By the pricking of our thumbs, something wicked this way comes…
We’ve got tons of haunted Halloween events coming up this month! And don’t forget to check out events page for late-breaking additions.
Will you be visiting the ghosts of campers past this October?
In celebrating our 125th anniversary, we have been digging through our archives in search of vintage photos and documents.
Driving up to your favourite park, seeing that park entrance sign can feel like coming home. Today, we’re taking a look at some Ontario Parks entrance signs and how they have evolved through the ages!
In today’s post, Ankita Sharma shares her family’s camping experience with the Learn to Camp program.
Last summer, I convinced my Indian family of five to go camping at Emily Provincial Park.
The Sharmas have never been camping before, but suddenly here we are, standing at our campsite.
My father looks at me and asks, “Where have you brought us?”
This seasonal recap is brought to you by our amazing team of Learn to Camp leaders!
As Learn to Camp leaders, we introduce thousands of Ontarians to camping every year.
We may be slightly biased, but we’re pretty sure this is one of the best jobs at Ontario Parks!
Happy National Paddling Week! This week’s parks all boast stellar paddling opportunities, whether you prefer a kayak adventure on Lake Superior or quiet paddleboat through the pond.
Across Ontario, most parks still have a good selection of sites available for the weekend, for tent and RV campers alike!
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, June 16):
You’re 
never too old or too young to land your first catch!
The Learn to Fish program invites participants to discover a fun outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy! This free two-hour program combines a practical teaching session with hands-on fishing, supported by experienced instructors. Participants learn about fish identification, safety tips and equipment use. All equipment – rods, reels, lures, lifejackets and even a one-day fishing licence – is provided. Everything you need to land your first catch!
Be BOATsmart!® This Summer!
Another open-water season has arrived (well, almost!) and we hope you’re as excited as we are to get back out on the water! The sun is shining, the ice is officially on its way out, and Ontario Parks are starting to open up for the 2015 visiting season!
Witches in the woods, skeletons in closets and shivers on the shale. Camper Halloween is back at twelve Ontario Parks this October. Park staff and the Friends of Ontario Parks are putting the final touches on their spooky night hikes, owl prowls, wolf howls, and more. Many activities are cleverly linked to park and species ecology. Halloween events have become so popular that campers are encouraged to book their campsites now, if they plan to participate. Below is a sample of this year’s events. You’ll find more on Ontario Parks’ Calendar of Events. Food plays a major role on any camping trip. This Park blog post highlights classic campsite recipes, new family favourites for fall and links to a post on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey outdoors: BBQ turkey for thanksgiving? Why Not?
Here are some of the cool events happening this August at Ontario Parks.
For a complete listing, visit our Calendar of Events
Near Toronto
Wasaga Under Siege at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
This is the year to visit! Many extra-special activities have been planned for this 200th Anniversary of the Sinking of the HMS Nancy. Enemy forces are planning to attack Wasaga Beach! Our Peaceful shores have not seen this many cannons, muskets and bayonets since the HMS Nancy sank in the Nottawasaga River in 1814. Join us on the battlefields, or at the encampment on the Nancy Island Historic Site where hundreds of re-enactors attack and avenge the demise of the HMS Nancy. A weekend full of events for the entire family. www.wasagaundersiege1812.com
Did you know that Halloween is a big tradition at Ontario Parks every October? The tradition started at parks located along the lower Great Lakes where fall temperatures are milder. But parks like Emily Provincial Park ( near Peterborough) and Algonquin Provincial Park are starting to see this tradition take root at their parks. Continue reading Trick or Treat at Ontario Parks
