ADVISORIES
Q: Where can I find information on beach closings, boil water advisories, and fire bans?
A: Beach advisories, boil water advisories and fire ban alerts can be found at http://www.parkreports.com/report.php.
AGE
Q: How old do you have to be to reserve and occupy a campsite without an adult?
A: You must be at least 16 years of age to reserve and occupy a campsite without adult supervision, provided that all occupants are 16 years of age or older. If a member of your camping party is under the age of 16, you must have at least one person 18 years of age or older occupying the site.
ALCOHOL
Q: Is alcohol permitted within Ontario’s provincial parks?
A: Alcohol is permitted within provincial parks except during scheduled alcohol bans. Alcohol must remain on your designated campsite at all times. For the dates of alcohol bans, please consult the Reservation Rules and Policies under ‘All Reservations’ at http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/reservations.html .
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIMES
Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at Ontario’s provincial parks?
A: Check-in time is 2 p.m. on the day of arrival. Campers must check-out before 2 p.m. on their day of departure. The latest arrival time is 8 a.m. following the scheduled day of arrival.
DIRECTIONS
Q: Where can I find directions to an Ontario provincial park?
A: Follow these steps to find directions:
1. Go to http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/index.html
2. Select "Park Locator"
3. Under ‘Maps and Directions’ choose the park you would like to visit and click Go.
DISCOUNTS
Q: Does Ontario Parks offer any discounts on park fees?
A: Ontario Parks offers discounts on day-use and camping fees to Ontario residents over the age of 65 and Ontario residents who possess a CNIB identity card or Ministry of Transportation accessible parking permit. When making a telephone reservation, please advise the call-centre agents of your eligibility for a discount. You will be required to show proof of your eligibility when you arrive at the park.
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DOGS/ PETS
Q: Are pets allowed in Ontario’s provincial parks?
A: Pets are allowed in all parks – with the exception of designated campground areas in Awenda, Balsam Lake, Pinery and Voyageur and Achray, Canisbay, Mew Lake and Pog Lake campgrounds in Algonquin. Pets must be on a leash not exceeding 2 metres (6 feet) in length and are not permitted in swimming areas or on beaches or roofed accommodation sites. Pet owners should ensure that their pets are not left unattended, are properly leashed, do not make excessive noise and that any waste is cleaned up. Many parks now offer pet exercise/beach areas. Parks that offer these areas are listed below:
PET EXERCISE & BEACH LIST
Northwest Region
Blue Lake Exercise only
Pakwash Beach only
Sandbar Lake Beach only
Northeast Region
Chutes Exercise only
Driftwood Exercise only
Esker Lakes Exercise only
Fairbank Exercise only
Halfway Lake Exercise only
Ivanhoe Lake Beach only
Killarney Beach only
Kettle Lakes Exercise and Beach
Lake Superior, Agawa Bay Exercise only
Obatanga Exercise and Beach
Pancake Bay Exercise and Beach
Samuel de Champlain Exercise only
Wakami Lake Beach only
White Lake Exercise and Beach
Windy Lake Beach only
Southwest Region
Bronte Creek Exercise only
MacGregor Point Exercise only
Rock Point Exercise and Beach
Rondeau Beach only
Pinery Beach only
Point Farms Beach only
Turkey Point Exercise and Beach
Port Burwell Beach only
Southeast Region
Bon Echo Exercise and Beach
Charleston Lake Beach only
Murphys Point Beach only
Sandbanks Beach only
Sharbot Lake Exercise only
Central Region
Arrowhead Exercise and Beach
Awenda Beach only
Craigleith Beach only
Grundy Lake Exercise and Beach
Killbear Exercise and Beach
Mikisew Exercise and Beach
Oastler Beach only
Restoule Exercise and Beach
Sibbald Point Beach only
Wasaga Beach Exercise and Beach
Algonquin Exercise and Beach
Please check with the Park staff upon arrival to ask exactly where the beach and/or exercise areas are.
EMPLOYMENT
Q: How can I apply for a summer job or career with Ontario Parks?
A: If you are interested in summer employment in one of Ontario’s many provincial parks, send your résumé and a covering letter to the park where you would like to work. The mailing address for each park office is provided at the bottom of each park’s webpage. You may also wish to view information about the Ministry of Natural Resources’ youth programs at http://youth.mnr.gov.on.ca . You must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or hold a valid working visa to work at Ontario Parks.
Ontario Parks offers career opportunities for people with a variety of different backgrounds and qualifications. Current job vacancies are listed in JobMart, available at your closest Ontario Government office or on the following website http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca.
EQUIPMENT
Q: How much camping equipment can I have on my site?
A: Where space permits, you are allowed up to three pieces of shelter equipment plus one dining shelter/tarp on your campsite. Only one piece of shelter equipment can be a tent trailer, house trailer, motor home, or self-propelled camping unit.
