Ontario Parks has always been our first pick when we’re looking to book a campsite. We prefer sizeable private premium campsites which we found in nature’s wonderland at Bonnechere Provincial Park. Keep reading to find out why we love this Ontario Park.

The Beach at Bonnechere Provincial Park

When you have kids, you know the importance of a quality beach. There are a few things I look for when I’m beaching.

• Clean Sand – I don’t want to find Goose droppings or sand fleas on the sand. Bonnechere Provincial Park has a clean beach. You are surrounded by nature giving wildlife plenty of other places to be.
• Clean Water – nothing turns me off more than a beach lined with yucky stuff. The kids don’t care much, but if my toes are sinking in seaweed, you won’t find mommy slashing around. I spent hours splashing around the sandy bottom of Round Lake; the water was fresh, clean and warm. There is a buoyed swimming area that is shallow for quite a distance making it ideal for families with small children.
• Space – when I’m watching my kids play, soaking in the suns rays I don’t want to be rubbing sweaty shoulders with another group. Call me anti-social or whatever, but I want my space. Good thing Bonnechere Provincial Park has a spacious beach for us to lounge on. Tip: Go super early or after dinner time to avoid the crowds – we pretty much had the beach to ourselves.
• Shade – shade is a bonus, I mean it’s not a make or break when planning a beach getaway. We have a beach umbrella, but when you’re camping and bring along your furbabies, it is nice to have a spot off on the side to tie them up; especially since dogs are not allowed on the beach. The whole time we played in the water, our pup Mocha was only a few feet away under a tree keeping an eye on her people — the trees lined with picnic tables which were a perfect break from the suns rays and puppy cuddle.

The Hiking Trails at Bonnechere Provincial Park

Bonnechere Provincial Park has a hiking trail called FIT or Footprints in Time.  Also known as a museum on sticks they have very innovative posts that share about Bonnechere Provincial Park on the information panels that swing out.

Unique to Bonnechere Provincial Park on the reverse side of each information panel are activities for children to do. One of our favorites was a game where one of us in the camera and one is the photographer. It’s a game based on trust. The camera closes their eyes, and the photographer guides them to the beauty within your surroundings. And when the photographer takes the picture (tells the camera to open your eyes), your view is a picture etched in your mind. A game I enjoyed playing with the kids.

What we thought was a simple hike turned into an afternoon of fun and games in the middle of the forest.

Paddling The Bonnechere River

Wikipedia tells me that the Bonnechere River flows from Algonquin Provincial Park to the Ottawa River east and north of the town of Renfrew. The river’s name is thought to come from the French “bonne chère” meaning “good cheer.” There is plenty of “good cheer” to be found here. Everything about the river calms the soul.

The river meanders giving new experiences at each turn and is excellent for kids keeping their eyes busy. River paddling tends to keep little ones occupied better than across an open lake and from my standpoint much more comfortable to paddle without the open wind. Bonnechere River is home to lots of wildlife, which sang us lullabies each night. You’ll find turtles sunning on logs along the riverbanks, ducks, and their ducklings, you’ll hear bullfrogs, and if you’re quiet enough, you may view other eyes peeking through the forest.

They have plenty of canoes to rent at the store which is fully stocked with all your needs.

The Little Things at Bonnechere Provincial Park

Central To Everything

We stayed at campsite #83 which is a riverside site that connects to the beach on Round Lake. It comes with the entire shoreline to fish from.

Most of the campsites are central and a short walk to the beach, park store, etc. Our campsite is also within walking distance to the hydro bathrooms and showers; which I have to add were the cleanest bathrooms we’ve seen at any campground. (Take a bow Friends at Bonnechere.)

Interpretive Programs

They have a busy schedule of interpretive programs hosted by the park. Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work for us this time around, but we’ve taken part in many over the years at Ontario Parks and have always been very pleased with the knowledge and friendliness of the staff.

The Little Bonnechere Library

Everyone loves a new read, and the Little Bonnechere Library offers a new read for all. Take a book – leave a book.

We found the new July 2018 issue of National Geography which I collect for our trailer to read when we’re on holidays. They also had some DVDs and cooking books. There is something for everyone.

Barrier Free Bonnechere

I was so happy when I saw that Bonnechere has floating wheelchairs, beach mats and modifications to park facilities making it more accessible than ever! You don’t see this often, actually I’ve never seen this which makes me so happy. Everyone deserves to experience beach time. Learn more about Bonnechere accessibility here. 

Around Bonnechere

If you want to explore the area a bit, Bonnechere Provincial Park is close to Killaloe (pronounced Kill- a-Loo) home of the original Beaver Tail. We stopped before arriving and after we departed. Be sure to have cash on hand and order all Beaver Tails from Creekside Grille. Where I highly suggest you order their Friday Fish special it is so fresh they debone the fish that morning. Plus, they have the best chip truck french fries.

If the town of Wilno is on your route, here’s an interesting fact, it is the home of the first and oldest Polish settlement in Canada. We didn’t get to stop there, but it is also home to the trendy restaurant called the Wilno Tavern, where they serve a lot of traditional Polish food.

“Our time at Bonnechere Provincial Park was exactly what we needed. Three days of bliss in the middle of nature. Paddling, swimming, laughing and playing without the worries of routine chores, to-do lists or business. Sometimes taking yourself out of the daily grind is exactly when you find yourself. We cannot wait to discover more Ontario Parks and I’m confident our next trip to Bonnechere will be a lot longer.”

 

Book Bonnechere Provincial Park here. 

Thank you, for reading In R Dream Canadian Blog.

Thank you, Ontario Parks for the invite. As always, these are our opinions and this, and all reviews are written with honesty from our heart.