Camp Cannabis: Canadian campsites that are cool with weed

Anyone who loves cannabis and the outdoors has probably lamented that the plant is prohibited in the U.S. National Parks. Well, never fear because our neighbors to the north welcome high campers.

After cannabis was federally legalized, the Canadian government issued a statement on weed in its national parks. They deemed smoking cannabis in public alright as long as it stayed relegated to the campsite.

RELATED: Bears, fire, and the law: Etiquette for cannabis and the outdoors

With that in mind, GreenState mined the internet for the best camping locations across the provinces for that last-minute summer or fall trip. Light up and go on an adventure or sit back in a camping chair and listen to the birds– with this list, you can do it all.

Mosquito Creek Campground in Banff National Park (Minhrpa)

In Banff National Park, about thirty minutes from tourist-heavy Lake Louise sits Mosquito Creek. The first-come-first-served campsites sit along the creek that looks more like a river but show up early to get the best spots. Banff has fire and alcohol bans at specific times, so if that ruins the plan, check the dates for updates.

One Trip Advisor review reads that the sites are far apart and primitive. To a cannabis connoisseur, that means enough privacy to smoke without bothering their neighbors. Whether in an RV or tent, Mosquito Creek could be the right spot for a weed camping trip.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta (Ozada)

This park features myriad campsites that provide a view of the Canadian Rockies without the Banff (Minhrpa) crowds. Use the spot as a launch point for a multi-day backpacking trip or chill out at the campsite. Nearby lodging also has accessible rooms for those who need them.

Campers who want to stay active will appreciate this park which provides access to fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking. Those who like to toke up and get active will enjoy their stay at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, but those who want to blaze and look at pretty things won’t lack viewpoints.

Nopiming Provincial Park, Manitoba

The national park was named after the Anishinaabe word noopiming meaning “into the brush,” or more romantically, “into the wilderness.” The entrance to the park delivers on the promise, transporting the vehicle and everyone within into the woods. Once inside, there’s much to explore.

Sprinkled with crystal clear lakes, Nopiming features hikes varying in difficulty. Take a short tromp to Tulabi Falls or a serene walk along the river. While exploring, hikers can find structures and tools from a lost era when miners and settlers hoped to make money off of the land.

When it comes to an infused camping trip, take the explorer friend too Nopiming. Taking a rip at the campsite before exploring a bygone era and taking in a waterfall is an exceptional way to spend an afternoon.

Driftwood Provincial Park, Ontario

Hike up to panoramic views during a stay at Driftwood Provincial Park in Ontario. RVs and tents are welcome at the waterside Ottawa River campgrounds, ideal for the more chill campers. There’s no multi-day backpacking or mountain biking at this campsite, but there are things to see.

Observe the wildlife, listen to the water lap up on the shore, and take in some epic sunsets during a stay at Driftwood. And while this may not be the most popular Canadian cannabis campsite, it’s definitely a relaxation station for the high outdoors enthusiast.

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland & Labrador

On the Eastern island of Newfoundland & Labrador sits Gros Morne National Park, which features sweeping lake and mountain views. There are tons to explore at this national park which boasts miles of trails. Many past campers suggest the six-kilometer out-and-back hike to Western Brook Pond.

Trout River Campground comes highly recommended for campers who appreciate amenities like a hot shower and WiFi capability. Plan ahead and book a boat tour or travel out for the summer music and theater festivals. If you like to be entertained after sparking a j, this could be the campsite to do it at.

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Lush forests, intriguing rock formations, and running waters collide at Fundy National Park, where campers can take in the various attractions. Water lovers can kayak the Atlantic Ocean along serene bluffs. Those who prefer to stay on land can take a short walk to different sights like Point Wolfe Covered Bridge and Dickson Falls.

This park doesn’t bring the entertainment, nor does it have a ton of hiking trails. For a cannabis-infused vacation Fundy National Park should be the choice for those who enjoy relaxing at their campsites. Bring a hammock, a good book, maybe a lawn game like Kubb to maximize the fun.

Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia

Back on the West coast of Canada sits Vancouver Island. That’s where campers can find Pacific Rim National Park, temperate coastal rainforests, and long sandy beaches. If it sounds gorgeous, it is, but that’s why it’s also why all 116 campsites are full most days of the busy season.

Rip that cute bong and walk along the beach or explore the luscious rainforest climate that only exists in two North American locations. This campground is a destination for outdoor lovers, and it’s close to the city of Vancouver, B.C., a tourist destination with some good eats.

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park (Áísínai’pi)

Unlike many sites listed, Writing-On-Stone features an arid desert climate with lots of, you guessed it: stones. Sites are situated in the tree shade of the Milk River Valley with powered and unserviced options suitable for tents and RVs.

Guests of the park often float down the river or take a swim, but the main draw has to be the pictographs. The park gets its name because of the thousands of ancient rock art drawings left by the First Nations people. Hike through and enjoy the pictographs, aka hoodoos, or opt-in on a guided tour. For those who visit, whether high or not, respect these ancient fossils and refrain from leaving a trace.

Smoking weed outside can be euphoric, familiar bird calls become symphonic and mountain views bring a tear to the eye. A great place to experience this is in Canada, where it’s legal to have cannabis at a campsite.

These car camping and RV locations vary in accessibility and amenities, but have one thing in common: nature. Canadian cannabis camping is the ticket whether a camper is after guided tours, backcountry hiking, or just a chill spot to hang out for a while.