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
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
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
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
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!