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Discovery Programs

Ever wanted to explore nature with a guide by your side? Come experience a different side of Ontario Parks with us through staff-led programs, self-led activities, and interpretive displays.

Whether you’re a teacher, camper, or day visitor, there’s always something to discover.

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It’s Free
*Park entry fees may apply

history

Leading programs since 1944

discovery program

Programs, In-Park Resources & Self-Serve Activities

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Certified Discovery Program Staff & Teachers

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8,000+ programs per year

locations

70+ provincial parks

Teachers

Filling a class schedule that keeps your students engaged isn’t easy. Capture your student’s limited attention spans with curriculum-based topics delivered in a compelling and relevant way.

Reduce your prep time and let us teach a subject that we’re experts in!

School programs:

Designed to enrich and extend the K-12 Ontario Science and Social Studies Curricula, our school programs provide first-hand experiences that promote:

  • Inquiry
  • Problem-solving
  • Active learning
  • Responsible citizenship
  • A connection to Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage
  • An understanding of Ontario’s history through Indigenous and settler perspectives

Featured programs

So, step into Ontario’s largest outdoor classroom!

Find virtual topics and request a booking

Request information about in-park and in-school programs along with self-use resources.

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Campers

For some, camping has been your multi-generational tradition. For others, it’s your first time. No matter your experience with Ontario Parks, there are opportunities to explore parks in new ways for every camper of any age.

In-Park Discovery Programs:

  • Explore a new trail and learn new skills on a staff-led guided hike
  • Run and play with your kids in our children’s programs
  • Check out a musical special event or an interactive evening program around a campfire or at an outdoor amphitheatre
  • Paddle a voyageur canoe or tour a historic mine
  • Meet fellow nature enthusiasts at a bio blitz or bird count
  • Explore on your own with self-use trail guides and signs
  • Learn about the park’s history in our Visitor Centres
  • Stargaze under some of Ontario’s darkest skies
  • Pick up activities to explore on your own at one of our exploration stations
  • And so much more!

By spending time with our Discovery Program Staff, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Ask questions and share your experiences
  • Learn new skills
  • Gain confidence in nature and around wildlife
  • Improve your connection to the park
  • Meet other campers and visitors
  • Participate in community science initiatives
  • Entertain your kids off-screen

Find a park near you

Day Visitors

Visiting for the day gives you limited time to explore. Make the most of it with interactive programs, apps, Visitor Centres, and more offered by our certified Discovery Program Staff and partners.

Our programs for campers [anchor link to campers above] are open to day visitors and offer a variety of subjects catering to first-time park users, visiting family and friends, and expert naturalists.

Featured experiences

Explore at your own pace with Discovery Activity Books, available in all parks in English and French. Ask the park gate for a copy.

Find clues, solve puzzles, and complete adventures with Adventure Lab. A free, self-guided experience on your phone in select parks.

Curious about a creature or plant? Load a picture into iNaturalist on your phone so experts can identify it and provide you with more information. It’s free and easy to use.

Interact with our staff and ask your nature questions. Tag @OntarioParks and #AskAnOPNaturalist on Twitter with your photos or questions.

Explore the Discovery Program on the Parks Blog