Tag: Fall

Taking my mom camping for the first time in 20 years

In today’s post, Assistant Program Coordinator Megan Birrell takes us through her latest camping caper.

This fall, I took my mom to Arrowhead Provincial Park for our first fall camping experience. Not only was this our first time camping after Labour Day, but it was also my mom’s first time tent camping in over 20 years, so this was a big change.

I grew up camping around the province in massive trailers that, while comfortable, are not the easiest to tow around. So in the past few years I’ve switched back to tent camping, and this time my mom was joining me.

Our main worries ahead of our trip were:

  • what if it’s too cold?
  • what is there to do?
  • do we have the right gear?

With a little planning we soothed those worries, although some other issues popped up in the process.

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Falling in love with fall colours at Rondeau

Today’s post comes from Olivia Pomajba, a summer student at Rondeau Provincial Park.

“There is nothing permanent except change.”

— Heraclitus

As the blissful haze of summer fades, we confront the realities of the changing season: colder weather and back to school. Autumn brings change to our lives, and to our parks as well. Change can seem overwhelming, but southwestern Ontario is a shining example of the beauty of change.

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Add nature to your self-care toolkit

As the days get shorter and the colder weather arrives, it’s time to talk self-care.  Bubble baths and meditation are great options, but have you considered adding nature to your self-care toolkit?

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and it’s the perfect time to think of ways we can take care of ourselves and our families.

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Feel the nostalgia with our limited-edition vintage collection

This fall, we’re kicking it old school!

Celebrate roads less travelled and long-cherished memories with the Ontario Parks vintage collection.

These iconic designs — inspired by vehicle permits from the ’50s and ’60s — capture the timeless beauty of the province’s natural spaces, thoughtfully designed and produced right here in Ontario.

Functional, durable, timeless. This vintage collection isn’t just about sweatshirts – it’s a celebration of Ontario’s protected natural spaces. Profits from every sale get reinvested into projects that protect our parks for the next generation.

Ready to embrace the nostalgia? Shop our limited-edition vintage collection:

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Fall paddling at Restoule

Imagine. 

You put your canoe or kayak into the lake. The water is smooth and reflective. The sky’s a deep, dark blue, and the clouds are brilliant white. The day is sunny, cool and crisp, and the trees that cover the hills around you…well, they’re a stunning display of red, orange, and yellow.

There’s something special about paddling in Ontario’s provincial parks in the fall, particularly secluded Restoule Provincial Park.

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Fall paddling safety

Fall is the perfect time to paddle.

As the temperatures cool there are no bugs and the lakes become less crowded. Plus you can catch some of our beautiful fall colours!

But fall weather can be fickle. Hitting the lake too late, failing to respect weather conditions, or paddling beyond your skill level isn’t just risky — it’s downright dangerous.

We chatted with Paul Smith, Superintendent of Kawartha Highlands Signature Site, to get some top do’s and don’ts for fall paddling safety:

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5 ways to keep ecological integrity in mind this fall

Ecological integrity can be a tricky concept to nail down.

But in the simplest terms, it means keeping nature — and all of its component parts — whole.

Planning to visits our parks this fall? Here are the top five ways to keep ecological integrity in mind during your visit:

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