Driftwood Provincial Park in Ontario is a beautiful nature lover’s destination with a secluded beach, waterfront campgrounds and breathtaking sunsets.
Located on the Ottawa River about 4.5 hours east of Toronto, the park is perfect for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle.
Covering 13 square kilometers, Driftwood features a diverse topography ranging from dense forests and swamps to rocky outcrops.
Its rich habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bear, moose, and myriad bird species.
Since the park is located on the Ottawa River, water sports are among the most popular recreational activities. You can explore the coast by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or go fishing for walleye, pike and smallmouth bass.
A sandy beach just steps from the waterfront campgrounds runs the length of the campground, but you’ll also find a second, more private beach in the daytime area.
Thanks to its western exposure, the beaches here are one of the best places to catch some of the park’s epic sunsets.
Hikers can explore several trails of varying lengths. The Oak Highland Trails include the 1km Riverview Loop and the 2.5km Beaver Pond Loop, which offer panoramic views of the Ottawa River.
Alternatively check out the Chevrier Creek Trails, a collection of 4 loops ranging in length from 1.3km to 3.7km.
If you want to extend your stay in the park’s natural surroundings, consider camping at one of the 80 sites in Driftwood. For the convenience of campers there is a well maintained full service comfort station that includes showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities.
You can make your camping reservation directly on the Ontario Park website. A day use permit is required for day trip visitors and can be purchased at the front gate.