Category: Fall

Stars over Killarney 2023 recap: a marriage of culture, beauty, and science

Stars over Killarney is an annual festival celebrated at Killarney Provincial Park. The event’s 2023 theme — Colours in the Cosmos — was inspired by the parallels between the beauty and the colour in provincial parks and the beauty and colour of the skies above.

And beautiful colour was found everywhere at this year’s event!

The program took a very hands-on approach, so what was being presented could easily be seen and captured by paintbrush or smartphone.

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November vacancy highlights (roofed accommodation)

Imagine spending a crisp autumn night under the stars in a heated yurt. Or why not watch a thunderstorm roll in across the lake from your waterfront cottage?

Get warm and cozy in a provincial park this November in one of our roofed accommodations!

Accommodations featured below are available as of October 30, 2023.

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Taking my mom camping for the first time in 20 years

In today’s post, Assistant Program Coordinator Megan Birrell takes us through her latest camping caper.

This fall, I took my mom to Arrowhead Provincial Park for our first fall camping experience. Not only was this our first time camping after Labour Day, but it was also my mom’s first time tent camping in over 20 years, so this was a big change.

I grew up camping around the province in massive trailers that, while comfortable, are not the easiest to tow around. So in the past few years I’ve switched back to tent camping, and this time my mom was joining me.

Our main worries ahead of our trip were:

  • what if it’s too cold?
  • what is there to do?
  • do we have the right gear?

With a little planning we soothed those worries, although some other issues popped up in the process.

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It’s Take Me Outside Day!

Written by Discovery Program Project Coordinator Jessica Stillman.

Teachers, did you know you can help your students be more engaged and enthusiastic in all areas of their learning by taking them outside?

Studies show that students who experience nature as part of the educational process score higher on tests in reading, writing, and math and have demonstrated better listening skills.

Not that you need any more reasons to get outside, but here are four more reasons to take your class outside for Take Me Outside Day:

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Falling in love with fall colours at Rondeau

Today’s post comes from Olivia Pomajba, a summer student at Rondeau Provincial Park.

“There is nothing permanent except change.”

— Heraclitus

As the blissful haze of summer fades, we confront the realities of the changing season: colder weather and back to school. Autumn brings change to our lives, and to our parks as well. Change can seem overwhelming, but southwestern Ontario is a shining example of the beauty of change.

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5 ways to practice fall mindfulness

Can you believe we’re already well into fall?

If your day-to-day is anything like ours, your summer flew by, leaving you wondering where the time went. It’s amazing how quickly summer comes and goes, year after year.

But that’s nothing to worry about — fall at Ontario Parks is a favourite time of year for many, and for good reason!

So if you’re feeling stressed from fleeting summer, back-to-school routines, or the impending winter, this blog is sure to help you take a step back, relax, and enjoy the best time of year.

We’ve partnered with our friends at Subaru Canada to share 5 ways to practice fall mindfulness in parks:

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Add nature to your self-care toolkit

As the days get shorter and the colder weather arrives, it’s time to talk self-care.  Bubble baths and meditation are great options, but have you considered adding nature to your self-care toolkit?

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and it’s the perfect time to think of ways we can take care of ourselves and our families.

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Perfect parks for your late fall camping trip

Looking to extend your camping season?

Many of our parks are open for overnight stays in October and November. Whether you snuggle up in your tent or get cozy in your RV, make sure you pack extra socks!

Bundle up and book a trip to one of these late fall camping spots:

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5 reasons to try late fall camping

It’s not time to say goodbye to your favourite park just yet!

While some of our parks close after Thanksgiving Weekend, many remain open through late fall and even through the winter.

If you’ve never tried a late fall camping trip, this might be the perfect opportunity to make the most of the season before packing up for the winter.

Here are five reasons to try late fall camping:

Continue reading 5 reasons to try late fall camping