Tag: Dogs

Happy National Pet Day from Ontario Barks

In today’s post, the Chairdog of the Ontario Barks committee shows off his best buds at their favourite provincial parks with their humans! 

Oh boy! It’s National Pet Day! *zoomies*

Even though this is a special day, I’m going to be fur-real with you – in my household, every day is pet day.

From the endless array of squeaky toys (with yummy stuffing and no eyes), the long W-A-L-Ks filled with my smelly presents, and second dinners because the human thought I didn’t get fed by the other human – it’s a pawesome time.

And get this: the fun doesn’t stop here. Sometimes, the human packs a bag and we head on out to a provincial park (there are hundreds!) for an adventure!

Don’t believe me? I’ve gathered all the evidence below of my best buds enjoying park visits! (Don’t ask about who destroyed the couch though; there is no proof.)

Continue reading Happy National Pet Day from Ontario Barks

Don’t leave it hanging

Our trees are spectacular organisms. They make oxygen, can live to be quite old, have beautiful foliage, provide homes and food for countless wildlife, and through transpiration of water through their leaves, can even influence the weather.

Maybe our trees do deserve some form of decoration or recognition?

I was out in my park the other day, and with the leaves gone, I did notice some brightly coloured decorations on a tree down the trail.

Continue reading Don’t leave it hanging

Bark if you love nature!

Today’s blog comes from Ontario Barks’ Activities Director. 

We all know the excitement that builds in your chest when you feel the car pull off the highway, gently rolling up to the gatehouse of your favourite park.

As your person navigates parking, a dance takes over the back half of your body, with your tail bopping out a lively beat.

But I’m here today to talk about what happens next, when the car shuts off and they turn to you and ask, “Are you ready to go?” 

As Activities Director of Ontario Barks, it is my job to ensure you are on your leash when your adventure begins.

Continue reading Bark if you love nature!

Ruffing it at Ontario Parks: a dog’s perspective on camping

This post is brought to you from our guest blogger Sitka the Border Collie, with help from her human Laura Myers, a strategic market development specialist with Ontario Parks.

Hello! My name is Sitka and I’m a dog.

My humans love to camp! From the moment they brought me home when I was eight weeks old, they said, “I can’t wait for all the camping adventures we will go on, little one.”

Continue reading Ruffing it at Ontario Parks: a dog’s perspective on camping

5 dream dog destinations at Ontario Parks

In today’s post, the Chairdog of the Ontario Barks committee shows us his favourite parks to take a W-A-L-K! 

Nothing gets my tail wagging faster than seeing my humans pack their bags for a park adventure!

I know that’s true for you too, my furry friends.

But with 340 provincial parks, how do we let our humans know which one deserves an outstanding round-of-a-paws from the Ontario Barks committee?

With this top five list, of course. Show this to your human to make your next W-A-L-K extra special!

Continue reading 5 dream dog destinations at Ontario Parks

How to plan your day trip to Port Burwell

Port Burwell Provincial Park is a favourite spot for families, dog-lovers, and beach-goers.

With 2.5 km of sandy beach, a dog friendly beach and exercise area, and plenty of recreation facilities, this park has become a popular weekend destination.

Unfortunately, Port Burwell’s increasing popularity has meant that our park can get extremely busy, and often reaches capacity on hot summer days.

Continue reading How to plan your day trip to Port Burwell

The scoop on dog poop: why all scat is not the same

Part of being a good pet owner and park visitor is cleaning up after your dog.

“Stoop and scoop” is a phrase all pet owners have heard for decades, yet park staff are often asked, “Why do I need to pick up after my dog when wildlife poop does not need to be picked up?”

It’s a good question. How is dog poop different from raccoon, coyote, moose or even bear scat?

As it turns out, not all scat is the same.

Continue reading The scoop on dog poop: why all scat is not the same

Hitting the trails? Know the etiquette before you go

Matt Cunliffe started at Ontario Parks in 2006 and has spent over a decade working as a park interpreter and an assistant park planner, project lead for Operational Policy and Training. An avid trail user and self-proclaimed nature geek, when he’s not on the clock, you’re likely to find him onto a new discovery somewhere in one of our parks.

Spring has sprung and I, like many Ontarians, cannot wait hike and bike as many trails as I can.

While you’re getting your gear ready for the next adventure, here are some tips to help you prepare and minimize impacts while you are out enjoying the trails.

Continue reading Hitting the trails? Know the etiquette before you go