Absolutely amazing park, by far the most beautiful place in Ontario. We stayed at Lake George…read morecampground and did 3 hikes incl. the famous "Crack" and then rented a canoe for a day and went all the way to OSA lake and back. If you want to visit the park, plan far in advance, especially for summer months. Most sites are booked 6 months in advance. Bring sturdy hiking boots, especially for the "Crack" hike, there is a lot of climbing and jumping from rock to rock. Also, bring your own firewood, the one they sell in the park is wet and rotten, cut from the fallen trees. The only place you can buy dry firewood nearby is Killarney outfitters but it costs a ridiculous $16+tax for the bag of firewood that will last you for 2-3 hours.

Beautiful grounds and a slice of Canadiana about 4 hours north of the city (expect shoddy wifi)…read more Stayed two night on the campgrounds steps from the lake where you can star faze in the evening after a late night dinner on the BBQ. You also have several options for hiking, we went to Granite Ridge across the highway where yoynare rewarded with splendid views of landscapes and vista's of Georgian Bay. Definately a great option away for the city, but don't forget to reserve your spot early! -Zuk

Had a great stay. Sites were big and clean and very well spaced apart. Didn't see the neighbors if…read moreyou didn't want to.

Only $30CAN per night! Rolled up on a beautiful Thursday at 9pm, just trying to get a bite and…read moresome smoked salmon/trout for breakfast the next morning, but the place was so nice, we rested our bones there instead of the other campsite we had planned to stay at. For $30 we got a spot 10' off the lake! Tons of room. Enough space for 3 tents. Had a table and fire pit built in. People seemed cool. Only there one night, and something bear-ish definitely crept past our tent and went for a midnight swim (loudly). The fishing was STRAIGHT. Caught a walleye after only 4 casts. Shoulda' ate it... The skeeters are why I have to withhold a star. Those Canadian mosquitoes are easily the most aggressive insects I've ever encountered. They didn't always bite you or leave you itching, but when they swarm, mahfucka's will LAND ON YOUR EYEBALL. No joke. I definitely huffed a few while smoking a jack too... The food at the front of the campsite (we got fish and chips) was only OK. The poutine style fries (covered in gravy and shredded cheese) were only OK too. The general store sold fishing/camping gear as well as limited groceries and such. Well, they also sold the best smoked salmon I've ever had. I bought rainbow trout, coho salmon, and atlantic salmon. The atlantic salmon, probably caught nearby and dated only 3 days prior, was drip down your forearm oily (which is a good thing when dealing with an oily fish-and besides, fish oil is about the healthiest thing in the world outside of blueberries). The coho and trout were tasty but nearly as good.

I'm not going to pretend that I am an expert at anything camping. This was a nice Saturday drive,…read moreright up to our reserved spot at Killbear, complete with a designated firepit and list of infractions to keep the place clean and safe. What a beautiful piece of country; Parry Sound and Georgian Bay. Trying to disconnect with the fam and enjoying some homemade burgers and roasting marshmallows, I cannot overstate the tranquility of nature and small slice of Canadiana here. Sure, we shleped to Tim's the next day for coffee and drove back, but enjoyed a long track to Lookout Point, with neither rattlesnake or Bear to be found. I guess it might be considered 'Glamping,' with restrooms and clean showers right across. But its definately a safe place for the kids to bike, hike and enjoy each other's company as a throwback to simpler times. Definately worth the 2 hour drive, but book in advance! -Zuk

From my 2019 review: This is one of my favourite parks, and as a veteran camper, who has many…read morepleasant memories of Killbear, I cannot reduce it's rating. I say this, because we had few unfortunate experiences on our last trip. First, the positives of Killbear: - beautiful, unspoiled, Canadian Shield scenery - spectacular rocky shores, which you can use as a swimming platform, and then you don't get sand in your tent - not one, but two, dog beaches; they love the doggos! - large campsites The downsides - the campsites are large, but choose carefully, as many lack privacy and are very exposed. The old growth forest means that there is little bushy undergrowth to hide you from your neighbours (I like privacy! My dogs need it or they just bark. Then we get in trouble, sometimes) - you can't buy ice in the park, but you have to drive out to get it Update 2020: Killbear is such a beautiful park, AND now you can buy ice there!! This time, we were in Lighthouse A, which I would highly recommend. Close to the beach and nice hiking trails, but choose your site wisely and pay attention to the descriptions on the website when you reserve. If it rates privacy as "poor", then be prepared for a fully exposed site. That said, there are many beautiful sites, and TWO dog beaches. This year, the Anti-Fun, Anti-Noise Police-like Neighbors did not appear (do I sound resentful? You bet I am. Last year we had to leave a day early because of these noise fanatics. Really, they should have gone on a yoga retreat. This is family camping, people, not a monastery. We paid a fee when we reserved; we did not take a vow of silence). OK, I'm done the rant. Now, back to how great this park is. It is simply beautiful. The lake is wonderful: not the Muskoka soggy bottom lake, but nice, hard granite of Georgian Bay. The granite itself is beautiful. We had such a great vacation! Go off the grid! Try it!

