There’s something magical about packing up the car, hitting the open road, and heading to a place that you have never gone before. For me, that place was Rondeau Provincial Park, a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Erie. Last weekends adventure was all about reconnecting with nature, and I couldn’t have asked for a better camping companion than my nephew, Chase.
After a scenic drive, we arrived at Rondeau Provincial Park, greeted by the lush greenery and the unmistakable smell of fresh air. There’s something magical about packing up the car, hitting the open road, and heading to a place where the only “Wi-Fi” you’ll find is the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. For me, that place was Rondeau Provincial Park, a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Erie. This weekend adventure was all about reconnecting with nature, and I couldn’t have asked for a better camping companion than my nephew, Chase.
After a scenic drive, we arrived at Rondeau Provincial Park, greeted by the lush greenery and the unmistakable smell of fresh air. With a bit of teamwork, we had our tent pitched and campsite organized in no time. Chase, being the curious 11-year-old that he is, took charge of hammering the tent stakes, while I tackled the trickier task of assembling our campfire setup. Pro tip: always bring extra marshmallows when camping with kids. Trust me, it’ll save you from a lot of “Can we have s’mores now?” questions later on!
Once our camp was set, it was late so we sat around the campfire. Not long after dark, we had a visitor on our campsite. A little racoon decided he was going to be brave and come and visit us. This was Chase's first encounter with a little "trash panda" so he was scared. He were able to get the little guy off of our site with nothing harmed.
This park is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in Ontario, from old-growth Carolinian forests to stunning coastal wetlands. We decided to start our adventure Saturday morning with a hike along the Spice Bush Trail, this trail winds through a southern hardwood forest of old growth Tulip Tree, American Beech, and maple. The trail explores the transition between Carolinian forest and marsh and is an excellent site for bird watching.
Chase was having a great time on the trail and when we were nearing the end we played a game of "how fast can you run to the end". He made it in 37 seconds.
No trip to Rondeau would be complete without a visit to its beautiful beaches. After our hike, we headed straight for the dog beach with Rosie and Stella. The water was inviting, and it wasn’t long before we were splashing around, enjoying the refreshing lake breeze.
Chase and I lounged in the floaties and enjoyed the waves of Lake Erie. There’s something so freeing about letting the sun warm your skin and feeling the cool lake water between your toes.
As we explored the park, we couldn’t help but notice the charming cottage community nestled along the shoreline. This historic community dates back to the early 1900s, with cottages passed down through generations. There’s a unique blend of rustic charm and nostalgia here, where time seems to slow down, and the worries of the outside world melt away. Driving along the cottage-lined streets, we were greeted with friendly waves from the residents, many of whom have spent decades enjoying summers at Rondeau. The cottages, each with its own character and history, add a special touch to the park, making it feel like a close-knit community where everyone is welcome. It’s a reminder that Rondeau is not just a place to visit but a place where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime.
As the day turned into evening, we made our way back to our campsite, ready to relax by the campfire. There’s a certain magic that comes with sitting around a crackling fire, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories. Chase was full of energy, recounting every detail of our day’s adventures, while I tried to teach him the fine art of making the perfect s’more (it’s all about patience, which is easier said than done for a 11-year-old). Away from the city lights, the night sky was a breathtaking display of constellations and stars. We took our nighttime walk through the campground to look up at all the stars, it was the perfect end to a perfect day.
The next morning, we slept in, and took it easy before heading back to the beach. This time we left the dogs at the campsite with my stepmom and went to checkout the "people beach". We spent a few hours basking in the sun and playing with the floaties. Chase was having the time of his life bodychecking the waves as they rolled in.
Reluctantly, we returned to our campsite, packed up our gear, and said goodbye to Rondeau Provincial Park. As it was time to leave, Chase was already talking about our next camping trip, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Camping at Rondeau Provincial Park was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a place where you can truly unplug, connect with nature, and create unforgettable memories with the ones you love. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Rondeau has something for everyone.
So, if you’re looking for your next adventure, grab your tent, pack up the car, and head to Rondeau. Don't forget to follow me on instagram @fitness_adventures_with_liz to see where I am off to next!
Have you ever been to Rondeau Provincial Park? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Happy Camping🏕️
Love,
Liz
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