5 ways to unplug and experience nature

This is your sign to trade your digital scrolling for some outdoor strolling!

Technology is amazing and offers us so many tools (including many we use for conservation in parks!). That said, balance is important, and humans can struggle with screentime.

Spending time in nature offers many physical and mental benefits, like a stronger immune system and reduced mental fatigue. Getting outside is particularly important in the winter, when there is less sunshine and the days are shorter.

Even with knowing all these health benefits, it can still be tough to unplug – so we put together a few steps to start you on your way:

Continue reading 5 ways to unplug and experience nature

Health benefits of cross-country skiing

Staying active in the winter isn’t always easy. For some of us, it’s tempting to stay in, cuddle up, and spend the long winter months binging Netflix under a warm blanket.

Cross-country skiing boasts a wide array of benefits for your physical and mental health. Here’s why you should strap on some skis and spend your winter gliding through frozen forests and snow-covered trails:

Continue reading Health benefits of cross-country skiing

5 ways to beat the winter blues

January’s been a looong month.

The holidays have come and gone, and significant snowfall has just begun around the province.

It’s no surprise that January’s also seen as a “blue” month, with short days, little sunshine, and very cold weather making it difficult to prioritize time outside.

Feeling a bit… off? Fear not!

We’ve collected a few tips to try to help you beat the blues and make your winter feel a bit brighter:

Continue reading 5 ways to beat the winter blues

A beginner’s guide to snowshoeing

This winter, outdoor activities are a great option to keep you happy and healthy. It’s the perfect time to try something new – like snowshoeing!

For any winter activity, planning ahead and a bit of research can go a long way to make sure your day is safe and fun!

So what does a beginner snowshoer need to know?

Continue reading A beginner’s guide to snowshoeing

Mental health benefits of getting outside this winter

Getting outdoors in Ontario this winter may be brisk, but it comes with a whole host of benefits for your mood and health.

The winter season notoriously brings cold weather, shorter days, and too much time cooped up indoors. It can even trigger a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

All the more reason not to hibernate!

Let’s look at some of the very real mental health benefits of the outdoors during the winter season:

Continue reading Mental health benefits of getting outside this winter

Christmas Bird Count — keep the community science tradition going!

Today’s post comes from Cortney LeGros, the Healthy Parks Healthy People coordinator at Ontario Parks.

The holiday season is steeped in tradition.

No matter how you celebrate, there’s one scientific tradition that’s been around for over 120 years to help mark the holidays.

For me, the holidays would not be complete without participating in at least one Christmas Bird Count.

Continue reading Christmas Bird Count — keep the community science tradition going!

Why it’s important for children to play outside in winter

Every winter, as the temperatures drop, so does the amount of time we spend outside. This is especially true for children — playtime can become limited to the indoors.

It may be tempting to hide inside until the weather warms up, but outdoor play is essential for your children’s well-being all year long.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should get your kids outside and active this winter:

Continue reading Why it’s important for children to play outside in winter

5 ways to stay active in the cold

Brrr! Temperatures are dropping, and winter’s icy grip is almost upon us.

We bet you’re feeling just about ready to tuck into a nice, long winter’s hibernation.

Not so fast! We’ve partnered with our snow-loving friends at Subaru Canada to share some great ways to stay active and enjoy winter.

Outdoor activity is important for our mental and physical health all year long. Getting outside is good for you even when the weather is not ideal.

Ontario Parks has 30+ parks open in the winter. Each park offers plenty of ways for you to get active in the chilly months.

Continue reading 5 ways to stay active in the cold

Health benefits of dark skies

Today’s blog comes from Senior Marketing Specialist Sarah McMichael-Chen. 

My most memorable camping memory didn’t come from a crackling campfire, a panoramic lookout, or a stunning sandy beach.

It happened at 3:00 am at Lake Superior Provincial Park.

As I stumbled out of my tent for a late-night bathroom break, I noticed something different about the sky above me. There were stars.

A LOT of stars.

Continue reading Health benefits of dark skies