Tag Archives: Camping

Thanksgiving Cabin Camping at Bonnechere Provincial Park

Have you ever gone camping for Thanksgiving? We did the other year and had an absolute blast!

Autumn colours, cool nights and a cozy rustic cabin made for an ideal Thanksgiving getaway at Bonnechere Provincial ParkEnjoying some of the last warm days before fall took full effect, our group had a fantastic time exploring the park and taking advantage of the somewhat quiet conditions that fall camping allows for.

Rustic Cabin at Bonnechere Provincial Park
Rustic Cabin at Bonnechere Provincial Park

 

While the rustic cabins seemed booked up, the campground itself looked to only be 1/2 or 2/3rd full. Considering the weather was better than most of the summer, we felt lucky being able to go hiking on the trails, and canoeing down the river in relative peace and quiet, save for the sounds of busy birds, beavers, squirrels and chipmunks running around.

One fun highlight at Bonnechere that cracked us up was the McNaugton Trail with its “Footprints in Time”, which we dubbed “infologs” instead, as we thought it was a catchier name! it was actually a lot of fun reading and learning about the traditional local First Nations history and culture in a traditional way.

Infolog at Bonnechere
An “Infolog” at Bonnechere

 

By the light of the moon, we even did a midnight paddle down the river all the way to the lake. So peaceful, except for the occasional “splash” from an animal slipping into the water as we paddled by.

We even had time to take in a few games of horseshoes! How about that? Bonnechere was a surprising park for all of us. It had been on our radar before, but we were impressed by the range of trails, the nice beach area and the overall features of the park. While we are not camping for thanksgiving this year, it is quite possibly the start of a new tradition for years going forward.

Rustic Cabining at Bonnechere
Rustic Cabining at Bonnechere

 

What is a Rustic Cabin?

First off, it isn’t too rustic!

By rustic they mean it doesn’t have a washroom on-site, so you have to use the communal bathrooms and showers just as if you were car camping. But the rustic cabin does come with a screened in porch area, a spacious living room area and kitchen, plus two bedrooms.

BBQ Area at the Cabin
BBQ Area at the Cabin

 

Outside you get firewood included, a BBQ area with propane BBQ included and a canoe for your use as well! Pretty sweet, if you consider that the cost of those extras can add up pretty quickly.

In fact, we had so much space around our cabin at Bonnechere that we were able to take advantage of the nice weather and play some lawn games like bocce ball and spikeball when we weren’t enjoying a campfire.

Horseshoes anyone?
Horseshoes anyone?

 

The cabin kitchen had a kettle and mini-fridge and microwave that were handy. We did bring a couple of coolers along to keep extra food cold on the screened in patio, since it was Thanksgiving after all and we BBQ’d a turkey breast, along with all the extras for a special dinner.

We spent our days exploring the park, and sitting by the campfire, or lounging in a hammock we put up near the river. It was a hard camping experience to beat. With more and more Ontario Parks adding some rustic cabins, yurts or other accommodation options, this is the way to go for those early season and late season weekends where weather might not always cooperate – or where you simply want some extra comforts compared to sleeping in a tent.

Chipmunk!
Chipmunk!

 

We did have a short time of rain on our camping weekend, but a high-stakes game of Yahtzee in the cabin quickly turned that into a fun time too. A visit from one of the park wardens was fun too, giving us some insights into what it is like working at Ontario Parks, seemed like quite an interesting gig!

We can imagine this park to be a popular, busy place during peak summer months. It has a lot to offer for families with kids and the beach was impressive too. While we didn’t go swimming on Thanksgiving weekend, we were tempted! maybe we’ll have to return to go for a dip next time?

Hammock Time at Bonnechere
Hammock Time at Bonnechere

 

Checking out the Library
Checking out the little Library

 

Canoeing at Bonnechere
Canoeing back to our cabin at Bonnechere Provincial Park

 

Hiking at Bonnechere
Hiking at Bonnechere

Bear Safety: 20 Tips for Canadian Hikers and Campers in Bear Country

Seeing bears in the wild is an amazing, heart-pumping experience for any outdoor or wildlife lovers. But, sometimes those encounters result in serious injuries or death, often because people are not prepared for how to properly deal with wild black bears and grizzly bears.

One thing that always annoys me when I’m talking to hikers or hanging out in parks is how dismissive experienced outdoors people are towards the dangers of black bears. I’ve heard countless people say black bears are push-overs, they’re timid, easily scared and nothing to be afraid of. This is true – usually. Most people will only ever see a black bear running away into the bush as they drive down a remote road, or perhaps see one running away after it hears them on a hiking trail.

