This feature is Part 1 of 6 of our “Escape the City” series, presented with SAIL – your outdoor equipment store.

 

 

If “I’m bored” are words that you’re all too familiar with, maybe it’s time to add some adventure to your family activities by escaping the city on a family camping trip!

To help set your compass in the right direction, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 family friendly campgrounds within a short drive of the GTA that’ll be sure to have your kids trading in their screen time for family time!

 

Sibbald Point Provincial Park

  • Travel Time: 1.5 hours
  • Known for: Large sandy beach along the shore of Lake Simcoe
  • Don’t Miss: The Sibbald family museum at Eildon Hall
  • Camping Options: drive-up campsites for tents & RVs, group camping sites to accommodate up to 50 people, and radio free camping
  • Get directions

The experts at SAIL say: Impress your kids with your camping skills with this multi-tool – it’s a combo firestarter, hammer, one-handed blade and emergency whistle.  

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We love long romantic walks to the drink cooler ??

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Glen Rouge Campground

    • Travel Time: 45 minutes
    • Known for: The only campground located within the city limits of Toronto
    • Don’t miss: Gorgeous hiking trails and sandy beaches
    • Camping options: drive-up campsites for tents & RVs,
    • Get directions

The experts at SAIL say: Don’t forget the dishes! If you’re planning on using re-useable dishes while you camp, this biodegradable Camp Soap is great for cleaning dishes – as well as hands, hair and clothing so you can save some space when you’re packing your shower kit too!

 

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

  • Travel Time: 1 hour
  • Known for: The Bronte Creek Ravine which is 50m deep
  • Don’t miss: Fun interpretive programs including Ghost Walks in August
  • Camping options: Drive-up campsites for tents & RVs, group camping sites to accommodate up to 25 people
  • Get directions

The experts at SAIL say: If your kids are determined to bring their electronics avoid the trauma a dead battery can cause with a Solar Panel outfitted to charge all of your USB devices.

 

Bon Echo Provincial Park 

  • Travel Time: 3 hours
  • Known for: 100-metre high Mazinaw Rock featuring over 260 Indigenous pictographs
  • Don’t miss: The Peregrine Falcon – a threatened species in Ontario, which is often seen nesting on Mazinaw Rock.
  • Camping options: drive-up campsites for tents & RVs, backcountry camping including canoe-in campsites, or cabins for rent.
  • Get directions

 

 

Presqu’ile Provincial Park

  • Travel Time: 2 hours
  • Known for: 5km of sandy beaches along Lake Ontario
  • Don’t miss: The park’s 2 interpretative centres including the Nature Centre and the Lighthouse Centre
  • Camping Options: drive-up campsites for tents & RVs as well as roofed accommodations including one cottage and 2 soft sided shelters
  • Get directions

The experts at SAIL say: If you’re planning a late night walk along the shore, this collapsible candle lantern provides cozy heat and natural light for up to 9 hours 

 

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All that wind today made for some big waves! #presquilepp #lakeontario #waves

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Wherever your adventure takes you, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear. Visit your local SAIL store for all your outdoor needs.

Filed under: EscapetheCity