10 Great Family Vacations In Ontario If You're On A Budget

The provincial motto of Ontario is “Yours to Discover,” and there’s certainly plenty to explore in its diverse regions. For budget-friendly family vacations, there are no shortage of fun and unique experiences for all seasons. Here are ten examples of trips that will bring your family closer to the heart of Ontario.

Sleeping Giant is the major provincial park in the north of Ontario, located just east of Thunder Bay. It encompasses 244 square kilometres (94 sq. mi) on the Sibley Peninsula, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the natural landscapes of this more remote area of the province.

Families can enjoy a variety of recreational activities and summer programming, including guided nature walks, group campfires, and films at the park’s amphitheatre. There are also plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing and cycling, along with more than 100 kilometres (62 mi) of hiking trails. In the winter, the park maintains 50 kilometres (31 mi) of cross-country ski trails, too.

With almost 250 campsites if you’re interested in a longer stay, the park also has a picnic area and beach. You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and mountain bikes at the park store. For convenience, there are also indoor washrooms, shower facilities, and a laundromat.

Day use in the park ranges from $11.25-20.00, and campsites are $36-51 per night.

Sleeping Giant Proivincial Park, Ontario

For an unusual family outing in northern Ontario, head over to Amethyst Mine Panorama, near Thunder Bay. Here, you can dig for your own amethysts and other minerals, such as quartz and malachite. The mine is open May 15 – October 15 (10am until 5pm), seven days a week, all holidays included. General admission is $8, and free for kids under 5 years old. It costs just $3 per pound of dig-your-own amethysts (plus tax), and it’s a great way to get kids and adults alike to engage with the surrounding regional geology.

Amethyst Mine Panorama, 500 Bass Lake Rd, Shuniah, ON, +1 807-622-6908