Let’s face it—the year 2020 was not the refreshing start of a new decade that we were all looking forward to. As a result of COVID-19, 2020 will go down in history as the year of social distancing, face masks and toilet paper shortages. In light of this fast-spread virus, one of the many sectors that took a huge hit this year was the travel industry. Due to heavy travel bans, red-zoned countries and health risks aboard airplanes, snow birds and the like were forced to stay local in order to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus. With limited international travel, many Ontarian families have begun investing in RVs and travel trailers in order to explore safely while staying close to home. If you’re looking for must-see travel locations on your RV road trip in Ontario this summer, isure has got you covered in more ways than one.
We understand that planning the perfect summer road trip itinerary can be difficult, so we’ve conducted the research to help get you started. Have the Notes app in your phone ready because these top family-friendly spots will have the kids asking, “Are we there, yet?”
Photo: tobermory.com
1. Tobermory
You’ll find this quaint, lakeside town just a few hours outside of the busy Toronto city, located at the top of the Bruce Peninsula. As you drive through the town, be sure to take in the majestic views of the clear waters and Niagara Escarpment that surrounds you. Tobermory is home to Flowerpot Island, two national parks and some of the best hiking trails on the Peninsula. Hop in a kayak with the kids, discover a shipwreck or enjoy the tantalizing flavours of local white fish at Fish & Chip Place. The kids will love that there is no shortage of summer activities in Tobermory—swimming, snorkeling, cave-exploring and watching the sunset are all activities that should be added to your RV summer bucket list this year.
Photo: brittanica.com
2. Ottawa
If you’re going to experience an RV road trip across Ontario, you have to make a pit stop in Ottawa: Canada’s capital and home to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Roam the grounds of Parliament Hill in a guided tour—you may even have the chance to say hello to the PM and his family! Discover the world of dinosaurs at the Canadian Museum of Nature or fly off to the northern side of town and brush up on your aerodynamic history at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
Looking to keep the kids active? Ottawa is known for their cycling, so rent a couple of bikes and get to it. They’ll also enjoy the a-maze-ing attractions at Saunders Farm—not only do they have North America’s largest collection of hedge mazes, but they also offer pedal cart racing, water spray zones, hayride tours and unique play structures. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, venture off to the Ottawa River where you can cast out your fishing rods and compete for the biggest catch of the day!
Photo: waupooswinery.com
3. Prince Edward County
Although many consider this spot to be one of Ontario’s go-to wine and cheese locations, there are many family-friendly activities you can enjoy in Prince Edward County. Face off to see who can get the best mini putt score at Caddy Shack Miniature Golf or take things back to the good ol’ days and catch a flick at the Mustang Drive-In. Park the RV and unplug at The Mariners Park Museum, where the kids can enjoy the awesome playground and lighthouse, learning about treasure, shipwrecks and pirates. You won’t want to miss getting up close and personal with the farm animals at Waupoo’s Winery—pigs, chickens, goats, sheep—you name it, they’ve got it!
Photo: maidofthemist.com
4. Niagara Falls
Don’t worry—you and the family won’t have to cross the American border to enjoy one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the world. Suit up in your best rain ponchos and soak up every drop of The Falls aboard the Maid of the Mist. If you prefer swimsuits and water slides, Great Wolf Lodge or Fallsview Indoor Waterpark will provide endless hours of fun for the entire family. If the kiddos want to see The Falls from a bird’s eye view, Niagara Helicopters provides a 12-minute flight with no minimum age required. Make it a weekend getaway with a Fun Pass at Clifton Hill—haunted houses, wax museums, go-karts, arcades and more await. And before you leave to continue on your RV road trip, take a spin on the Niagara SkyWheel and soar 175-feet above Niagara Falls for the view of a lifetime!
Photo: algonquinbound.com
5. Algonquin Provincial Park
We couldn’t complete our list of must-see destinations in Ontario without including this well-known camping location for families. Park your RV or travel trailer at one of the designated campsites and stretch your limbs after your long journey. Lace up your comfiest hiking shoes and head over to the Visitor Centre for hours of discovery with games, animals and stories. If you’d rather explore at your own free will, stay up-to-date with their Summer Events calendar or brave one of the many trails that the park has to offer. And don’t forget—there’s plenty of water and recreational activities to choose from: boating, biking, Whitewater canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching and more! Fun fact: Algonquin Provincial Park is 7,630km². For reference, that is larger than Prince Edward Island—Canada’s smallest province!
Now that you and your family are equipped with an adventurous summer RV road trip, you need to ensure that your loved ones (and new investment) are protected. Much like your other vehicles, the RV, motorhome or travel trailer that you just purchased requires the proper auto insurance. We never like to plan for the worst, but having the proper auto insurance coverage will give you that peace of mind.
Luckily for you, isure insurance brokers can provide you expert advice and the best quotes tailored to your lifestyle. As Ontario’s leading broker, we make sure that you’re not surprised by the fine print in policies because quite simply, you shouldn’t be. You can insure your RV on a stand-alone policy or bundle as an addition to your current insurance policy. Send us an email, communicate via Live Chat or call us (toll-free) at 877-514-7873 to inquire today.