Black Bear foraging in a Meadow
Black Bear foraging in a Meadow

 

So Black Bears aren’t dangerous, right?

That “fight or flee” instinct almost always results in a black bear fleeing from you before you ever see or hear it. But people become accustomed to seeing black bears in some national, state and provincial parks across the US and Canada. Too many parks have black bear issues where bears become habituated with humans as they leave garbage and food lying around campsites. Easy food for black bears, and potential problems. These bears lose their fear of humans, and humans also become accustomed to seeing bears close by, so we lose our fear of them.

Grizzly bears still have a reputation of fearsome animals, so hikers and campers in the Rockies and western US/Canada tend to have more respect for these bears. Still, I’ve seen too many people out west with an attitude that black bears are nothing to be scared of, whee they should really treat both species with respect.

The reality of bear attacks is that black bears and grizzly bears have killed about the same number of people across Canada and the US. Black bears are much more prevalent, so the percentage of encounters that result in injuries compared to brown bears (grizzlies) is much lower, but still nothing to take for granted!

In Canada, fatal bear attacks have occurred in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. With the two exceptions of Nunavut (polar bears only) and Yukon (grizzly bears only), all of these provinces and territories have had fatal black bear attacks.

Don't Mess With a Momma Bear and Her Cubs
Don’t Mess With a Momma Bear and Her Cubs

 

Depending where you are hiking or camping, the local authorities may have specific instructions about how to handle bear encounters. Whether it is black bears, grizzly bears, or even polar bears that are active where you’re going to be travelling, pay attention to the local rules. Some people say to throw rocks and stones and make lots of noise when encountering a black bear. Other authorities advise to simply stay quiet and slowly back away. Some people may tell you that grizzly bears can’t climb trees – but they can. When there are active bears in popular parts of most parks, the rangers will close off trails or park areas to avoid potential bear encounters. Don’t go exploring these areas, unless you’re looking for trouble.

Now that you hopefully understand that all wild bears are potentially dangerous, here are 20 tips on how to make sure you stay safe in bear country.

Grizzly Bear in Wyoming
Grizzly Bear – Did you know they CAN climb trees?

 

Bear Safety Tips for Campers and Hikers

1. DO. Listen to local park rangers and authorities. If there is a “trouble” bear, or active bears, in the area, they will advise you on what to do.

2. DO NOT. Run from any bear. Seeing you run away will often trigger the natural instinct to chase potential prey.

3. DO. Travel with bear spray, especially in brown bear territory. Be sure you know how to use it. It is the most effective deterrent to bear attacks.

4. DO NOT. Climb a tree. Contrary to popular belief, grizzly bears can climb trees almost as easily as black bears. They can both climb faster than you.

5. DO. In the backcountry, cook food and clean dishes 100 metres away from where you are sleeping at night.

6. DO NOT. Go to sleep wearing the same clothes you wore to cook your meals.

7. DO. Hike in groups and make noise to ensure you do not surprise any bears along the trail.

8. DO NOT. Approach any bear cubs. If you see cubs, chances are the mother bear is nearby, which means danger! Back away.

9. DO. Stash your food in provided bearproof containers, in your vehicle, or in a “bear hang” between two trees.

10. DO NOT. Think you’re safe if you have a gun. Bears that are shot rarely die quickly, and often result in deaths or injuries to their shooters.

11. DO. Treat your toiletries like food. Toothpaste and deodorant smells good to bears, store it away from your tent.

12. DO NOT. Bring your pets into bear country. If you do, always keep dogs on leashes. Unleashed dogs can lure bears to your campsite.

13. DO. Maintain a “bare” campsite. This means storing away all dishes, camp stoves, coolers, bug spray, bottles – anything that smells.

14. DO NOT. Burn or bury your food scraps, as bears will be able to smell this food. Eat everything or safely store it away from your tent.

15. DO. Consider an extra large tent. Some bears may bite at objects touching the side of a tent to determine if it is potential food.

16. DO NOT. Cook strong smelling foods, such as bacon. Cook more dehydrated and pre-packed foods with less odour.

17. DO. Walk around your camp area before setting up. If you notice bear markings, scat, animal trails, berry patches, then camp elsewhere.

