The Best Family Campgrounds Ontario Wide

1/7/2019

These are the best family campgrounds Ontario has to offer - and we've
"tested" A LOT of them!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Family campgrounds Ontario by TurnipseedTravel.com

Here, we hiked to the site of where Tom Thompson painted the Jack Pine in Algonquin Provincial Park.

If you close your eyes and imagine a vision of Canada, what do you see? If the first thing that comes to mind is ‘nature’, you’re not alone. Canada is filled with cosmopolitan cities and charming towns but its real claim to fame is the pristine, unspoiled wilderness. Happily, you don’t have to go on a massive expedition to the wilderness to get a taste of the true Canadian spirit. Here are 4 breathtaking family campgrounds Ontario wide, all offering a taste of the true north.

Celebrating Summer with Long Point Provincial Park Camping

24/6/2016

Updated in 2021!

Have you explored your Long Point Provincial Park camping options? You'll love our review of this beautiful park, and our favourite campground, Turtle Dunes.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through said link, we'll be paid a small commission and we thank you for your support.

Long Point Provincial Park camping - tents among the sand dunes. Picture

Long Point Provincial Park camping means gorgeous beaches and plenty of sun.

When I was recently asked what one of my favorite places in Southern Ontario was, Long Point Provincial Park immediately came to mind. As one of Ontario's oldest provincial parks (established in 1921) and the only one to be located in a designated World Biosphere Preserve, Long Point Provincial Park is long indeed on bragging rights. And Long Point Provincial Park camping is the perfect way to experience summer - it's an escape filled with sun, sand, swimming, and more.

Every summer, we join friends for our "big" annual camping trip, lasting anywhere from several days to nearly a week, and Long Point is a favourite spot among all of our preferred destinations. It checks all our usual camping boxes (clean sites, clean washrooms, a nice blend of lively but not TOO lively atmosphere) and yet it offers so much more than that.

Here are our five favourite things about Long Point Provincial Park.

Balmy Bears at Port Rowan's Best B&B

18/10/2015

Update: Sadly, this business is now closed.

Port Rowan's Palm Trees and Polar Bears is redefining the traditional bed and breakfast experience.

Have you ever liked a place so much you felt a bit reluctant to share the details because you don't want anyone else to go there? It's selfish, I know, but sometimes I can't help but feel protective about some of my favourite travel discoveries. What will happen when the word gets out and suddenly my secret hideaways are inundated with people?

One of those places is Palm Trees and Polar Bears Bed and Breakfast in Port Rowan, Ontario. Port Rowan is a small community on the shores of Lake Erie in southern Ontario. The region is famous for its provincial parks, beautiful beaches, and bird watching. I got to know the area first by camping at nearby Long Point Provincial Park, and then again on a repeat visit for kayaking. Year round camping isn't a possibility here - and for a lot of people I know, it's definitely not a summer option either! And for those who enjoy some creature-comforts when they explore nature, a B&B is a decidedly civilized option and Palm Trees and Polar Bears is definitely one of the best I've ever enjoyed.

The Cheese Lover's Guide to Norfolk County

23/11/2014

Join me for a no-shame, no-judgement, cheese-aholic's tour of Norfolk County, Ontario.

Melted cheddar cheese, onion marmalade, and toasted baguette at Burning Kiln Winery in Norfolk County, Ontario

There’s an old saying that you should never trust anyone who doesn't love chocolate – and I think that should be extended to cheese as well! Fortunately, I had absolutely nothing to worry about in Norfolk County, Ontario. This is a part of Canada that gets food; they really, really get it. It’s so inspiring to see how the farmers, fishers, restaurateurs, and small businesses work together in mutual support. They aren't just paying lip service to the trend of local food – they live it every day. And at the heart of this is cheese. A lot of it. Norfolkers appreciate good eating and it's the perfect place for a no-shame, no-judgement cheese-aholic tour!

(Note: These are just the cheese based shops that I have personally visited - there are others in the area that I haven't had a chance to visit yet but they're on my list!)

Tales From The Anti-Adventurist: Vanessa Goes Kayaking - Norfolk Style!

19/9/2014

I was about to take on the "Canadian Everglades" by pedal power!

Baer Kayak Fishing Long Point Eco Adventure Lake Erie Norfolk County Ontario TurnipseedTravel.com

Almost one year ago, I summoned all of my courage and took the plunge into the wild and untamed world of kayaking on a small lake that was as smooth as glass. Battling such elements as, um, the theoretical threat of a rogue loon, I heroically pushed past my fear to conquer the world of water activities for the hammock-inclined. And my performance was so stellar that I even said I wouldn't refuse to try kayaking again. But little did I realize the kind of kayaking that exists in Norfolk County.

Restaurant Review: The Combine of Norfolk County

11/11/2013

Simcoe's foodie offerings are sensational! You have to check out The Combine restaurant when you go.

Update: This restaurant closed in 2025. We hope you'll enjoy learning about it al the same.

The Combine Norfolk County TurnipseedTravel.com

The pretty porch of The Combine

It’s 6:00 pm on an ordinary September Wednesday night and the restaurant is packed; buzzing in fact, and reservations and tables are juggled with the delicate hand of the hostess. It’s a scene that would be more fitting in Toronto or Montreal late on a Friday night, but it’s happening in the heart of humble Simcoe, in Ontario’s Norfolk County.

