Province Building and Upgrading More Than 1,000 Ontario Parks Campsites

PICTON — The Ontario government is investing nearly $60 million to create more camping opportunities for families and outdoor enthusiasts at some of the province’s most popular provincial parks, adding up to 300 new campsites and upgrading 800 campsites with electrical service. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this historic investment will make it easier for more people to camp at world-class Ontario Parks destinations while boosting domestic and international tourism that supports local businesses and jobs.

“This upgrade marks a major milestone for Ontario Parks — the most significant expansion of camping opportunities in 50 years,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “More people than ever before are looking to vacation in Ontario and across Canada to support their local communities. With hundreds of new and upgraded campsites, we’re giving more people the opportunity to support local businesses and jobs while camping at Ontario Parks and making memories to last a lifetime.”

Through this investment, Ontario Parks will create 300 new campsites and upgrade approximately 800 existing sites with electrical service over the next three years. The addition of new campsites will help meet rising demand for high-quality outdoor experiences in some of Ontario’s most scenic and sought-after destinations. As part of this expansion, new campsites will be added at Driftwood, MacGregor Point, Bon Echo and Killarney provincial parks, with more parks to follow.

At the same time, existing campsites at Sandbanks, Arrowhead and Bon Echo provincial parks will be upgraded with electrical service, with additional parks receiving electrified campsites in the future. Sandbanks — one of Ontario’s most popular parks with approximately 750,000 visitors each year — will see up to 73 campsites electrified by summer 2026, enhancing comfort and improving accessibility for a wider range of visitors.

Ontario Parks’ phased expansion is prioritizing parks based on project readiness, cost-effectiveness and the ability to deliver high value to park users. A full list of additional parks receiving new or upgraded campsites will be released at a later date. Additional projects will be considered as part of the ministry’s long-term strategy to expand access to Ontario Parks.

Quick Facts

• Demand for camping opportunities at Ontario Parks has surged over the past decade, with many parks reaching capacity during peak seasons.

• As part of the 2024 Ontario Budget: Building a Better Ontario, the government committed $59 million over three years to expand camping opportunities and bring electricity to more campsites.

• This investment represents the largest addition of new campsites at Ontario Parks in 50 years.

• Established in 1970, Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the province’s most popular natural attractions. It is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation.

• Procurement for electrical upgrades at Sandbanks began this summer, with construction scheduled to start later this month. Some of the upgraded sites are expected to be available for booking in summer 2026.

• Sandbanks Provincial Park offers three expansive sandy beaches, over 12 km of hiking trails and discovery programming to an average of 750,000 visits annually.

• Since 2018, the province has invested $76.1 million to make important infrastructure improvements at Ontario Parks.

• With 12.4 million visits in 2024, Ontario Parks is the largest provider of outdoor recreational opportunities in the province.

• Park visitors play a key role in Ontario’s tourism economy, generating spin-off benefits for nearby communities through local dining, shopping and attractions.

Quotes

"With its beautiful beaches and wooded campgrounds, Sandbanks Provincial Park attracts visitors who contribute to our local Bay of Quinte economy and help sustain good jobs in Prince Edward County. By investing in the upgrade and electrification of its inventory of campsites, our government is ensuring it will remain a popular and competitive destination for years to come."

- Tyler Allsopp

MPP for Bay of Quinte

"With its expansive sandy beaches, unique sand dune formations, and extensive hiking trails, it's easy to see why Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the most popular natural destinations in Ontario. Sandbanks is a true gem in our community, helping make Prince Edward County a top tourist destination. We are pleased to see the province investing in Sandbanks to ensure the many visitors have an experience that they will want to relive year after year."

- Steve Ferguson

Mayor of Prince Edward County

"At Earth Rangers, our mission is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards — and there’s no better place for kids to build a lifelong love for nature than in Ontario Parks. We’re thrilled to see the province making it easier for families to enjoy the outdoors, while also ensuring our parks remain resilient and accessible for future generations."

- Tovah Barocas

President of Earth Rangers

Additional Resources

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MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org