Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime! Interpreter, David Bree, is about to take us on a journey down memory lane.
After 32 years, the end is near.
Hi, my name is David Bree and I have worked at Ontario Parks as an interpreter (also known as a park naturalist) for over half my life.
As I go through my final year as an Ontario Parks employee, I have embarked on a retirement nostalgia tour of the parks I worked at.
Continue reading The great OP retirement tour: Charleston Lake
Today’s post comes to us from Heather Stern, a naturalist at Bon Echo Provincial Park.
Many people visit parks each summer for vacation, relaxation, adventure, or more generally, a break from city life. These are all great reasons to get outside and enjoy nature.
However, while visitation to provincial parks is increasing, we want knowledge of the plants, animals, and the unique habitats that these parks protect to increase too.
In our “Behind the Scenes” series, Discovery Program staff across the province share a “backstage” glimpse of their favourite programs and projects. Today’s post comes from Caroline Freitag, a Discovery Guide at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park.
When I was a very young child, I was fascinated by leaves and rocks. On walks around my neighbourhood I would collect the biggest, coolest leaf I could find and bring it home to show whichever family member hadn’t been with me when I’d found it.
My preferred method of showing affection to people was to give them a “very cool rock”- usually a piece of gravel I’d found on the side of the road. My one neighbour loves to tell the story of the shy girl who left her piles of pebbles by the garden gate!
Continue reading My journey to becoming a Discovery Guide at Rainbow Falls
Hi, I’m Carolyn, and I’m popping in on the Ontario Parks blog to highlight some of my favorite provincial parks that you can visit throughout the fall, which I think is one of the best times to travel in Ontario.
Please read on as we road-trip around Ontario:
Continue reading Road-tripping through fall at Ontario Parks
Today’s blog comes from Danny and Tiffany of Venturing Two.
Last weekend, we headed north to Bon Echo Provincial Park to document our first backcountry experience.
The park was buzzing with activity! There were BBQs at family and pet friendly beaches, people fishing, kids canoeing and kayaking, friends hiking to scenic lookout points, families observing pictographs, and fellow campers unwinding at lakeside campsites.
Continue reading Backcountry camping and paddling at Bon Echo
Today’s “Behind the scenes” blog comes from Caitie Carney, a member of Bon Echo’s Discovery Program team.
If you asked visitors at Bon Echo Provincial Park “What keeps you coming back?”, the answer you’d probably hear is “Mazinaw Rock.”
Standing 92 m (300 feet) above Mazinaw Lake, Mazinaw Rock is a spectacle that commands the attention of visitors both on land and on water.
Today’s post comes from year-round multispecies angler and writer Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com.
Visitors from far and wide flock to Bon Echo Provincial Park on Mazinaw Lake to view the iconic Mazinaw Rock, stretching 1.5 km across and 330 ft high.
It’s a sight to see from the water whether you’re casting a line or just taking in the view. Although beautiful, the features of Mazinaw Lake are not the only gems found at Bon Echo.
If you’re longing for an adventure that’s a little off the beaten path, the park’s interior lakes provide great angling opportunities as well.
Ontario’s wilderness is a lot closer than you think.
Did you know you can leave downtown Toronto and be paddling out to your campsite in less than 3 hours?
These five southeastern parks are perfect for finding backcountry solitude close to home:
Out of vacation days, but still craving a quality backcountry adventure?
These quick weekend getaways provide all the solitude of the Ontario backcountry, and the ability to be back in the office bright and early Monday morning.
Continue reading 5 quick backcountry getaways
When executed safely, your first backcountry trip forges lifelong memories, opening an immersive getaway into nature.
But the leap from car camping to backcountry requires preparation and learning. New paddlers and hikers can find themselves in serious trouble if they overestimate their skills or choose a too-challenging route.
Here are some recommended trips for backcountry beginners:
Continue reading Backcountry for beginners: the best destinations
