Ontario Provincial Parks Ferris

Welcome to the glorious and sometimes astounding provincial parks of Ontario, Canada. Fortunately, we live in the vicinity of many. We may go east or west, north or south and entirely engage with some of the world’s best natural parks. Yes, I said it in the world. Distance is always a concern, not the going part, but the long drive back. Often, driving slightly to the north or west of Toronto. Allowing us to escape into the wilderness for a beautiful trek through the woods and still get back home within a couple of hours.

Sometimes you may feel the appetite for loading the SUV and going deeper into the woods. Still well within the realm of car camping and relatively safe. However, you may need to know a few camping skills to be able to live harmoniously amongst nature and its creatures. I guess this is why they call it “creature comforts.” These can often be found within a day’s drive from Toronto, and I would not expect you to make the drive home that evening.

Deeper Woods

Then, of course, there are those that want to get their “Grizzly Adams” on and explore deep into some of the province’s more northern parks. You will need to master many of the camping and survival methods and understand how to coexist with the wilderness. You can encounter abundant wildlife, and because of this, you must know how to safely survive within this environment. In many situations, you will need to hike or canoe to a designated campsite. Always inform the park personnel of your route and the times in which you will be in the park itself. However, if you are prepared and have the right skills, camping in these locations can be a bucket list tale.

Where is north

  In Canada, the north is a very subjective term, and few people truly understand the distances involved. When in Southern Ontario, we recognize north as Sudbury. In Sudbury, we view the north as Sault Saint Marie. In Thunder Bay, we observe the thousands of kilometres that lead us to Nunavut as north. The province is vast, as are most to the provinces and territories. Sometimes it is difficult for people to perceive how large the country is, not only from east to west but also from south to north. We once drove to Thunder Bay from Toronto. If we would have gone south instead of north, we have been in Miami, Florida…It is a massive province. Although Quebec has a larger landmass.

Ontario’s Center

As (-19) lockdown seems to be lifting, we have decided to use Toronto as the centre of the provincial universe- sorry Ottawa. Many of the locations that seem to be fun and exciting will be distanced from this location. Let’s move slowly and load up the car. We begin our trek along the “401” the Trans Canada Highway east towards Brighton, Ontario. If you are in Belleville, you have gone too far, turn around and drive 20 mins west.

Take exit 509 off Highway 401 and head north on highway 30 for roughly 30 kilometres. There is a sign indicating the town of Campbellford. There is also a sign to Ontario Provincial Park, Ferris (our destination). You will need to drive into Campbellford, cross the bridge over the Trent River and head back south along county road 8. Although it sounds a little confusing, signs are indicating the park’s location. Personally, I found the indication signs to be a bit small, so keep your eyes open for them. Providing the traffic is running well, be prepared for a 2-hour drive to Ontario Provincial Park, Ferris from Toronto. For us, it was, and we rumbled along the highways with little issues.

We were there

Making a right at the posted provincial park sign and driving a few minutes further into the park, you finally reach the front gate. You will pay your park fees and get any pertinent information regarding your stay within the park ( for prices and park regulations contact the park). Since we were only here for a day, the rates were higher than I anticipated, but that is how the pendulum swings sometimes. Please remember to bring “cash” as this park did not seem equipped to deal with any modern means of commercial exchange. 

As we were intending only to be here for a few hours, to have a picnic and to see the suspension bridge. We tried to persuade the gate attendant that due to the situation that it would be great to allow us to use a picnic site for free, no such luck. It was a Tuesday, and the park was virtually empty. …

Some Change please

Once again, we piled into the car, drove back to Campbellford to find an ATM (bank machine). We retrieved our money and drove back to the park to find out the exact amount was necessary. The park did not make change. Anticipating this, I went to a local store and bought a package of chewing gum so that I would have change available. 

It was not the end of the world. Still, I prefer living in a society where people can make their own decisions based upon the situation presented and come to a reasonable conclusion. Forcing a family drive back into town to find “cash” is not a feasible solution to a fundamental problem (I use the word problem very loosely). I needed to let you, dear reader, a potential situation that may cause an annoyance.

A beautiful picnic basket

The park was basically empty, so we proceeded down a dirt road for about 10 minutes, being careful not to suffocate some of the overnight campers with our dust. Finally, we arrived at our destination in the designated picnic area. It was more like a field with very little shade and even fewer picnic tables ( this was probably -19 related). There was also a covered area during regular times that was permitted for groups. Now it was cautioned taped off as to allow no admittance. 

