Ultimate Summer Guide to South River Ontario: Where to Stay & What to Do
Are you looking for your next best summer getaway in Ontario? I returned from one that had everything I was looking for! A unique place to stay. Places to hike. Surrounded by cute small towns and hidden gems. That place is South River!
South River is a small village in Almaguin Highlands, just over 2.5 hours north of Toronto. It’s home to one of the best privately owned campgrounds in Ontario, Brennan’s Hill, that makes for the perfect base for enjoy a summer escape. Plus, you’ll find plenty of fun and unique things to do in South River and area that the whole family will love.
In this guide I’m sharing everything you need to know before you book your trip. You’ll learn where to stay and some of my favourite things to do during your trip.
So, pack your bags, gather your family and friends, and book a vacation in South River this summer!
Disclaimer: This post is partnership with Brennan’s Hill Camping and Cabins but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Where to Stay in South River?
Finding a great place to stay in the summer in Ontario is tough. Especially if you want a campground. Many provincial parks book up fast, but I recently stayed at a great privately owned campground in South River that is perfect for families or those looking for a quiet summer retreat with friends.
Brennan’s Hill Camping and Cabins
This seasonal campground is set on 100 acres of wilderness, and available May through October. It’s home to 7 cabins, over 30 campsites and a number of trailers. So, it’s perfect whether you’re looking for a place to camp or want a little more comfort.
Brennan’s Hill Camping and Cabins in South River is an ideal sustainable place to stay, as it’s run by solar power. I loved that I wasn’t tempted to bring my laptop. While campsites, trailers and cabins have access to charging, you’ll want to be intentional with your usage. In a time of way TOO MUCH screen time, it’s the perfect excuse to literally unplug.
And it’s dog friendly!
Camping at Brennan’s Hill
If you enjoy private campsites where you don’t feel like you’re camping with neighbours then you’ll love Brennan’s Hill!
With over 30 campsites, each are spaced between 50 to 75 feet apart with towering trees between. Each site is perfect for up to 6 people and includes a picnic table and fire pit. However, most are off grid. But you can book one of the 6 solar powered campsites.
Another cool thing I love about Brennan’s Hill is that it’s a great spot for those you haven’t tried camping before. You can rent tents, and the staff is excited to share tips and tricks to ensure you have a wonderful first camp experience.
Pricing:
- Off-grid sites – $45/night
- Solar powered sites – $55/night
Cabins at Brennan’s Hill
During my stay at Brennan’s Hill, I stayed in one of their rustic cabins and loved it! One thing that really struck me was how nice and cool the cabin stayed, even during the heat of the afternoon.
I stayed in the #2 cabin, which is one of the large ones. It’s 16 x 20’ and can sleep up to 6 people. It was just my friend and I, so we had plenty of room to relax.
Inside there’s a queen-sized bed, a bunk bed, a pull-out couch, fireplace, and kitchen table. Plus, you’ll find a small kitchenette, with everything you’ll need, dishes and utensils. There are things like a coffee pot, mugs, buckets and rack for washing dishes, large water jug to bring water to the site, and a lighter.
Outside you’ll find a picnic table, fire pit, a two-burner stove, and a barbeque. Plus, fairy lights that are also solar powered and come on at night.
Cabins come in various sizes and sleep between 2 and 6 people. It’s important to note that there are no traditional plug outlets inside. They have a c-port and USB charging outlet. So, remember that when packing.
When it comes to packing. If you’re staying in a cabin, you’ll need to pack bedding (sheets or sleeping bag and a pillow. And your food, drinking water, clothes and toiletries.
Insider tip: If you are looking for accessible cabins, you’re in luck. Let them know when booking that you’ll need an accessible ramp.
Pricing:
- Starting at $150/night (with a minimum of 2-night stay)
- Discounts available early in the season or when booking Monday – Thursday
Amenities
- Store: sells firewood, ice, snacks, fire starters, camping basics (like flash lights & bug spray) and more
- Luna & Shadow’s Lounge: an indoor lounge and game room with a craft station, darts, and more
- Comfort station: flush toilets, accessible showers with hot water and laundry facilities
- Vault toilets: scattered around the campground for easy access
- Playground: swings, slide, climbing structure, water tower, lawn games and pavilion
- Rentable items: inflatable paddle boards, tents and more
Things to do in South River
Hang Out at Brennan’s Hill
You’ll find plenty of things to do at Brennan’s Hill Campground!
The campground has a large playground as well as lawn games that are fun for families. Another cool feature of the playground is the water tower that lets you dump water on yourself or kids, so refreshing.
Whether you’re looking for rainy day activities or to get out of the sun, head over to Luna & Shadow’s Lounge. Named after the owner’s two adorable dogs, the lounge is located by the camp store. Insider you’ll find a fun crafting station, puzzles, darts and more.
If you love hiking, there’s a hiking trail that wraps around the campground. It takes you through the forest, full of birds and keep an eye out for moose and bear prints.
