Under the ice: winter in Lake Simcoe

Today’s post comes from Laura McClintock, senior park naturalist at Sibbald Point Provincial Park.

The sun is shining, glittering off the ice. It’s winter on Lake Simcoe.

From the shore, it appears the lake is ‘asleep’ for the winter months, with no movement to be seen. However, that’s just what’s on the surface. The reality below is quite different.

Winter for the aquatic species of Lake Simcoe is one of necessity and mystery. Let’s dive in.

Continue reading Under the ice: winter in Lake Simcoe

Eyes on the skies — December

Welcome to the Ontario Parks “Eyes on the Skies” series. This will cover a wide range of astronomy topics with a focus on what can be seen from the pristine skies found in our provincial parks.

December brings some of the darkest skies of the year.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to go out into our parks. Breathe in the peace and solitude of December days and the bounty of the starlit skies.

Here are our astronomical highlights for December, 2023:

Continue reading Eyes on the skies — December

Your Ontario Parks gift guide

Does the thought of holiday shopping for the nature-lover in your life have you quaking in your snow boots?

Fear not! Pick up some of your favourite Ontario Parks merchandise (and new releases) from the comfort of home with our holiday pop-up store.

But don’t wait: the holiday pop-up store is only open until December 31 and stock is limited.

We’ve created a gift guide to check all your friends and family off your list:

Continue reading Your Ontario Parks gift guide

How to make a purchase on the holiday pop-up store

Hey park-lovers! Did you know we are offering online merchandise sales this holiday season?

The holiday pop-up store is an opportunity to pick up some of your favourite Ontario Parks merchandise online.

But don’t delay – the holiday pop-up store is a limited-time offer and we will not be restocking items! The pop-up store closes on December 31, 2021.

Here’s everything you need to know about making a purchase:

Continue reading How to make a purchase on the holiday pop-up store

This is your brain on nature!

Nature? We’re here for it and so are our friends at Coleman Canada. Read on to find out how they’re helping us encourage Ontarians to spend more time outside!

It’s easy to feel a bit low at this time of year. It seems to get dark outside immediately after lunch, the sun is elusive, and our bodies are still adapting to cooler temperatures.

There’s a part of our brain that really wants to hibernate.

But we’re going to fight that urge, and you should too! Here’s why: our brains need nature! Continue reading This is your brain on nature!

December’s digital download

Don’t let the Northern Shrike’s small size deceive you.

These little floofs are strict carnivores and will stealthily hunt anything of manageable size, including insects, mice, lizards, and other birds.

Northern Shrikes spend the breeding season in the far north, but can be found south of Thunder Bay and Sudbury during the winter, so watch for these masked predators warbling in shrubby habitats.

Continue reading December’s digital download