Surviving with sounds: the Luna Moth’s story

Today’s post comes from Senior Park Naturalist Kelsey Fenwick from Blue Lake Provincial Park.

For many, the Luna Moth’s beautiful appearance is a special sight that elicits a sense of curiosity and wonder. For the Luna Moth, its appearance is a clever trick to avoid becoming a bat’s snack!

The first time I spotted a Luna Moth as a child, I was fascinated. I wondered if I had discovered some kind of fairy or other magical creature!

It was the first time an insect had ever caught my attention and curiosity.

Continue reading Surviving with sounds: the Luna Moth’s story

Nature on the brain

Today’s blog comes from Kelsey Fenwick, senior park naturalist at Blue Lake Provincial Park

Growing up in small town Ontario, I’ve always loved and appreciated the natural world.

Interestingly, I spent most of my life appreciating nature from a distance.

Although my hometown of Dryden is surrounded by the beautiful boreal forest, for most of my life I was content to stick to the familiarity of the paved streets and the “safety” that I perceived as being within city limits.

I was always nervous to stray “off the beaten path” — you’d never catch me backcountry camping or hiking on a trail more than a kilometre in length.

This all changed for me after high school when I scored a summer job working outdoors. The idea of having to venture from that familiar beaten path was really intimidating, but I’m so glad I took the chance because it changed the course of my life and career.

I realized how good I felt after coming home from work.

Continue reading Nature on the brain

Healthy Parks Healthy People Day 2023

We know that spending time in nature is good for us.

Sometimes, we just need a little push to get outside and feel the effects!

That’s why on July 21, we are offering a variety of activities in parks across the province in celebration of Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.

All parks that normally charge a day-use fee will be offering free entry so you can enjoy the benefits of being in nature.

Continue reading Healthy Parks Healthy People Day 2023

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!

Campsite vacancy highlights: September 17-19

We’re into the last few official days of summer. Make the most of it and head outdoors!

Plenty of electrical and RV-friendly sites are still available (including a waterfront site)!

Scout out your ideal campsite on our reservation service (including pictures of most campsites!), or check out these featured campsites (available as of noon on September 16, 2021):

Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: September 17-19

Find your fall getaway at one of these parks

Summer’s too hot and winter’s too cold.

Looking for a camping season that’s just right?

Witness the beauty of the province’s changing colours while exploring numerous hiking trails, boating opportunities, or just hanging out on your site!

Discover (or rediscover) these unbeatable fall camping opportunities:

Continue reading Find your fall getaway at one of these parks

Campsite vacancy highlights: September 10-12

“I need a vacation from my vacation!”

Get one last camping trip in to celebrate summer winding down. There’s plenty of options throughout the province, including two trailer-equipped sites!

Scout out your ideal campsite on our reservation service (including pictures of most campsites!), or check out these featured campsites (available as of noon on September 9, 2021):

Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: September 10-12

Hot spots to have a cup of tea in Ontario Parks’ northwest

Today’s post comes from Laura Myers, a tea lover and Marketing Specialist with Ontario Parks.

This blog is dedicated to all of those who love tea and nature.

Whether it’s a cool summer evening, or a chilly winter day, it’s always a good time for tea time. There’s something about having a cup of tea that ignites a sense of stillness and calmness. It reminds you to take a step back, and really take in a moment.

Ontario’s northwest provincial parks provide some stellar backdrops for the most perfect outdoor tea parties. Make a cup of tea, and read on to discover six tea hot spots!

Continue reading Hot spots to have a cup of tea in Ontario Parks’ northwest

Campsite vacancy highlights: August 23-25

We’re in the last weeks of summer! Make the most of it by heading out on an impromptu weekend camping getaway.

We have a few electrical campsites left in southeastern Ontario and many up north. Where will you stay?

Scout out your ideal campsite on our Campsite Browsing/Reservation tool (including pictures of most campsites!), or check out these featured campsites (available as of noon on August 22, 2019):

Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: August 23-25