The Fire Pit List: Camping in Northeastern Ontario

From glamping to hardcore outdoors, a camping trip for every taste.

Escape the bright lights of the city and experience the true brilliance of the night sky. Hey, you may even witness the Northern Lights on a cool night, or hear the cry of a loon at dawn. Northeastern Ontario has the power to re-connect you to the things that really matter.

We've compiled a sort of bucket list, to get you started on your next camping expedition. Experiences range from a relaxing recharge vacation, to healthy doses of adrenalin for the adventurous at heart. A legendary adventure awaits you:

1. Camp on Manitoulin Island

Bridal-Veil-Falls

Manitoulin is the largest freshwater island in the world, and one of the most serene places to plan an eventful getaway. Visit Kagawong to swim under Bridal Veil Falls. If hiking is your forte, a visit to Cup and Saucer trail is in order. Even learn about the vibrant local Anishnawbek culture on a guided tour with Great Spirit Circle Trail. When the days are done, stay at a cottage resort or private campground.

2. Tame Temagami Waters

peter-bowers-temagami

Temagami stays true to the Ojibwe meaning of its name "deep waters." Paddle the historic river system, along the 8000km of canoe routes. To some, Temagami is a place of vacation, somewhere to hike, rent a houseboat, and go fishing. To others, Temagami is respite for the soul. Rest easy at one of the many cottage resorts, private camp grounds, or Finlayson Point Provincial Park.

3. A New Way to Experience Killarney

Killarney Ridge 03

Have you ever wanted to go camping, but you're not sure if sleeping on the ground is for you? Test the proverbial "camping waters" by staying in the warmth and comfort of your own yurt. Enjoy Killarney Provincial Park in all four seasons, and be free to canoe, kayak and hike to your hearts content. Camp sites are available for tenting and RV's, and lodges are located in the town of Killarney.

4. Go Full Glam

glamping
Experience the act of "glamping." What is glamping? A mix of glamorous and camping that was originally started in Europe, and is now available just outside of Timmins, Ontario. WildExodus offers luxurious four-star tent accommodations, and an all-inclusive vacation with meals and guided tours. No tent to pitch, no mattress to blow up, and no wood to chop. Roughing it has never been so glamorous! 

5. Up For a Challenge?

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Find out if you've got what it takes, on some of the northern-most river systems in Ontario—with the help of highly trained guides, of course. Learn canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and wilderness survival on an expedition north. Water bodies you'll explore include the Missinaibi, Abitibi, Mattagami, and Moose Rivers. If you're saying "Bring it on!", packages are available with Missinaibi Headwaters Outfitters and Howling Wolf Expeditions.

About Jamie McIntyre

Hey! I'm a outdoors enthusiast with a passion for travel in Northeastern Ontario. Check out my articles for ideas on where to travel. 

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