Camping is one of the most popular past times in Canada. With vast expanses of wilderness and many amazing places to see, camping provides a fantastic opportunity for us to get outdoors and enjoy nature. However, it can be hard to figure out where you want to go. That’s why I have put together this list of some of the best places to camp in Canada, perfect for anyone who wants to get outside! These places all have amenities like campsites, showers, bathrooms, or fire pits, so you don’t have to worry about packing everything with you on your trip.
10 Best Places To Camp In Canada
Why Go Camping In Canada?
There are so many reasons to go camping in Canada! First of all, it is important to get outside and enjoy the beautiful nature that our country has to offer. Plus, Canada has some amazing places like national parks or secluded campgrounds where we can get away from everything and be one with nature. Finally, camping allows us to unplug and disconnect from our hectic lives and appreciate everything around us.
What Are The Best Places To Go Camping In Canada?
1) Arowhon Pines – Algonquin Park
This is my pick for the best place to go camping in Canada! It’s located in Algonquin Provincial Park, one of North America’s oldest provincial parks, and has over 2,400 km of trails for hiking or biking. There are two types of sites at Arowhon Pines – rustic ones with no facilities but cost less and group campsites with all the amenities like showers, fire pits, etc. They also offer pet-friendly cabin rentals, perfect for families or any type of camper! You can enjoy nature when you’re there with activities like fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
2) Whistler’s Valley Campground – Whistler, BC
Whistler’s Valley Campgrounds is located near the village of Whistler in BC. It has tent and RV sites and yurts like small cabins with heating, lighting, and a skylight! They also have an on-site store where you can pick up almost anything you might need (like marshmallows for your s’mores). You can enjoy all kinds of activities when you’re there, like biking, fishing, or kayaking, and then come back to relax at the campfire after a long day exploring.
3) Tawatinaw Campground – Southwest Alberta
This campground is located in the Canadian Rockies near the town of Rocky Mountain House. It is an easy drive away from many amazing natural attractions like the Paint Pots, Johnson Canyon or Sulphur Mountain. This campground has well-spaced private and secluded sites, so it gives you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature without all the other people! The area near Tawatinaw also has tons of things like hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even ice climbing. My personal favorite is exploring Johnson Canyon; it’s such a beautiful place.
4) Wapiti – Jasper National Park
Wapiti is located in Jasper National Park near the town of Hinton and has 300 sites for tents and RVs as well as 30 yurts! The campground is open all year round, so you can go there at any time of year and enjoy some incredible views. You can also take advantage of activities like hiking or biking to explore the area since the campground is right next to the Athabasca River! There are also lots of opportunities for fishing nearby.
5) Glendale – Banff National Park
Glendale Campground is located near Lake Louise in an area that has lots of different activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. The campground is open all year round, so you can go there at any time of the year! There are both tent and RV sites to choose from as well as cabins that allow your pets!
Pets are allowed in certain areas of the campgrounds but not everywhere, so it’s best to check ahead before bringing them with you. It’s also important to note that cooking fires are only allowed in designated fire rings, so if you’re thinking about cooking some s’mores, I’d recommend bringing a camping stove or just buying some at the store when you get there.
6) White Lake – Quesnel
This campground is located right near Quesnel Lake, one of the main attractions in this area! There are both tent and RV sites available. It’s opened all year round, so you can go at any time of the year. The best part about this location is that it is only accessible by boat or float plane, but shuttles take you from Williams Lake, where you would land if you were traveling by plane. This campground has great fishing opportunities as well as hiking trails that will give you splendid views! I would recommend this location to anyone that loves getting out on the water.
7) Hartley Bay – Dean Channel, British Columbia
This campground is located in a remote community called Hartley Bay which is accessible only by boat or float plane! The location has rustic and powered sites, so you have many options for different campers. The best part about this place is that you can travel from Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay by ferry and then take a smaller boat from there to get to the campground! It’s an amazing experience that few people know about since it isn’t as popular as other locations in BC. There are also opportunities for fishing just off if you get tired of swimming.
8) Solitary – Skeena River, British Columbia
This campground is located right on the Skeena River banks in an area known for its fishing opportunities! Both tent and RV sites are available and yurts that allow you to choose your perfect accommodation! If fishing isn’t your thing, there are many other outdoor activities like hiking or biking nearby. This campground also has a seasonal restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your food with you if you don’t want to. But I would recommend taking advantage of this place since it’s one of the best places to fish in Canada!
9) Big Eddy – Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
A few hours south of Calgary is Waterton Lakes National Park, with Big Eddy Campground located just outside the park entrance. This campground has both tent and RV sites available and yurts that allow you to choose your perfect accommodation! There are lots of opportunities for fishing in the area since this is right on the Little Red Deer River bank. It’s also a wonderful place for hiking, biking, or bird watching! And in winter, it’s an amazing place for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
10) Miette Hot Springs – Jasper National Park
Miette Hot Springs is located in Jasper National Park near the town of Miette and offers yurts, cabins, and regular tenting sites! The views of surrounding mountains make this a truly beautiful camping spot, and the water from the hot springs makes it even better! You can walk around and explore or just relax by the pool when you go there. You can also take advantage of fishing, canoeing, or kayaking activities. When you’re done exploring nature all day, come back to relax with some friends by the fire at night! My personal favorite is fishing at dawn – there’s something special about watching the sunrise over the mountains.
FAQs
What is the best time to go camping?
When deciding when you want to go camping, you should consider what kind of weather you’re going for. It gets cold in Canada during the winter months, but it can be a lot of fun if you’re prepared for it! On the other hand, if you prefer warmer weather, it is best to go camping during the summer months or early fall. Wherever you choose to camp, just make sure you’re prepared and bring whatever you need to stay safe and healthy.
What should I pack when I’m going camping?
When packing for a trip into nature, it can be really helpful to organize your gear into separate piles depending on how long your trip is; this way, you don’t end up forgetting anything at home! Here’s what my list currently looks like: Total pack weight: 25lbs (This includes all of my food and water) 1-2 days 3-5 days 6+ days Tent Clothing Sleeping pad Food Water Shoes Map/Compass Sun protection Toiletries First aid Electronics Headlamp/Flashlight Shutterbug stuff (camera, tripod, etc.)
Conclusion
I hope that all of you enjoyed my list of campsites across Canada! I know that it was hard choosing just 10 places, but I tried to choose ones that had something different about them, whether it be location, activities available, or something else. Furthermore, I would love you all to tell me where your favorite campgrounds are in the comment section!
An amazing camping experience with family or friends is one of the best ways to enjoy Canada’s beauty. I hope that this list will help guide you towards the perfect campsite for your next trip! Be Safe And Happy Camping.!