Collage of outdoor activities

Healthy Parks Healthy People Day 2018: events

The countdown is on: enjoy FREE day-use at all Ontario Parks on July 20, 2018.

Parks across the province have a variety of events and activities planned to help you reconnect with nature. Explore a new park, participate in a family adventure, or simply take a moment to enjoy the view. Most importantly: get outside and get active!

Check out our four spotlight events, or scroll down to see park events from across the province:

1. Forest bathing at Quetico Provincial Park

Man stands in forest

Join staff in reconnecting with nature and engaging all of the senses. Originating in Japanese culture, Shinrin Yoku or “forest bathing” is a great way to feel calm in the mind, body, and spirit, and is recognized as a form of therapy.

Through a guided meditation, trail walk, and debrief, explore how spending time in nature creates a better understanding of a healthy body, environment, and community. Experience for yourself how the environment has a positive influence on your personal well-being.

  • Where: Quetico Provincial Park (Atikokan)
  • When: July 20 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • How: Come to the Teaching Trail before 10:00 am with proper hiking wear and a water bottle. No registration necessary!

2. Yoga at Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Group does yoga on beach

What’s better than a calming yoga practice after a fun and active day spent outdoors? A sunset yoga practice on the beach!

Balsam Lake has a special HPHP day yoga practice. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Just bring a yoga mat or towel and a water bottle!

  • Where: Balsam Lake Provincial Park (Kawartha Lakes)
  • When: July 20 at 7:00 pm
  • How: No registration necessary – meet us at the beach!

3. Mine tour at Murphys Point Provincial Park

Mica mine at Murphys Point

Eastern Ontario was one of the mica mining capitals of the world. During the operation period (1903 to 1920), mica was most commonly used for thermal windows for lanterns, wood stoves, and French Navy battleships. Today, it is commonly used in automotive, aerospace and cosmetic production!

Come join Mark, Rachel, some evening birds, bats, and moths in the Silver Queen Mine Tour for this special night hike. Explore the restored, early-1900s mica mine in a different light – hard hats are supplied, but bring a flashlight!

  • Where: Murphys Point Provincial Park (Perth)
  • When: July 20 at 8:30 pm
  • How: Lally Homestead Parking Lot, allow 10 minutes driving time from the main campground

4. Family fun at Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Pool wide view with multi coloured umbrella in left corner

Bronte Creek has something for everyone on HPHP Day!

The park is hosting a ton of fun and healthy activities for people of all ages in honour of Healthy Parks Healthy People day. Come out and learn how to play disc golf, canoe, or camp, or take part in a photo scavenger hunt. Go for a trail run, do a yoga class, or take a swim in the pool!

  • Where: Bronte Creek Provincial Park (Oakville)
  • When: July 20, all day
  • How: Head to picnic shelter D and take part in a host of great activities!

Find an event near you!

Our Healthy Parks Healthy People Celebration Day spans the province! How will you celebrate the link between human and natural health?

Art and music

Park Activity/Event Zone
Awenda Go wild for art: The path of paint and paddle, Cookie canvas pain Southwest
Balsam Lake Go wild for art Southeast
Bonnechere Drop in paint sessions and a bird house building workshop Algonquin
Bronte Creek Go wild for art Southwest
Charleston Lake Go wild for art Southeast
Grundy Lake Wakami Wailers Concert Northeast
Lake Superior David Archibald Concert Northwest
Neys Paint yourself into the 125th celebration Northwest
Sandbanks Go wild for art Southeast
Sibbald Point Go wild for art Southeast

Nature and education

Park Activity/Event Zone
Balsam Lake Planting blitz  Southeast
Kakabeka Falls Weather and climate talk with Science North Bluecoats Northwest
Lake on the Mountain Discovery drop-in program Southeast
Port Burwell Star and space observation Southwest
Rideau River Seine netting demonstration and BearWise outreach demonstration Southeast
Rock Point Discover Hobbitstee Southwest
Sibbald Point Feathered friends discovery program Southeast

 Cultural heritage

Park Activity/Event Zone
Murphys Point Mine tour Southeast
Murphys Point Algonquin Wigwas Tchiman Southeast

Kids programming

Park Activity/Event Zone
Kakabeka Falls Kids programming by Murillo Rural Community Centre Northwest
Rideau River Face Painting Southeast

Nature hikes

Park Activity/Event Zone
Awenda Meditative hike: Old growth forest re-tree-t Southwest
Bronte Creek Trail running Southwest
Esker Lakes Discovery hike Northeast
Fushimi Lake Discovery hike Northeast
Ivanhoe Lake Discovery hike Northeast
Kakabeka Falls Discovery hike – Mountain Portage trail Northwest
Kettle Lakes Discovery hike Northeast
Nagagamisis Discovery hike Northeast
Quetico Guided nature walk: Shinrin Yoku or “forest bathing” Northwest
René Brunelle Discovery hike Northeast
Sandbar Lake Self-guided hike on Silhouette trail Northwest

Sports and Recreation

Park Activity/Event Zone
Bonnechere Park-wide scavenger hunt Algonquin
Bronte Creek Learn to disc golf Southwest
Bronte Creek Canoe basics Southwest
Grundy Lake Grundy Lake challenge Northeast
North Beach Park-wide scavenger hunt Southeast

Yoga and wellness

Park Activity/Event Zone
Balsam Lake Beach yoga overlooking the lake Southeast
Bon Echo Yoga on the beach Southeast
Bonnechere Yoga on the beach with Brianna Algonquin
Bronte Creek Yoga with Michelle Southwest
Quetico Forest bathing – Shinrin Yoku Northwest

Celebrate nature and health this summer!

Find a park near you, check our central event calendar for late-breaking events, and start planning your adventure!

Pst! Healthy Parks Healthy People isn’t over after July 20. Stay tuned for exciting events coming in August!