Embedded Files
We will continue using the Tea Pot Lake location as an example.
First thing I always do is Google the name and/or the Policy ID number, see if others have shared further information regarding this area, saving you a lot of work and also giving you a better idea of the area. Look on Google Maps around the area for named points of interest that may include reviews and photos.
Satellite/Aerial Images
Satellite/Aerial Images
Check out a Satellite View of the area, most people commonly recommend Google Maps. I prefer the Ontario Imagery in the CLUPA, but getting to it is a bit tricky though.
Desktop:
Go to Layers at the bottom left of the window.
Scroll down to the Background Map and put a check inside Ontario Imagery.
Slide the opacity slider all the way up and turn the Topographic slider down.
If you still see a yellow overlay we need to also turn down the Crown Land layers near the top of the layers list:
Instructions for Mobile Satellite/Aerial Images
Instructions for Mobile Satellite/Aerial Images
Tap the Menu button in the bottom Right
Then tap Layers
Scroll to the bottom of the layers and turn off or reduce the opacity of the Topographic map and enable and turn up the opacity of the Ontario Imagery layer.
Scroll Back to the top of the layers list and adjust the Crown Land Use Data layer to improve clarity.
Google Maps
Google Maps
Ontario Imagery
Ontario Imagery
Scroll around and look for the following.
Where will you park
We know the area on both sides of the road is Crown Land so we are able to park here( check Municipal By-laws for clarification. More on Parking Below)
Check aerial photography for parked vehicles like in the CLUPA imaging above.
Where will you Camp?
Will you camp by the road or will you adventure into the woods?
Check out different lakes, rivers ect, you will want to be near water especially if you are planning on having a fire, and also because you do not want the added weight of carrying in drinking water.
The further you hike from the road, the more peace, privacy, and solitude you’ll find, it’s the reward for putting in the extra effort.
Use the topographic map along with the aerial view to plot your hike.
Look for any trails, or unmarked roads.
Assess the road condition and make sure they’re suitable for your vehicle. I’ve taken my front-wheel-drive car on many dirt/logging roads, but it’s important to know both your limits and your vehicle’s capabilities.
Parking
Parking
I find that finding suitable parking can be the most difficult part. Scan over the roads with the aerial view and look for open areas, or exposed Canadian Shield(natures parking lots).
When parking follow fundamental rules.
Don’t block trails
Don’t block roads
Don’t block access to water/boat launches
Still unable to find a suitable location. Look for nearby “resorts” or BnBs, some may allow you to park on their premises for a fee. If you are portaging some marinas will allow you to park for a fee.
When leaving my vehicle I will always leave a note in my car with some basic info: My name, my phone number, an alternate contact, and a general destination.
I am wary about leaving any dates, as I don’t want to give anyone a timeline on when they can safely plunder my car, if authorities need to know more info and they cannot get a hold of me my alternate contact can give them those details.
Other tips:
Don’t leave valuables in the car
Leave the glove box open and empty
Use wheel lock lugs
Contact the OPP to say where you will be parking.
Storytime: I forgot to leave a note once in my fathers Jeep(pictured above), locals phoned OPP to say the vehicle was abandoned for days. Luckily they got a hold of my dad who told them that I was camping in the area. OPP said there were no issues with where I parked, just nosey locals.
Fire Ratings/Fire Safety
Fire Ratings/Fire Safety
Back on the Lake of Bays municipal site we can check their Fire Department's Fire Rating, note the fire rating and any restrictions. Note their day time burning ban “NO DAYTIME BURNING Between 8am - 6pm from April 1st to October 31st “
Always bring an alternative method of cooking and seriously reconsider lighting a fire if the rating is High, DO NOT start a fire if the rating is Extreme.
Keep your fire small, smaller fires are easier to cook on and you will not be spending all of your time looking for firewood. Be mindful about over hanging trees, and ground cover, clear out pine needles and other flammable materials around your fire.
Fireworks - Just don’t.
Further Fire Safety Resources:
Hunting Seasons
Hunting Seasons
Not familiar with hunting seasons? It is always best to check them out, not for hunting purposes, but for not getting shot.
The first step is to find out which wildlife management unit (WMU) we will be camping in. Use the linked map to locate Teapot Lakes’ WMU. It is difficult to tell it could be WMU 53a or WMU 56
Next we will search the list of Tentative dates for the deer and moose hunting seasons search the page for 53a and 56
Deer
November 3 to November 16 - rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading guns and bows
October 1 to November 2 - Bow only
November 17 to December 15 - Bow only
Moose
October 20 to October 26 - Rifles/bow
October 4 to October 10 - Bow Only
Just because there are no active hunting seasons during your trip, doesn’t mean you will not come across hunters or sport shooters.
Be cautious, wear hunter orange especially after September, I wear a bear bell, not for the bears but for other humans.
Fishing
Fishing
While on the Ontario Fishing and Hunting page check out the fishing regulations in the area you plan on camping.
A valid fishing license is REQUIRED to fish on crownland just as it is required to fish on any Ontario Waters.
Ontario Fishing regulations can be found here: Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary | ontario.ca
Google Sites
Report abuse