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Living in Ottawa, we have a ton of great choices when it comes to how we want to get outdoors. There are countless places in and around the city to hike, bike and paddle.
And when it comes to provincial parks? There are SEVEN within an hour and a half of Ottawa. Which means it’s time to start planning those weekend camping trips!
Taken at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park by @meganbmorgan!
Rideau River Provincial Park– 35 Minutes
Head to this park if: You want an easy weekend away from the city.
Rideau River Provincial Park is so close to home it’s ridiculous. Nestled on the bank of the Rideau River near Kemptville, this is a great spot to hang out on the beach, go swimming, or go for a lazy paddle along the river.
The Shoreline Trail at Rideau River Provincial Park.
Fitzroy Provincial Park– 50 Minutes
Head to this park if: you want to appreciate the beauty of the Ottawa River.
Fitzroy Provincial Park is surrounded by water- not only is it on the bank of the Ottawa River, but the Carp River cuts right through the park. With two beaches and two short hiking trails, this park is a great fit for families.
Voyageur Provincial Park– An Hour and Ten Minutes
Head to this park if: you want to spend your days on the water.
Voyageur Provincial Park is on a section of the Ottawa River that’s super calm (because of a nearby dam). There are tons of little bays and other nooks and crannies to explore along the shoreline, making this spot a really relaxing place to paddle.
Silver Lake Provincial Park– An Hour and 15 Minutes
Head to this park if: you love the water and you’re a heavy sleeper.
Silver Lake Provincial Park is located on the shore of the beautiful (you guessed it) Silver Lake, making it a great spot for fishing, paddling, and swimming. But be warned, it’s also right beside Highway 7, and traffic sounds could keep you up at night depending where your site is and how light of a sleeper you are!
@badassmom.regan paddling at Silver Lake Provincial Park!
Murphy’s Point Provincial Park– An Hour and 15 Minutes
Head to this park if: you want to try canoe/kayak camping.
Murphy’s Point Provincial Park has a very interesting feel to it- campsites are set among rolling hills with rocky outcroppings in some spots and boulders in others. There are five different hiking trails in the park. The park also has “backcountry” campsites that can be accessed by a short paddle, making it the perfect place to practice canoe or kayak camping if you’ve never been and want to try.
Murphy’s Point Provincial Park is a perfect spot to try canoeing! Photo by @vonniechan.
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park– An Hour and 25 Minutes
Head to this park if: your pup loves the water.
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is actually located on two beautiful lakes, and there’s a beach that your dog is free to enjoy with you! A short hike up the Ridgeview Trail will earn you a view of both the lakes in the park.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park– An Hour and 35 Minutes
Head to this park if: you want to try backcountry camping.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is a little more than an hour and a half away… But it’s too awesome to leave out! There are seven different hiking trails in the park, with the Blue Mountain Trail taking you to the highest point in Leeds County. The Tallow Rock Bay Trail (part of the Adventure Report Ottawa Hiking Challenge) also offers backcountry camping options that don’t take too long to hike into. Charleston Lake would be the perfect place to try hiking into your campsite for the first time.
Tallow Rock Bay at Charleston Lake Provincial Park.
Here’s to weekends camping with friends and family!
