Ultimate Winter Camping in Ontario — A Camp Rentique Guide

Winter in Ontario transforms every familiar trail into something extraordinary — quiet forests, frozen lakes, and skies so clear you can count the constellations.

At Camp Rentique, we believe this is the most magical season to be outdoors. Our team has expanded our offerings with four-season tents, sleeping bags rated to –18 °C, and complete winter-ready bundles so you can explore safely and comfortably.

This guide covers everything you need — where to go, what to bring, what to do, and how Camp Rentique makes winter camping safe, simple, and unforgettable.

Camping and Roofed Accommodation in Winter

Fourteen Ontario Parks welcome overnight guests through the winter, offering everything from heated roofed accommodations to tent and trailer sites. Most provide winterized comfort stations with heat, running hot water, flush toilets, and showers — because even in the snow, comfort matters.

Parks with Heated Roofed Accommodations

Park	Soft-Sided Shelters (Yurts)	Rustic Cabins	Cottages
Algonquin – Mew Lake	6	4
Arrowhead		13
Killarney	6	2
MacGregor Point	6	10
Pinery	6	8
Quetico		3
Sandbanks			2
Silent Lake	8	10
Sleeping Giant		5
Windy Lake	4	2

 

Winter Camping Options

Trailer / Tent Camping Available at	Backcountry Camping Available at
Algonquin (Mew Lake)	Algonquin
Arrowhead	Frontenac
Pinery	Killarney
MacGregor Point	Quetico
Killarney	Sleeping Giant
Killbear	Wabakimi
Silent Lake	Woodland Caribou
Quetico	Kawartha Highlands

⚠️ Note: Winter backcountry camping is challenging and carries higher risk. Attempt it only if you are experienced and have proper equipment. Always review the Ontario Parks Winter Safety page before going.

What Parks Provide — and What You’ll Need

Many first-time campers wonder: What exactly does a yurt or cabin include?
Here’s what Ontario Parks typically provides — and what you’ll need to bring (all available to rent from Camp Rentique).

Accommodation Type	Provided by Parks	Bring Yourself (We Rent These)
Cabin & Yurt	Electric heat & lights, bunk beds with mattresses, BBQ/firepit, nearby comfort station	Sleeping bags, pillows, cooking equipment, dishes, utensils, cooler, 2-stove burner, hatchet
Cottage	Electric heat, full kitchen, indoor washroom & beds with mattresses	Bedding, towels & personal items
Camping & Backcountry	Firepit & outhouse	4-season tent, sleeping system, cooking gear, fuel, lighting, food & safety gear

 

What to Do: Winter Activities Across Ontario Parks

Winter camping isn’t just about sleeping outside — it’s about playing in the snow. From skating trails to snowshoeing and tobogganing, here’s what each open park offers this season:

Park	Cross-Country Skiing	Snowshoeing	Skating Trail	Tobogganing / Snow Tubing	Winter Hiking	Downhill / Family Activities
Algonquin – Mew Lake	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	Wildlife watching, stargazing
Arrowhead	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	Kids’ tubing hill
Killarney	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	Guided snowshoe hikes
MacGregor Point	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	Bird watching, photography
Pinery	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	Sand dune trails
Silent Lake	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	Great for quiet family walks
Sandbanks	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅	Winter beach hikes
Sleeping Giant	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	Panoramic lookouts
Quetico	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	True wilderness experience
Bruce Peninsula (National)	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	Ice-capped shoreline views
Point Pelee (National)	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	Birding and frozen marsh walks

 

We also rent snowshoes, cross-country skis, heavy-duty snow tubes, and snow sleds with brakes — perfect for exploring or safe family fun in Ontario’s winter parks.

Our Winter Camping Package

If you’re camping in a tent or trailer, our Winter Camping Package for Two includes everything you need for warmth, comfort, and safety — all tested in real Ontario conditions.

 

What's Inside:

• 4-Season Insulated Tent
• 2 x Sleeping Bags (-18C)
• 2 x Sleeping Cots
• 2 x Sleeping Pads
• 2 x Pillows
• 2 x Chairs
• 2 x Headlamps
• Tarp
• Cooler
• Stove with a full fuel canister
• Coffee press
• Cook set
• Prep set
• Dinner set for 2
• Hatchet
• Multitool

Learn More 

Packages for Roofed Accommodations

For roofed stays in yurts, cabins, or cottages, we have adapted and created a brand new Winter Cabin Escape Package for 1-6 people. We removed unnecessary things because you are inside and it is warm but kept everything for you to feel the spirit of outdoor adventure. It is your perfect setup for indoor comfort.

