Labour Day Camping at Mikisew Provincial Park

There’s something about ending the summer under the trees, by the lake, and away from the noise of everyday life that feels grounding. This Labour Day long weekend, I packed up for a trip to Mikisew Provincial Park—a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of cottage country. It was the perfect way to close out the season and soak in one more adventure before fall takes over.

Mikisew Provincial Park is smaller than some of the other Ontario parks I’ve camped at, but that’s part of its charm. The park has a cozy, family-friendly vibe, and it’s surrounded by the beauty of Eagle Lake. The drive in is peaceful, with winding roads and plenty of glimpses of lakes and forests that remind you you’re leaving city life behind.

Most of the weekend revolved around the water. Eagle Lake is absolutely gorgeous—clear, calm, and just the right size for paddling around without feeling overwhelming. Spending time by the lake gave me a sense of peace I didn’t realize I was craving. There’s something about the sound of the water that melts away stress.

Swimming was another highlight. The beach at Mikisew is sandy and shallow, making it great for cooling off during the hot afternoons. Watching families play in the water reminded me of my own childhood camping trips, and it made me so grateful to be creating my own memories here.

And then there was the dog beach—a true gem of the park. Rosie had the time of her life racing in and out of the water, splashing around. I loved that there was a space just for dogs to run free and swim without worry. This park has a fully fenced in area for the dogs to run around in the grass or the water. Seeing her wading in the lake like a little hippo made my heart so full. Having a dog-friendly park makes all the difference when camping, and Mikisew really delivered.

We also laced up our hiking boots and tackled the Maple Canyon Trail. The trail winds through forest and rock formations, offering just enough challenge to get your heart pumping without being overwhelming. Walking under the canopy of maples, I could feel the first hints of fall creeping in—leaves just starting to turn, the air a little crisper in the shade. It was one of those hikes that reminded me how grounding it feels to move my body outdoors, with no distractions but the sound of the forest around me.

And for something completely different, Mikisew surprised me with its disc golf course. You can rent the disks from the office for free or you can take your own. We never played but it looked like a lot of fun!

One of the best parts about this weekend was the chance to disconnect. Cell service was spotty, which meant phones stayed in the tent more often than not. Without the constant pull of notifications, conversations lingered longer around the campfire, meals were shared without distraction, and laughter carried late into the night.

We had campfires every evening, swapping stories as the stars filled the sky. There’s something magical about watching sparks rise into the darkness while the fire crackles—no matter how many times I camp, it never loses its charm.

And for the first time in what felt like ages, I actually slept. For those of you that have been reading the last few posts, I have been struggling with severe insomnia. But at Mikisew, I finally let myself relax. The combination of fresh air, the sound of the wind through the trees, and the comfort of being completely unplugged meant I drifted off easily and woke up feeling rested. Both Saturday and Sunday I napped in the afternoon, Saturday at the campsite on my Kuma Couch and Sunday on the beach with my Rumpl blanket. To some, that may sound small—but for me, after months of battling panic attacks and sleepless nights, it felt like a breakthrough.

This trip wasn’t just about camping—it was about healing. Over the past year, my mental health has been tested in ways I didn’t expect. Living with anxiety and panic attacks has been exhausting. Some days it feels like I’m fighting my own body just to breathe, just to find a sense of calm. I’ve tried different medications, therapy, and new routines, and while there are good days, there are also hard ones.

But being in nature reminds me that healing doesn’t always happen in big, dramatic moments—it happens quietly. In the stillness of the lake. In the crackling of the fire. In Rosie’s wagging tail as she plays on the beach. In finally closing my eyes at night and actually sleeping through until morning.

Camping at Mikisew gave me something I didn’t realize how much I needed: proof that peace is possible. That my mind and body are still capable of rest. That joy and calm can exist even in the middle of a messy season of life.

Goodbye, Summer

Labour Day always feels bittersweet. It’s the unofficial end of summer, a reminder that routines are about to get busier and colder days aren’t far off. But weekends like this are exactly why I love camping so much. They ground me. They remind me that even when life feels overwhelming, there’s a simple joy in sitting by the fire, listening to the trees sway, and breathing in crisp, fresh air.

Mikisew Provincial Park was the perfect setting for this year’s farewell to summer. It may not be the biggest or most well-known Ontario Park, but it stole a piece of my heart with its quiet beauty, its dog-friendly spaces, and the gift of rest I didn’t even realize I needed.

Until next time, Mikisew—thank you for reminding me that even in the hardest seasons, there is still space for peace, laughter, and hope.

👉 Have you ever camped at Mikisew or spent a Labour Day long weekend outdoors? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments. And if you’re navigating your own mental health journey, I encourage you to give yourself permission to pause, unplug, and let nature hold you for a while.

Love,

Liz 💕🏕️