In short. Ontario ranges from Niagara and the Great Lakes to the northern Lake Superior shore. Summer traffic around the south is heavy, while the north is quiet and spread out.
At a glance
Ten trips, each with a suggested time, rough distance, best months, and a rig difficulty. Easy means paved roads and frequent services. Moderate means grades, narrow stretches, ferries, or fewer services. Challenging means remote, gravel, long fuel gaps, or steep roads.
| Trip | Days | Best months | Rig difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake | 3 | May to October | Moderate |
| Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory | 4 | May to October | Moderate |
| Manitoulin Island | 4 | May to October | Moderate |
| Algonquin Provincial Park and the Highway 60 corridor | 3 | May to October | Moderate |
| Muskoka and Parry Sound | 3 | May to October | Easy |
| Thousand Islands Parkway and Kingston | 3 | May to October | Easy |
| Prince Edward County | 3 | May to October | Easy |
| Ottawa, the Rideau Canal, and the Ottawa Valley | 3 | May to October | Easy |
| Algoma: Sault Ste. Marie and Lake Superior Provincial Park | 4 | June to October | Moderate |
| Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant | 3 | May to September | Moderate |
Good to know
- Ontario Parks sites book months ahead for peak summer.
- Highway 17 across the north has long gaps between services.
- Crown land camping rules differ for Canadian residents and visitors. See our free camping guide.
1. Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Suggested time: 3 days
- Distance: about 60 km
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Moderate
The falls, the Niagara Parkway along the river, and the wine country around Niagara-on-the-Lake make an easy first stop.
RV tip: Very busy in summer and holidays. Stay outside the tourist core, and check parking for large vehicles.
2. Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory
- Suggested time: 4 days
- Distance: about 300 km
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Moderate
Turquoise Georgian Bay water, limestone cliffs, and the Bruce Peninsula National Park at the tip, with ferry access to Flowerpot Island.
RV tip: Popular spots use reservation systems for parking and camping. Book well ahead for summer.
3. Manitoulin Island
- Suggested time: 4 days
- Distance: Varies by route
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Moderate
The world's largest freshwater island, reached by the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory or by a swing bridge from the north, with lakes, Indigenous culture, and quiet roads.
RV tip: The ferry is charged by vehicle size and fills in summer, so reserve. Check the swing bridge schedule if you take the northern route.
4. Algonquin Provincial Park and the Highway 60 corridor
- Suggested time: 3 days
- Distance: about 56 km
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Moderate
A lake-and-forest park with moose, loons, and canoe country, with a 56 km road across the south of the park.
RV tip: Front-country campground sites have size limits. Check them before you reserve.
5. Muskoka and Parry Sound
- Suggested time: 3 days
- Distance: Varies by route
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Easy
Cottage-country lakes, rocky shores, and the Georgian Bay coast of the 30,000 Islands.
RV tip: Summer traffic on Highway 400 and 11 can be heavy on Fridays and Sundays. Plan travel days midweek.
6. Thousand Islands Parkway and Kingston
- Suggested time: 3 days
- Distance: about 40 km
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Easy
A scenic riverside road along the St. Lawrence past islands and bridges, ending near historic Kingston.
RV tip: The parkway is quiet but narrow in places. Check height and length limits for campgrounds in the area.
7. Prince Edward County
- Suggested time: 3 days
- Distance: Varies by route
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Easy
An island-like peninsula of beaches, farm stands, and small wineries on Lake Ontario.
RV tip: Popular summer weekends fill campgrounds. Book ahead and bring a bicycle.
8. Ottawa, the Rideau Canal, and the Ottawa Valley
- Suggested time: 3 days
- Distance: Varies by route
- Best months: May to October
- Rig difficulty: Easy
A capital city of museums and a canal, with quiet rivers and small towns in the Ottawa Valley.
RV tip: Campgrounds are mostly outside the core. Check the route and time before you go into the city.
9. Algoma: Sault Ste. Marie and Lake Superior Provincial Park
- Suggested time: 4 days
- Distance: Varies by route
- Best months: June to October
- Rig difficulty: Moderate
Rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and wild country along the shore of Lake Superior north of Sault Ste. Marie.
RV tip: Fuel and services are spaced out on Highway 17. Fill up in larger towns, and watch for wildlife.
10. Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant
- Suggested time: 3 days
- Distance: Varies by route
- Best months: May to September
- Rig difficulty: Moderate
A port city at the head of Lake Superior with Kakabeka Falls nearby and the dramatic Sleeping Giant peninsula.
RV tip: Sleeping Giant is a detour off the Trans-Canada. Allow an extra day.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for an RV trip in Ontario?
Most of these trips run well from May to October. Check each trip's best months, since remote and northern routes have shorter seasons and some seasonal roads and ferries close.
How many days do I need for Ontario?
These trips suggest anywhere from 3 to 4 days each. Combine two or three nearby ones for a longer trip.
Do I need to book campgrounds and ferries?
For popular parks and any ferry, yes, especially in July and August. Each province has its own booking system and window, so check early.
Sources and planning links
Distances and seasons are approximate. Confirm road conditions, ferry schedules, and park openings before you go.
Plan the whole trip. Build a shortlist in our trip planner, check the fuel planner for remote routes, and read the border checklists if you cross a border.