Top Spots for Canoeing & Camping in Ontario
Quick Summary
What Ontario lacks in ocean, it makes up for in bountiful lakes and rivers. With over 7,500 interior campsites across Ontario parks and 75 parks offering canoe rentals, exploring the province's more rustic spots from the water is a truly Canadian summer experience. Season runs mid-May to mid-October.
Quick Facts
- Parks Featured: 9 top canoe camping destinations
- Province: Ontario, Canada
- Interior Campsites: 7,500+ across Ontario parks
- Canoe Rentals: 75 Ontario parks offer canoe rentals
- Season: Mid-May to mid-October
9 Premier Canoeing & Camping Destinations
1. Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Distance from Ottawa: Under 2 hours
Located in the breathtaking 1000 Islands region, this park offers 10 interior campsites—backcountry spots you need to paddle into. Canoeing time ranges from 10 minutes to 2 hours depending on your workout preference. You'll be rewarded with an elevated tent platform, fire grill, and other camping necessities.
2. Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
Great beaches and awesome swimming spots characterize this park. The best part? Outfitters will actually deliver a canoe to the launch, meaning no lugging or specialty roof rack needed. Nine campsites are reachable within 5-20 minutes by canoe. Being situated close to the highway with easy equipment access makes Grundy great for day trips too.
3. Algonquin Park
Distance from Toronto/Ottawa: 3 hours each
Canoeing and Algonquin Park go hand in hand. If you ask any Ontario local about canoeing, most will immediately think of this massive park. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes and 30 access points, there are endless opportunities to explore. Camping spots are located throughout, plus ranger cabins (no electricity or water) are available. Local favorites include Kiosk, Brent, Canisbay Bay, and Crotch Lake—paddle-in campsites balancing rugged backcountry with bustling lodge vibes.
4. Kilarney Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 4+ hours
Recognized as a top wilderness destination in Ontario, Killarney is recognizable by its vivid blue lake and white quartzite ridges. George Lake is motor-boat free, almost guaranteeing a tranquil getaway. Campsites can be booked in advance, and if you're not up for canoeing, sleep in a yurt for a luxurious stay. Paddlers enjoy expansive Georgian Bay coast views and well-maintained portage passes.
5. Temagami
Distance from Toronto/Ottawa: 5 hours each
A municipality in Northern Ontario, Temagami has become THE go-to destination for canoeing. Through the landscape of towering old-growth pines, you'll find a plethora of canoe routes. Trips tend to be longer here, so some experience is recommended. Campsites fill up fast across park and public lands. Visit a local outfitter like Temagami Outfitting Company before setting out—local knowledge is invaluable in this rugged spot.
6. Massassauga Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours north
Nestled between inland lakes and the inlets and islands of Georgian Bay, Massasauga offers 135 campsites accessible only by water—a true canoe camper's paradise. If you miss the city, just look south—you can often see the city lights shining bright on a dark, starry night.
7. Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
With more than one lake to explore, Kawartha Highlands is great for multi-day trips. Spend your days seeing a variety of landscapes from your canoe—small lakes, abundant wetlands, lush forest, and rocky outcroppings. Over 100 canoe-only accessible campsites often require portaging to access, so come prepared.
8. Frontenac Provincial Park
Location: Close to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal
Forty-eight campsites greet you at this rugged yet beautiful park. Frontenac is great for all types of campers, though canoers especially enjoy it with plenty of campsites and canoe routes across 22 lakes. Bonus: networks of hiking trails let you give your arms a break.
9. French River Provincial Park
Historic Significance: First Nations, French Explorers, and fur trader canoe route
Paddle back in time on the river where history was made. French River Delta Provincial Park is made up of beautiful granite channels and sloping rocks visible from the water. With over 65 miles of canoe routes along different freshwater landscapes—lakes, gorges, rapids, and bays—each day showcases a different facet of Ontario's natural beauty. Campsites are first come, first serve, so get up with the sun.
Looking for more ways to explore Ontario? Check our favorite adventures or visit the Destination Ontario website.