The Legend of Urban Camping

Often when we think of a getaway, we dream of places far away and exotic, or perhaps erotic. With tough economic times hitting a good chunk of the population, many people are seeking out affordable vacation destinations close to home, now often referred to as “staycations”. Another growing trend is the desire to combine some form of soft-adventure or active component to their valuable time away from work. With Toronto traffic known for being the most congested in the country, here are a couple of options that will leave you with that feeling of escape, without even having to leave Toronto. Best of all, owing or renting a vehicle is not required.

Urban camping is not a legend. There are actually two campgrounds located within the city of Toronto that provide both visitors and residents an opportunity to experience an urban-rural setting. The 4700 hectare (47 square km/11,500 acres) Rouge Park is operated by the City of Toronto, and is located in the northeast part of Toronto, within the Rouge River, Petticoat Creek and Duffins Creek watersheds. It’s been designated as a protected natural ecosystem since the mid 1990’s, and parts of the area are also designated as National Historic Sites because of the ancient 1600 Seneca native archaeological findings.

The existing park area is thirteen times larger than Central Park (New York, USA), and over 30 times larger than Hyde Park (London, UK). Interested explorers can discover glacial rock formations, native Indian portage trails, Toronto’s only existing farms still in operation, and the largest Carolinian habitat within the city. There’s also a wide array of bird species, natural flora, and fauna. Canoeing on the Rouge River is a wonderful experience that provides scenic nature views, as well as glimpses of the distant city landscape. Visitors must bring their own canoes (or other floatation devices), and take caution as the river is unsupervised. There are also ten different hiking trails of varying length that meander through forests and meadows, as well as a sandy beach to soak up the rays at. Several programs are also offered throughout the season, providing historical and cultural interpretations of the region.

Guests can choose to visit and explore for the day, or do an overnight camping adventure. Glenn Rouge Campground is located at 7450 Kingston Road, within Rouge Park, and can accommodate both tents and RV’s. It’s located along the banks of the river, and provides laundry, showers, flush toilets and fire pits available for all campers. There are 125 camping sites, seasonality is until mid-October, and rates start at just $14 a night for cyclists and backpackers. Leashed dogs are permitted, and firewood and ice are available onsite.

The Toronto Regional Conservation Authority operates Indian Line Campground, which is located at the opposite end of the city, in the northwestern reaches. This site definitely has more of an urban feel to it, far removed from nature, but still providing a fun experience. The nearby Claireville Dam gives a simulated lakeside camping experience, where campers are able to fish or float around in motor-less floatation devices such as canoes, kayaks, or rubber rafts. There’s also an onsite swimming pool, camp store, laundry facilities, flush toilets, showers, and a fire pit at each site. This is a very basic row-style campground with 247 sites, both serviced and un-serviced. Rates start at $28.50 per night, and the season ends in late October. Leashed pets are allowed.

Many campers stay here to combine a visit to the adjacent Wild Water Kingdom during their stay, as it is within easy walking distance of the campground. There are a slew of water activities that includes 16 water slides, a half-acre salt-water Tidal Wave Pool, a half-kilometre River Raft Ride, rock climbing under a waterfall on the Wild Water Wall, and Bumper Boats. Land action includes two 18-hole miniature golf courses, batting cages, volleyball tournaments, and weekly musical entertainment options. For those with any energy left, pop into the adjacent 60,000 square foot sports dome, offering a variety of indoor soccer and golfing range options. Finally, when it’s time for a break, Caribbean Cove offers up a relaxing lush hideaway surrounding a 6,000 square foot salt water pool with a cascading waterfall. The $29.95 admission fee includes unlimited access to most activities.

The Toronto public transit system can get you to within walking distance of either park, making this a eco-friendly getaway. All buses are equipped with bike racks so you can explore the surrounding areas upon arrival, or if you’re feeling fit then the trek can be done by bike to either site within about an hour from most anywhere in the city.

For visitors, this is not only an inexpensive alternative to staying in a hotel, it’s a unique experience that can’t be found in many major metropolitan centres anywhere in the world. For Toronto residents, this is a great urban adventure that can be done on the cheap, and doesn’t require a vehicle. I personally think trekking through the woods, or canoeing down a river, can be a somewhat of an exotic experience no matter where it is. Sleeping beneath the stars, spashing in the water, or lying on the beach admiring the latest bathing wear is certainly added value. With fall quickly approaching, ending the day with a moonlit fire, a bottle of wine, and a playful partner definitely fulfills the erotic part of my “staycation”.

Rouge Park: www.rougepark.com
Glenn Rouge Park reservations: camping@toronto.ca or 416.338.CAMP (2267).
Indian Line Campground: www.trca.on.ca
Reservations: 905-678-1233, 1-800-304-9728 or iline@trca.on.ca.
Wild Water Kingdom: www.wildwaterkingdom.com

Best Places to See Autumn Colours in Ontario

Algonquin Park, Ontario - The size, beauty and proximity to Toronto of this 7,725 square kilometre park make it one of the most popular parks in Ontario. The forests, lakes, and rivers that comprise Algonquin Park can only be explored by foot or canoe. The maple trees are at their best at the end of September or early October. The aspens, tamaracks and red oaks reach their peak in the middle or end of October. Consult the Algonquin Fall Color Report for fall colour activity and specific viewing spots.

Agawa Canyon Trip, Ontario - The Algoma Central Railroad/Railway's Agawa Canyon trip, which runs north from Sault Ste Marie in northern Ontario, is another excellent way to see the colours at the end of September / beginning of October. Consult the Weather Network's Fall Colour Reportfor more information on fall foliage in Ontario.

Beaver Valley - Grey County: The area around southern Georgian Bay, about two hours northwest of Toronto, is an excellent choice for an autumn foliage tour. One suggestion is to take County Road 7 south from Meaford, making a stop at Epping for spectacular views of the Niagara Escarpment. Continue south to Kimberley, Eugenia Falls and Flesherton. Returning via Kimberley, go north on County Road 13, following the Beaver River to Thornbury. Grey County Tourism, 1-877-SEE-GREY or http://www.visitgrey.ca/ are useful sources for information on hiking the Bruce Trail, fall events and driving tours.

Elora Gorge and Grand River The Grand River Valley in southwestern Ontario is a spectacular sight in autumn with cascading waterfalls, seven-storey cliffs, pretty towns and villages and dozens of hiking trails. The Elora Gorge and Conservation Area is on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Elora. Drive west on Highway 401 to Highway 6 and drive north past Guelph. To the north of the hamlet of Marden follow County Road 7 to Elora or remain on Highway 6 to Fergus and turn left on to County Road 18 north of the Grand River. Information: 519-846-9742 and www.elora.info/ or www.grandriver.ca/

Fall Festivals and Fairs in Ontario during October: http://www.fallinontario.com/events_2.aspx?nid=4_2 Ontario Fall Colour Report 39th Annual KW OktoberfestKitchener Waterloo, Ontario, October 5-13 http://www.oktoberfest.ca/ For other foliage route ideas in Ontario's Near North visit www.400eleven.com/colour Autumn Cycling Tours around Toronto http://www.tbn.ca/