FEES
Q: Where can I find information on park fees?
A: Follow this link http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/fees.html or go to any individual park webpage and click on the fees button for information about park fees.
FEES UPDATE 2010
Q: Why is Ontario Parks raising the camping fees for 2010?
A: Ontario Parks reviews park fees each year and determines if a fee increase is required. Fee increases will be used to cover increased operating costs, to protect and manage resources, and maintain Ontario Parks’ renowned natural heritage education programs and excellent customer service. All fees collected are deposited to an account, for the exclusive use of Ontario Parks to fund programs.
Q: What are the increases to the camping fees for the 2010 season?
A: Please refer to the 2010 chart, located here. This chart breaks down all fees by car camping, backcountry camping, day-use and roofed accommodations, etc. Discounts for Ontario disabled persons and Ontario senior citizens will remain the same, at 50% and 20%.
Q: When will the increases take effect?
A: We will begin collecting the new fees on January 1, 2010 for all reservations that are made on or after an arrival date of April 1st, 2010. Those who visit provincial parks between now and March 31, 2010 will be charged the 2009 fees.
GENERATORS
Q: Can I use a generator in an Ontario Park?
A: The use of a generator is permitted provided that campers respect the “No Excessive Noise” rule.
GROUP CAMPING
Q: Where can I find information on group camping?
A: You can find information on group camping by clicking on the group camping symbol on the individual park webpages on our website. If the group camping symbol does not appear on the screen, then the park you have selected does not offer group camping facilities. Please call the park directly to make group camping reservations.
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MAPS
Q: Where can I get a campground map?
A: Campground maps are available on-line for all parks that are part of the reservation system. Simply go to the individual parks’ web-pages using the Park Locator and click on the map icon or go to the reservation page and select a park there.
For parks that are not part of the reservation system, please contact the park directly to obtain a campground map.
MAXIMUM PERSONS PER SITE
Q: How many people are allowed on a car-camping site?
A: No more than six people can occupy a campground campsite unless these people comprise a single-family unit consisting of parents, and their children.
Q: How many people are allowed on an interior (backcountry) site?
A: Most parks with backcountry or interior campsites allow up to nine persons per site, with the exception of Frontenac, Killarney (hiking trail), Bon Echo and Charleston Lake. Each of these parks only allows six persons per backcountry or interior site
OPENING/CLOSING DATES
Q: On what dates do parks open and close?
A: Some parks are open year round. Other parks open and close on different dates throughout the year depending on their location. Follow this link http://www.parkreports.com/open_close.php or consult the Parks Guide to find out the opening and closing dates for your favourite park.
PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
Q: How can I obtain a copy of a park management plan?
A: Contact the zone office for that park in order to obtain a management plan. Addresses for zone offices can be found on this website under the "Welcome" heading: http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/welcome.html.
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PHOTO SUBMISSIONS
Q: Can I submit photographs that I’ve taken of parks to www.ontarioparks.com?
A: Currently, we are not accepting photos for the website but we thank you for offering.
RADIO-FREE CAMPING
Q: Do any of your parks offer radio-free campgrounds?
A: Select campground areas in 22 parks, including Arrowhead, Bon Echo, Killbear, and Presqu'ile and four campground areas in Algonquin offer radio-free camping. Parks that offer radio-free camping are listed in the Parks Guide.
Q:How do I access the campground maps to see campsite availability?
A:
Q:At what time does the calendar change for the 5 month reservation window opens?
A:The calendar date turns over at 7:00 a.m. each morning to coincide with the opening of the call centre at 1-888-668-7275.
Q:While trying to make a reservation, the screen will not allow me to put in the country as Canada and I time out.
A:
It is necessary for you to edit your user profile and add in your country code. Once logged in you can update this information by choosing "Update Profile".
Q:Can I reserve a group campsite online?
A:No, you cannot book group campsites online. You need to call the park directly to make group campsite reservations.
Q:I searched for an area in a park for a list of available sites using the "large trailer setting" and got a list of sites. I then tried the same area using the "18 foot trailer" and got less sites! Why would I get less sites using a smaller vehicle then I would get using a larger vehicle?
A:The search criteria are set to the exact size of trailer you have chosen, therefore the number of sites that show up will reflect the number of campsites of that size available.
Q:I can't find where to log in and change my ID and password.
A:Please go to www.OntarioParks.com and follow the "On-Line Services" link to the "Reservations" link. You need to enter by clicking on "By Internet - LOGIN - next page, upper right". This link takes you to the new reservation website. Select the 'Login' tab from the top right corner of your display screen.
After successfully logging in, choose "Update Profile". This is where you can use your temporary Login name and Password. Once you have signed in, for security reasons, we recommend that you create your own unique Login name and Password.
