If your travel compass usually points south to the States or west to the Rockies, this year might be a good one to reconnect with your own massive backyard. Let’s face it: international travel has gotten expensive, complicated, and even at the best of times, crossing borders can come with booking stress and conversion issues.
But as it just so happens, Northern Ontario is absolutely made for RV getaways. With thousands of secluded lakes, unique (and gorgeous) boreal wilderness, unforgettable small towns, and scenic highways that rival anything else in North America, your next favourite trip could be just a few hours from home—and it's not too late to hit the road. Here are a few trip and accommodation ideas, itineraries and links to help get you some easy vacation time, close to home.
Never RVed before? Not a problem! Check out How To Plan the Ultimate RV Trip: A Beginner's Guide.
Wondering how to RV with young kids? Get some ideas here.
Bringing your furry friend? Find tips on RVing with Dogs, RVing with Cats, and Dog-Friendly Campgrounds.
Ontario is enormous. You could spend months exploring it and still discover something new.
Staying in Ontario means:
Less time driving, more time exploring
No border waits or surprise fees
Familiar emergency services and coverage
You’re supporting local communities and tourism businesses
If you’ve already camped in Southern Ontario’s provincial parks or stayed near the Muskoka region, it’s time to go a little further north—where the crowds thin, the views open up, and the experiences feel wilder and more authentic. Northern Ontario offers epic road trips, full-service private campgrounds, and access to some of Canada’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you're craving quiet lakeside mornings, one-of-a-kind cultural stops, big beach views or festival weekends, Northern Ontario offers some of the province's best vacation possibilities.
Check out these route ideas for some unforgettable RV adventures that you can have right in Northern Ontario:
Start with lakeside camping near Killarney or French River, then board the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory to magical Manitoulin Island—home to Batman’s Campground, national historic sites, Indigenous culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. As the world’s largest freshwater island, Manitoulin is the kind of destination that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
RVers will find a variety of excellent campgrounds with full hookups and easy access to natural attractions, including Bridal Veil Falls, the Cup and Saucer Trail, and quiet inlets perfect for paddling. Many sites are pet-friendly and big-rig accessible, making this an ideal island escape for travellers of all kinds. For more ideas and places to stay, take a look at this Manitoulin Island Camping and RVing Guide.
For RVers looking for a true Northern Ontario adventure, Algoma Country delivers in spades. This loop begins in Sault Ste. Marie, winds through the rugged beauty of Lake Superior Provincial Park (don’t miss Bathtub Island), then rolls into Wawa for iconic stops like Young’s General Store and the Wawa Goose. From there, you’ll discover Chapleau’s Crown Game Preserve and the striking waterfalls at Aubrey Falls before heading south toward Elliot Lake and the wild trails of Mississagi Provincial Park. Framed by vast lakes, welcoming towns, and boundless forests, this route reveals why Algoma belongs on every RVer’s must-explore list.
Follow Highway 17 from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, stopping at places like Agawa Bay, Aguasabon Falls, and Ouimet Canyon. Camp along the shoreline at sites like KOA Thunder Bay or the stunning Pancake Bay Provincial Park, where the views are just as good as any oceanfront.
The Heart of Canada Touring Route is a 1,500-km figure-8 road trip that takes you from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay and back through some of the most beautiful and fascinating parts of Central Canada. You’ll wander the waterfront in Kenora, fish the legendary lakes around Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, and stand among ancient Indigenous history at the "Manitou Mounds" (the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre). In Thunder Bay, don’t miss the Terry Fox Memorial, Fort William Historical Park, or the incredible views at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. On the return leg, Kakabeka Falls, quiet stretches of wilderness, and welcoming towns like Dryden and Vermilion Bay make the drive just as memorable as the destinations. It’s a perfect choice for RVers looking to slow down and really get to know the soul of Northern Ontario.
From the North Shore of Lake Superior to polar bears in Cochrane, Ontario is packed with unforgettable road trips tailored for RV travellers. Whether you’re after waterfalls, wildlife, remote wilderness, or charming towns, you’ll find it all in these expertly crafted routes.
Explore 10 great RV itineraries in Ontario here—they’re loaded with suggestions and ideas to help you plan your next great escape.
Here are a few more itinerary ideas as well:
Travel mid-week when you can to avoid crowds and get the best campsite selection.
Book private RV parks early—they offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly spots, and larger sites than many public parks.
Mix it up: plan some rustic nights off-grid and some comfy stays at full-service KOAs. Find some excellent sites with RV Camping Sites in Ontario: The Ultimate Guide and Top 5 Private RV Campgrounds in Ontario: KOAs and More for Comfort-First RV Travel.
Bring your bikes, kayaks, or hiking boots—most northern sites are near incredible outdoor recreation areas, and you'll want to make the most of them.
Make sure you're practicing bear-aware camping! Read Bear Safety Tips for RVers in Ontario here.
You won’t need palm trees when you have the La Cloche Mountains at sunrise, or the crash of Lake Superior’s waves outside your camper window. Trade overcrowded highways for twistier scenic routes, swap outlet malls for local markets and artisan shops, and skip the traffic jams in favour of a quiet lake with loons calling you to the shore.
This year, you don’t need to cross borders to find adventure. Ontario is yours to explore—and it’s filled with completely unique roads, parks, activities and campgrounds to discover. So fuel up, book your site, and hit the road.
Happy trails!
