Bonnechere Provincial Park

About Bonnechere Provincial Park

Bonnechere Provincial Park is one of the most family-friendly campgrounds within reach of Ottawa — about a 2-hour drive northwest into the Ottawa Valley. It sits on the shores of Round Lake, with the Bonnechere River flowing through the park.

What makes it stand out is the combination of a shallow, sandy beach that's safe for small children, calm river paddling, and a genuinely quiet campground option. It's the kind of park where kids can splash in the shallows while you sit on the beach and read.

Camping

The park has 129 campsites across three campgrounds, plus roofed accommodations:

Tall Pines (59 sites)

43 sites with electrical hookups. Set among white pine trees, accommodates tents to large trailers.

River Loop (55 sites)

Non-electrical. Many sites sit right next to the Bonnechere River. Tents to small trailers.

Sandy Flats (15 sites)

Non-electrical, radio-free and generator-free. The quietest option — just the sounds of the forest and river. Tents to small trailers.

Roofed Accommodations

• 4 rustic cabins — 2 bedrooms, propane fireplace, A/C, kitchen, and a canoe included with paddles and lifejackets
• Pine Shores Cottage — 3 bedrooms, walk-in shower, 2 minutes from the beach

Things to Do

Swimming

A sandy beach on Round Lake in the day-use area with a buoyed swim area. The water has a shallow, gradual drop-off — ideal for young kids. Mobi Mats provide accessible water access.

Paddling

The Bonnechere River is calm and well suited for beginner paddlers. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at the park store. A boat launch provides access to Round Lake.

Trails

• McNaughton Trail (2 km) — Easy walk along the Bonnechere River, includes the Footprints in Time (FIT) interpretive experience (40–60 minutes)
• Nadobikana FIT Trail — An accessible trail between the Bonnechere River and Round Lake with benches, guide ropes, and a limestone surface

Wildlife

The park's oxbow lake is a highlight for wildlife viewing — turtles, fish, ducks, and deer are regular visitors.

Biking

Biking is permitted on park roadways.

Visitor Information

• Season: May 8 – October 18 (2026)
• Fees: Non-electrical sites from ~$39/night, electrical from ~$44/night
• Reservations: Book online at Ontario Parks
• Facilities: Comfort stations with showers, laundry, water taps, dump station, playground, park store with rentals
• Accessibility: Barrier-free washroom, Mobi Mats to beach, two accessible FIT trails

Getting There

• From Ottawa: Head west on Highway 17 toward Renfrew, then north on Highway 60 and Round Lake Road. About 185 km / 2 hours
• Address: 4024 Round Lake Rd, Killaloe, ON K0J 2A0