If ever there was a destination where RVers are spoiled for choice, it’s Ontario.
To road trip here is to discover some of Canada’s most scenic routes, filled with ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.
That’s why we’ve partnered with our friends at Hipcamp to share the best ideas for road trips in Ontario — whether you’re on a quick overnight trip in your RV rental or out on the open road for weeks on end.
Read on to find out where to stop for everything from stunning waterfall treks to wide-open winery roads in Ontario.
The waterfalls of Grey County
Starting point: Owen Sound
Ending point: Owen Sound
Recommended length: 3 days
One of Canada’s premier waterfall destinations, Grey County, offers scenic drives and great hiking trails, as well as plenty of opportunities to practice your photography skills. Extend your day trip by heading right outside Owen Sound to some of the most notable cascades, Jones Falls and Inglis Falls, then drive your RV rental south on Highway 10 to hit offshoots like Hoggs Falls and Eugenia Falls. Once you make it down to Holstein Dam, consider hitting Neustadt Springs Brewery or one of the many area wineries before retiring for the night at a Hipcamp RV spot. If you’re having too good a time to head home, shoot up to the bucket-list Bruce Peninsula National Park, its famous Grotto, and Flowerpot Island and keep your getaway going.
Where to park your RV rental along the way
- Blues & Greens by the Bruce Trail: This is an ideal Colpoy’s Bay spot on the Bruce Trail.
- Glenelg Wellness Retreat: Park your RV at an idyllic farmhouse near Bells Lake.
- Pine the Sky RV Spot: Host Joan D. offers 39 acres outside Flesherton for rigs up to 30 feet long.
- Nature Acres: Hit this spot near Holstein Dam for electrical, water, and sewage hookups.
- Lakeside RV Rest Stop: This is the perfect bare-bones base camp for self-contained campervans after a day exploring Tobermory and the Northern Bruce Peninsula.
Simcoe sun and sand
Starting point: Toronto
Ending point: Gravenhurst
Recommended length: 5 days
RVers escaping the city should head north to Simcoe County, a supreme summer road trip destination prime for days of exploring the surrounding beaches. Getting from Toronto to Barrie takes just an hour, and from there, you’ll find Georgian Bay’s gorgeous scenery and unparalleled water activities to the west. To the east, Lake Simcoe is lined with family-friendly beaches and small-town adventures. Bass Lake Provincial Park, like its name suggests, is a prime spot for bass fishing, with the season starting in late June. Meanwhile, those looking to lure in a lively social scene should check out Wasaga Beach, the world’s longest freshwater coastline. Alternatively, Awenda Provincial Park offers scenic spots for a low-key weekend getaway on one of the best road trips in the province.
Where to park your RV rental along the way
- Pine Forest RV Site with Fishing: This pull-through site outside Barrie offers potable water, a toilet, and electrical hookups for rigs up to 45 feet.
- Cedar Creek Forest Camping: Choose from six sites in the southern Georgian Bay and book an on-site farm tour to get the lay of the land.
- River’s Run: You’ll need your own toilet, but this Hipcamp near the tip of Lake Couchiching on the Black River is ideal for water activities.
- Alpaca and Hobby Farm Stay: Park your RV among the alpacas in Coldwater.
- Muskoka Camping by the Lake: This quiet campsite is five minutes from Prospect Lake and welcomes self-contained RVs.
Ready to find the perfect RV for your sun and sand tour? Search self-contained RV rentals near Toronto to get started.
Best eats between Belleville and Barry’s Bay
Starting point: Belleville
Ending point: Barry’s Bay
Recommended length: 3 days
Stretching almost the entire length of Hastings County, this route serves up loads of foodie adventures for RVers. Head out of Belleville to some of the many delicious destinations along the way, including Stirling’s Ontario Water Buffalo Company (don’t miss the buffalo milk gelato), Ivanhoe Cheese, and Pottery Settlement Artisan Winery in Tweed. For an offshoot adventure, take Highway 62 to Gilmour’s Rustic Roadside Restaurant, a cozy cafe that’ll make you feel right at home. Prime picnic spots in the area include nearby Bon Echo Provincial Park, Silent Lake Provincial Park, and Lake Saint Peter Provincial Park.
