Family Activities
There are many activities for families to participate in during their vacation in Northwestern Ontario! With activities suitable for all ages, you’re bound to have some fun making lifetime memories during your stay. There are campgrounds with great beaches, festivals with music and games, and many more fun places to visit. Spend the day getting some exercise by hiking or swimming! At night, cozy up next to a warm bonfire for some great bonding time. Family vacations in the Patricia Region are like no other.
Parks/Campgrounds
There are many parks and campgrounds across Northwestern Ontario, perfect for families with children of all ages. Many provincial parks in the area offer play equipment, a beach, a dock, hiking trails, and much more. Each park offers a different experience for visitors. There are a few different kinds of parks: Recreational Parks, Natural Environment Parks, Cultural Heritage Parks, Nature Reserve Parks, Waterway Parks and Wilderness Parks. Recreational Parks generally have a campground and a beach. They usually provide washrooms, shower houses, hiking trails, and other recreational activities. Natural Environment Parks also have campgrounds and beaches, however their main focus is preserving the landscapes and natural environment of the area. Cultural Heritage Parks do not generally have camping. Their main goal is to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the area. Waterway parks have rivers that are accessible for use by kayakers and canoeists. The rivers often have some historical significance to the area. Wilderness Parks are remote areas unopened to the general public, and Nature Reserve Parks are protective to the habitat, and are not available to the general public. They are used mainly by researchers. Visit a campground with your family for the day to enjoy the beach, or stay for a week and try out all of the fun activities available!
Festivals
Summer is a great time to check out one of the many festivals that happen throughout Northwestern Ontario! Many of the communities have an annual festival that you don’t want to miss out on! Dryden holds Moosefest, a week long festival with activities for all ages. Live music, dragon boat races, and the teddy bear picnic. If you are visiting Red Lake, check out the Annual Norseman Floatplane Festival. Each year Red Lake celebrates the significance of the floatplane by holding a street fair, with vendors, games and much more. Sioux Lookout’s Blueberry Festival is also great for kids. This event has many activities for children of all ages to enjoy! If you are interested in finding out what events will be going on near you, visit our page http://freemap.ca/festivals.php
Bonfires
At night time, bonfires are a great way to create some great memories with the family. Enjoy the warmth of the fire, the beautiful starry night sky, and some tasty snacks. A traditional bonfire snack is a s’more. S’mores are little sandwiches, made with two graham crackers, a piece of chocolate and a warm, roasted marshmallow. Hot dogs are also a classic bonfire treat. Bonfires are a great time to share stories, bond, and relax during your vacation. Quite often at night in Canada the Northern Lights can be viewed, which is truly a beautiful sight.
Kayaking/Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are both fun ways to bond with the family and get some exercise while enjoying the great Canadian scenery. Kayaks and canoes can be rented from many campgrounds, as well as other outfitters in the area. Take a kayak out for the day with your family, and explore the lake. Chances are you’ll be able to view some wildlife! You could spot a bear, moose, or one of the many animals seen frequently around lakes in Northwestern Ontario. You can also bring out some fishing rods and fish from your kayak/canoe. You can even catch your lunch and kayak to an island! Fry up your fresh fish and enjoy a nice shore lunch. There are many kayak/canoe trails throughout Northwestern Ontario. Quetico Park, located in Northwestern Ontario, is one of the best canoeing and kayaking parks in Canada.
On the Lake
What would a trip to Canada be without enjoying the beautiful Canadian lakes? There are many activities that can be done on the lake! Water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, swimming, boating and much, much more. Campgrounds often have beautiful beaches available to swim at, as well as docks to launch boats off of. Children will love building sand castles and splashing around in the clean lake water. If you have a boat, take the kids out tubing. Tubing is fun for all ages! Of course, it is important to wear a life jacket anytime you are going out on a boat. Water skiing is a little more challenging, but also a fun activity to try. Jet skiing is also a great way to spend the day on the lake! No matter what you do, you are bound to have fun when spending a day in the water in Northwestern Ontario.
Hiking
Hiking is another fun family adventure. You can enjoy a nice hike as a family and take in all the great scenery and wildlife you will see out in nature’s environment. A hike can be a great educational experience for children. As you hike, you can point out different types of trees and plants along the way. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see some wildlife! Their are many hiking trails throughout Northwestern Ontario. It’s a great idea to bring some water and snacks if you’re taking a long hike, and dress for the weather. Remember to bring your camera, as you’re sure to see some memorable sights along the way!