This is a wonderful park! We had the greatest site ... a walk in, with it's own little access to…read morethe waterfront. We were conveniently located, right beside the Dog Beach (we have two dogs who need to run and swim). The dogs had a great time doing doggy things: swimming, running and playing with new dog friends. Sadly, for the people, the swim wasn't quite as satisfactory, as it was quite shallow water, and we couldn't get a really good open-water swim. Then, we found a new possibility. We drove to the start of the Ranger's Trail, followed it, then cut down a path toward the lake to find a magnificent open water swim !location. Clear, calm water, and you can lounge on the rocks and swim in from them. The water gets deep very fast, so be careful! My walk-in site had the most amazing toilet. OK I don`t usually write toilet reviews, but this Clivus was something to behold. The port-a-let cubicle was clean and well ventilated. The ventilation was something that surprised me, as I'd never seen a ventilated vault toilet before. It was such a great toilet: no smells at all. The staff came and cleaned it three times a day. OK, on to the landscape, which is beautiful: rolling hills, mixed forest, Canadian shield. There are so many lakes 8in this area that, I am told, the kayaking is very good. I may not do kayaking, but I do love stargazing. We were lucky to be at Restoule on August 12, when the annual meteor showers arrive. It was also my daughter's birthday. We took a blanket and pillows down to the waterfront and looked at the stars, which appeared so much larger than they do in the GTA. Our goal was to see 12 shooting stars. Within 45 minutes, we had our targeted quota and more! It's a lovely little park, and if you like an electric site, their electric sites are relatively private and spacious. I found the staff quite friendly, but I did not have cause to interact with them very often. It is also close to nearby towns, in case you forgot something (I recommend Gerry's General Store in Restoule)

Restoule Provincial Park is located north of Algonquin Provincial Park along Hwy 534. The closest…read moretown is Township of Restoule which is just a few blocks (only one restaurant in the whole town). The closest large town is Town of Port Loring. I want to review it because it is a great park but is almost a best kept secret to Torontonians, though people living in up north frequent there. The park has 3 campgrounds, two are non-electrical (Putts Point, Bells Point) and one is electrical (Kettle Point). The campsites in Putts Point and Kettle Point campgrounds are in good condition. The sites in Kettle Point seem smaller than Putt Point's, where I stayed. I estimate that an average sized campsite in Putt Point is a large campsite in Kettle Point. However, Kettle Point is more popular and the sites get booked faster, because there are a lot of RV and trailers campers. I don't like the sites at Bells Point campground. There is a comfort centre in Kettle Point and another one in Putts Point. There is no comfort centre in Bells Point. They are both in good condition. The shower water is hotter in the morning and afternoon. It becomes lukewarm in the evening. The park has access to both Stormy Lake and Lake of Restoule. The water is really clear. Both lakes have boat launch ramps. During my long weekend stay, I saw people playing motor boating, water skiing, sea-doo, fishing, sailing (only in Stormy Lake), canoeing and kayaking. The park office gives out a water way map that shows the good fishing spots. I didn't see many swimmers, probably because the water is quite shallow in the beach areas. There is also a separate dog beach. Hiking and wildlife sighting are good as well. I saw a deer up close on the Angel Point Trail (took pictures too). The best and longest trail is Fire Tower Trail. It has a spectacular lookout point overseeing Stormy Lake. This park is honestly beautiful. The water is clear; the air is clean. It is so natural and unspoiled. Star gazing is lovely on the boat launch docks, so bring your telescope. There are additional reviews on this park on Tripadvisors, should you want more details.

We went camping at Bruce Peninsula Park in September, the week after Labour Day. The crowds were…read morenot horrible but I would expect the park to busier during summer months. The topography of Bruce is absolutely incredible, with its large cliffs and turquoise blue water. We did numerous hikes, all of which were well maintained. Will definitely be back!