Where to park your RV rental along the way
- Farm House by the Pond: Bring a generator or take advantage of electrical hookups at this RV site 45 minutes northeast of Belleville.
- Marble Lake Site at KXO Timber Campground: Outside Bon Echo Provincial Park, this 112-acre spot offers sites with a picnic table, fire pit, and outhouse.
- OG Coe Island Lake Campground: Park your RV rental near a Coe Island Lake dock, then trade in your wheels for the canoe available for use.
- Coyote Tales Farm Studio: This simple site is the perfect detour between Silent Lake and Lake Saint Peter.
- Schoolhouse Inn Campsites: Set on the site of a former school, this lively site on Round Lake is ideal for van lifers and RVs up to 40 feet with a washroom, shower, and communal fire pit.
Algonquin area adventures
Starting point: Minden
Ending point: Haliburton
Recommended length: 2 days
There’s no need to head all the way out to northern Ontario for true adventure — with close to 600 lakes, Haliburton County is the gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park and exactly what we have in mind when we picture camping country. Start in Minden to stock up on essentials (like craft beer from Boshkung Brewery), and then head north to the park. You’ll find exceptional mountain biking routes, more than 1,240 miles (2,000 kilometres) of kayaking, and some of Canada’s best trout fishing. While you’re in the area, take a detour to the day-use area at Oxtongue River — Ragged Falls Provincial Park, named for and home to Ontario’s most beautiful waterfalls, just outside Algonquin’s western entrance. After visiting both parks, return south to Haliburton and stop at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest to admire the art.
Where to park your RV rental along the way
- Beneath the Stars Tenting Escape: RVs and vehicles under 25 feet are welcome in this forested area outside Minden.
- Algonquin Sunrise Parking: Outside the park’s eastern entrance in Whitney, this parking spot is best for a quick night’s sleep before hitting Algonquin.
- Pond House Camping: Bring your self-contained RV to this simple site near Huntsville.
Get your road trip rolling! Search for popular RV rentals in Ontario.
Skies and seaways in Frontenac County
Starting point: Kingston
Ending point: Ottawa
Recommended length: 2 days
Don’t let these world-famous cities distract you. This route is all about the journey through Frontenac County’s incredible green spaces, bookended by dark skies and outstanding water experiences. Starting in Kingston, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Thousand Islands via canoe, pleasure boat, or even organized tour. Heading north, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to provincial parks — Bon Echo, Sharbot Lake, and Frontenac are all nearby, pending how long you want your adventure to be. All three offer hiking, paddling, and swimming opportunities. Other excellent spots to explore include Steam Engine Mica Mine, North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve, and pet-friendly Mill of Kintail Conservation Area.
Where to park your RV rental along the way
- The Ridge Retreat Verona: Enjoy six private acres all to yourself outside Frontenac.
- MarketRare Marsh: Here, you’ll find a back-in RV parking spot on loose gravel near Sharbot Lake.
- 103 Acre Woods Marlborough Forest: Park your RV, fifth-wheel, toy hauler, or campervan off the Rideau River for access to toilets, water hookups, and electrical hookups.
- Mississippi Lake Vacays: Post up right on the waterfront for amazing sunsets on Mississippi Lake.
Colors of the Kawarthas
Starting point: Peterborough
Ending point: Gravenhurst
Recommended length: 2 days
Offering some of the prettiest fall colors in the area, the Kawartha Lakes area rivals autumn in New England. Road trippers can enjoy Emily Provincial Park, a top spot for beginning canoeing, and find more paddling opportunities along Balsam Lake and Cameron Lake, joined via Lock 35 of the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. Must-see pit stop destinations include the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough and Bobcaygeon’s Kawartha Dairy, the perfect place to grab some ice cream.
Where to park your RV rental along the way
- Vista on Sturgeon Lake: Three large RV sites located just north of Emily Provincial Park.
- Hillside Stables: Park on a wide-open horse farm near Cameron Lake.
- Breathtaking Views in the Kawarthas: RVers love this simple Lake Balsam spot for its privacy and easy boat access.
- Lee’s High Acres Farm: Choose from five RV parking spots on an organic farm near Carden Alvar Provincial Park.
Related reads
