Family Camping Adventure: Exploring Northeastern Ontario and Western Quebec with Kids

There’s something magical about packing up the car, leaving behind the daily routine, and heading into the great outdoors with your family. Our 10-night road trip through Northeastern Ontario and Western Quebec was born from a desire to disconnect from screens, immerse ourselves in nature, and create lifelong memories with our kids.

Embark on an unforgettable family camping road trip through Northeastern Ontario and Western Quebec! This adventure-filled journey takes you through breathtaking provincial and national parks, stunning hikes, fascinating cultural sites, and family-friendly activities perfect for making lifelong memories.

Whether you're exploring hidden waterfalls, paddling across crystal-clear lakes, or hiking scenic trails, this itinerary has something for every outdoor-loving family.

Planning the Ultimate Family Camping in North Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec

Researching Family-Friendly Campgrounds

Choosing the right campgrounds was key to making this trip successful. We looked for places that offered kid-friendly amenities like clean washrooms, sandy beaches, and easy hiking trails. Safety was also a big factor—well-maintained sites, access to drinking water, and ranger stations nearby made all the difference. Provincial and national parks tend to have great family-friendly options, and we always check online reviews before booking.

Here are some features we prioritized when planning:

• Clean washrooms & showers: A must when camping with little ones!

• Playgrounds & activity areas: Keeps kids entertained at camp.

• Beaches & swimming areas: Perfect for afternoon fun.

• Well-marked hiking trails: Easy-to-moderate trails for young adventurers.

• Equipment rentals: Canoes, paddleboards, or bikes to add variety to the trip.

  
  

Essential Camping Gear for Kids

Packing smart made a huge difference in keeping our kids comfortable and happy throughout the trip. Here are some of our must-haves:

• Child-sized sleeping bags & sleeping pads: Keeping them warm and cozy at night.

• Portable high chair: A lifesaver for mealtime with toddlers.

• Kid-friendly cookware: Lightweight plates, cutlery, and fun roasting sticks for campfire cooking.

• Headlamps & glow sticks: Nighttime fun and safety in one.

• Activity kits: Small packs with coloring books, nature scavenger hunts, and compact games.

• Bug net hats & sunscreen: Essential for protection in the great outdoors.

• Water shoes: Perfect for exploring rocky shorelines and splash zones.

With the right preparation and gear, a family camping trip can be an incredible way to create lasting memories while keeping everyone comfortable and safe.

Our 10-Night Camping Itinerary: The Best Family-Friendly Parks in Northeastern Ontario & Western Quebec

Night 1: Restoule Provincial Park

Restoule Provincial Park is the perfect place to kick off our adventure. After setting up camp, we headed straight for the Fire Tower Trail—a moderately challenging hike that rewarded us with incredible panoramic views at the top. The kids loved the open forest trails, and the steep sections kept it exciting. Later, we cooled off at the sandy beach and watched the sunset over the lake.

Highlights:

• Hike the Fire Tower Trail (4.1 km, moderate difficulty)

• Relax on the sandy beach and let the kids splash around

• Rent bikes, canoes, or paddleboards for some fun on the water

• Explore the nearby North Bay waterfront and local farmers' markets

  
  

Nights 2-3: Finlayson Point Provincial Park

Nestled along the shores of Lake Temagami, Finlayson Point was a peaceful retreat. Waking up to the sound of loons was pure magic. The crystal-clear waters made for amazing morning paddles, and the kids were thrilled to spot fish darting below our canoe.

For a fun day trip, we visited Marten River Provincial Park’s Logging Museum, where we explored historic buildings and learned about Ontario’s logging past. The highlight was hiking to Devil’s Rock near New Liskeard—one of the most breathtaking views of the trip! The climb was manageable with kids, and the towering cliffs overlooking Lake Timiskaming were well worth the effort.

Highlights:

• Early morning paddles on Lake Temagami

• Visit to Marten River Logging Museum

• Hike to Devil’s Rock (3.2 km, moderate difficulty)

• Climb the Temagami Fire Tower for epic views

  
  
  
  

Night 4: Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park

This park surprised us with its beauty! The Kap-Kig-Iwan Falls were a hidden gem—an easy walk from the campsite led us to powerful, cascading waterfalls. Along the way to the park, we stopped at Pete’s Dam, where the kids had fun exploring the rocky landscape and watching the rushing water. The evening at camp was all about unwinding by the fire and listening to nature.

Highlights:

• Visit Pete’s Dam for a scenic break

• Hike to the Kap-Kig-Iwan Falls (short, easy trail)

• Enjoy a quiet night at the peaceful campground

Nights 5-6: Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

The moment we arrived, we knew Kettle Lakes was special. The landscape here is unlike anywhere else—a unique mix of boreal forest and arctic tundra, formed by ancient glaciers. We spent our days hiking the park’s trails, discovering hidden lakes, and making the most of the pristine nature.

One of the best day trips was heading to Cochrane to visit the Polar Bear Habitat, where the kids got up close with rescued polar bears. We also took a short drive to Timmins, stopping at the mine overlook for a glimpse into the region’s rich mining history. Before heading back, we grabbed lunch and enjoyed a break from camp cooking and a piece of Timmins Culture.