18. DO NOT. Ever bring food into your tent, not even a small snack on a rainy day.

19. DO. Advise park authorities of your hiking /canoeing route if you are going into the backcountry.

20. DO NOT. Stare directly at bears that are watching you. They may think of this as a threat. You want to convince them you are not a threat.

Overall, most tips are the same for black bears or grizzly bears. Bears that are standing up on their hind legs, or making huffing and snorting sounds are generally just trying to get a better look at you. They make do a false attack, or bluff, which sort of looks like they are bouncing up and down as they approach you. Most likely after getting closer they will realize you are not a threat, and turn and leave you alone.

If you do get attacked by a bear, most authorities agree that “playing dead” may be your best chance for survival from a grizzly bear attack. Lie on the ground, cover your head with your arms, and hope the grizzly bear is satisfied with your lack of threat and doesn’t deem you as food. Fighting with a grizzly bear often results in the grizzly getting more aggressive.

Blurry Black Bear
This blurry Black Bear photo is from when a bear walked into my campsite as I was setting up a tent.

 

For black bears, if they do attack, it is generally best to fight back with everything and anything you can, as they are more likely to get intimidated and run if you pose a challenge. As for polar bears, if you encounter one of them…good luck.

Follow the tips above and you should be safe in bear country. Learn to use bear spray, and spot signs of bear activity. If you come across bear activity on a trail, it is always safer to turn around and back track, or take a detour to avoid the bear area.

Have you encountered bears at your campsite or when you’ve been out on the hiking trail? Do you have any additional bear safety tips to share?

Sunrise at Gurd Lake – Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Getting up early always seems easier while camping. Perhaps it’s the relaxed mind and peaceful sleep out in the fresh air that helps you feel so rejuvenated in the mornings?

Grundy Lake Provincial Park had been on my camping hit list for a number of years. I had heard good things from a number of people about the trails, activities and general vibe of the park. It sounded fun, although a bit more accessible, and perhaps crowded, than most Ontario Parks I visit.

Gurd Lake Before Sunrise
First dawn, waiting for the sun to appear over Gurd Lake

 

I decided to check it out one July after the long weekend, around the time of my birthday. I booked a site many months earlier and had been lucky to get a spot near Gurd Lake.

As I was setting up the camp site the first afternoon, I was greeted by some butterflies and birds in the forest behind the site. All was good. A small black bear walked by, looking for food from careless campers. He rambled on, the birds remained.

Grundy Lake PP Sunrise
The orange glow and brightening sky…

 

Afternoon turned to evening, we enjoyed cooking some campfire sausages and had a couple of beers before it was time to sleep.

Waking early, I was full of energy and it wasn’t even light outside yet. My girlfriend at the time wasn’t quite the early riser, so I got up and let her sleep. The darkness was just lifting, so I grabbed my camera and walked over to the lake to watch the sun rise.

Misty Gurd Lake
Misty Gurd Lake as the first rays of light stretch out across the lake at sunrise

 

A nearly perfect, cloudless morning. The dark sky slowly emerged. An orange glow and increasingly bright blue sky opened up above Gurd Lake.

Parts of the lake started to mist, as the temperatures were changing. Birds (and some flies) were buzzing around.

Glowing orange sunrise
The glowing orange sunrise and first glimpse of the sun over Gurd Lake at Grundy Lake Provincial Park

 

Then the sun peaked up from behind the distant tree line. The golden glow stretched out across the lake. It was a perfect start to a fine Canadian summer day in July.

This was my first morning at Grundy Lake Provincial Park, later that day I’d be canoeing on this lake with loons, fish and snapping turtles nearby. It was a fairly busy park, with campsites all packed, but I never felt crowded, so I’d happily return to Grundy Lake PP one day…just many other Ontario Parks to visit first!

A new day begins at sunrise
A new day begins, a sunrise in July, while camping in Ontario

 

An Ontario Camping Confession

It may seem odd, but for many people the excitement for summer camping in Ontario starts around Christmas time.

I’m not talking about getting a tent or Ontario Parks gift card as a present (although both would be cool), I’m talking about booking a campsite for your first camping trip of the year.

A well-treed Camp Site
A Well-Treed, Large Camp Site at Wakami Lake

 

May 2-4 long weekend is the unofficial start to summer camping season and in Ontario you can book a campsite up to 5 months ahead of time. This means when you’re enjoying a Christmas dinner, you can be thinking about where to camp in May. The next long weekend in Ontario is Canada Day and shortly after that is my birthday, so early July is my favourite time for camping in Ontario. Long daylight hours lure me further north in need of a nature fix. Sometimes it’s a park many have never heard of, like Esker Lakes Provincial Park, while other times it is a popular park like Killarney Provincial Park.

