Ontario is a trove of parks perfect for exploring during the summer. But, if you live in a major urban centre without a car, or have accidentally let your G2 licence lapse, it can be difficult to explore the best nature the province has to offer. Luckily, there are services like Parkbus that can help you reconnect with nature. And the best part? Some of these trips are free!
Don’t wait to plan your next park weekend getaway and check out everywhere you can go with Parkbus.
Rouge National Park
While there are ways to get to Rouge via the GO Train, Parkbus takes you right there from their designated stop at 34 Asquith Ave.
The company has partnered with TD Bank to help eliminate any financial barriers if you’re looking to experience this towering national park for yourself without the cost.
There are two pickup times — 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. — with a return time of 5 p.m. You can’t camp at Rouge Park, so make sure you’re not late for the bus.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Whether you’re exploring lush forests or relaxing on the crystal-clear lakes, Algonquin is a must-visit for any nature lover in Toronto, with over 2,400 square miles of wilderness to explore.
This route is the main express route with seven stops along Highway 60, including Pog Lake, Lake of Two Rivers Store, Canoe Lake, and the Wolf Den Bunkhouse.
You can even stay overnight — but only if accommodations are available. And these spots book up fast!
If you’re booking August 8 to 10, you can catch the Perseids Meteor Shower with Four Corners Algonquin in Whitney. If you can’t make it on August 12, there’s a one-night excursion for the peak of the shower also at the Four Corners.
Those trips include a weekend (or night) of glamping, coach bus transportation, and stargazing programming with influencer Caroline El Khoury.
Hidden gem parks
Some of the lesser-known parks you can get dropped off at with Parkbus include Killarney Provincial Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, and Lion’s Head Provincial Park.
If you’re camping-adverse, or just couldn’t book a campsite and want to visit Killarney, the bus makes a stop at Killarney Mountain Lodge, so you can stay the night in style.
Camping curious
Not ready to leap into camping alone just yet? You can book a group camping experience with Parkbus, which includes a certified guide during your wilderness weekend who will lead workshops, hikes, campfire bonding, and other activities.
You can snag spots for group camping at Presqu’ile Park, Restoule, or Algonquin on select weekends as spots become available.
Summer fun activities
Parkbus has plenty of events in the pipeline, including a trip to the Canadian Canoe Museum, where you can row with the staff and a visit to the Lift Locks with Parks Canada.
You can also experience the Guelph Lake Conservation area for a morning hike followed by a visit to the lavender fields at Erin Hills Acres for a refreshing lemonade, pizza and a lavender bunch on Saturday, June 21.
And the service is constantly adding stops, including trips to Killbear Provincial Park, Sauble Beach, and the criminally underrated MacGregor Point.
They’re also giving you access to conservation areas like Wye Marsh, Rattlesnake Point, Crawford Lake, Elora Gorge, and Elora Quarry — some of which won’t be announced until late May.
While the current pick-up stop is only 34 Asquith Ave., the company is also going to open stops from Kipling Station, and in Mississauga near Square One, to service more people.
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