Help us fill Breeding Bird Atlas gaps!

In today’s post, Ontario Parks Northeast Zone Ecologist Anna Sheppard is asking for your helping hands (actually, eyes. And ears.)

Planning to visit any of these northwestern parks this summer?

If so, and you’re a fan of birds, then I have a favour to ask!

These parks are especially important to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, and the atlas needs your help.

Continue reading Help us fill Breeding Bird Atlas gaps!

The joy of answering interesting questions

In our “Behind the Scenes” series, Discovery Program staff across the province share a backstage glimpse of their favourite programs and projects. Today’s post comes from Anna Scuhr, Discovery Program staff member at Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Many joys come along with being an Ontario Parks’ Discovery Guide. We work in some of Ontario’s most beautiful places, with coworkers who share our passions, and a job that is never dull.

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Site fidelity: a phenomenon found in animals and in ourselves

Today’s post comes from Jazmin Gall, a Discovery Student at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.

Have you been lucky enough to find your favorite park in Ontario?

What about your favourite campsite?

That one specific site that you return to every summer, your own personal home away from home.

If so, you are one of the many frequenters of our parks that practice site fidelity.

Continue reading Site fidelity: a phenomenon found in animals and in ourselves

From tumblers to leaf blowers: we bet you didn’t know how much work it takes to make our beaches beautiful

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…

Continue reading From tumblers to leaf blowers: we bet you didn’t know how much work it takes to make our beaches beautiful

My experience as Lake Superior’s first artist-in-residence

Today’s post comes from Marta Stares, the Friends of Lake Superior Provincial Park‘s first artist-in-residence.

In 2021, Lake Superior Provincial Park and the Friends of Lake Superior Provincial Park established its first Artist-in-Residence program.

I was honoured to be selected as the park’s first ever participant, and to be able to paint and capture the stunning landscape of the park.

With its rugged coast, tall cliffs, remote beaches, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts, it’s easy to see why generations of artists have found inspiration here.

Continue reading My experience as Lake Superior’s first artist-in-residence

Backpacker’s guide to the Coastal Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Jordan Welch and Bianca Goncz, Discovery staff at Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Are you looking for a challenging, multi-day hike with spectacular views?

The Coastal Trail has it all!

Hike to rocky bluffs, traverse lush forests, and experience the power of Lake Superior.

This linear trail traces 65 km of Lake Superior’s rugged northeastern shore, offering an unparalleled chance to experience the wilderness and beauty amidst the largest of the Great Lakes.

Continue reading Backpacker’s guide to the Coastal Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park

Experience Ontario’s greatest landscapes on the Lake Superior Shoreline Tour

Planning a cross-province adventure? Check out the Ontario Parks Driving Routes.

The Lake Superior Shoreline Tour is a world-renowned driving route that will take you to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery Canada has to offer.

On your journey, you’ll discover spectacular rugged shorelines, cascading rivers and waterfalls, smooth rock and sand beaches, unique geological features, and excellent wildlife viewing.

Continue reading Experience Ontario’s greatest landscapes on the Lake Superior Shoreline Tour

September salmon fishing on Lake Superior

Did you know there are parks along Lake Superior’s eastern shore with great salmon fishing? Park staff who fish Superior’s north shore recommend two in particular: Pancake Bay and Lake Superior Provincial Parks. These parks are just forty minutes apart on the northeastern shore between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa off Highway 17 (aka the Trans Canada Highway).
Continue reading September salmon fishing on Lake Superior

Chilling out by the lake: arctic-alpine disjunct plants along Lake Superior

Today’s post comes from Park Naturalist Lesley Ng of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Did you know there are blooming beauties which are adapted for the arctic tundra or alpine environments? In short, they like it cold!

And we don’t need traverse tundra or climb mountains to see them. We just need to take a spring hike along Lake Superior’s shoreline.

Continue reading Chilling out by the lake: arctic-alpine disjunct plants along Lake Superior

Hot spots to have a cup of tea in Ontario Parks’ northwest

Today’s post comes from Laura Myers, a tea lover and Marketing Specialist with Ontario Parks.

This blog is dedicated to all of those who love tea and nature.

Whether it’s a cool summer evening, or a chilly winter day, it’s always a good time for tea time. There’s something about having a cup of tea that ignites a sense of stillness and calmness. It reminds you to take a step back, and really take in a moment.

Ontario’s northwest provincial parks provide some stellar backdrops for the most perfect outdoor tea parties. Make a cup of tea, and read on to discover six tea hot spots!

Continue reading Hot spots to have a cup of tea in Ontario Parks’ northwest