Music and camping go together like peanut butter and jelly or s’mores and a campfire. If you’re looking for a step up from a campfire sing along why not try camping at a provincial park while attending one of Ontario’s many music festivals?
Ontario is home to plenty of awesome festivals in each corner of the province, here’s a list of festivals and parks to help kick off your summer concert and camping planning.
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Central Ontario
Folk music fans can head to Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia which has been bringing folk music to central Ontario for over 60 years. While in town stay at Bass Lake Provincial Park located only 10 minutes outside of Orillia.
Experience a celebration of Canadian music at Mattawa Voyageur Days in Mattawa. If you’re looking to continue on the Voyageur theme, set up camp at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park for the weekend. Just down Highway 17, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is a great destination to experience the natural and cultural history of the Mattawa area.
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Southern Ontario
Those looking to save money on a concert ticket can check out Peterborough Musicfest, with eight weeks of free shows every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer. Camp overnight at nearby Emily Provincial Park or head to Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park minutes from the city for a pre-concert hike.
Art and Music enjoyers visiting Oshawa for CONVERGENCE, can plan their stay at nearby Darlington Provincial Park. Just 15 minutes from downtown Oshawa, campers can enjoy a quiet night along the shores of Lake Ontario.
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Northern Ontario
Rock Fans flocking to Rock on the River in Timmins can spend their nights at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. Nothing says rock and roll more than a park shaped by the rocky debris from a receding ice sheet! The park has spacious sites set deep in the Boreal Forest for those looking for a peaceful spot post-festival.
Folks headed up to Sudbury for Northern Lights Festival Boréal have their choice of campgrounds to stay at. After enjoying a lineup of emerging artists, you can head to Fairbank Provincial Park or Windy Lake Provincial Park. Those up for a longer journey can set their sites on Halfway Lake Provincial Park for a quiet night in the Boreal Forest.
Headed up to Thunder Bay for Wake the Giant? Camp at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, just 30 minutes outside the city. The park has plenty of sites with space for trailers and tents. While in town don’t forget a day trip to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Thunder Bay is also home to Bayfest, continuing the legacy of Bluesfest, this new festival is focused on classic Canadian rock. Stay at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park but don’t forget to visit the many parks near Thunder Bay, and why not take a road trip through Sunset Country exploring Ontario’s northwest.
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Get ready for breathtaking views and a soundtrack to match!
Now all you need to do is buy your tickets, book your site, and start the countdown for a weekend of music and the great outdoors.
For more festivals check this list of the top live music festivals in Ontario and check the park locator for a nearby park to camp at.
