Tag: camping

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Cottage Life

How to go to the bathroom in the woods

Tom Hartrey/Shutterstock

What happens when nature calls on a camping trip? Well, you use the park-provided facilities—that is, of course, what they’re there for. When you’re backcountry camping or deep into the forest, you may be tempted to just go when and where nature calls. But just because you can pee anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Using a public restroom protects you, wildlife, and plants. However, when there are no other options, there are some dos and don’ts of how to go to the bathroom while you’re out enjoying the great outdoors.

When you’re going to the bathroom in the woods, it’s important to follow the leave no trace principle to care for the environment, local ecosystems, and future visitors. Disposing of human waste properly doesn’t just benefit the people that come after your trip, but it avoids potentially polluting water sources, killing plants, and spreading disease. 

It’s best to go about 60 metres (or more) from any campsite, hiking trails, or waterways. Why? The salt in urine attracts animals like bears and other unwanted cottage creatures, according to Stephan Herrero’s book Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance. So, unless you want Yogi Bear visiting you in the wee hours of the morning, make sure you go as far away as possible from your campsite.  

Choose your spot wisely

Once you’ve found your natural biffy, avoid peeing on the plants. While you may have heard the old wive’s tale about using human urine as a fertilizer, there’s another reason to avoid it: animals have a tendency to dig up plants that have urine on them, according to the National Park Service—and these plants and local ecosystems may have otherwise not been disturbed. According to the NPS, another option is to urinate on rocky surfaces to avoid animals kicking up the terrain.

After number one comes…

So what about going number two? If you don’t have a bag that you can use to dispose of human waste properly, the best practice is to bury your left behinds under dirt and stones, allowing it a chance to decompose, according to Leave No Trace. Also, consider using portable sanitary reusable toilet systems.

When it comes to burying your business, think like a feline and dig a cat hole, recommends Leave No Trace. This is one of the most common ways of properly disposing of human waste—it allows the waste to decompose, minimizing the risks of attracting animals. Dig a hole six to eight inches deep and four to six inches wide. Then cover it with dirt and other natural materials—preferably under a sunny spot, which helps it to break down quicker. If you must use this trick more than once, be sure to go to in different spots. Overuse can damage vegetation and local ecosystems. 

What to do with toilet paper

Let’s not forget about toilet paper. While human waste can decompose, most toilet paper cannot, according to Leave No Trace. The perfumes and other materials make it difficult to degrade, so it is non-negotiable that if you bring it with you, you need to dispose of it properly. Alternatively, grab a roll of natural toilet paper, which will break up eventually.

Watch out for the water

What if there’s a lake nearby? Can you urinate in our fresh waters? Although you may find this the easiest solution, you should never pee in the lake. Human pee contains nitrogen, which can increase algae growth and can be toxic to fish, according to the Rich Earth Institute. When algae dies, bacteria decomposes and deoxygenates, killing fish and other aquatic ecosystems. Water treatment plants prevent these toxins when dumped back into our waterways, but you bypass this process when peeing straight into the source, especially when the water is stagnant.

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How to camp for free (and sites to visit to right now)

Photo by @natemuskoka

Looking for a camping spot in Ontario but can’t find availability atv your favourite parks? Don’t worry, there’s still a solution: Crown land camping—these sites are managed by the Ontario government and make up 95 percent of Northern Ontario. And not only do they tend to be a privacy lover’s paradise, but Canadian citizens can camp for free for up to 21 days each calendar year (non-residents will need a permit). 

Before you hit the trails and pitch your tent, remember to follow the golden rule of backcountry camping and leave no trace. Be respectful of the existing animals and ecosystems, dispose of all garbage, be cautious when making a fire, and follow local regulations set out by the local Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines district office. Simply put, take only pictures and leave only footprints. 

How to find Crown land to camp on

Here’s the thing: finding Crown land can be tricky and seasoned campers are unlikely to share their hidden gems for fear that sites will become too popular. We suggest checking out the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas, and go exploring. For those looking for insider tips, we’ve rounded up ten Crown land camping spots across Ontario.  

Lake Temagami near Sudbury, Ont.

