Spring paddling safety

Itching for ice out? We certainly are.

But spring weather can be fickle. Hitting the lake too early, failing to respect weather conditions or paddling beyond your skill level isn’t just risky — it’s downright dangerous.

We chatted with Paul Smith, past park superintendent of Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, to get some top do’s and don’ts for spring paddling safety:

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Fall paddling safety

Fall is the perfect time to paddle.

As the temperatures cool there are no bugs and the lakes become less crowded. Plus you can catch some of our beautiful fall colours!

But fall weather can be fickle. Hitting the lake too late, failing to respect weather conditions, or paddling beyond your skill level isn’t just risky — it’s downright dangerous.

We chatted with Paul Smith, Superintendent of Kawartha Highlands Signature Site, to get some top do’s and don’ts for fall paddling safety:

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5 reasons to visit Nagagamisis Provincial Park

Canada’s Boreal Forest Region stretches from the edge of the Yukon in the north, down and across the country all of the way to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ecologically rich and diverse, the boreal forest ecosystem captures the imagination with its towering trees, shimmering lakes, and breathtaking scenery.

It can be hard to choose where to start exploring a landscape this expansive. But for travelers looking for a quintessential boreal experience, Nagagamisis is hard to beat.

Here are 5 reasons why this hidden gem is worth the trek!

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5 reasons to visit Rondeau Provincial Park

Wondering where to go for your summer vacation?

Look no further, because Rondeau Provincial Park might just be the perfect getaway for you and your family!

Located on Lake Erie, Rondeau is a host of incredible biodiversity. There’s plenty to see and do during your trip, and lots to explore, from sandy dunes to beautiful Carolinian forests.

Here are five reasons we think you should plan a trip to Rondeau:

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5 reasons to visit Halfway Lake Provincial Park

Halfway Lake Provincial Park features over 4,000 ha of rugged, forested Canadian Shield, dotted with sparkling blue lakes.

Less than an hour north of Sudbury on Highway 144, the park boasts an oasis of swimming, paddling, and hiking with a full service campground.

Here are five reasons we think Halfway Lake will delight family campers and explorers alike:

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8 ways paddling can improve your health

Just when we thought nothing could top the “good for you” news about chocolate…

…research shows that paddling is good not only for our physical health, but for our mental health as well!

Here are some of the benefits that will have you reaching for your paddle:

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Experience late fall camping at Silent Lake Provincial Park

Picture this: the sound of a crackling fire filling the crisp fall air, the soft sound of leaves falling in the forest, dipping your paddle into a still lake during a misty sunrise, and best of all… no bugs!

This is late fall camping at Silent Lake Provincial Park.

Looking for a quiet and relaxing place to give late fall camping a try?

Here are just a few reasons why Silent Lake is a favourite destination for many:

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Late summer/early fall paddling trips in Wabakimi Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Sofi Czich, a Canoe Resource Technician at Wabakimi Provincial Park.

Planning a paddling trip during late summer/early fall in Wabakimi will stimulate your senses.

Wabakimi Provincial Park is a wild and raw beauty that will provide an unforgettable experience!

There are a few things to look forward during your paddling trip and also some things to keep in mind.

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Planning a “bucket-list” trip to Quetico Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from paddling enthusiast Dave Caughey who, along with his wife, recently made the trek to Quetico Provincial Park.

For years, my wife and I longed to visit Quetico Provincial Park. We had heard the canoeing there was awesome, through a terrain peppered with countless lakes, and routes that could involve days between portages!

But Quetico seemed mind-bogglingly far from our home in Ottawa—1,600 km to be exact! Who would be compelled to drive that distance, just to go paddling?

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A trip down the Pakeshkag River at Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Sonje Bols, a former naturalist at Grundy Lake Provincial Park.

Part of a park naturalist’s job is to familiarize themselves with the natural and cultural wonders of their park through exploration.

Whether it’s hanging out at bogs to catch and identify dragonflies, checking rocks for snakes, or canoeing along Indigenous canoe routes, naturalists set out to observe and explore every inch of their parks so they can bring that knowledge and experience to park visitors and managers.

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