Kettle Lakes: a land shaped by icebergs

The deep green boreal forest of Kettle Lakes Provincial Park contains 22 beautiful little lakes. Of these lakes, 20 are actually called “kettle lakes” by geographers.

So what is a “kettle lake?”

To answer that question, we first must look at how kettles are formed.

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April’s vacancy highlights (roofed accommodation)

Spring temperatures can be tough to predict, which is what makes April a great month to stay in a cabin or yurt!

Whether it rains, snows or shines, you’ll have a cozy home base for your outdoor adventures.

Accommodations featured below were available as of March 12, 2024.

Continue reading April’s vacancy highlights (roofed accommodation)

My summer as a Discovery ranger at Grundy Lake

Today’s blog was written by Justin Sallans, Discovery ranger at Grundy Lake Provincial Park.

As someone who has always loved nature, working as a Discovery ranger at Grundy Lake Provincial Park was the perfect choice for me.

Not only did I get to live and work in the park, but I also had the opportunity to share knowledge I had gained through my post-secondary studies.

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Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Today’s blog was written by Jessica Stillman, Discovery program project coordinator.

What is ferocious like a lion, fast like a tiger, or hibernates like a bear?

These three amazing insects!

Antlions, tiger beetles, and Woolly Bear Caterpillars might not be the first things that pop into your mind when you think of a furry or ferocious predator, but believe me, these small critters are mighty impressive!

Continue reading Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

This mindfulness moment brought to you by nature….

Today’s blog post comes from past ecologist Corina Brdar. When Corina’s not working at Ontario Parks, she is actively involved in the growing nature journaling and mindfulness community.

It seems the term “mindfulness” is showing up everywhere in our lives these days. It can be a tricky concept to try out in your everyday life, though. An easy place to give it a try is in nature.

At the very least, some mindful time in nature can allow your busy brain a moment of rest and your nervous system an opportunity to hit pause. It can also bring a new richness to your outdoor experiences.

So what is mindfulness, and how do you “do” it in nature?

Continue reading This mindfulness moment brought to you by nature….

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Today’s blog comes from Hope Freeman, Discovery leader at Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Maybe it sounds cliché, but I truly love my job.

Ontario Parks has provided me with the opportunity to help protect our province’s unique biodiversity while learning and growing as a professional.

One of the best parts? Working in an inclusive environment that focuses on maintaining a good work-life balance.

Wondering how I got here?

Continue reading What do you want to be when you grow up?

How to tap a maple tree

This blog comes from Cathy Entwhistle, a Senior Park Interpreter at Bronte Creek Provincial Park

It’s that time of year again, when the sweet sounds of spring fill Bronte Creek: the twittering of returning songbirds, the laughter of visitors strolling through the woods, and the plink! plink! plink! of sugar maple sap dripping into a maple bucket.

A visit to the Maple Syrup Festival walks you through the full history and process of making Canada’s favourite sweet syrup. With a few simple steps and tools, you can bring that history home with you.

**Please do not tap trees within provincial parks. Removing any natural object from a park is prohibited, and you could face a fine.

Here’s how to make your own delicious maple syrup:

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Meet Quetico Provincial Park’s new camping pods

Looking to try a different style of camping at Quetico Provincial Park?

Perhaps you’re craving a step up from tent camping or longing to try an entirely different style of Ontario Parks’ roofed accommodation units.

Well then, let us introduce you to Quetico’s camping pods and let the glamping begin!

Continue reading Meet Quetico Provincial Park’s new camping pods