I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering if I’ve lost mind mind. Am I actually suggesting they you should go camping in the winter? In Ontario, Canada? You’re thinking… there’s snow, and it’s cold and what could you possibly do?

We love to winter camp, even though we don’t do it every year. We use to take our small three season tent up to the Pinery when there was snow on the ground and it was cold enough, but not crazy cold.

Our tiny tent was toasty warm with the three of us in there. We had to shovel out an area before we could set it up. We were the only ones there in a tent. The few other people were in trailers or they had rented one of the available yurts.

Well, winter camping isn’t for the average camper, usually. But there are options for those of you who don’t have a 3 or 4 season tent, winter sleeping bags and the other gear that would make winter camping not only endurable but enjoyable.

Several Ontario Parks are actually open during the winter months, not just for activities, but for camping. Campers can bring tents, their trailers (electricity available for lights and heat) or they can rent a yurt. You can see some pictures and which provincial parks offer yurts at the Ontario Parks website.

Yurts are a great option for people wanting to enjoy the winter activities without having to set up and take down a tent. Yurts have a table and chairs, bunk beds that can hold up to 6 people, heat, light and an electrical outlet. In the summer time they also come with a BBQ, but in the winter there is just a picnic table and fire pit outside. Bathrooms are located close to the winter camping sites.

Some parks even offer cabins! Check out their blog for more details and some pictures!

Depending on the park, there will be different activities available. Obviously there is always hiking, but other winter activities include tubing, hockey, skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, skating and even dog-sledding. Don’t forget winter is still a great time to watch for wildlife and to go birding!