What we’re about
Welcome to the Ontario Camping Meetup Group! Our group is dedicated to connecting outdoors enthusiasts who share a passion for camping and gathering around bonfires. Whether you enjoy cooking over an open flame, sharing stories under the stars, or simply relaxing in the glow of a crackling fire, this group is the perfect place to meet like-minded individuals and explore Ontario's beautiful camping destinations. Join us for meetups filled with bonfires, fun activities, and making lasting memories in the great outdoors. Let's come together and spark some new friendships around the campfire!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Camping Information for the Pinery Provincial Park - online eventLink visible for attendees
This is an online Meetup event for those who have signed up for the Pinery Group Camping in July. It will be information for those with questions or concerns and a chance to meet virtually before the in-person event. I hope that you can make it. If not, a second online Meetup will be scheduled, if needed. We are in site #1509, which is Area 3
Link to map of the Pinery https://pinerypark.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2017Pinery_Centrefold.pdf - Grundy Lake Provincial Park 3 or 4 night stayGrundy Lake Provincial Park Main Entrance, Britt, ON
We have rented two regular sites at this great park. We are looking for people to join us and have maximum space for two more tents. 3 nights minimum or 4 nights total. Please indicate if you want 3 or 4 nights in the comment section when you RSVP. The parking permit fee is extra and will be paid directly to the park upon arrival.
## Details
## Biking
There are no dedicated bike trails; however, campers enjoy bike rides along the park roads.
## Birding
You will see many birds at Grundy Lake Provincial Park. Common sightings include the Common Loon, Broad-winged Hawk, Ruffed Grouse, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, and the Great-horned Owl. Other sightings include the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Whip-poor-will, and Pileated Woodpecker.
On the Beaver Dams Trail, you will find a Great Blue Heron rookery, identified as large bunches of branches at the tops of swamp-killed trees. In the spring, a few of these nests are active.
There is a pair of Trumpeter Swans that frequent small lakes in the park every season.
Please stop by the Visitor Centre for copies of Grundy Lake’s Bird checklist.
Bring your binoculars!
## Boating
Power boats are not allowed at Grundy Lake Provincial Park.
## Canoeing
There are countless inland lakes offering endless canoeing and kayaking adventures, which are great for beginners. There are canoe and kayak rentals available nearby. Those looking for a nearby adventure can canoe to their campsites at one of the park’s ten backcountry sites, a popular way to explore the interior of the park.
## Discovery Program
During the summer, park staff offer a variety of fun, interactive educational programs. Join one of our knowledgeable park naturalists on a guided hike, learn about the Voyageurs and the logging history, discover the Pre-Cambrian Shield, and see the park’s wildlife and plant life! Take part in the campfires and come stop by our amphitheater and visitor centre. Take part in the ‘Art in the Park’ programs. There is something for the whole family to enjoy.
## Fishing
The numerous lakes offer excellent fishing and include species such as Northern Pike, bass, panfish, walleye and crappie.
Enjoy our Learn to Fish program, a free, hands-on program that teaches new anglers how to fish in Ontario. This fun and engaging two-hour program combine a practical teaching session with an hour of supervised hands-on fishing. For more information and program times visit ontario.ca/learntofish
## Hiking
Swan Lake Trail – 1.5 km loop (1 hour) moderate to difficult.
Wind through a special area in the park which is protected as a nature reserve. This short hike crosses rocky ridges and lookouts as well as a variety of interesting wetlands. The centerpiece of the trail includes a boardwalk, where wetland plants and animals can be studied. While there, be sure to watch for the Great Blue Heron, beaver, waterfowl, bitterns and other varieties of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, deer, moose and carnivorous plants.
Gut Lake Trail - 2.5 km (1 ½ hours) moderate to difficult.
For some, this is the most popular trail in the park. It travels by two different areas: the rugged rock of the Precambrian Shield (which supports most of the life in this area), and the lakes, streams and wetlands (which drain excess water into Georgian Bay). There are many points that are ideal for photos, rest stops or a picnic. If you walk quietly, you may see Great Blue Heron, other birds, amphibians, fox, deer and moose.
Beaver Dams Trail – 3.6 km (2.5 hours), moderate to difficult.
This trail passes through dense forest and wetlands. Moose, deer, fisher, grouse and many other species of birds and mammals may be seen. The highlight of the trail is the Great Blue Heron rookery, identified as large bunches of branches at the tops of swamp-killed trees. In the spring, a few of these nests are active so bring your binoculars! Finally, you will also see a dammed rock fracture which controls the water level of Bucke Lake and affects Grundy and Gut Lakes as well as Nisbet Creek. Beavers are amazing engineers!
Pakeshkag Lake Trail – 5.2 Linear (2 hours) easy.
This multi-use linear trail is 2.6 km each way and will take approximately 2 hours at a leisurely walking pace. Pack a lunch and enjoy it on one of the picnic tables at the Pakeshkag Lake landing.
The trail will take you past the Beaver Lake wetland which is a favourite with birdwatchers in the Spring.
This trail can also be used as a portage to access the backcountry sites on Beaver Lake and Pakeshkag Lake.
## Swimming
There are six natural sand beaches recommended for swimming. The Main Beach is located on Grundy Lake and is marked with buoy lines. This beach and most of the other beaches have gradual drop-offs. Please note: there are no lifeguards posted at the beaches and pets are not permitted.
