Canada is big. Covering 9.98 million square kilometres and sharing coasts with 3 oceans, calling it ‘big’ may actually be an understatement. Of those 9.98 million square kilometres, Ontario takes up 1 million (415,000 square miles).
It’s a landscape carved by the Canadian Shield – billion year old exposed Precambrian rock that’s one of the largest geologic continental shields in the world. It’s not great for staking down a tent but is definitely an eye-catcher. I grew up traveling down highways buffered by these ancient boulders. And where the boulders stop you find forests, grassy lowlands, swamps and marshes and endless networks of rivers and lakes. With more than 250,000 lakes (the Great Lakes included, because they always deserve a shout-out), it’s no wonder that one-fifth of the world’s fresh water is here.
Protected land in Ontario covers about 9.5 million hectares and includes more than 630 provincial parks and conservation reserves. More than half of Ontario is classified as forested land and with a population that prefers to huddle together in the southern end of the province, it’s safe to say a lot of the north is pretty quiet. Which is why Northern Ontario is where most of the Crown Land can be found – about 77% of the province’s land mass, actually. Crown Land comes with its own terms and conditions, and approved use of it varies pretty considerably. But for the most part, it can be utilized as another avenue for the off-the-beaten-path camper or explorer. Canadians have a 21-day free pass for camping and exploring on Crown Land (depending on the specific area and season) and a good amount of people seek out these more remote places to pitch their tents. Although more likely to rub up against some of Ontario’s wilder neighbours like black bears, moose and timber wolves, you’re sure to experience a solitude unlike most sites offered in the more popular parks.
As for me, I’ll still be focusing on the parks themselves. (And taking advantage of some close proximity Crown Land when I can). It’s safe to say that with 86 currently active parks offering camping options, I’ll have my hands full. Plenty of sites are walk-ins, paddle-ins or a combination portage experience. The physical wear and tear is already daunting.
And of course, a truly comprehensive look into Ontario wouldn’t be complete without talking weather. Because The Great White North as Canada has so affectionately been called, definitely has its fair share of seasonal highs and lows. We can get cold here. And, despite what some neighbours may think, we can also get really hot.
The Ontario climate is broken down into three regions independently influenced by the dry northern arctic air, the polar winds sweeping in from the prairies next door, and the warmer, moist air coming up from the Gulf of Mexico. These varying forces mean Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario may share the same four-season blueprint but definitely follow them differently. Our frigid winters (subarctic temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius in the north) and hot, humid, mosquito-rich summers mean getting outdoors is never without its challenge. Layers are a fashion staple born of necessity here. And you better believe I’ve already started up on a collection of fleece and flannel.
There’s a lot going on here. Plenty of ways to get lost – hopefully more to be found. Ontario is rugged, tough, unforgiving and vast. This will be a hefty undertaking. Aside from actually not getting lost, there’s the wild neighbours to keep mindful of, the impassability of some of the forests and marshes that choke riverbanks and weather that likes to sweep between extremes. With more than 80 up-and-functioning camping parks provincially (number will probably rise in the following years back to its usual 100+), there’ll be over 2000km of ground to cover. I’m looking at some lengthy road-trips, a flight or two, a couple ferry rides and all intermingled with some hiking, canoeing and snow-shoeing. I’m anticipating a perpetual beach-bod from here on out.
Canada has always been a home to be proud of. I haven’t explored it nearly enough though. It’s time to fix that. Starting here, with Ontario Provincial Parks.
She Collects Campsites 