Ontario Parks

Contact Ontario Parks

Ontario Parks FAQs

  • Question: Where can I find information on beach closings, boil water advisories, and fire bans?
  • Answer: Beach advisories, boil water advisories and fire ban alerts can be found at www.ontarioparks.com/alerts

  • Question: How old do you have to be to reserve and occupy a campsite without an adult?
  • Answer: You must be at least 16 years of age to reserve and occupy a campsite without adult supervision, provided that all occupants are 16 years of age or older. If a member of your camping party is under the age of 16, you must have at least one person 18 years of age or older occupying the site

  • Question: Is alcohol permitted within Ontario’s provincial parks?
  • Answer: Alcohol is permitted within provincial parks and must remain on your designated campsite.

  • Question: Can I use Cannabis in provincial parks?
  • Answer:

    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.

  • Question: What are the check-in and check-out times at Ontario’s provincial parks?
  • Answer: For Car Camping, check-in time is 2 p.m. on the day of arrival. Campers must check-out before 2 p.m. on their day of departure. The latest arrival time is 8 a.m. following the scheduled day of arrival. For Roofed Accommodations, please refer to your confirmation letter for specific check in/out times
  • Question: Can I arrive at the park after hours for car camping?
  • Answer: Yes. If you arrive after the park office is closed, you may proceed directly to your campsite and quietly set up your campsite so as not to disturb other campers. Please check-in at the park office the following morning when it opens. If you plan to arrive after 8:00 a.m. on the second day of your reservation, please notify the park in advance.

  • Question:

    Is camping available at Ontario Parks?

  • Answer:
    Ontario Parks is open for overnight stays on campground and backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations including cabins, yurts and cottages. COVID-19 measures, modifications and restrictions may apply.
  • Question:

    How do I know what facilities or activities are available at the operating provincial park I wish to visit?

  • Answer:
    Please click on the individual park page for the park you wish to visit for a list of facilities and activities that are being offered in each location.
  • Question:

    Can I make future reservations for the 2023 camping season?

  • Answer:
    Ontario Parks accepts future reservations 5 months in advance of your arrival date.

    Please continue to visit www.ontarioparks.com and Ontario Parks social media channels for the most up-to-date information.
  • Question:

    What if I would like to cancel my future reservation due to the uncertainty?

  • Answer:
    At this time, normal reservation and penalty fees apply. For more information on our cancellation policy please visit our Reservation Penalty page.

  • Question:

    What’s the difference between a non-operating park or conservation reserve and an operating park?

  • Answer:
    Non-operating provincial parks and conservation reserves offer limited recreational experiences, limited access, fewer facilities and generally no dedicated staff or fee collection. Operating parks offer a variety of services and facilities, such as campground camping, roofed accommodations, washrooms, and Discovery programs, and charge fees.

    Please visit the Park Locator to find a provincial park or conservation reserve near you.
  • Question:

    What precautions will be put in place to keep your public washrooms clean?

  • Answer:
    Priority for cleaning and disinfection is placed on high-touch surfaces in public areas including washrooms and other shared facilities. These areas will be cleaned and disinfected a minimum of once per day and more frequently when soiled.

  • Question: Does Ontario Parks offer any discounts on park fees and what identification is required?
  • Answer: Ontario Parks offers discounts on day-use and camping fees to Ontario residents aged 65 and over and Ontario residents who possess a CNIB identity card or Ministry of Transportation accessible parking permit. When making a telephone reservation, please advise the call-centre agents of your eligibility for a discount. You will be required to show proof of your eligibility when you arrive at the park. Reduced campground rates apply to Ontario senior citizens and their spouse and any other persons in the same party who occupy the campsite. For interior camping or group camping facilities, reduced rates only apply to seniors and their spouse.

    Veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who reside in Ontario, are eligible to enjoy free, weekday (Monday to Friday), day use in provincial parks. Upon arrival to a provincial park, please present a valid Canadian Armed Forces identification card (i.e., Canadian Armed Forces Veteran’s Service Card, Canadian Forces Identification Card or Record of Service Card) and proof of Ontario residency with photo identification (i.e., valid Ontario driver’s licence with photo, valid Ontario Health Card with photo, valid Ontario Photo Card, etc.)

  • Question: Are pets allowed in Ontario’s provincial parks?
  • Answer: Please refer to our “Dogs at Ontario Parks” webpage for everything you need to know about bringing your dog to the park.

  • Question: Can I operate my drone (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) in a provincial park?
  • Answer:

    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:

    • Follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations including Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
    • Comply with park regulations under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPCRA) including but not limited to:
      • Obtaining a valid provincial park permit
      • Obtaining an aircraft landing authorization
      • Ensuring drone operation does not disturb other persons, make excessive noise, chase or harass wildlife, cause damage to Crown property or vegetation
    • Follow all other laws including but not limited to:
     

    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

  • Question: How can I apply for a summer job or career with Ontario Parks?
  • Answer: Please refer to the careers section of our website.

  • Question: Where can I find information on park fees?
  • Answer: Follow this link to view camping fees. http://www.ontarioparks.com/fees/camping/2023. Other categories of fees can be found by using the navigation dropdown menu at the top of each webpage to select the category of fees. On mobile and tablet devices use the menu button on the top right side of each webpage to expose the navigation menu.

  • Question: Can I use a generator in an Ontario Park?
  • Answer: The use of a generator is not permitted in designated generator free campgrounds. To view these campsites select ‘Generator Free’ in the filters under restrictions at reservations.ontarioparks.com. Otherwise the use of a generator is permitted in areas not designated as generator free, provided that campers respect the ‘No Excessive Noise’ rule.

