The best camping near Sibbald Point Provincial Park

Set on the south shores of Lake Simcoe, this popular park features a big crescent of sand and warm, shallow waters. Swimming and sunbathing are obvious choices, and some visitors never venture beyond the shore. But you’ll be rewarded if you do. Get out on the water, paddling a canoe or kayak, or fishing for jumbo perch, northern pike, lake trout, and pickerel. Lace up your hiking boots—or even a good pair of shoes—to make the loop on the Maidenhair Fern Trail or take a walk into Sibbald family history using a route that includes the 1836 family estate, an 1877 Anglican church, and a cemetery where you’ll find the grave of one of Canada’s most famous authors (Stephen Leacock).

• Best for early risers: Sites along three different loops (#200-381, #402-440, and #501-586) are completely radio-free.

1. Start planning early, especially if visiting in summer. This is one of Toronto’s favourite escapes, and the millions in the metro area are less than an hour’s drive away.
2. While first-come, first-served sites are a possibility in spring and fall, you’re unlikely to find anything available if you don’t book ahead. On summer holidays, including Canada Day and Labour Day, even parking spots are hard to come by.

Open year-round for day use, camping is only offered between May and October. The seasons in this part of Central Ontario are very distinct—winter can be frigid, and summers hot and steamy. The best swimming is in late July and early August when the lake has had enough time to absorb the warmth of summer, but before evenings turn chilly, a change that can take place as early as late August. But be warned—the beach can be extremely busy with day-use visitors on weekends. Autumn is far less buggy, and beautiful thanks to the deciduous forest bursting into a canvas of orange, red and gold.

• The nearby town of Keswick has a number of handy conveniences, including laundry and more than one grocery store.
• Ask about the discovery program, during which staff members lead nature walks, teach children’s crafts and games, and offer evening talks from guest speakers at the amphitheatre.
• Aspiring fishers can get started with the park’s free Learn to Fish program, which includes two hours of hands-on instruction and experience.