Summer is here, and now’s the perfect time for a last minute family road trip!
During the busy summer months, the solution to finding your serene camping trip is heading north. Here are a few near north parks we suggest visiting with your little ones.
Windy Lake Provincial Park
Just outside of Sudbury, Windy Lake contains one of the longest sand beaches in the region. This park is a good central base to explore the area with your family.
The drive between Windy Lake and Sudbury follows the Onaping River, which is one of the most scenic routes in the region.
A favourite of Sudburians, it’s a great place for kids. has a great playground, and many spectacular spots for picnics.
On the list of must see things during your stay is Onaping Falls. Just south of the park on Hwy 144 at the AY Jackson Lookout, a trailhead leads you through the valley and up to the impressive waterfall.
A half hour north of Windy Lake lies Halfway Lake Provincial Park, which has an extensive trail system through the rugged southern edge of the Boreal Forest.
Looking to take in more of local attractions? Windy Lake is just 45 minutes outside of Sudbury, home of Science North, an innovative science centre perfect for families, and Dynamic Earth which explores the earth, its rocks, and descend into a hard rock mine for a tour.
Finlayson Point Provincial Park
On a small peninsula surrounded by the waters of Lake Temagami, Finlayson Point is another great basecamp for family exploration.
Lake Temagami is huge – 40 kilometres from north to south! It’s home to more than 1200 islands and is the centre of world-class canoeing. The park’s boat basin and docks make it easy to explore. Boating, fishing, and paddling are top activities on the big lake.
There’s lots to explore in the area, including the Temagami Fire Tower just west of the park. Travel north and you will discover the historic town of Cobalt, which was once the richest silver mining region in the world.
You can also travel south to Marten River Provincial Park and explore a reconstructed early 1900’s logging camp.
Mikisew Provincial Park
Mikisew means “eagle” in Anishinaabe, and the park lies on the shores of scenic Eagle Lake. A popular fishing destination for people and birds alike, Mikisew has a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy!
Mikisew is nestled into the Almaguin Highlands, a rugged forested region west of Algonquin. The park’s two campgrounds each have a different character.
The Pines Campground is set among a towering pine forest, with large sites and a short bike ride from the beach.
Hardwoods Campground has secluded sites with plenty of vegetation between sites and lots of privacy. Hardwoods is great for campers with small children, as it’s within walking distance of the beach.
The day-use beach is also home to the park’s leash-free dog exercise area and beach. The large, fenced area has picnic tables and a small sand beach. Park visitors can picnic, toss a ball, or swim with their off-leash pet in this area.
Something unique about Mikisew is their 18-hole disc golf course. Disc golf is a lot like regular golf, but it’s played with Frisbee-like discs and the holes are a bit like basketball hoops.
Mikisew is open until Thanksgiving. If you are a family that loves to camp in the fall, Mikisew and its fall colours will be the spot for you!
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
Not looking to travel too far from the city? Six Mile Lake has a scenic northern landscape of pine forest, pink bedrock, and sparkling blue lakes.
The park has three sand beaches, all within walking distance of the campground, and one for four-legged friends. The bay on Six Mile Lake is protected from motorboats, making it a great place for canoes, kayaks, pedal-boats, and stand-up paddleboards.
Six Mile has several hiking trails that loop together, letting you explore the many types of landscapes and habitats the park contains. The Living Edge Trail has been designated as an “Amazing Place”, one of 20 in the UNESCO Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
For keen hikers, Hardy Lake Provincial Park lies a half hour east of Six Mile and contains an 8 km loop that circles the scenic lake. Several smaller loops can be added to extend your hike.
Other local attractions include the Big Chute Marine Railway. As part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, it carries boat over land. It’s the only one of its kind in North America.
Learn more about planning your trip to Six Mile Lake!
Wait, there’s more!
In addition to everything else, each park offers our Discovery program. Families with kids can join park staff for a Discovery program during the months of July and August.
Discovery guides can help you to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature. For more information keep an eye out for weekly calendar of events posted throughout the park.
What are you waiting for?
Book your adventure to the near north today!