Calling all adventurers! Just east of Sudbury, Temagami Region has over 2,000 lakes and 2,400 kilometres of routes, often only accessible by portaging. Grab your best GPS system or a handy map because many points are difficult to find or maintain. Check out Lake Matagamasi to Donald Lake Loop and Wolf Lake, or Wicksteed Lake, Kenny Forest, and Marten River while you’re in the area. 

Ruth Lake in Killarney, Ont.

Ruth Lake is an ideal place to camp because it’s nestled in a network of canoe and backpacking trails. Plus, it’s close to the La Cloche Silhouette Trail for anyone wanting to embark on a short or multi-day hike. Plus, if you change your mind about the Crown land appeal of no washrooms, staff, or camping infrastructure, there are many Ontario Parks campgrounds in the area.

Fish Bay Conservation Reserve near Nipissing, Ont.

There are quite a few Crown land shorelines and islands free to camp on buried in the Fish Bay Conservation Reserve. Campers can access them by Wade’s or Chapman’s landings in the Township of Nipissing. You’ll often be greeted by fishermen in this popular fishing spot (if the name didn’t give it away).

Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park near Sudbury, Ont.

Find Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park just 50 kilometres outside Sudbury and near the townships of MacKelcan, Rathbun, McCarthy, and McNish. Boaters will be thrilled to know that this is a popular canoeing destination, plus it has loads of trails to hike on. This park is also the home of Ontario’s Blue Lagoon, known for its waterfalls and natural pools. 

Philip Edward Island in Killarney, Ont. 

Philip Edward Island is a backcountry access point in Killarney that is only reachable by boat. Head to the island by parking at the Chikanishing Trail and paddle across the Collins Inlet. Be prepared to sleep on rocks and have minimal shelter from trees at this camping site. 

Ahmic Forest and Rock Barrens Conservation Reserve near Parry Sound, Ont.

This conservation reserve near the hamlets of Dunchurch and McKellar is one of many camping spots in the Parry Sound area, with over 6,000 hectares of Crown land. Hunting and fishing have been permitted in the past, but it’s best to check with the local ENDM district office before engaging in any recreational activities. 

Egan Lake in Bancroft, Ont.

With no cottages and no hydro, this Crown land camping spot is a true off-grid hidden gem. Fair warning to drivers: roads are often unmaintained, and you should travel with a 4×4 vehicle. Once you get past the rocky terrain, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quiet, peace, and beautiful lake.

Harris Lake in McDougall, Ont.

Harris Lake is only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Greater Toronto Area, making it an easy spot for any city dwellers looking for a weekend escape. Make sure to check the map before you venture out because only about 60 percent of the shoreline is Crown land. When you’re there, grab your paddle and cruise along to Magnetawan.

Eagle Lake Islands Conservation Reserve near Dryden, Ont.

Eagle Lake Islands Conservation Reserve is a gold mine for Crown land campers. With over 500 Crown land islands accessible by boat, you can explore 3,395 hectares just outside of Dryden and Vermilion Bay.

Big Salmon Lake in Frontenac, Ont.

Head down to Frontenac for access to Crown land camping by boat. Access points include Big Salmon Lake, Little Salmon Lake, and Little Clear Lake. The benefit of this area is that you can drive electric motor boats—just watch out for the weeds and largemouth bass in the shallow areas. 

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5 jobs you can get with Ontario Parks this summer

Photo by Ontario Parks, Facebook

A summer job doesn’t have to mean being cooped up indoors or missing out on the best warm-weather activities. If you love to spend time in nature, consider applying for a role at one of Ontario’s provincial parks, which hire many students in the summer months—plus, there’s full-time and part-time positions too.

You can select up to 10 parks to apply to, as each park needs people to fill each position. If you’re living at home, select local parks. But for an adventure this summer, select parks with staff accommodations. You’ll get access to shared living spaces and get to immerse yourself in park life.

Here are some cool Ontario Parks jobs to check out if you’re on the hunt for the upcoming season. The deadline to apply is May 16, 2023.

