Are you an ethical wildlife photographer?

You’ve recently unwrapped the latest iphone or a shiny new digital camera, perhaps an SLR with some fancy lenses.

Now you have itchy shutter fingers. You’re ready to point our camera at something spectacular and capture a beautiful memory forever. But where to go?

Not to brag, but Ontario Parks are beautiful, iconic places. Covering nearly 10% of the province and protecting some of Ontario’s most rare and scenic habitats, our parks are home to a variety of wildlife, from fascinating insects to enormous moose.

Basically, they’re a photographer’s dreamscape.

We’re animal lovers too. We know how exhilarating wildlife encounters can be. We understand how badly you want that perfect photo.

But before you hit the road, ask yourself: is taking the perfect photograph worth risking an animal’s life or an ecosystem’s health?

If your answer is “no,” check out our list of seven common photography infractions to ensure you’re keeping our parks safe and healthy.

Continue reading Are you an ethical wildlife photographer?

August’s digital download

Can you believe summer’s half over?

If you haven’t had a chance to take a trip to the great outdoors, THIS IS YOUR SIGN!

We’ve got plenty of sites available for your camping trip! Want your pick of the sites? Take some time off work and book a midweek trip!

This month’s FREE digital download comes from the stunning Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park.

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June’s digital download

Summer’s here and it’s time to get outside!

Walk through the forest. Get lost* in the intoxicating smell of the earth and gaze up at the sun peeking through the green canopy.

Bliss.

*Not literally. Please do not literally get lost in nature.

This month’s FREE digital download comes from the stunning Rushing River Provincial Park.

Throughout 2023, we’re sharing a free downloadable graphic for you to use as wallpaper for your favourite devices. We’ve specially sized these images for your computers, tablets, smartphones, and Facebook covers.

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Stars over Killarney 2023: colours in the cosmos

“Stars over Killarney” is an annual festival celebrating the connection between the natural heritage of Killarney Provincial Park and astronomical knowledge.

This year’s theme is “Colours in the cosmos: a celebration through paint and pixels of the beauty that surrounds us.”

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May’s digital download

We’re not the only one “a-moose-d” by this lovely spring weather!

The rainy days of April have given way to May — it’s time to get out to your favourite park and start exploring!

(Don’t forget to treat wildlife with respect. Give them plenty of space and enjoy from a distance.)

Throughout 2023, we’re sharing a free downloadable graphic for you to use as wallpaper for your favourite devices. We’ve specially sized these images for your computers, tablets, smartphones, and Facebook covers.

Continue reading May’s digital download

Photographing the birds of the boreal

Nagagamisis Provincial Park is a very special place for birds — just ask camper Edith St. Martin.

During her stay this summer, Edith combined her deep love of learning and teaching with paddling and photography.  Her captivating photos of birds in the park, and her willingness to share them, show us just how diverse and beautiful the birdlife is here at Nagagamisis.

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April’s digital download

As another snowy winter fades, it’s time for wild flowers to shine! Take a walk through any provincial park this month and you’ll spot some of the season’s best blooms, from Marsh Marigolds to Trout Lilies!

This month’s FREE digital download features the province’s official flower, the White Trillium. This picture was taken at Silver Lake Provincial Park.

Have you taken pictures of spring flowers on your hike? Share them with us on Instagram by tagging us in your post!

Throughout 2023, we’re sharing a free downloadable graphic for you to use as wallpaper for your favourite devices. We’ve specially sized these images for your computers, tablets, smartphones, and Facebook covers.

Continue reading April’s digital download