This one is a hard one. If you rate it on beauty it's a definite five star. But the crowds, you…read moreall. It's terrible. And I was there in June before the real crowd begins. They just ruin it. It also depends on what you think a national park should be. As far as my opinion, it should be viewing beautiful sights and seeing animals. Serenity. This is not that. At all. If you think a national park should be a splash down water park, you're gonna love it. But you've got people walking the trails yelling at each other. You have people playing music loudly on the trails, as if they need their own personal theme song guiding them on their way. I even saw a Québécois stranger holding a dog in one hand, little child in another, walking in sandals at the Grotto on slick rock formations, jumping from one to the next. It was a disaster waiting to happen. It truly was an unpleasant experience. Look, the park tries to manage it. You have to reserve spots at both the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump. You have to pay a substantial fee to reserve as well. There are checkpoints going in like you're at Panmunjom on the Korean border. But it doesn't matter. There are still too many people. I think it is just too close to Toronto. My recommendation to anyone wanting a more peaceful national park experience would be to go to northern Ontario and visit Pukaskwa. Or even Lake Superior Provincial Park. They are both what I would want out of a park. I hate saying this, but I'd avoid the peninsula altogether.

Beautiful park with amazing views and a peaceful atmosphere. The trails are quite long, but the…read morewalk is enjoyable and worth it because the scenery is lovely the entire way. The park is well maintained and a perfect place to relax, unwind, and spend time in nature.

I really love this park. The flower beds are kept immaculate. The ground are beautiful. I know one…read moreof Sudburys flower bed designers (hubs knows several) and really appreciate the work that goes into the beds and designs. So pretty. I love that they change from year to year. The walking trails are kept in good condition. The property is clean. The residents of Sudbury are a tidy bunch and the country of Canada is Green in general. Every other corner has 3 trash bins for recycling. On one end of the park there are kayaks and on the other is Science North. In the middle you'll find an amphitheater. In a space that also holds festivals. And carnivals. Don't feel like walking? Or kayaking? Just sit and watch the people. They'll be sunbathing, playing, studying. Sailboating. Running walking smooching. Or enjoying a snack from the snack stand.

French River is an amazing place for canoeing/kayaking in Ontario. There are many possible routes,…read moresome of which may include whitewater or a side-trip to Georgian Bay. Read more about our recent trip/check out the photos here: http://blog.compasstales.com/2011/12/09/canoeing-on-french-river/ http://blog.compasstales.com/2011/12/10/canoeing-on-french-river-p2/ Tips: - permits are available on walk-in basis in some of the marinas. - winds get really strong in the afternoon (up to the point that it's impossible to paddle), so start early! - this is bear territory! Learn how to avoid/deal with bears before going.

Outdoor nature walk at its best. This conversation area is a beautiful spot for a hike within city…read morelimits. The trails are well maintained, it's common to see birds, chipmunks, squirrels, but sometimes you can spot a deer or a beaver. We take our dog on walks here a few times a month, and it's a great for him as there are so many smells for him to enjoy during the walk. This place is a family favourite. We have been enjoying this space for years and will enjoy for many more years to come.

Only hearing about this cool place at the cottage (yay local guides!). This seems to be a private…read morelocation filled with unique stages flanked by these haunting concrete sculptures along with various metal structures. It is a hybrid of art/music/camping/hiking/local vendors. Oh and they have a local population of peafowls. If you are up in cottage country, definitely worth a look. Would love to attend an event hosted here in the night. It would be incredibly haunting. They only seem to have a FB page called: Screaming-Heads-Midlothian-Castle.

From the owner: Screaming Heads is a privately owned Park operated by the artist Peter Camani. The park can be…read moreentered at no charge to the public. The sculptures are large monolithic shapes made from reinforced concrete. Some being 18 feet tall and weighing many tons. They cover some fifty acres. You are encourage to wander around and through them.

Pros: The most beautiful wooden cabins on the French. The owner (Bruce) makes sure your taken care…read moreof while you are there. Gorgeous views. Great fishing. A beach with Adirondack chairs to relax in after a morning of fishing. The lodge is a great place to hang out during rainy days. Boat launch, and plenty of dock space. Cons: The only con I have is that I live 14 hours away, that and no dogs are allowed. My family has been going to French River for close to 20 years now and every time we leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Waking up in the morning and fishing, and then coming back to the cabin to cook breakfast before we filet our catch in the morning. Water skiing, drinking, sunbathing, swimming, playing board games during the day followed by a sunset view from 'the rock' overlooking the beach and finishing the day with a fire. This place is truly a gem that my family cherishes. After so many memories here as a child I cannot wait to take my children.