Student jobs

Discovery ranger

If you have memories of camping as a kid and attending an interactive talk or guided hike, the person leading it was likely a discovery ranger. Described as park storytellers, a discovery ranger runs programs that help visitors explore the nature around them and get to know the unique ecological environment. There’s also a conservation aspect to this role, where rangers help identify species that are at risk and develop programs to address them.

Interior ranger

If you’re an experienced outdoors explorer, this job is definitely one to check out. Some aspects are similar to a discovery ranger, but you’ll mainly be in the backcountry on multi-day expeditions, making sure trails are clear by removing garbage, trees and brush, and so on. It’s a physically demanding job but certainly rewarding for those who love the untouched backcountry. This job is more common at parks with a wide swath of available backcountry trips and portaging, such as Algonquin, French River, Frontenac, and Murphy’s Point.

Trail maintenance

Another physically demanding but great job for avid hikers, this role involves the upkeep of a park’s trail network, including beginner, advanced, and portage routes. You’ll get to know beautiful hiking routes, and help prevent environmental degradation by ensuring visitors can stay on a clear route, so they don’t disturb the surrounding area.

View all student jobs here

Full-time roles

Park Warden

One of the most vital roles at Ontario Parks, a Park Warden helps with everything from everyday maintenance to park safety, visitor experience, and more. The Park Warden is the public-facing representative of the park, who helps strike a balance between protecting the natural environment and ensuring visitors enjoy their time to the fullest.

Park Interpreter

Similar to the summer student role of discovery ranger, a park interpreter is a more permanent fixture in Ontario’s Parks, with wide-ranging duties that include providing guided hikes, interactive sessions, historical re-enactments, special events, and children’s programming. It’s also great for people looking for a creative outlet, as it may involve acting and musical skills to create engaging programs for all ages.

View all full-time roles here

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Parks Canada launches new camping reservation system

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Avid campers are used to gearing up in January to book their favourite sites in our national parks—but that wasn’t the case this year, as Parks Canada completed a major revamp of their camping reservation system. The new platform went live on March 13, and some parks are officially open for bookings; others will continue to open throughout the month. Here’s what you need to know about the new system and how to reserve a campsite.

You need to make a new online account prior to booking

This is the crucial first step for everyone, regardless of whether you had an existing Parks Canada account. Make note of your username and password, and make sure your browser is compatible and running the site smoothly. 

Different parks have different booking or “launch” dates—make sure to identify the one you want. 

While March 13 was technically launch day for the new camping reservation platform, parks have varying dates for when reservations open, ranging from now until April 3. In Ontario, for example, all six national parks open their bookings on March 21. Also, note that some parks have different dates for front-country camping versus backcountry or hiking trips. 

Here are a few opening dates for a few of the top parks across the country:

Banff National Park—Thursday, March 23
*Some booking dates for backcountry campsites, backcountry hikes, and shuttles within the park are different (March 22, March 29, and April 13, respectively). Read through the whole section to be sure of the one that applies to you.

Jasper National Park – Thursday, March 16

Gros Morne National Park – Friday, March 31

Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Saturday, March 18 

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – *Open as of Monday, March 13

Have your trip details ready 

While some features will be familiar if you’ve booked campsite reservations through Parks Canada before, it’s helpful to have a refresher on what some key terms mean so you know which details to fill in. 

You should have a general idea of the trip you’d like to do, as you’ll be asked what campsite you’re looking to reserve, the “reservable period” (the time frame of your trip, and the period that campsite is actually available), and the “operating season.” Some parks or campsites may be open for fall camping, for example, and others might not.

If you log in before bookings open, you’ll be directed to a waiting screen—when your turn comes up, you have 30 minutes to book

Remember that you’re not allowed into the booking system based on how early you logged in; it’s randomized. The goal is to have all of your trip details ready to go, so you can get the booking done quickly but also be ready to shift if necessary. While the new camping reservation system is meant to make things more streamlined, spots will still book up quickly. 

