Camping is a cherished summer tradition for many Canadians, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and reconnect with friends and family. However, it does require some skills and planning. If you’re new to Canada and come from a place where camping is uncommon, or if you grew up in a family that never camped, you might feel overwhelmed. We found ourselves in the latter situation and had never camped before we participated in the Learn to Camp program provided by Ontario Parks.
To commemorate this experience, we filmed a video documenting our first camping (mis)adventures, which you can find on our YouTube Channel:
If you enjoyed this video, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to catch all our latest videos!
Our Experience
We always thought camping wasn’t for us and turned down previous invites from friends. However, we finally said ‘yes’ when Ontario Parks invited us to their Learn to Camp program. It was an ideal fit for us as complete newbies in the camping world.
The Learn to Camp Program offers one or two overnight camping experiences at select Ontario Park campgrounds. We opted for Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville. Once we decided to participate, we selected our preferred weekend, and the planning began.
Our Learn to Camp Program Coordinator provided us with ample information, including a comprehensive Information Guide with various checklists detailing what to bring, including food, clothing, and personal hygiene items. This meticulous preparation removed the guesswork from planning for us. Essentially, we only needed to decide on meals and entertainment, as the program supplied all necessary camping gear, including tents, air mattresses, camp stoves, kitchen utensils, firewood, and even S’mores kits!
Getting There
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is located in Oakville, Ontario. However, be aware that the Campground and Day-Use Area are situated in two separate locations, and you will need to drive between them (a pedestrian bridge linking the two is in development).
Fees
The fees vary based on whether you choose one or two nights, so check the Ontario Parks website for updated fees.
Classroom Instruction
The program features outdoor classroom sessions, where small groups of no more than 15 participants gather on camping chairs while instructors teach essential outdoor skills. Our guides for the weekend, Andrew and Brittnie, were seasoned campers with over 15 years of experience exploring Ontario’s wilderness.
They shared vital information to ensure our first camping experience was enjoyable and safe. We learned how to set up and use equipment like the dining shelter, tents, campfire, and camp stove. Watch our video to see the outdoor classroom in action.
Safety was a top priority; for instance, we were taught that using a propane camp stove inside the dining shelter is unsafe due to the risk of melting or burning the shelter’s fabric. An essential lesson for all newbies!
The classroom experience encompassed more than just equipment usage; we also learned about local plants and the wildlife living around us. For instance, there definitely are raccoons in the park. Tony accidentally left a raw chicken tray in a bag at our campsite, neglecting to dispose of it properly. Unsurprisingly, a group of raccoons discovered it in the middle of the night and began rummaging through our trash, even fighting over the leftover scraps. Lesson learned: food and food waste must be stored or disposed of correctly to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite at ungodly hours!
Essential Tips for Camping
You’ll be spending significant time outdoors, so preparation is crucial. Consider the expected weather conditions for both day and night, as nights can get quite cool and damp. Be ready for all sorts of weather, because you never know when a downpour may occur!
Types of Camping
- Car Camping – This is the most popular form of camping where you drive to a campsite, using your vehicle for storage and carrying supplies.
- Backcountry Camping – This rugged style can occur in a designated camping area or on crown land, typically in remote regions void of amenities, requiring a hike or canoe trip to reach. We explored a backcountry campsite during one of our previous adventures in southwestern Ontario. Check it out!
- Solo Camping – Seasoned campers, like our guides Andrew and Brittnie, sometimes choose to camp alone for a chance to enjoy solitude amidst nature. Our friend Camper Christina is a fan of this too, having braved camping in -40 degree weather! She documents her adventures on her blog.
- Glamping – This is a style of camping that combines traditional outdoor experiences with modern comforts. If you prefer a touch of luxury while camping, glamping is definitely for you. We experienced glamping ourselves before trying traditional camping; if you’re interested, click here.
Checklist for Your Trip
When you register for the Learn to Camp program, you’ll receive a helpful checklist. You’ll need to bring your own clothing, personal hygiene products, food, and entertainment, such as books or games. Everything else you need will be provided by Ontario Parks. Tony explains the checklist in our video.
We are both thrilled we tried this program, finishing the weekend with an immense sense of achievement. Camping had always felt out of reach due to our backgrounds, but our camp guides made the process accessible with their detailed and patient instruction. We’re currently exploring the idea of purchasing our own camping gear to venture out independently. With hundreds of campgrounds across this vast province, each incredibly unique with various offerings, we’re eager to start uncovering them all. This blog captures our journey to explore every corner of Ontario, Canada, and it seems we have a long way to go!
Our Learn to Camp program was sponsored by Ontario Parks; all opinions, recommendations, and reviews are our own.
Do you have any photos or videos from your visit that you’d like to share? Send them to @LetsDiscoverON.
Thank you for reading and watching! Remember to subscribe to our Blog & YouTube Channel to follow our discoveries across Ontario!
