Category: Spring

7 tips for introducing newcomers to fishing

Today’s post comes from year-round multispecies angler and writer Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com.

Fishing is a wonderful year-round activity that can be enjoyed at any age.

It’s a sport that doesn’t require much: you can get by with some basic tackle and fish from shore, or you can dive right in gearing-up with all the latest and greatest equipment and watercraft.

When introducing newcomers to the sport, there are a few key points to keep in mind that will ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

Continue reading 7 tips for introducing newcomers to fishing

Camping comfortably with bugs

Today’s post was written by Emma Fuller, a Discovery guide at Bon Echo Provincial Park. 

A lot is left to chance when you’re planning a summer camping trip. You can’t always ensure sunny weather, quiet car rides, or calm paddling waters.

However one thing is certain if you’re heading into the outdoors, you’re definitely going to encounter the pesky buzz of Ontario’s biting insects!

Continue reading Camping comfortably with bugs

Help us fill Breeding Bird Atlas gaps!

In today’s post, Ontario Parks Northeast Zone Ecologist Anna Sheppard is asking for your helping hands (actually, eyes. And ears.)

Planning to visit any of these northwestern parks this summer?

If so, and you’re a fan of birds, then I have a favour to ask!

These parks are especially important to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, and the atlas needs your help.

Continue reading Help us fill Breeding Bird Atlas gaps!

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

5 kid-friendly signs of spring

Today’s post comes from MacGregor Point Provincial Park, courtesy of past Discovery Program Leader (now Project Lead) Matt Cunliffe.

Longer days give back extra hours of outdoor play and provide the perfect opportunity to explore our trails with the kids.

So don some comfy clothes and head to your favourite park (bonus: spring involves far less work for getting the young ones ready for a hike!).

Continue reading 5 kid-friendly signs of spring

Eyes on the skies — April

Welcome to the Ontario Parks “Eyes on the Skies” series. This space (see what we did there?) will cover a wide range of astronomy topics with a focus on what can be seen from the pristine skies found in our provincial parks.

For those of us in Ontario, April is that transition month between winter and spring weather. The snows start to melt away, the lakes start to open up and, by month’s end, the first buds may appear on the trees.

On April 8 in the mid-afternoon, a rare astronomical event will occur for observers in Ontario: a total solar eclipse. If the eclipse will overlap with your visit to parks, please refer to this blog.

Here are our astronomical highlights for April 2024:

Continue reading Eyes on the skies — April

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

May’s digital download

Spring is here at last!

Take some time this month to sit on the shoreline, listen to the lapping waves, and breathe in that sweet spring air!

This month’s FREE digital download comes from Pinery Provincial Park!

Throughout 2022, 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

April’s digital download

When you see a wildflower, does it put a little “spring” in your step?

Take a walk through your favourite park and see what blooming beauties you can spot!

This month’s FREE digital download features the aptly-named Spring Beauties.

Throughout 2022, 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

New in 2022: Blackfly Protection Zones in Algonquin

Today’s post comes from Roger LaFontaine, park naturalist and passionate blackfly advocate. 

Imagine yourself by the side of a beautiful, rocky stream or river in Algonquin Provincial Park.

The idyllic spot for pondering life’s mysteries, like “what does it look like inside a kingfisher’s burrow?” or “do the bioluminescent fungi glow during the day, too?”

As you enjoy your Instagrammable moments streamside, you are surrounded by a hum, vibrations, and the tickle of tiny feet.

It’s like you’re a celebrity, a guest of honour!

You have arrived to one of Algonquin’s newly established Blackfly Protection Zones.

Continue reading New in 2022: Blackfly Protection Zones in Algonquin