Be prepared to be flexible 

Look at a “site calendar” to see when a site is available. Remember that cancellations happen as the months go on; check back often, and know that not all campsites and parks are technically on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Here’s how to snag a coveted Ontario campsite in 2023

Photo by Prapat Aowsakorn/Shutterstock

Even before the pandemic-driven spike in visits to campsites, securing a spot at some of Ontario’s provincial parks can be as challenging as trying to get tickets to a Justin Bieber concert. Though online reservations have made the booking process more straightforward, it’s also increased competition—so much so that Ontario Parks decided to limit the number of nights you can book at popular parks.

For most parks, reservations for campsites and roofed accommodations open at 7 a.m., five months out from the first day of your trip—so if you’re looking to camp over May long weekend, that’s as early as the end of January. Here are some tips to guarantee you get the reservation you want for your summer adventure.

Prep your device in advance 

Earlier this year, Ontario Parks revamped their website and reservation system to make it more streamlined—and they’ve even published a guide on how to prepare your device for online booking, whether it be a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.

  • Make sure your browser, software, and all applications are up to date. This may seem basic, but if you’ve ever had the experience of trying to join a Zoom meeting only to have Zoom suddenly run an update, you know how frustrating it can be. The Ontario Parks site is compatible with Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Also, check that your browser’s privacy settings allow pop-ups, just in case—and be mindful that private browsing mode or ‘incognito’ may mess up the process. 
  • Clear your internet cache beforehand. A full cache (the data on your browser of recently visited websites) can slow down your browser and computer. Clear it before you start.

Have your key info on hand

Depending on the reservation type, you may need the license plate numbers of the cars at the campsite, the names and addresses of guests joining you, and your credit card/payment information. Also, if you have a Seasonal Day-Use Permit, you may want to have that on hand; consider purchasing one if you visit the parks often. 

Sign up for availability notifications

Despite careful planning and preparation, some Ontario parks book up fast, and you may not get the site you want. It’s definitely worth it to sign up for email notifications for availability at a specific park; as Parks staff note, cancellations often happen, many last minute.

When in doubt, just make the reservation—you can always cancel

With the relative affordability of an outdoor trip, the cost to cancel outside of a certain window is minimal—usually less than $10. Don’t wait on others if a coveted site at your favourite park is available on booking day. You also have the option to transfer a reservation to someone else if you can’t make it. 

Other key tips:

  • Make use of the ‘similar experiences’ feature. Introduced this year, this feature aims to give visitors similar options if the campsite or trip they usually do is booked up. Take the leap and try a new adventure! 
  • Set a reminder to book your daily vehicle permit. In 2021, Ontario’s busiest parks introduced this requirement, and they still apply even if you’re arriving for an overnight stay. You can reserve it up to five days before the first date of your trip, online or by phone. It’s easy to forget, especially if you book months in advance, so set a calendar reminder—and remember that a Seasonal Day-Use Pass doesn’t automatically come with a spot; you still need to book.
  • Try a park in Northern Ontario. Some of the most beautiful, secluded, and easier-to-reserve parks are just a couple of hours north of the more popular Central Ontario. Try places like Sleeping Giant, Pancake Bay, or Quetico, which have stunning lakes, beaches, backcountry sites, and are far less crowded than Algonquin or Sandbanks. 
  • When in doubt, pick up the phone. Parks staff still encourage folks to call if they’re having trouble with the online system (1-888-668-7275). You can still make reservations this way, and if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, it may be better to speak with a staff member.

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Ontario Parks to restrict campsite bookings next summer

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Campsites in Ontario have become hot commodities, especially since the pandemic sent city dwellers scrambling for the outdoors. To accommodate the influx of campers, Ontario Parks has announced that it will be limiting the number of nights an individual can book a campsite at its provincial parks during summer months.

Previously, campers were able to book sites for a maximum of 23 days, but starting in 2023, Ontario Parks will limit the maximum stay in its more popular destinations to seven or 14 nights, depending on the park.

The limited stay will be in effect from July 1 to the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, and does not pertain to backcountry camping or roofed accommodations, only campground campsites.

The government agency says its goal is to provide more people with access to summer campsites, especially as interest grows. In 2014, Ontario Parks recorded 4.3 million camper nights. In 2021, that number grew to 6.6 million camper nights. This initiative will provide more booking dates, accommodating a greater diversity of campers.