Highlights:

• Explore the park’s unique landscape on the Wildlife Trail (3 km, easy)

• Visit the Polar Bear Habitat in Cochrane

• Day trip to Timmins, stop by the mine overlook, and enjoy a great meal downtown

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Nights 7-8: Aiguebelle National Park

Aiguebelle National Park was an absolute highlight of the trip. The hiking trails here were nothing short of spectacular, especially the Mont Dominant Trail. This trail led us across a dramatic suspension bridge with sweeping views of the rugged terrain below. The kids loved the adventure, and we spent extra time soaking in the landscape from the lookout points.

Highlights:

• Hike Mont Dominant Trail (4.5 km, moderate difficulty)

• Walk across the suspension bridge for stunning views

• Experience the beauty of Quebec’s wild landscapes

  
  

  

  
  

Nights 9-10: Opémican National Park

Our final stop was Opémican National Park, a place rich in both adventure and history. The cliffside hikes gave us some of the best views of the trip, and we also took part in a dragon boat tour—an unforgettable experience paddling together as a family. Before leaving, we explored the park’s museum, where we learned about the region’s Indigenous and logging history.

Highlights:

• Hike Grande Chute Trail (3.6 km, moderate difficulty) for incredible water views

• Go on a dragon boat tour for a fun family adventure

• Visit the Opémican Museum to learn about the park’s history

Outdoor Activities for Kids: Nature Trails and Educational Hikes

One of the best ways to keep kids engaged while camping is by introducing them to trails that are both manageable and educational. We made sure to choose hikes that offered a mix of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and learning opportunities, turning each walk into an adventure.

At Restoule Provincial Park, the Fire Tower Trail was a perfect mix of challenge and reward. The kids loved spotting different tree species along the way, and reaching the towering lookout felt like a real accomplishment. Along the hike, we made a game out of identifying bird calls and looking for signs of wildlife.

At Finlayson Point, the nearby Devil’s Rock hike was a thrilling experience, not just for the breathtaking views, but also for the geological formations and history behind the towering cliffs. We talked about how the rock formations were created over thousands of years and imagined what early explorers must have felt standing in the same spot.

Aiguebelle National Park took things to the next level with its suspension bridge hike. Walking across the bridge high above the rugged landscape made the kids feel like real explorers. The interpretive signs along the way helped us learn about the park’s unique terrain and how the surrounding lakes were formed.

To make hikes even more interactive, we often brought along nature scavenger hunts, challenging the kids to find different types of leaves, rocks, or animal tracks. With the right mix of fun and learning, these trails became some of the most memorable parts of our trip.

Campfire Cooking: Kid-Friendly Recipes

Simple and Delicious Meals

One of the best parts of camping is gathering around the fire for a delicious meal after a day of adventure. We kept our camp meals simple but fun, making sure they were easy to prep, kid-approved, and packed with flavor.

Some of the biggest hits from our trip included:

• Campfire Pizzas – Using naan or pita bread as a base, we let the kids add their favorite toppings before cooking them over the fire in a cast-iron pan.

• Walking Tacos – A fun, no-mess meal! We filled individual chip bags with taco toppings like seasoned beef, cheese, lettuce, and salsa—easy to eat and clean up.

• S’mores Variations – We took s’mores to the next level by adding peanut butter, caramel drizzle, or swapping graham crackers for chocolate chip cookies.

• One-Pot Mac & Cheese – A creamy, comforting meal that was perfect for refueling after long hikes.

  
  

For more meal ideas, check out my family camping meal planning guide where I share tips on keeping meals stress-free and delicious.

Involving Children in Meal Preparation

Cooking at camp wasn’t just about eating—it was part of the adventure! We found that involving the kids in meal prep made them more excited about what they were eating and gave them a sense of accomplishment.

• Fire-Safe Cooking Tasks – We let them wrap foil pack meals, spread sauce on campfire pizzas, or mix ingredients for pancakes.

• Gathering & Prep – The kids loved helping us gather firewood, washing veggies, or measuring out ingredients.

• DIY Snacks – Letting them create their own trail mix or assemble their own wraps gave them a little independence and made mealtime more fun.

  
  

Encouraging kids to get involved not only made meals more enjoyable but also taught them useful outdoor skills—from safely handling food to understanding how to cook over a fire.

What We Learned from This Road Trip

Spending ten nights on the road with kids was a challenge, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Here are some key takeaways from our adventure:

• Embrace flexibility: Some of our best moments came from spontaneous stops—like pulling over for a scenic lake or checking out a small-town bakery we hadn’t planned for.

• Long drives can be fun (with the right mindset): We kept the kids entertained with road trip games, snacks, and plenty of outdoor breaks.

• Parks have so much more to offer than camping: From museums to boat tours, every park had something unique that made the trip even more special.

• Sometimes, the simplest moments are the most magical: Watching the sunset over the water, listening to loons call at night, or making s’mores under the stars—those were the moments we’ll never forget.

This family-friendly Ontario and Quebec road trip was packed with adventure, discovery, and unforgettable moments. From breathtaking hikes and cultural sites to quiet moments around the campfire, every stop brought something special. If you’re looking for an epic camping trip with kids, this route is a perfect mix of nature, exploration, and fun.

Looking for more family camping inspiration? Check out our guides to camping with kids in Ontario and best campgrounds near Ottawa to plan your next adventure!

with love,

The Duquette's