Say “no” to axe-idents

You’ve just paddled your heart out to get to your campsite. You put on your flannel and grab your axe to prepare your campfire.

Something about being in the wilderness that brings out our inner woodsperson.

We know the feeling.

However, for the preservation of your toes, please read this before you swing that axe!

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Campfire safety for the whole family

We all have fond childhood memories of a crackling campfire. It can be the highlight of a camping trip!

Let’s keep those memories positive by making sure even the littlest members of the family know the ins and outs of fire safety.

Parents: if you and your family are enjoying a campfire during your trip, make sure you follow these safety tips.

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Campfire safety: If you love Ontario Parks, don’t burn them!

Today’s post comes from Marketing and Communications summer student Mitch Jackson. His campfire talents include cooking stuffed peppers, grilling barbecue chicken, and always managing to forget to pack a lighter. 

For many campers, a fire is a must. Gathering ’round the flames, sharing stories with friends and family, making s’mores, and burning marshmallows are all part of the quintessential camping experience.

While you may have the perfect campfire recipes, or the perfect campfire building technique, you should also be aware of how to keep your campfire perfectly safe.

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So there’s a fire ban. Now what?

Today’s post comes from Meg Bethune, an assistant naturalist at Killbear Provincial Park

Campfires are an iconic part of any camping trip. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows and spider weenies, or just chatting with friends, the memories made in the flickering glow of the fire are ones we hold dear to our hearts.

So what happens when a fire ban hinders one of our favourite camping traditions?

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Planning to bring your own firewood to the park?

A single piece of firewood can destroy millions of trees.

Throwing a few pieces of firewood into the trunk of the car before a camping trip might seem like a good way to plan ahead, but those logs could destroy a forest.
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How to start your campfire when the weather won’t cooperate

Picture this: you’re on your way back to your campsite after an awesome day of exploration. You’ve kayaked all through the park’s network of lakes. You’ve conquered the lookout trail.

But now the sun’s starting to sink. The wind’s picked up and it’s getting chilly. You feel the first drop of rain.

It’s a full drizzle by time you reach your campsite. You’re tired and hungry.

But do you know how to start a campfire in windy, wet weather?

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The 30-minute campfire gourmet

In today’s post, Chef Deb Rankine, a.k.a. The Fridge Whisperer, shares two impressive campfire recipes sure to capture the oohs and aahs of fellow campers.

Kefta, kofta, brochette, kebab: the aroma of these subtly spiced ground lamb skewers grilling over slow-burning embers will have everyone near your campsite pining for a dinner invitation.

And a colourful ’n crunchy Orange, Radish and Fennel Salad is the perfect accompaniment to round out this gourmet meal. Continue reading The 30-minute campfire gourmet

How do provincial parks prepare for forest fires?

Ever wondered how wildfires are handled in parks? Assistant Superintendent Anne Young recounts a recent training exercise completed in her park.

It’s 9:30 am. Thick smoke hangs in the air.

The MNRF Fire Base in Dryden has contacted Aaron Provincial Park to advise that there is a wildfire east of the park. The fire has an east wind; they are predicting it may impact the park by early evening.

The simulation has begun…

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5 questions with a park clerk

Welcome to our “5 Questions” series! We chat with park staff around the province to give you an inside look at what it’s like to work at Ontario Parks.

Laurie Dulmage is now in her 16th season as the Park Clerk at Rideau River Provincial Park. She answered five questions from Marketing and Communications summer student Mitch Jackson about her career with Ontario Parks.

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