A New Type of Camp

The word “camp” describes many things in Northwestern Ontario. A camp can be a cottage, cabin, shack, recreational vehicle, camper, or a tent. As the summer of 2021 approaches, it’s another opportunity to explore campsites and local tourist spots, and to make the most of your staycation in the region.

Recreational and vacation campsites—which includes children’s camps, family vacation camps, and outdoor adventure retreats—in Northwestern Ontario represent

41% of all recreational and vacation campsites across northern Ontario, according to the province. This excludes the additional 292 hunting and fishing campsites that are also available across the northwest. Indeed, there are many opportunities for Canadians to explore—and the demand is being captured.

In late March, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks reported that online camp reservations within the first three months of 2021 increased by 121% for Northwestern Ontario parks, compared to the same time period in 2020. It is clear that Canadians are taking advantage of the region’s beautiful provincial parks and making the most of another summer close to home. While it may be more difficult to book a space as the summer fast approaches, there are other options for experienced campers, such as backcountry camping and Crown land (depending, of course, on COVID-19 policies set out by the province).

Last year, daytime visitation to provincial parks in the Thunder Bay district was higher than the average daytime visitation to parks in the northwest, northeast, Algonquin, and southeast regions.

And of course, there is another way people have chosen to enjoy the outdoors: car camping. In July and August of last year, drive-up car camping at provincial parks in the Thunder Bay district was higher than the northwestern average. In 2019, Sleeping Giant was the most popular interior camping park in the Thunder Bay district, and neighbouring Quetico in the Rainy River district was the second-most popular in the whole province, after

Algonquin, according to Ontario Parks. Nevertheless, car camping occupancy was much higher in southern regions of Ontario.

There are almost 10 million posts on Instagram using #VanLife as influencers embrace the simplicity and minimalism of RVs and campers. Prior to the pandemic, millennials were already driving up RV sales in Canada and represented 56% of all new camper owners in 2018. When COVID-19 curtailed air travel, the North American market for RVs and campers boomed.

Drive-up car camping is a cost-effective opportunity for the non-avid camper to safely make the most of their summer days. There is no need for a mighty RV or camper. Cars also offer mobility to explore multiple locations without the strain and labour of setting up a tent. With an air mattress and a string of twinkly lights, that vehicle can be transformed into an Instaworthy “car glamping” experience. Another exciting type of “camp” for you to try this summer.