  • Question: Where can I find information on group camping?
  • Answer: You can find information on group camping by clicking the "Camping" tab on each park webpage and look for the group camping section. If group camping is not listed the park does not have group camping facilities. Group campsite reservations can be made either online by selecting the “Group Camping” tab at reservations.ontarioparks.com or by contacting the Ontario Parks Call Centre (1-888-ONT-PARK).

  • Question: Where can I get a campground map?
  • Answer: Campground maps are available on-line for all parks that are part of the reservation system. Simply go to the individual parks’ web-pages using the Park Locator and click on the map icon or go to the reservation page and select a park there. For parks that are not part of the reservation system, please contact the park directly to obtain a campground map.

  • Question: How many people are allowed on a car-camping site?
  • Answer: No more than six people can occupy a campground campsite unless these people comprise a single-family unit consisting of parents, and their children.
  • Question: How many people are allowed on an interior (backcountry) site?
  • Answer: Most parks with backcountry or interior campsites allow up to nine persons per site, with the exception of Frontenac, Killarney (hiking trail), Bon Echo and Charleston Lake. Each of these parks only allows six persons per backcountry or interior site.

  • Question: On what dates do parks open and close?
  • Answer: Some parks are open year round. Other parks open and close on different dates throughout the year depending on their location. Follow this link to find out the opening and closing dates for your favourite park.

  • Question: Can I submit photographs that I’ve taken of parks to www.ontarioparks.com?
  • Answer: Currently, we are not accepting photos for the website but we thank you for offering.

  • Question: Can I spread the ashes of a loved one in provincial parks?
  • Answer:

    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?

    • The location where you scattered ashes may not be accessible in the future
    • Natural vegetation (i.e. plants, trees) or natural objects in the park should not be cut, planted or removed
    • Plastic flowers, written notes or physical structures should not remain at the site
    • If necessary, as part of the ceremony, only a small handful of organic material such as leaves and flowers should be scattered
    • Offerings such as coins, clothing or jewellery should not be placed in waterways or left at the site
    • To minimize your environmental impact please stay on designated trails and roadways
    • Respect other park visitors and choose a site away from public swimming areas, docks and boat launches
    • Please recycle plastic bags and wrappers
    • All fruit should be eaten or placed in the garbage

    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.

  • Question: Do any of your parks offer radio-free campgrounds?
  • Answer: Select campground areas in 22 parks, including Arrowhead, Bon Echo, Killbear, and Presqu'ile and four campground areas in Algonquin offer radio-free camping. Parks that offer radio-free camping are listed in the Parks Guide.

  • Question: I have tried to make a reservation 5 months in advance at my favourite park. Every campsite is reserved. How can this be?
  • Answer: You can reserve a campsite up to five months in advance of the day of your arrival and you can book a site for up to 23 days. Therefore, some customers may have reserved earlier than you for extended stays so when you go in to book, the sites are already reserved. You may want to check again closer to your date of arrival to see if any sites are available due to cancellations.
  • Question: Where can I find all of the reservation rules and policies?
  • Answer: Please go to http://www.ontarioparks.com/reservations and select the links under 'Reservation Rules and Policies'.
  • Question: Can I camp with a tent on a site designated for a trailer?
  • Answer: Yes you may. The equipment designation for campsites reflects the largest equipment that will fit on the site – it is always permissible to place smaller equipment on the site. However, there are a few large trailer sites that include in their site description “not suitable for tents” – these sites lack tent pads, and should only be booked by trailers or motorhomes. When you are making an internet reservation, you must enter your equipment type. You may still choose to reserve a different size of site; however, a pop-up window will warn you that there is a mismatch of equipment type. Please make sure your equipment type will fit on the site before clicking ‘ok’ and proceeding with your reservation.
  • Question: Can reservations be re-sold for a profit?
  • Answer: The ministry has become aware that there are instances where third-party re-sellers or individuals are attempting to sell reservations with the intention to make a profit. To be clear - the ministry does not condone re-selling Ontario Parks reservations for a profit. Reservation holders are not permitted to transfer and sell a reservation for more than the original cost of the reservation.
  • Question: Can I still transfer my reservation to another person if I can’t make my reservation?
  • Answer: We understand there may be extenuating circumstances where customers may no longer be able to use their reservation. The transfer of reservations is still permitted, just not for a profit. For more information on how to transfer a reservation, please visit www.ontarioparks.com/reservations/rules.
  • Question: How can I report someone who is posting or listing an Ontario Parks reservation for re-sale for profit?
  • Answer: You can notify Ontario Parks of individuals or third-party re-sellers advertising or attempting to sell reservations for profit by contacting op-reservations@ontarioparks.com.

    Please provide as much information as you can about the suspected reseller. For example:
    • Screenshots or copies of the advertisement or post
    • Link to the advertisement or post
    • Name of the party attempting to sell
    • Dates of the campsite for re-sale
    • Park of the campsite for re-sale
    • Booking number of the reservation for re-sale
    • Site number of the reservation for re-sale
  • Question: The park I want to visit is full, what do I do now?
  • Answer:

    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.

  • Question: Why are you offering these two new reservation service features?
  • Answer:

    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.

  • Question: How many vehicles can I have on my site?
  • Answer: The fee for one vehicle is included in your campsite permit - all other vehicles must purchase an "Additional Vehicle Permit" at the time of registration. The number of additional vehicles permitted on a campsite is limited by the park and vehicles may have to be parked in a separate designated "parking lot" located away from your campsite. Consult the ‘site description’ on the Reservations website to find out how many vehicles can be parked on-site.

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Mail

Ontario Parks
300 Water Street
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7

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