5 ways to stay active in the cold

Brrr! Temperatures are dropping, and winter’s icy grip is almost upon us.

We bet you’re feeling just about ready to tuck into a nice, long winter’s hibernation. Not so fast! Outdoor activity is important for our mental and physical health all year long. Getting outside is good for you even when the weather is not ideal.

Ontario Parks has 31 parks open in the winter. Each park offers plenty of ways for you to get active in the chilly months.

Here are some great ways to stay healthy, and enjoy winter!

Continue reading 5 ways to stay active in the cold

A look back on Ontario Parks’ outhouses

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:

Continue reading A look back on Ontario Parks’ outhouses

How to use Kakabeka Falls as a basecamp to explore Thunder Bay

Did you know that Kakabeka Falls is Ontario’s second tallest waterfall?

The 40 m falls are the crown jewel of the appropriately named Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, a hub of family fun in northern Ontario. Camp, hike, bike, and swim to your heart’s content next to a natural wonder.

And, with its convenient location just 30 minutes outside of Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls is the perfect basecamp from which to discover one of Ontario’s most dynamic and interesting northern cities.

Here’s why you need to check it out: 

Continue reading How to use Kakabeka Falls as a basecamp to explore Thunder Bay

7 iconic vistas of northwestern Ontario

Today’s post comes from Barb Rees, Discovery Program/Marketing Specialist with Ontario Parks’ Northwest Zone.

Ontario Parks is fortunate to be able to both protect and showcase an abundance of natural vistas across the province.

While some locations are relatively easy to access, others will challenge you before rewarding you with their amazing views.

Here are seven iconic vistas to discover and explore this season.

Continue reading 7 iconic vistas of northwestern Ontario

Frozen falls and other wacky winter water

When most of us picture winter ice, we conjure up mental images of skating rinks and icicles. But did you know there’s a lot of variety in wintry water formations?

From frozen falls to ice volcanoes, winter water is quite a sight to behold:

Continue reading Frozen falls and other wacky winter water

Campsite vacancy highlights: October 1-3

With beautiful weather and stunning fall colours on the way, there couldn’t be a better weekend to enjoy fall in a provincial park.

Plenty of RV-friendly electrical sites are available around the province! Why not try somewhere new?

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 September 29, 2021): Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: October 1-3

Campsite vacancy highlights: September 24-26

Well WATT do you know? We have electrical sites available across the province!

No matter where you go, you’ll find a hook up waiting for you, including at a few roofed accommodations!

Scout out your ideal campsite on our reservation service (including pictures of most campsites!), or check out these featured campsites (available as of noon on September 23, 2021):

Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: September 24-26

Accessible locations to view fall colours

As the cold weather hits, opportunities to view a stunning array of fall colours are popping up around the province.

Ontario Parks is committed to making our parks as accessible as possible for visitors. If you’re planning a trip, we’ve rounded up a list of parks with accessibility features that are perfect for viewing the beauty of fall.

Continue reading Accessible locations to view fall colours

Finding inspiration through nature

This blog post comes from Laura Myers, a Learning and Education Leader with the Ontario Parks Discovery Program.

Provincial parks are powerful places filled with inspiring elements. They have inspired artists for countless generations and continue to draw artists from near and far.

Continue reading Finding inspiration through nature