There are well over 300 provincial parks in Ontario, Canada. These parks, typical receive over 10 million guests each year. But,, back in 1893, there was just one park and I’m pretty certain the numbers weren’t so very high.

We’re going to look at the eight oldest parks in the province. Three of the eight are also among the ten largest. Three of these are also among the ten most visited (per 2017 numbers).

8. Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park

What now? Those that have even heard of this park raise your hands. I’m not seeing many. This day use only park has just under 40 acres of land and was opened in 1955. The park is located just east of Peterborough, Ontario on the north side of highway 7.

I personally have not been to this park. But, 2021 has some possible stops in the vicinity (not to mention we spend much of the summer in the Kawarthas) so stay tuned…

7. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

One of two on the list to open in 1944. Sleeping Giant was originally named Sibley Provincial Park. That name is derived from the peninsula on Lake Superior where the park is located.

Located east of Thunder Bay, this park covers an area of 244 square kilometres or 60,000 acres. The highlands rise up to 380 metres or 1,247 feet above the surface of Lake Superior. There are over 240 campsites available.

6. Lake Superior Provincial Park

Also opened in 1944, this park is much larger than Sleeping Giant. In fact, Lake Superior Provincial Park is the seventh largest in the province. The park covers 1,550 square kilometres or 397,400 acres of wilderness.

This park is located on Lake Superior, covering much of the shoreline between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa. Nowadays, the Trans Canada Highway runs through the park. However, in the early days this was not accessible by any road.

In normal times, there are three main campgrounds with a total of under 300 campsites. However, during COVID-19 times, Crescent Lake campground is closed.

5. Presqu’ile Provincial Park

The popular Presqu’ile was opened in 1922. This park is just 9.37 square kilometres or 2,430 acres but its location on the shores of Lake Ontario near Brighton and near the bulk of the province’s population make it a hot spot.

Going by 2017 numbers, Presqu’ile was the tenth most visited park during the summer months and the eighth most visited in the winter. Despite the size, the park has over 300 campsites available.

4. Long Point Provincial Park

Long Point, the actually massive spit sticking out into Lake Erie, is mostly protected by various levels of government. However, the provincial park is just 1.5 square kilometres or 370 acres.

Opened in 1921, Long Point Provincial Park is located near the town of Port Rowan. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the location is home to nearly 400 species of birds (that have been identified to date). There are 256 campsites available.

3. Quetico Provincial Park

Actually first protected as the Quetico Forest Preseve in 1909, the Quetico Provincial Park was officially opened four years later in 1913. The fifth largest park in the province, it covers 4,760 square kilometres or 1,166,190 acres.

However, despite the size, you cannot roll up in your car and pick out a site. This is remote camping only with over 2,000 wilderness campsites on more than 600 lakes, accessible by canoe only.

Located between Thunder Bay and Fort Francis, the park borders the U.S. State of Minnesota on the south side. This is where it meets up with that state’s Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area.

2. Rondeau Provincial Park

Opened in 1894, Rondeau is unique in that there are nearly 300 private cottages on site. Located on Lake Erie, northeast of Point Pelee and southeast of Chatham, Rondeau covers 33 square kilometres or 8,040 acres.

More accurately, the park is located on the Pointe aux Pins Peninsula, an ever transforming sandspit that sticks out into Lake Erie. This area is significant for having the largest Carolinian Forest in Canada. Also, this is an important seasonal stopover for migratory birds.

Rondeau was the sixth most visited provincial park in the winter of 2017. There are 262 campsites available.

1.. Algonquin Provincial Park

I guess, more correctly named simply Algonquin Park. Opened in 1893, this is not only the oldest park in Ontario but the oldest provincial park in Canada. It is also the third largest at 7,653 square kilometres or 1,908,000 acres. Only Polar Bear and Wabakimi have more land area.

Backcountry camping is popular through the park and it’s more than 2,400 lakes. But, there are also 1,200 sites throughout eight campgrounds if you want to drive in and park.

Also designated a National Historic Site of Canada, remnants of the area’s rail past, along with it’s more lavish accommodation days are still to be found. The foundation of the Highland Inn can still be explored several decades after the large hotel was dismantled.

You don’t have to be from Ontario or even Canada to know this is one very popular park. Again, going by 2017 numbers, this is the second most visited park in the province in the summer months behind only Wasaga Beach. It is the third most visited in the winter behind Arrowhead and Bronte Creek.

How Many Have You Visited?

Have you had the chance to take all eight of these gems in? I have not. I have camped at Algonquin and been through many a time. I have driven through Lake Superior on more than one occasion but have never stopped or camped. I’m pretty sure I’ve been to Long Point but as a child. I have seen Sleeping Giant from a distance but have never stopped. I guess I have some work to do…