Item	Description
Warm Sleeping Bag – Rated to 0 °C	Perfect for heated cabins and yurts.
Pillows	Sleep comfortably elevated off the ground.
Camping Chair	Relax and enjoy the winter landscape.
Headlamp	Hands-free lighting for cozy evenings.
Cooler	Keep food and drinks organized.
Stove with Fuel Canister	Ready-to-use cooking setup.
Coffee Press	Brew a hot cup on crisp winter mornings.
Cook Set, Prep Set & Dinner Set	Everything you need to prepare and enjoy meals.
Hatchet & Multitool	Essentials for convenience and safety.
Camping Chairs/Recliners	To enjoy your morning coffee and seat around campfire

Cold nights in Ontario can drop well below freezing — but staying warm is simple with the right system.

Before bed, fill a hot water bottle with boiling water and place it inside your sleeping bag about 10 minutes before you get in. It pre-heats your bag, creates a pocket of radiant warmth, and helps your body maintain temperature all night. Always use a sturdy, leak-proof bottle and wrap it in a sock or small towel for safety.

For extra comfort, hand and body warmers (available on our website) provide quick, lasting heat — perfect for gloves, pockets, or boots.

Stay Safe: Why We Don’t Use Heated Tents

At Camp Rentique, safety comes before comfort.
We do not rent or recommend propane or electrical heaters for tents or enclosed shelters.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, silent, and deadly — even small heaters can pose a serious risk.
Instead, we focus on insulation, layering, and high-quality sleeping systems to keep you warm safely.

Winter Camping Safety 101

Winter adventures are pure joy when you’re prepared. Keep these essentials in mind:

• Check weather forecasts before traveling — sudden storms are common.
• Keep water bottles upside-down to prevent the cap from freezing.
• Pack backup lighting and extra batteries — the cold drains power fast.
• Watch for frostbite: tingling or pale skin is an early warning.
• Always tell someone your plan and return time.

Camp Rentique’s gear is designed to eliminate most common risks — so you can focus on the view, not survival logistics.

Cooking in Cold Weather

Hot meals are vital in the cold — they boost energy and morale. Try these simple ideas:

• Instant soups and stews — easy to cook with our two-burner stove.
• Pasta with canned sauce — minimal prep, high calories.
• Oatmeal and cocoa — quick breakfast with your Camp Rentique coffee press.
  Always cook outside or in designated park shelters to avoid moisture buildup inside tents or yurts.

Best Ontario Parks for Beginners

If you’re new to winter camping, start where facilities and comfort are close by:

• Arrowhead: groomed ski trails, heated cabins, and famous skating loop.
• MacGregor Point: beginner-friendly yurts and a magical forest skating trail.
• Silent Lake: peaceful cabins, perfect for your first snowshoe trip.

All three are within 3 hours of Toronto and offer easy access for new adventurers.

What to Pack for Kids

Camping with children in winter is memorable — but requires planning.

• Dress them in layers (base, mid, and outer).
• Pack extra gloves and socks — they always get wet.
• Choose easy meals and hot drinks.
• Bring sleds, snow tubes, and small shovels for fun in camp.
• Keep nights cozy with extra blankets and warm snacks like hot chocolate.

We rent snow tubes and sleds with brakes to make sure their fun stays safe.

Layer	Purpose	Recommended Materials
Base Layer	Wicks moisture	Merino wool or synthetic thermal top & bottom
Mid Layer	Traps heat	Fleece or down jacket
Outer Layer	Shields from wind & snow	Waterproof breathable shell
Feet & Hands	Prevent heat loss	Wool socks, insulated boots, waterproof mitts
Accessories	Extra warmth	Toque, neck gaiter, gloves

Winter Camping Tips for Beginners

• Reserve early — roofed units book fast.
• Arrive before dark to set up.
• Use a sled or toboggan for walk-in sites.
• Vent your tent to prevent condensation.
• Bring entertainment for long evenings.
• Keep electronics warm.
• Stay hydrated.
• Leave no trace.

Why Rent Your Camping Gear from Camp Rentique

We make winter camping simple.
Every bundle is tested in Ontario conditions, cleaned after each trip, and packed for real comfort.
Whether you’re heading to Algonquin, Arrowhead, or Silent Lake, we’ll make sure you arrive ready for adventure — not shopping.

Plan Your Trip

1. Choose your park and check availability on Ontario Parks or Parks Canada.
2. Reserve your site or roofed accommodation.
3. Rent your gear at camprentique.ca.
4. Pack food and clothing — we’ll handle the rest.
5. Enjoy the quiet beauty of Ontario in winter.

At Camp Rentique, we believe camping shouldn’t stop when the snow falls.
Book your gear today and discover how peaceful and unforgettable winter camping can be.