Now time for my camping confession:

I have never camped in Algonquin Provincial Park

An Alligator in Ontario
An ‘Alligator’ in Ontario – from the Logging Museum in Algonquin Park

 

Algonquin Park is an icon of Ontario. It is a big park, a very big park. At 7,600sq km it’s bigger than your average Caribbean or South Pacific island. It is also only 250km north of Toronto, making it very accessible to most people who live in Ontario. For outdoor and nature lovers, camping in Algonquin Park is a childhood rite of passage. It is where many people first spot a Moose in the wild, or hear Wolves howling at night. It is where you may first hear the haunting call of the Common Loon, or where you’ll take off on your first back-country canoe camping adventure.

It is one of our most cherished parks in Ontario and I have visited Algonquin Park somewhere around 20 times. But, I’ve only ever visited for day trips, or stayed overnight at cabins nearby, like the Wolf Den Nature Retreat. I did try camping at Algonquin once. It was a July long weekend and we took off to grab one of the first-come, first-serve sites that can not be reserved ahead of time. Standing in line, the person in front of us scored the very last site.

Moose at Algonquin Park
A Moose, spotted through the trees, at Algonquin Provincial Park

 

It was July and this massive park was 100% full. It was teeming with Canadians and other visitors who wanted to go camping, canoeing, swimming and hiking. The Highway 60 Corridor, which is home to most of the camp grounds and visitor facilities, had a constant stream of cars zooming along.

So, on a whim, we decided to keep driving north, to another park, in search of a camp site. We drove past Grundy Lake Provincial Park, past Killarney Provincial Park. We kept going past Sudbury, then beyond Sault Ste. Marie. After driving for about eight hours after Algonquin, we came to Lake Superior Provincial Park and set up camp.

Pictographs at Agawa Rock
Pictographs at Agawa Rock in Lake Superior Provincial Park

 

It was a great weekend of hiking on quiet trails and enjoying the rugged coastline of Lake Superior. It also got me hooked on the more northern parks of Ontario.

That was many years ago and I have camped at dozens of provincial parks since then but I’ve never had the urge to go camping at Algonquin Park. In a weird way, the popularity of Algonquin helped turn me on to the great, lesser-visited parks we have in our province. I still enjoy visiting Algonquin Park every year as it has superb hiking trails and canoe routes, but when it comes time to pitch a tent, my sights are set further north.

Grey Wolf
A Grey Wolf at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

 

I do know many people who swear by Algonquin Park and will go on 10-day canoeing adventures into the depths of the park. It definitely has a special place in many people’s hearts and I know – one day – I will explore the park more, and go camping there. But the beauty of Ontario is that we have such diversity. Our province is so large that the trees and animals I may see at Wakami Lake Provincial Park may differ from those I see further north at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park or further south at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.

So, to me, as impressive as it is, Algonquin is the ‘everyone’ park that attracts the crowds. Now, I’ll admit I have gone camping at many smaller parks during crowded, noisy times. So it isn’t just the fact that it’s a popular park that makes me avoid camping there. In fact, I know it is such a large park that it is easy to spend a week there without encountering other people. It’s just not my style of travel to do what everyone else likes to do. I crave different experiences in different places. Algonquin is famous for Moose-spotting, but other parks, with different environments and landscapes, are better for spotting other wildlife, a factor that weighs heavily on where I decide to camp.

A Groundhog
Groundhogs are one animal I’ve more commonly seen in Ontario Parks other than Algonquin Park

 

You will find me up at Algonquin Park soon though. As the spring takes hold and snow begins to melt in coming weeks, the Moose migrate to roadside ditches in search of salty goodness. For a couple of weeks of the year it isn’t unheard of to come across a dozen Moose on a visit to Algonquin during this time. But, it will only be a day trip for me as I have other parks to book my camping sites at.

Double Rainbow – Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

 

Photo of a Double Rainbow
Double Rainbow at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

 

It may be the middle of winter in Canada right now, so why not share a little summer camping photo?

This double rainbow happened while camping in the summer at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park in Ontario. The lake beside our camp-site in the picture is Moore Lake, a great place for canoeing, fishing and enjoying this Ontario Park, which is located just north of the famous Algonquin Park.

Happy camping this summer!