Today’s post comes from Jordana Hart, creator of I Hart Nutrition. Jordana is one of six content creators we invited to document and share their Ontario Parks RV experience in a custom-wrapped RV as part of this year’s OP125 celebrations.
If I am being honest, while I love nature and love being outdoors, I definitely don’t consider myself to be the camping type. So needless to say, this type of experience was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but one I just couldn’t turn down.
I think the idea of being on an RV is what really convinced me. I had never stepped foot into an RV before, and I’m all about new adventures.
Mind-blown
Before I dive into the details of the trip, I have to say that it was a PHENOMENAL experience. I went with two friends and we were all mind-blown by how much we loved every minute of it.
I travel quite a bit, both for work and for pleasure, and must say this in particular was an experience I will never forget and something I would do again in a heartbeat.
Before this trip I never really realized just how lucky I am to live in Ontario and that in my own backyard, just a little detour out of the city, there lies so much beauty and serenity waiting to be explored.
Three friends and an RV
Okay, time for the breakdown of the RV trip that changed my perspective on Ontario AND on camping. It all comes down to three friends, three days, two nights, and one RV.
On Day One, we arrived at Motorhome Canada and learned the ins and outs of the RV that we would be staying in for the duration of our trip. It seemed like a lot to take in at first, having never been on one before, but we were assured we would catch on quickly — and that we did.
We loaded up our bags, stocked the fridge with nourishment for the trip ahead, and were on our way. On the first day we made two stops: stop one was Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, and stop two was Earl Rowe Provincial Park.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs is located in southern Ontario along the Bruce Trail. Once we arrived we were eager to explore. We spent a couple hours hiking around the many trails and checking out the park.
The views were gorgeous and we were there during the week, so there was hardly anyone else around! This was actually kind of nice and gave us our first bit of serenity that we had been looking forward to.
Make sure to bring running shoes if you visit — tons of walking and hilly hikes make good shoes a necessity!
FYI: Mono Cliffs is considered a “day park” and doesn’t offer camping. So make sure you book a campsite nearby if you are looking to spend more than a day there. As for us, we went straight to Earl Rowe Provincial Park, which was only a 20 minute drive.
Earl Rowe Provincial Park
We arrived at Earl Rowe later in the afternoon and set up shop as soon as we did. We stayed in the Fletcher’s Field Campground. The staff working there were so helpful and taught us how to connect our RV to the pole for electricity.
Really cool perk: every campsite has a picnic table which is perfect for outdoor dining and hanging out. Apparently there is awesome fishing that you can do here, which ordinarily I would have loved, but we didn’t have time! This is definitely a place to go back to.
The next day we woke up and I made an epic, healthy breakfast in the RV kitchen. The menu included eggs, avocado toast, smoked salmon, sliced veggies, fresh fruit and, of course, piping hot coffee!
We enjoyed brunch outside, walked around to check out the beautiful campsite, and made sure to take it all in before heading to our next destination, Inverhuron.
Inverhuron Provincial Park
Inverhuron is located in Bruce Country in southern Ontario and has a rich history tied to it. Generations of Indigenous communities lived there for thousands of years.
The first word that comes to mind when describing this place is “breathtaking.” This was my favourite spot. Our campsite was surrounded by trees and greenery and we were just steps away from the water — talk about zen! We spent the afternoon relaxing, being by the water, and simply enjoying the smells and sounds of the outdoors.
As evening approached, we made a fire, which really got us in the camping spirit. There is nothing like the smell of firewood and the sounds of it crackling. After dinner, we took our folding chairs to the edge of the water and enjoyed the magnificent sunset.
The next morning, before getting ready to head back home, we managed to fit in one last hike on the River Trail. This was a beautiful and perfect way to end an already unbelievable trip.
The RV
The RV itself was pretty luxurious. It was a new Ford and completely wrapped in Ontario Parks imagery. Their marketing seriously works because people stopped to ask us about it wherever we went!
It was stocked with clean sheets, towels, and kitchen essentials like pots and pans, cutlery, plates and even a kettle! There was also a full bathroom with a shower — I mean, how cool is that?
Once you park the RV, there is a button that makes it expand, allowing for more space when setting up your home for the night. I slept in the “attic,” which is the nook above the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. It was a double bed and, to my surprise, very comfortable!
In the kitchen, the benches that serve as seating during the day convert into a double bed and a full closet, which is perfect for storage. The three of us slept comfortably and were constantly fascinated and in awe of the efficient use of space.
Nutritionist turned camper
The beauty of the RV, for me at least, is that it really allowed me to be the “camper” that I never thought I could be. You have the comfort and security of a home, coupled with the smells, sounds, and sights of the beautiful Ontario landscapes all around you. Some might even call it “glamping”, but RVing just sounds so much cooler.
A little about me: I’m a holistic nutritionist, wellness expert, major food lover, and firm believer in balance and moderation. I love to travel and am always open to new adventures. When Ontario Parks reached out to me to help celebrate their 125th anniversary, I jumped on the opportunity! Catch up with me on Instagram @ihartnutrition.