Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Book an Ambassador experience?
Book time with a Park Ambassador for a free 30-minute one-on-one, group, or online workshop. You can choose the camping skill you would like to learn.
2. How can I book a Park Ambassador?
You can register for your free 30-minute workshop online on our Learn to Camp page. Registration is required. Limited spots available. Equipment not provided.
A minimum advance booking time of 48 hours before the workshop is required.
3. Are there any restrictions on who can book a Park Ambassador experience?
One-on-one workshops are limited to visitors with a car camping reservation on the day of the program at participating parks. A reserved campsite number will be requested at the time of registration.
Group workshops are limited to visitors with a valid car camping reservation or day use permit on the day of the program at participating parks.
Online workshops are open to anyone who would like to learn more about visiting Ontario Parks.
4. Are these sessions free?
One on one and group workshops are included in the cost of your day use or camping permit at participating parks. Online workshops are offered at no charge.
5. What type of skills can I choose from?
Our Park Ambassador program offers 5 workshops that answer common questions campers often ask us!
- How to cook while camping: Our Park Ambassador will teach you
- what tools or equipment you need to cook outside, from coolers to camp stoves
- how to find delicious camping recipes that can be cooked on a campfire or stove
- how to pack and store your food
- how to set up and use your cooking area on your campsite
- how to keep your cooking area clean and safe
- How to build the perfect campfire: Our Park Ambassador will teach you:
- what supplies you need when planning a campfire (and where to get your firewood)
- how to place the wood in your campsite’s firepit
- how to start your campfire (even if the weather’s bad)
- how to take care of your campfire
- how to safely extinguish your fire when you’re done
- How to set up your campsite: Our Park Ambassador will teach you:
- what you’ll find on your campsite when you arrive
- what equipment you’ll need
- the best way to organize your campsite (for example, where to put your tent)
- how to set up your eating and sleeping areas
- how to protect nature on your campsite
- how to pack up, and how to leave the site clean when you’re done
- I’m new to Ontario Parks – what do I need to know?: For this introductory workshop, our Park Ambassador will teach you:
- what is a provincial park
- what kind of activities are available in our parks
- what you need to know to visit for the day
- what you need to know when planning an overnight trip
- What kind of animals live at Ontario Parks?: In this workshop, our Park Ambassador will teach you:
- what kind of animals you are likely to see in a park
- how to behave when you see an animal to keep both you and the animal safe
- how to protect yourself from bugs, including mosquitos and ticks
- how to discourage animals from visiting your campsite
6. How do I know if my session has been booked?
Our Learn to Camp team will send you a confirmation email upon submitting your registration.
7. Can I book more than one session per day?
Participants can book one session per day, with the ability to book further experiences throughout the season.
8. Which parks are participating?
- Darlington
- Earl Rowe
- Sibbald Point
- Six Mile Lake
9. I have family/friends at another campsite. Can they join us?
Yes, family and friends are welcome to join your one on one workshop! If your group is more than 12 people, please join us at a group workshop.
10. Is equipment provided?
No, equipment is not provided for these workshops. Participants must bring their own camping equipment, and any other supplies they may require.
11. What if I booked a workshop and I need to cancel?
Please email the Learn to Camp team at LearntoCamp@ontario.ca to inform them of your cancelation. Forty-eight hours cancelation notice is recommended.
12. Will my session be canceled if it rains?
During inclement weather cancelations may occur. An email will be sent to inform you of any cancelations.
13. Is there a waiting/cancelation list?
Yes. Please email LearntoCamp@ontario.ca to be put on the cancelation list. Make sure to include your preferred date, time, and park.
14. What are your COVID-19 protocols?
Ontario Parks continues to offer outdoor recreational activities for in provincial parks and follows all public health advice to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. Please check our COVID-19 page before your visit for the latest updates.