“I’m really glad they made that decision because it’s going to make it easier for a lot of people to get campsites,” says Michele Craig, a camper who books sites four to five times each summer.

Some of Craig’s favourite parks include Algonquin, Arrowhead, and Grundy Lake, but she’s struggled in the past to book sites. In 2019, Craig booked a campsite in Bon Echo, but hasn’t managed to get one since. “That one’s very hard to get into,” she says.

By limiting the number of nights people can stay, Craig says she also hopes it puts an end to people overbooking. “You can start your booking five months before your arrival date,” she says. “So, people would book the whole 23 days when they only wanted the week at the end. And then they would start reducing their reservation.”

This way, people have a guaranteed three-week block, giving them more choice over which days they want to camp. But it also prevents others from booking those days. Craig says she found that it’s easier to book a campsite three to four months before her arrival date when the individuals who book the three-week blocks cancel the days they don’t want.

Sometimes—to avoid the cancellation fee, which can be as much as 50 per cent of the campsite’s total fee—these individuals resell the dates on other sites, such as Facebook. This way, the individual only has to pay the transfer fee, which is $7.52, Craig says. This also prevents the dates from going back into the system and being fairly distributed among everyone.

Craig says she does feel bad for the people who do stay for the full 23 days, especially those who use it as their summer vacation. “But unfortunately, that’s the game that has been played,” she says, “and I’m glad [Ontario Parks] is taking action.”

In a discussion on the Algonquin Parks Facebook page, one user, who’s supportive of the change, points out that prior to July 1 and after Labour Day, 23-day bookings are still allowed. “Learned to love camping in September/October, [because] I could never get a site earlier than that. I do book 3 weeks, but I actually stay 3 weeks,” the post says. Plus, the nightly limit only applies to certain Ontario Parks.

“I’m feeling positive about the change,” Craig says. “And I know that the reason is just that our parks are so beautiful and popular, and it’s not hard to see why.”

Maximum 7-night stay

  • Algonquin
  • Bon Echo
  • Killbear
  • Pinery
  • Sandbanks

Maximum 14-night stay

  • Arrowhead
  • Awenda
  • Balsam Lake
  • Bass Lake
  • Blue Lake
  • Bonnechere
  • Charleston Lake
  • Chutes
  • Craigleith
  • Darlington
  • Driftwood
  • Earl Rowe
  • Emily
  • Esker Lakes
  • Fairbank
  • Finlayson Point
  • Fitzroy
  • Fushimi Lake
  • Grundy Lake
  • Halfway Lake
  • Inverhuron
  • Ivanhoe Lake
  • Kap-Kig-Iwan
  • Kettle Lakes
  • Killarney
  • Lake St. Peter
  • Lake Superior
  • Long Point
  • MacGregor Point
  • Mara
  • Marten River
  • McRae Point
  • Mikisew
  • Mississagi
  • Murphys Point
  • Nagagamisis
  • Neys
  • Oastler Lake
  • Pancake Bay
  • Point Farms
  • Port Burwell
  • Presqu’ile
  • Quetico
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Rene Brunelle
  • Restoule
  • Rideau River
  • Rock Point
  • Rondeau
  • Rushing River
  • Samuel de Champlain
  • Sauble Falls
  • Selkirk
  • Sharbot Lake
  • Sibbald Point
  • Silent Lake
  • Silver Lake
  • Six Mile Lake
  • Sleeping Giant
  • Sturgeon Bay
  • Turkey Point
  • Wheatley
  • Windy Lake

Maximum 23-night stay

  • Aaron
  • Arrow Lake
  • Bronte Creek
  • Caliper Lake
  • Ferris
  • Kakabeka Falls
  • MacLeod
  • Missinaibi
  • Ojibway
  • Pakwash
  • Sandbar Lake
  • Silver Falls
  • Sioux Narrows
  • Voyageur
  • Wakami Lake
  • White Lake

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Cottage Life

Amazon Prime Early Access Sale 2022 deals for the outdoor enthusiast

Courtesy Nice C/Intex Explorer/Mereza/Amazon Prime

If you choose to purchase any of these products through the links provided, we may earn a small commission. Read more about our Editorial Policy here.

