), some quiet is guaranteed. Picnic, play on the beach, and don’t miss the hiking trail that looks over the picturesque Stubb’s Falls. ontarioparks. com/park/arrowhead

 

5. Presqu'ile BRIGHTON

A long, sandy beach, amazing bird-watching opportunities, and Ontario’s second-oldest operating lighthouse are the main attractions at this family-friendly park. The marsh boardwalk, easy hiking and biking trails and children’s summer program are added highlights that will keep you coming back year after year. ontarioparks.com/park/presquile

 

6. Voyageur CHUTE-À-BLONDEAU

Right at the Quebec border on the Ottawa River, Voyageur Provincial Park is a prize piece of land, providing four beaches and a multitude of camping and picnicking options for both small families and larger groups. There’s something for everyone here, including a variety of wildlife habitats, hiking trails and swimming spots to explore. Designed to accommodate a hefty number of people, the park has ample space for day-use visitors, and several group campsites that can hold up to 100 people. Even if we can’t manage to fill those up this year, it’s worth keeping on the mental tackboard for a future family reunion! ontarioparks.com/park/voyageur

7. Murphys Point PERTH

North of Kingston, Murphys Point park sits on Big Rideau Lake, part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there’s lots to see and do by foot or by boat. Kids (of all ages) will love touring the restored Silver Queen Mine from the early 1900s, McParlan House and the Lally Homestead. ontarioparks.com/park/murphyspoint

8. Quetico ATIKOKAN

Backcountry campers and canoeing enthusiasts will likely already know Quetico, the giant wilderness park where Mother Nature is on display in all her glory. West of Thunder Bay, this 471,942-hectare remote land is home to old-growth forests, powerful waterfalls, majestic cliffs and more than 2,000 lakes. ontarioparks.com/park/quetico

 

9. Ivanhoe Lake SOUTH PORCUPINE

Sandy beaches, serene lakes and spectacular forests make this an ideal spot for family camping. Hike the easy trails to see kettle lakes, nesting songbirds and a quaking bog (!), then fish for brook trout and northern pike when you want a quieter day. ontarioparks.com/park/ivanhoelake

10. Rock Point DUNNVILLE

For a simple day of sunning yourself at the beach and an easy hike to look out over Lake Erie, this small, pretty spot fits the bill. Bonus: Kids’ll love the remains of a 350-million-year-old coral reef along the shore. ontarioparks.com/park/rockpoint

11. Algonquin WHITNEY

Ontario’s first provincial park, this vast tract of land and water is also the second-largest. Visitors can paddle, trek, bike and spot flora and fauna to their heart’s content in the park’s 772,300 hectares of forests, bogs, lakes and rivers. A variety of camping options and facilities are available along Highway 60, which runs roughly across the southwest corner of the plot, while backcountry camping (including rentals of old log ranger cabins) can be had further inland. ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin