National Indigenous Peoples Day invites us to learn more about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture, and helps us build stronger relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
We’re taking the opportunity to spotlight some of the wonderful initiatives and events shared with us by Indigenous leaders and communities across Ontario:
Continue reading Greetings, Boozhoo, Aaniin, Sekoh, Wachay, Ullakut!
Today’s story comes from Park Staff Besties: Zuzanna and Alysa, summer staff working at Killbear Provincial Park who spent their season visiting over 30 provincial parks! Are you interested in joining us for the 2023 summer season? Applications are now open!
“You work and live in a provincial park? What do you do on your days off?”
“Camp at other provincial parks!”
If you asked staff at Killbear what they thought of the two of us, they would say we are “attached at the hip.” We met last year working as gate attendants in Algonquin Provincial Park and moved to Killbear this season.
Not knowing anyone else at this park, we requested to be roommates at our new staff house and have been going almost everywhere together ever since!
Working and living at Killbear this past summer has been an absolute dream. With the pristine sand beaches, rocky shorelines and picturesque sunsets, we were curious to see what other provincial parks had to offer and decided to make the most of our summer season living up here!
Continue reading Off-hours road tripping with Zuzanna and Alysa
Today’s post comes from Kenton Otterbein, Discovery Program leader at Killbear Provincial Park.
In a time before instant communication, accurate weather forecasts, or GPS, the navigation lights and lighthouses on the Great Lakes helped guide ships to safe harbour through dangerous shoals and stormy seas.
Just over 100 years ago, one ship met its early demise travelling a route which included the shores of Killbear Provincial Park.
This is the tragic story of the Lambton.
Today’s post comes from Indigenous Project Relations Intern Adam Solomon and Discovery Program Leader Kenton Otterbein at Killbear Provincial Park. Adam is a member of Henvey Inlet First Nation.
Seeing a Massasauga Rattlesnake (“Zhiishiigweg“ in Anishinaabemowin) can provoke a variety of emotions ranging from fear to fascination.
Unfortunately, fear caused by misinformation exaggerating the danger of rattlesnake bites has caused many to kill rattlesnakes over the past 200 years of European settlement in this province.
The Anishinaabek have a different worldview of the Massasauga Rattlesnake.
Continue reading Living with Zhiishiigweg (Massasauga Rattlesnake): an Anishinaabek perspective
Today’s blog was written by Jessica Stillman, school outreach coordinator at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
Our beautiful beaches are one of the many reasons people choose to visit parks.
But you didn’t think they got that pretty on their own, did you?
Here’s a glimpse into some of the behind-the-scenes work you probably didn’t know was going on across the province…
Alison Lake or “Lakie” is an ecologist in our northeast zone, and has earned a reputation as a passionate promoter of ecological integrity.
She has an infectious love of the natural world and is rarely seen without her “bins” (binoculars) around her neck.
Continue reading 8 questions with an Ontario Parks ecologist
Well… it had to happen eventually!
Ontario Parks’ longest serving employee has retired after working 62 years at Killbear Provincial Park.
Eddie started working at the park in 1959 and helped to build the roads and campgrounds before the park officially opened in 1960.
After a full career training countless staff and keeping the maintenance department ticking, Eddie decided to hang up his chainsaw for good last summer.
Hats off to Eddie and we wish him a long and healthy retirement!
When most people think of a career, they might think of working 30, 35, or perhaps even 40 years before enjoying a well-earned retirement.
Eddie Ramsay doesn’t subscribe to that point of view.
Continue reading The remarkable 62-year career of Eddie Ramsay
Today’s post comes from Isabelle Moy, a Discovery naturalist at Killbear Provincial Park.
As many faithful Killbear campers will remember, seven years ago our camping landscape changed dramatically with the felling of many American Beech trees due to Beech Bark Disease.
Unfortunately, Killbear has again been infested by an invasive species.
Continue reading Changing landscapes at Killbear Provincial Park
It’s not too late to book a campsite for the Victoria Day long weekend!
While many parks are filling up, lots of campgrounds still have a good selection of sites 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, May 16):
