A virtual fungus foray

Today’s post comes from Mark Read, our Discovery leader at Murphys Point Provincial Park. 

This blog is not going to be an identification guide; nor is it going to be packed full of mind-blowing facts.

Instead, it is more of a celebration of the fungal diversity found in Ontario.

I hope that along the way you’ll be encouraged to take a closer look at these fascinating organisms that play such a critical role in maintaining the ecological integrity of our parks!

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6 romantic spots in Ontario Parks

Ever feel like you’ve wandered into the heart of a fairy tale?

From snow-topped mountains to sparkling ice crystals, Ontario’s natural world is the perfect setting for romance.

And this list of our favourite spots is sure to make your heart flutter…

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Campsite vacancy highlights: August 23-25

We’re in the last weeks of summer! Make the most of it by heading out on an impromptu weekend camping getaway.

We have a few electrical campsites left in southeastern Ontario and many up north. Where will you stay?

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 on August 22, 2019):

Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: August 23-25

Fishing memories await at Big Rideau Lake

Today’s post comes from year-round multi-species angler and writer Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com.

For a year, I rented a home just 10 minutes from Murphys Point Provincial Park. Living so close to the park, I spent lots of time exploring Big Rideau Lake. I even did a bit of hiking on the park trails with my dog.

I love the multi-species fishing opportunities on the lake and have enjoyed some great days chasing Large-mouth, Small-mouth, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout.

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14 must-see trails to try this summer

Whether you’re reaching new heights or taking a leisurely stroll across a boardwalk, we’ve got the perfect trail for you to explore this summer.

How many of these must-see trails from around the province have you explored?

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5 backcountry gems of southeastern Ontario

Ontario’s wilderness is a lot closer than you think.

Did you know you can leave downtown Toronto and be paddling out to your campsite in less than 3 hours?

These five southeastern parks are perfect for finding backcountry solitude close to home:

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Campsite vacancy highlights: May 17-20

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):

Continue reading Campsite vacancy highlights: May 17-20

Finding myself at Ontario Parks

Today’s post comes from Candace Sampson of Life in Pleasantville. Last summer, we invited Candace to document her adventures in four provincial parks. If you’re new to RVing and thinking of giving it a shot this year, this post is for you.

When first planning a trip with Ontario Parks to learn more about our beautiful provincial parks, I was married with a motorhome and had someone to drive it.

By the time the trip rolled around a few months later, I was down one husband, one motorhome, and one driver (the first and last being the same person). My life had basically become a country song, and I really wasn’t loving the tune.

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Backcountry for beginners: the best destinations

When executed safely, your first backcountry trip forges lifelong memories, opening an immersive getaway into nature.

But the leap from car camping to backcountry requires preparation and learning.

New paddlers and hikers can find themselves in serious trouble if they overestimate their skills or choose a too-challenging route.

Here are some recommended trips for backcountry beginners:

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