The summer job that lasted seven years

Today’s blog was written by Adrian Petry, Public Historian and Visitor Services Coordinator for St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre. Adrian can occasionally be found volunteering at historical events at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, where he was a former senior Discovery staff member.

When I think back to my younger entering-the-workforce self, I recognize skills and abilities that would eventually get me to working in public history and interpretation in a traditional museum setting.

But how we got from 18-year-old Adrian to *clears throat* today’s Adrian is thanks in part to the careful polishing of those skills and abilities through seven seasons with Ontario Parks.

If you’re reading this and considering a summer (or seven summers) in our wonderful parks system, don’t just think to the next few months.

Think about where you’ll be in the next *clears throat again* years.

Continue reading The summer job that lasted seven years

Where to camp when your fave park is already full

Did you know over 50% of reservations made by the end of March are for our five most popular parks (Bon Echo, Algonquin, Sandbanks, Killbear, Pinery)?

If you can’t get a campsite at one of these parks, we’ve got some suggestions we’re sure you’ll love…

Continue reading Where to camp when your fave park is already full

Fall RVing in southeastern Ontario

Camping doesn’t always have to involve driving a far distance to pitch a tent.

RVing allows you to experience the beauty of Ontario’s fall colours with more of the comforts of home.

In southeastern Ontario, there are many great RVing opportunities nearby. You can find your adventure by RV at several different parks close to city centres and along major travel routes.

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A ghost in the attic

Today’s blog comes to us from Sam Alison, former Ontario Parks Gray Ratsnake researcher at Murphys Point Provincial Park

I must admit, as a seven year old, I was a little nervous about spending the night at my great grandmother’s cottage. At the family reunion, I had heard all about the seemingly mythical creature that lived in the attic…

…a creature so good at hiding, you’d never know where it was at any point in time.

…a creature so long, it could reach right around the door frame if it wanted to.

…a creature so mesmerizing, that everyone had a story to tell.

What was this creature? Where was it? I was hooked.

I spent our family vacation looking for this legend. Little did I know, this adventure would inspire my future career.

A university degree and many years later, I’m still searching for Canada’s longest snake species – the Gray Ratsnake.

Continue reading A ghost in the attic

Step back in time at the Silver Queen Mine open house

Today’s post comes from the Wandering Wagars, an adventure-loving family travelling the globe.

A great attraction can transport you into another world.

But the staff at Murphys Point Provincial Park took things in a different direction, and ended up taking us back in time.

Continue reading Step back in time at the Silver Queen Mine open house

4 southeast parks for your midweek getaway

Parks in southeastern Ontario are favourites for many, offering a variety of landscapes, bodies of water, and fun activities.

But they can be very busy, especially on weekends with campers and day-trippers alike.

Had a hard time snagging a weekend site at your favourite park? Consider a midweek camping trip!

Avoid the weekend crowds and book a relaxing trip to one of these gems:

Continue reading 4 southeast parks for your midweek getaway

Try a regular dose of camping for good health

Time to reach for our sleeping bags and tents?

Research shows that camping in nature is good for our mental and physical well-being.

What better reason to head out with family and friends into the great outdoors and sleep under the stars?

Check out the brain and body benefits of camping:

Continue reading Try a regular dose of camping for good health

Ontario Parks featured in CSA-nominated videos!

Did you know our parks, moths, and Discovery staff were featured in an episode of TVOKids Leo’s Pollinators Explorer Club?

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The series was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Children’s or Youth Non-Fiction Program or Series!

These awards are the Canadian equivalent to the Emmy Awards.

We caught up with our three Ontario Parks stars featured in this episode for an exclusive interview to learn more about their experience:

Continue reading Ontario Parks featured in CSA-nominated videos!

First Day Hike destinations

New Year’s Day is coming up fast — have you picked out a park for your First Day Hike on January 1, 2023?

This 10-park list rounds up some hot spots for your first foray into 2023:

Continue reading First Day Hike destinations

Find your fall getaway at one of these parks

Summer’s too hot and winter’s too cold.

Looking for a camping season that’s just right?

Witness the beauty of the province’s changing colours while exploring numerous hiking trails, boating opportunities, or just hanging out on your site!

Discover (or rediscover) these unbeatable fall camping opportunities:

Continue reading Find your fall getaway at one of these parks