Norfolk County is reputed as Canada’s finest farm land, but it isn't resting on its laurels. Lavender, ginseng, heritage beef, peanuts, and hops are all taking their place beside traditional crops and restaurants are embracing produce old and new to make the farm-to-table movement less of a trend and more of a lifestyle.

Glamping Ontario 101 - Are You Up For It?

8/11/2013

If you're keen on glamping, Ontario has a pretty cool option. Check out my sleepover adventure at Long Point Eco Adventure. (Updated in 2021).

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we may be paid a small commission. My stay at Long Point Eco Adventures was facilitated by Norfolk County Tourism. This did not affect my review and opinions remain my own.

Glamping Ontario: Tents at Long Point Eco Adventure Ontario

Passing the breakfast tent as we approach the suites. When you're glamping in Ontario, you can expect a lot of luxuries.

The king sized bed, complete with Fairmont brand linens, is calling my name. While I’m chilly from spending my last few hours outside at an observatory, my gorgeous nest is deliciously warm, as I had the clever foresight to turn on the electric blanket. I slip between the buttery warm sheets with a happy shiver, dipping into a bowl of snacks as I connect to Wi-Fi.

A minute later, I see a ferocious spider, inching towards me.

Welcome to glamping, Ontario style! Not quite camping, not quite a glamorous hotel, this unique hybrid form of accommodation is fast becoming a travel trend. But what is the experience like, who is it for, and – most of all – does it represent good value?

The Golden Spruce of Norfolk County

28/10/2013

A spark of hope, rescued from Haida Gwaii, grows in Norfolk County's Whistling Gardens.

Whistling Garden Norfolk County Botanical TurnipseedTravel.com

I was greeted by beautiful fall foliage.

Strolling through the grounds of Whistling Gardens early on a sunny autumn day, I was dazzled by the brilliant colors of the cheerful flowers bobbing in the breeze. Leaves of all shapes and sizes rippled from the trees and a hearty selection of wild grasses created velvety swaths, undulating and twinkling in the sun.

Little did I realize that Whistling Gardens' most extraordinary plant would be a small, scruffy, rabbit-nibbled shrub.

A Day in Port Dover: Sun, Sand, and... Soap?

22/10/2013

A touch of the Caribbean in Norfolk County

201 years ago, Port Dover (or Dover Mills, as it was then known) was at the heart of the action in the war of 1812. Fortunately, modern visitors receive a much warmer welcome than the American troops experienced all those years ago! Today, Port Dover is an affordable, diverse, beautiful place to spend a weekend or even a whole week. The town has a fun, funky, young, vibrant edge to it and, between the sandy beaches, the public art, and the neat shops, it's possible to enjoy a value packed visit without ever feeling a budgetary pinch.

Palm Tree Port Dover Norfolk County TurnipseedTravel.com

These are real palm trees! They are transplanted to an indoor location each winter.

The Best Family Campgrounds Ontario Wide

These are the best family campgrounds Ontario has to offer - and we've
"tested" A LOT of them!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Celebrating Summer with Long Point Provincial Park Camping

Balmy Bears at Port Rowan's Best B&B

Update: Sadly, this business is now closed.

Port Rowan's Palm Trees and Polar Bears is redefining the traditional bed and breakfast experience.

The Cheese Lover's Guide to Norfolk County

Join me for a no-shame, no-judgement, cheese-aholic's tour of Norfolk County, Ontario.

Tales From The Anti-Adventurist: Vanessa Goes Kayaking - Norfolk Style!

I was about to take on the "Canadian Everglades" by pedal power!

Restaurant Review: The Combine of Norfolk County

Simcoe's foodie offerings are sensational! You have to check out The Combine restaurant when you go.

Update: This restaurant closed in 2025. We hope you'll enjoy learning about it al the same.

Glamping Ontario 101 - Are You Up For It?

The Golden Spruce of Norfolk County

A spark of hope, rescued from Haida Gwaii, grows in Norfolk County's Whistling Gardens.

A Day in Port Dover: Sun, Sand, and... Soap?

A touch of the Caribbean in Norfolk County

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These are the best family campgrounds Ontario has to offer - and we've ​"tested" A LOT of them! ​Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Update: Sadly, this business is now closed.​Port Rowan's Palm Trees and Polar Bears is redefining the traditional bed and breakfast experience.

Join me for a no-shame, no-judgement, cheese-aholic's tour of Norfolk County, Ontario.

I was about to take on the "Canadian Everglades" by pedal power!

Simcoe's foodie offerings are sensational! You have to check out The Combine restaurant when you go.Update: This restaurant closed in 2025. We hope you'll enjoy learning about it al the same.

A spark of hope, rescued from Haida Gwaii, grows in Norfolk County's Whistling Gardens.

A touch of the Caribbean in Norfolk County

Post Categories

Posts by Date

These are the best family campgrounds Ontario has to offer - and we've
"tested" A LOT of them!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Update: Sadly, this business is now closed.

Port Rowan's Palm Trees and Polar Bears is redefining the traditional bed and breakfast experience.

Simcoe's foodie offerings are sensational! You have to check out The Combine restaurant when you go.

Update: This restaurant closed in 2025. We hope you'll enjoy learning about it al the same.