We spread out our tablecloth over the lone table and began what I would have to acknowledge as an ideal picnic. Yes, we did have a bottle of wine for four adults. According to the park rules, this is a “ticketable” offence. Yet, rolling a big joint of marijuana would be completely acceptable. Can we please create some consistency within the laws and stop treating mature adults like young children. The grounds crew were moving tables, and I got a distinct idea that they would have taken our table if we had not already been using it.

Our meal was done, and everything cleaned up and stored in the car, we put on our walking shoes and headed to the Ranney falls suspension bridge.

The Ranney Gorge Suspension bridge

 For years the residents of Campbellford have had the idea of building a suspension bridge across the Trent river. Believing that this would be an ideal way to boost tourism and create a convenient footpath to cross this part of the river. The inspiration for the path came from the Capilano suspension bridge outside Vancouver, British Columbia. The ground was broken for the Ranney Bridge in September 2003. Within 2 years (June 2004), the bridge was completed. This was primarily due to the 8th wing Military engineers located at CFB (Canadian Forces bases) in Trenton, Ontario. Using their engineering expertise as an exercise, deferring some of the cost away from local residents and Business Association. 

The Ranney River bridge allows for an exceptional view of the river, both north and south. At the same time, you hover thirty feet over the gorge below. The 300-foot bridge spans across the river below. However, it is said that the bridge sways under load and wind this was barely noticeable, if noticeable at all. Although the bridge was inspired by the Capilano bridge, it was only inspired. It did not have that level of excitement that one feels while traversing the Capilano bridge. This is like many things in Ontario, overbuilt, and very safe. Still, the views are magnificent, it was worth the drive to stand on the bridge and take a few pictures.

To Ranney Falls

After getting off the bridge and getting back on the footpath, we started to follow a group of kids that looked local to the area. We followed off in the direction that they had gone and found an entranceway down on the Ranney falls itself (please note this is not Niagara falls size.). You can climb down, and you can stand on the shoreline near the falls. Many people were fishing while others simply waded in the shallow waters. The location was excellent. User beware, upstream, there is a hydro dam that can offload excessive amounts of water without warning. The shallow bed upon which we were walking could fill very quickly in a torrent of water. Because of this, I would not advise walking in this area of the river. We did without issue. This could be one of those, “do what I say, not what I do” realities. It is up to you, so please be cautious…

Great way to spend the day

Provincial parks offer a great location to spend the day, overnight or perhaps a week. Most have outstanding amenities, and the grounds are generally immaculate. Many have a general store on the grounds, although I did not see one at Ferris. Here they also offer kayak rentals, kids playgrounds and walking paths and bicycle trails. In this region, there are many hiking trails beyond the park grounds itself and are all very accessible and are of various lengths. In essence, a path or trail for all lifestyles and fitness levels. Ask at the camp office for more information regarding these trails and other recreation ideas outside the grounds.

  Staying in a provincial site is something that everyone should try. Some like Ferris has the suspension bridge and the waterfalls as day time attractions. Depending on the park and its location, the possibilities are endless. Here you can experience as much or as little as you choose.

Find some time to relax

Please note that due to (-19), please contact the park that you are intending on visiting for the operating hours and the available amenities. Finding a good campsite in Ontario can be difficult at the best of times. If you have the flexibility in your schedule, I suggest going midweek as they may have more sites available. Either way, anytime you can get out into the outdoors and walk a trail, or just sit beside a stream whilst the birds chirp overhead is always a great experience.

Our Visit to Ferris started slowly, yet after our picnic, enjoying the bridge and the waterfalls, it turned into a delightful day event. Drop the electronics and get to know those you have been cooped up with and inhale deeply, the fresh air is yours to enjoy. Who knows you may even start to like them again 🙂

Summer is here, get outside…Safely.

Has anyone else been to the Ontario Provincial Park Ferris and perhaps explored the Ranney Gorge bridge or the waterfalls? Or maybe you parked the trailer and decided to spend a day or two. If so, please let us know of your experience by adding them to the comments section below. We can then share them with others.

Perhaps you have never been to a provincial park before and would like more information, here too we can help. Just leave a message in the comments section below and, we will be sure to reply.

Summer is officially here. If you live in the Northern Climates, it will not be here for long, and even though it can take considerable effort to get outside recently, try.

No matter where you are in the world, please stay safe. It has been our pleasure to write this to you.

It is Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE