TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced a $59 million investment to expand and modernize provincial park facilities, adding 300 new campsites and upgrading 800 existing ones with electrical service across the province. The initiative, first unveiled in the 2024 Ontario budget, marks the most significant expansion of provincial park camping infrastructure in 50 years and aims to support local tourism and create more opportunities for Ontarians to enjoy the outdoors.
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy emphasized the importance of the investment for Ontario families and businesses. “More people than ever before are looking to vacation in Ontario and across Canada to support their local communities,” said McCarthy. “With hundreds of new and upgraded campsites, we’re giving more people the opportunity to support local businesses and jobs while camping at Ontario Parks and making memories to last a lifetime.”
Demand for camping opportunities at Ontario Parks has grown significantly over the last decade, with many sites reaching capacity during peak season. In 2024 alone, Ontario Parks recorded 12.4 million visits. This new investment is designed to help meet growing demand, boost domestic tourism, and keep vacation dollars in the province at a time when cross-border travel to the United States has slowed.
Campsites Receiving Upgrades and Additions
Several popular parks are among the first to receive upgrades and new capacity:
- Sandbanks Provincial Park: Procurement for electrical upgrades at 73 campsites began earlier this summer, with construction slated to begin later this month. Some upgraded sites will be available for booking by summer 2026.
- Arrowhead Provincial Park: Year-round park featuring beaches, canoe rentals, and winter sports facilities will see significant infrastructure improvements.
- Bon Echo Provincial Park: New campsites will be added, providing more opportunities for visitors to enjoy the park’s renowned Mazinaw Lake views and canoeing routes.
- Driftwood Provincial Park: Known for waterfront campsites and Ottawa River sunsets, this park will benefit from added capacity.
- MacGregor Point Provincial Park: One of the most ecologically diverse natural areas on the Lake Huron shoreline will receive new campsites.
- Killarney Provincial Park: Famous for its rugged wilderness and pink granite coastline, Killarney will also see additional campsites added.
Construction and upgrades will roll out over the next three years, with procurement already underway at several locations.
This investment reinforces Ontario’s commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles and boosting local economies, while providing residents with affordable, accessible vacation options in nature.