Several pieces of legislation apply in Ontario’s provincial parks such as the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, the Liquor Licence Act and the Highway Traffic Act. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 contains rules about tobacco and cannabis and the Cannabis Control Act, 2017 contains rules about cannabis which apply in provincial parks.
In Ontario and Ontario’s provincial parks, smoking tobacco or cannabis, or using an electronic cigarette (vaping) is not permitted in areas including buildings; children’s playgrounds and 20 metres around the playground; or sporting areas such as volleyball and beach volleyball areas, designated swimming areas, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and 20 metres around the sporting or spectator areas.
Smoking tobacco or cannabis, or using an electronic cigarette (vaping), is permitted on a registered campsite in a provincial park.
For more information about Ontario’s rules for recreational cannabis use, please visit www.ontario.ca/cannabis.
Is camping available at Ontario Parks?
How do I know what facilities or activities are available at the operating provincial park I wish to visit?
Can I make future reservations for the 2023 camping season?
What if I would like to cancel my future reservation due to the uncertainty?
What’s the difference between a non-operating park or conservation reserve and an operating park?
What precautions will be put in place to keep your public washrooms clean?
A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, more commonly referred to as a drone, is an aircraft. Aircraft (including drones) cannot be taken into or operated in a provincial park without authorization from the park superintendent. If the park superintendent authorizes the operation of a drone, the drone pilot must:
Transport Canada is responsible for the regulation of drones and more information is available by following this link: https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/aviation/drone-safety.html
Ontario Parks recognizes that the practice of scattering cremated remains is an important part of the religious beliefs of many families. Anyone who wishes to scatter the cremated remains of a loved one can do so in Ontario’s provincial parks on both land and in water.
Who do I contact?
It is recommended that you contact the Park Superintendent in advance to arrange a suitable, accessible location within the park. Provincial parks that have a designated site are:
Bronte Creek
Phone: 905.827.6911f
Darlington
Phone: 905.436.2036
Earl Rowe
Phone: 705.435.0847
Forks of the Credit
Phone: 705.435.0847
Rideau River
Phone: 613.258.2740
As a reminder, all day-use visitors entering an Ontario provincial park must purchase a permit which allows the vehicle and its occupants to be in the park between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
What do I need to know?
Environmental Responsibility
Ontario’s provincial parks are dedicated to the people of Ontario and to visitors, for their inspiration, spiritual, education, health and recreational enjoyment – with the intention that these areas be managed to protect provincially significant natural and cultural features and preserved for future generations.
Restrictions
The Funeral Burial and Cremation Services Act prohibits the interment (burial) of human remains, including urns (containing ashes) except in a registered and operating cemetery.
If the park you wish to visit is full, consider utilizing one of these two new reservation features to help you find a site that meets your needs!
The Similar Experiences tab will suggest a different park to you when searching for reservation availability online. This will provide you information on alternate provincial parks to choose from if campsites are unavailable at the park you are currently interested in. The alternate parks offered will have similar amenities, indicate availability, and will be located within the same general area of the province.
Availability Notifications will offer you the ability to sign up for email notifications should a campsite that meets your requirements become available at your desired park for your intended dates. This feature monitors availability and will send you an instant email notification of newly available sites.
Over the years the demand for overnight stays at Ontario Parks has continually increased. These two new reservation service features will help customers to find available camping options and possibly explore other hidden gems in Ontario’s parks!
These new features simplify the searching process for our customers who are looking for available campsites and will provide fair access to inventory and increase availability options during peak season.
Please check the FAQ's before emailing us. If you don’t find your question already answered, or have other feedback, continue on to our email page.
Email Contact FormOntario Parks
300 Water Street
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7
For help planning your next travel adventure in Ontario visit Destination Ontario.