Be sure to pop into the camp store to grab a refreshing ice cream after your hike!
Another fun activity is taking in the incredible dark skies. With little to no light pollution, it’s a great place to take in the starry night sky. The owner even does dark sky nights, where she brings out her telescopes for you to use and see the moon and stars. It was so much fun!
My friend and I also spent time relaxing by the fire and reading. I loved that you can make your stay as active or relaxed you want.
Visit Crystal Cave
A trip to Crystal Cave should be on everyone’s list of things to do in South River! This unique shop and museum feel like you’ve been transported into a fairy tale. I stop in every time I’m on the road between Toronto and North Bay.
What is Crystal Cave? If you’ve never been, it’s such a gem! Literally. It’s a shop selling a wide range of crystals. You’ll find everything from amethyst from Thunder Bay to sparkling clear quartz.
Along with crystals and gemstones, you’ll find a variety of other items for sale like jewellery and decor. The best part is that their prices are reasonable. I grabbed a few pieces for me and a gift for a friend for around $10.
Beside the shop is their Crystal & Mineral Exhibit. This museum is home to over 3000 pieces that include everything from fossils to rare minerals from around the world.
Don’t miss the enchanted Fairy Forest that’s located outside, to the right of the shop. It’s full of fairy houses, fun photo-ops and even a little hidden trail.
Hike Mikisew Provincial Park
One of the best places to go hiking in South River is at Mikisew Provincial Park. Located 25 minutes from Brennan’s Hill, it’s one of the best provincial parks to visit nearby.
In addition to a few beaches, including a dog friendly one, there are 5 hiking trails in Mikisew. Trails range from easy 300 metres to over 2 km, and some can even be combined for a longer hike.
During my visit I did the Beaver Meadow Trail. At 2 km, and only 32 metres of elevation, it’s a relatively easy trail that takes between 40 – 60 minutes. The trail loops around a scenic wetland and is great for birding and wildlife spotting.
However, be prepared for bugs in the early part of summer.
Visit Tom Thomson Park
A fun spot to visit in South River is Tom Thomson Park. Yes, it’s named after the artist Tom Thomson and one of the many Group of Seven locations in Ontario. There’s a plaque in the park that shares his connection to South River and where he painted nearby.
You’ll find plenty to do at the park. It’s home to an 18-hole disc golf course and a lovely garden to wander. Plus, the calm waters of Forest Lake, that surround the park, make it an ideal spot for canoeing and kayaking.
The park hosts a number of events, like an annual car show and the Canada Day weekend festivities that were taking place when I visited. There was a bunch of vendors set up, food and giveaways.
Eat at Sherri’s Diner
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in South River then head to Sherri’s Diner.
Open for breakfast and lunch, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in a big breakfast. A friend and I enjoyed their fresh baked bread, that they make daily and comes with their all-day breakfast. It has a cute country vibe inside and some good coffee too!
Insider Tip: Want to grab a coffee to go? Head next door to Cheat Day Cafe. This fun cafe has a selection of drinks, from coffee to milkshakes too. And finish up with a browse of the Northern Crafter’s Collective two doors down from that.
Stop at Eagle Lake Narrows
Whether you’re looking for a road trip stop for ice cream, views or to grab something you forgot, Eagle Lake Narrows Country Store is a great stop.
Inside the Country Store you’ll find an array of camping essentials, food, and snacks. Plus, you can order an ice cream from their walk-up window.
Eagle Lake Narrows also offers awesome views of the lake, especially on a perfect summer day – like when I visited. There’s a roadside parking lot to pull over at. You can stretch your legs, take in the views, or let the kids enjoy the playground.
Insider Tip: There’s a little library across the street from the roadside parking lot.
What to do Near South River
Explore Sundridge
A short 5-minute drive south of South River is the cute village of Sundridge. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Sundridge on a day trip.
Take a wander through downtown, where you’ll find a number of restaurants and cafes. A couple of shops, like 89 Main that has a bunch of fun items. I love shops like this, with everything from unique toys for kids to books by local authors.
Have a Beach Day
While Brennan’s Hill doesn’t have a lake or beach, you can find a number nearby. Like the one at Lion’s Park in Sundridge, that’s a short 15-minute drive away.
Lion’s Park is set on the shores of Bernard Lake. It’s great for a beach day and to go for a swim. Families will love it, thanks to the playground and splash pad.
Go Hiking
If you’re an avid hiker and looking for more places to hike near South River, you’ll find countless options. As the staff at Brennan’s Hill for a map of surrounding hiking trails. Many of them are hidden gems.
A top pick is the Laurier Fire Trail. This 2 km trail is roughly 25 minutes away. While there’s no fire tower now, it still offers an awesome view.
***
So, if you’re looking for a great place to plan a summer vacation around, book your stay at Brenna’s Hill Camping and Cabins. With plenty to do on the grounds and nearby, I promise it will be a memorable getaway
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!
