Ontario will launch a major investment in its provincial parks, committing nearly CA$60 million over the next three months to expand and upgrade campsites across the province.
The plan calls for the development of 300 new campsites and upgrades to another 800 over the next three years. The initiative is designed to improve access and meet rising demand for outdoor recreation.
“This upgrade marks a major milestone for Ontario Parks – the most significant expansion of camping opportunities in 50 years,” Todd McCarthy, minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, said, as reported by CKDR on September 17.
McCarthy said the investment is in response to growing public interest in camping at provincial parks. “More people than ever before are looking to vacation in Ontario and across Canada to support their local communities.”
“With hundreds of new and upgraded campsites, we’re giving more people the opportunity to support local businesses and jobs while camping at Ontario Parks and making memories to last a lifetime,” he said.
The ministry said the work will follow a phased-in approach, with priority given to projects that are ready to move forward.
Although some projects in southern Ontario have been announced, the full list of locations slated for expansion has not yet been released. Details are expected to be shared as individual projects are finalized.
Ontario Parks also announced locations that will keep their campgrounds open later into the fall season. The extended operations are expected to give more campers the chance to enjoy autumn landscapes and local tourism opportunities.
At Rushing River Provincial Park, the Northwest and Northeast Campgrounds will remain open until October 14, offering camping among glacier-carved boulders and access to Dogtooth Lake.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park will also operate until October 21, featuring over 100 kilometers of trails, 27 backcountry sites and lakeside cabins near Marie Louise Lake. Sharbot Lake Provincial Park will stay open until October 20, with waterfront campsites on two clear lakes and hiking along the Discovery Trail.
At Port Burwell Provincial Park, campers will have until October 26 to visit its Lake Erie beach and bird migration hotspot.
The extended openings are designed to capture ongoing demand for late-season camping while providing additional time for visitors to support surrounding communities.