12 favourite Canadian campsites

We asked you to tell us your favourite Canadian camping destinations on Facebook, and the responses came flooding in. From your suggestions, here’s a list of 12 that show off the amazing places our country has to sleep outside. Maybe they’ll inspire you to find a new favourite this summer.

Algonguin Provincial Park, Ontario

• About a 3-hour drive from Toronto and serviced by our partner Parkbus
• Great for families, hiking and canoeing, and getting out of town for the weekend

Located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, Algonquin Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in Canada. With over 2400 lakes and 1200km of streams and rivers within the Algonquin region, the park itself is made up of several smaller, separate provincial parks, so whether you’re a water, forest, or hill person, there’s an Algonquin park for you.

Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario

• Super accessible via the highway and serviced by our partner Parkbus
• Camping options for a wide range of outdoor adventurers

With its massive cliffs, old-growth cedars, and pristine waters of Georgian Bay, Bruce Peninsula National Park is visually impressive. It’s also got you covered whether you’re looking to car camp, hit the backcountry, or camp in a tent-like structure called a yurt.

Coppermine River, NWT

• Ideal for the hardy adventurer and those looking to get off the grid
• Coppermine River is generally accessed by air charter from Yellowknife. It’s possible to portage up the river systems from the Snare or Yellowknife rivers, but it makes for a long trip.

Located in the North Slave and Kitikmeot regions of the Northwest Territories, the Coppermine River is known for its exceptional rafting, major rapids, and remarkable landscape.

Discovery Islands, BC

• As the islands’ website claims, getting there is “part of the adventure.”
• Ferry hopping and driving is required, but once you get there, the weather, wildlife, tropical-esque beaches, and year-round recreation is well worth it.

Located on the West Coast between Campbell River (on north-central Vancouver Island) and BC’s mainland, the Discovery Islands are tucked between mountains and water, have a relaxed vibe and boast a myriad of outdoor activities.

Green Point Campground, Gros Morne National ParK, Newfoundland

• This campground operates on self-registration
• Running water, bathrooms, picnic tables, and a kitchen shelter are all cited as amenities

”It’s nestled gently within the coastal tuckamore, with the ocean so close that the saltwater smell and the crashing of the waves are the first thing to greet you in the morning,” explains Lisa Hutchings, who submitted Green Point Campground as her favourite.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, BC

• Made up of over 15 larger islands and numerous inlets and reefs, the park covers approximately 26 square kilometres of marine areas
• Accessible via a number of options: ferry, seaplane, boat taxi, or private charter

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is one of Canada’s newest park reserves, and is located in the southern Strait of Georgia with exceptional coastal island landscape. Protecting one of the most ecologically at risk natural regions in Canada, it offers up a variety of overnight options, from populated islands to more remote wilds, depending on what sort of trip you want and what kind of recreation you’re looking for.

Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia

Kejimkujik (Keji for short) has numerous drive-in campgrounds, as well as “interior camping,” which are campsites only accessible by canoe or hiking in the summer, or ski or snowshoe in the winter.

Designated almost entirely as a national historic site, Keji is made up of two parts. The main park, which is located along the Nova Scotia peninsula between Queens and Annapolis counties, is known for its canoeing and warm water swimming. Kejimkujik Seaside, the smaller of the two parts, is located on the Atlantic coast of Queens County, and is defined by pristine waters, white sand, and seals basking on nearby rocks.

Killarney Provincial Park, Georgian Bay Islands, Ontario

• One campground exists within the park, accessed via the George Lake entrance
• The park offers extensive backcountry canoeing and sea kayaking, with yurt accommodation available year-round

Striking with its white quartzite ridges and sapphire lakes, Killarney Provincial Park is largely a wilderness park, ideal for those looking to indulge in some solitude and the beauty of an undisturbed natural setting.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta

• Easily accessible via a beautiful drive along Highway 1
• Campground is 1km from the village of Lake Louise and 4km from the lake itself

With gorgeous mountain views and water so blue it looks surreal, you could easily just spend your time staring at the landscape. But the great thing about Lake Louise is that there’s also a ton in the way of outdoor recreation (hiking, canoeing) and nearby Banff (60km away) always makes for interesting exploring.

Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta

• Jasper National Park is accessed quite easily via Highway 16
• Camping on Maligne Lake is limited to 4 nights so that everyone gets the chance to stay

Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, encased by a ring of snow-capped mountains and said to “epitomize the drama and the heritage of the Canadian Rockies.” Expect to find whitewater rafting, canoeing, and hiking and feeling like you’ve arrived at one of the breathtaking places in Canada.

Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario

• Located a few hours from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa

Thousand Islands National Park is a small protected area in the heart of the Thousand Islands, defined by its rugged landscape, northern wilderness feel, and focus on sustainable recreation.

Skagit Valley Provincial Park, BC

• Extends 23km north of the Canada/US border and runs along the east side of Manning Provincial Park
• Skagit Valley Provincial Park has 3 vehicle-accessed campgrounds, which are fully serviced throughout the summer

Carved out by retreating glaciers, the Skagit Valley is remarkable in its extremes: crazy deep valleys and towering mountain peaks. It’s a space known for its undeveloped wilds and outdoor recreation with up to 50km of trails, river fishing, camping and picnicking.

Inspired to find a new favourite camping destination? Check out our quality assortment of camping gear, guide books and maps to get set up for your summer trip.