Provincial parks are home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Ontario.
They protect unique plant and wildlife species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the province!
Thanks to the proceeds from our 2021 online holiday store, our staff are hard at work on ecological integrity projects that help these species, like finding Pitch Pine at Charleston Lake Provincial Park.
Continue reading Your purchase helps parks: plotting Charleston Lake’s Pitch Pines
We called on Ontario Parks Architect Matthew Harvey to provide some insight on outhouses…the good, the bad, and the stinky!
In the course of my 25 year architectural career with Ontario Parks, I occasionally get asked what I do for a living. I proudly reply “Why, I design outhouses!”
If that person doesn’t excuse themselves, turn on their heel and beat a hasty retreat, then we might get down to a discussion that goes something like this:
Leaf peepers unite! ‘Tis the season to enjoy the splendours of autumn.
If you’re looking to dodge the crowds, these parks sure pack a punch when it comes to fall colours:
Continue reading Explore fall colours at these gems
Gather friends and family around the picnic table this year and spend the long weekend out in nature surrounded by beautiful fall colours!
Scout out your ideal campsite on our reservation service (including pictures of most campsites!), or check out these featured campsites (available as of 3:00 p.m. on October 6, 2021):
Today’s post comes from Charleston Lake’s Discovery staff.
Those who love frogs will not be disappointed at Charleston Lake Provincial Park. Larger frogs, like Bullfrogs, Green Frogs, and Leopard Frogs, are easily seen or heard around ponds and shorelines, wetlands and meadows.
But it’s a shame that another common park frog goes largely unrecognized and underappreciated.
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
Gather friends and family around the picnic table this year and spend Thanksgiving out in nature surrounded by beautiful fall colours!
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 10:00 am. on October 9, 2019):
Fall colours are here, folks! Get outdoors and enjoy the season.
Roofed accommodations, electrical sites, and non-electrical sites are all available to fit your camping needs this weekend.
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 9:00 am. on September 26, 2019):
Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: September 27-29
Many of our southern parks have vacancies this weekend. Waterfront sites, electrical sites, and cabins are all available!
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 September 5, 2019):
It’s looking like a perfect weekend to have some fun in the sun! Relax on some beautiful waterfront sites or in a rustic cabin.
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 July 4, 2019):