Q:Why did Ontario Parks change their reservation service provider?
A:Contracts for the Ontario Parks Reservation Service are awarded on a 10 year basis. The agreement with our past reservation service provider (CAMIS Inc.) expired October 31st, 2009. A tendering process was conducted requesting proposals from private companies to set up and deliver the Ontario Parks Reservation Service. These proposals were reviewed and scored based on set criteria.
Q:Who is the new reservation service provider?
A:Mediamix Interactive Inc. is the successful vendor and will start processing reservations on November 1st, 2009. The company is located in Toronto, Ontario and has been providing reservation services since 2004. Their client list includes Parks Canada, Newfoundland & Labrador, Essex Region Conservation Authority and two private tourism associations.
Q:Is it true that the cost to make a reservation will be reduced?
A:Yes. The reservation fee will be reduced to $9.00 (savings of $3.00), and cancellations/changes to reservations will be reduced to $7.00 (savings of $2.00). There will be an even greater savings if the reservation is made on-line as it will only cost $8.00 to make a reservation and $5.00 to cancel or change a reservation.
Q: How far in advance can I reserve a campsite?
A: You can book a campsite up to 5 months in advance of the date of your arrival. For example, if you are planning on camping from August 6 to 10, you can make your reservation as early as March 6.
Q: I have tried to make a reservation 5 months in advance at my favourite park. Every campsite is reserved. How can this be?
A: You can reserve a campsite up to five months in advance of the day of your arrival and you can book a site for up to 23 days. Therefore, some customers may have reserved earlier than you for extended stays so when you go in to book, the sites are already reserved.
You may want to check again closer to your date of arrival to see if any sites are available due to cancellations.
Also a few parks require 2- or 3-night minimum stays on summer weekends. Please refer to http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/minimum_night.html for a list of participating parks. If the dates you have selected to stay do not meet these criteria, the on-line system will indicate that there are no sites available to reserve.
Q: Where can I find all of the reservation rules and policies?
A: Please go to http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/reservations.html and select the links under ‘Reservation Rules and Policies’.
Q: What does “minimum stay required” mean?
A: Some parks require a two or three night minimum stay on summer weekends. Please go to http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/minimum_night.html for a list of participating parks.
Q: When I call the 1-888-668-7275 reservation line I get a message telling me that all agents are busy and to call back later. Why am I not placed on hold?
A: You will receive this message if all agents are busy serving customers, and the wait queue is full as well. In the past you would have received a busy signal when this happened.
Q: Can I camp with a tent on a site designated for a trailer?
A: Yes you may. The equipment designation for campsites reflects the largest equipment that will fit on the site – it is always permissible to place smaller equipment on the site. However, there are a few large trailer sites that include in their site description “not suitable for tents” – these sites lack tent pads, and should only be booked by trailers or motorhomes.
When you are making an internet reservation, you must enter your equipment type. You may still choose to reserve a different size of site; however, a pop-up window will warn you that there is a mismatch of equipment type. Please make sure your equipment type will fit on the site before clicking ‘ok’ and proceeding with your reservation.
TOURISM
Q: Where can I get information about special events or attractions close to the provincial park I'm planning to visit?
A: You can get additional information about tourism in Ontario by contacting 1-800-ONTARIO or www.ontariotravel.net. A provincial road map is also available from 1-800-ONTARIO.
VEHICLES
Q: How many vehicles can I have on my site?
A: The fee for one vehicle is included in your campsite permit - all other vehicles must purchase an "Additional Vehicle Permit" at the time of registration. The number of additional vehicles permitted on a campsite is limited by the park and vehicles may have to be parked in a separate designated "parking lot" located away from your campsite. Consult the ‘site description’ on the Reservations website to find out how many vehicles can be parked on-site.
WEST NILE
Q: How can I protect myself against West Nile virus during my visit to Ontario’s provincial parks this summer and where can I get more information?
A: From April to October, when mosquitoes are most active, you can and should try to avoid mosquito bites.
Take the following precautions:
Cover up: If outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active, or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes, wear light colours and these types of protective clothing: loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, jackets, pants and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks for extra protection.
Use Insect Repellent: Consider the use of an insect repellent containing DEET (according to the manufacturer's directions), when it is necessary to be outdoors when mosquitoes are biting. The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children.
Other non-chemical ways to deter biting insects include protective clothing (as outlined above), repairing tears and holes in tents and along tent zippers or the window and door screens in tent-trailers and RVs, and using a dining shelter or wearable netting when camping.
For more information, please call the Ontario Ministry of Health INFOline at 1-877-234-4343 (toll free in Ontario). Or contact your local public health unit. The following websites are also useful sources of information:
• www.health.gov.on.ca
• www.HealthyOntario.com
• http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/index_e.html
• www.bugsmart.ca
Last Modified: March 12, 2010
Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2010