Fall is here, but there’s still plenty of time to get out there and enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. We’ve rounded up the best deals for the outdoor enthusiast from the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale.

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Cottage Life

Have fun all summer with outdoor gear from Amazon Prime Day

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If you choose to purchase any of these products through the links provided, we may earn a small commission. Read more about our Editorial Policy here.

Whether you’re spending a night camping under the stars or a weekend paddling around the lake, chances are you’re going to need some outdoor gear to do it. We’ve found the Amazon Prime Day deals that will help you have the best time at the cottage. From hammocks to bikes to grills, here’s the outdoor gear you need on sale:

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Cottage Life

New Ontario Parks’ system notifies you when a campsite is available

Photo by Day of Victory Studio/shutterstock

If your search for a campsite at an Ontario Provincial Park has ended in disappointment these past two years, you aren’t alone. Due to high demand in 2021, Ontario Parks has now introduced several new features to make booking your campsite easier, including a new availability notification system.

Should your desired park and dates become available within the five-month booking window, you will receive an email alert that will allow you to book within this time slot. This feature is a simpler solution for campers to stay up-to-date with cancellations, and current availability.

“Cancellations are made up to the day before someone is set to arrive,” explained Zachary Tucker, management advisor with Ontario Parks. “If you’re looking for something in August, you could keep looking from now until August. You never know what’s going to come up.”

Popular destinations like Bon Echo, Sandbanks, Pinery, Killbear, and Algonquin Provincial Parks tend to fill up more quickly than others, but other parks, such as Inverhuron and Restoule, have also been flooded with a large amount of booking reservations.

“This year the volumes are still quite high. The reservations are going well and we’re still seeing some consistency with how things were going last year,” Tucker said. “Last year was actually our record year, so we’re just behind that by approximately 9 per cent this year.”

There are a few other features available to campers who are keeping an eye on campsite openings this year, such as the new similar experiences feature. This allows campers to find the best possible alternative to their park of choice.

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Cottage Life

What you need to know before you book or list on Hipcamp

Photo by Tracy Boccini

As keen Canadian campers make their summer plans, reservations at campsites in provincial and national parks are becoming hot commodities—leaving last-minute planners and spontaneous tent campers with few options.

Hipcamp, an international online booking platform that allows private property owners to list their land for campers and glampers alike, is working to solve this problem. The company launched in Canada in June 2021 but was founded nearly a decade ago in California. Today, Hipcamp hosts listings for outdoor stays in every Canadian province.

A need for easier access to outdoor stays sparked the creation of Hipcamp, so launching in Canada was a logical step, says Kamila Mukherjee, the company’s manager of growth operations in Canada. During the pandemic, Canadians have been heading outdoors in droves, and traditional campsites fill up quickly when booking opens for the summer. “Demand for outdoor spaces was really outpacing supply, and so we wanted to bring this product to Canada to help people get outside and to nurture that love of nature,” she explains.

Hipcamp users will find everything from backcountry campsites to luxury yurts, and some sites include farm tours, hikes, and other activities, Mukherjee says. Campers can reserve in advance or on the spot, and booking is simple; choose a site, make a reservation, and wait for arrival instructions. But prospective hosts have a few extra considerations.

Before listing their property on Hipcamp, landowners need to “make sure that they understand their local policies” related to hosting campers, Mukherjee explains. Restrictions vary widely between municipalities—some don’t allow camping on private property, and others limit how long tents and recreational vehicles (RV) can be set up—and hosts need to know if the accommodations they plan to offer are legal.

In Greater Sudbury, Ont., zoning bylaws don’t permit the use of tents or RVs on private property. The same is true in Saanich, B.C. when it comes to RVs and secondary buildings.

But in Okotoks, Alta., property owners are welcome to host tent campers on their land. RVs, however, can only be parked on private property for storage or in driveways for 72 hours while being loaded.

Mukherjee notes that, so far, there haven’t been any issues with zoning during guests’ stays. Hosts are encouraged to contact their municipality or Hipcamp staff about applicable bylaws, and they also must abide by COVID-19 safety protocols.