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:
Today’s post comes from Laura Myers, Past Senior Park Interpreter of Neys Provincial Park.
Driftwood – it makes a great bench to watch the sunset, a balancing beam to play on, or that perfect element to your photograph.
There’s something about driftwood that gives beaches that rugged beauty factor. Walking on a beach, listening to the waves and the birds, and looking at the different pieces of driftwood can be wondrous and relaxing.
Has a piece of driftwood ever caught your eye and made you wonder where it originally came from? How it got that far up the beach? The size of the wave that put it there? What species of tree or how old it is?
Each piece of driftwood has its own journey and its own story. But its story isn’t over when it washes up on the beach.
Located on Lake Superior’s northern coastline, Neys Provincial Park offers visitors gorgeous hiking trails, peaceful campgrounds, a sandy beach, and a rich history waiting to be explored.
Here are five park features you won’t want to miss:
Continue reading 5 reasons you need to visit Neys Provincial Park
Today’s post comes from Kelila Seymour, 2021 Discovery Leader at Neys Provincial Park.
While some parks can boast a connection with the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR), few parks are “tied” to the railroad as closely as Neys!
Maybe you’ve driven across the tracks when you’ve entered the park, heard the whistle blow as you curl up around an evening fire, or had the chance to paddle under the trussel bridge that spans the Little Pic River.
Surrounding Neys, you are reminded of the CPR and its historical significance to the park and to Canada.
Today’s post comes from Jake Guggenheimer, past Discovery staff at Neys Provincial Park.
Imagine you’re in a forest.
What do you hear?
The rustling of the trees in the wind. The birds chirping to each other. The flowing of a creek.
What do you see?
A flower starting to bloom. A chipmunk scurrying along the ground. The sun shining through scattered clouds.
If you imagined yourself in Neys Provincial Park, the animals and plants you pictured are some of the most interesting flora and fauna around.
That’s because Neys is a protected natural area with a high level of ecological integrity.
Continue reading Ecological integrity at Neys Provincial Park
Today’s post comes from Micaela Lewis, a Discovery Program student at Neys Provincial Park.
Gazing through Neys’ iconic forested dune system is an awe-inspiring experience that park visitors cherish.
With the soft sand, lichen-covered trees, and colourful wildflowers, the forest appears almost enchanted.
But the landscape didn’t always look this way.
The dunes have been present for thousands of years, as the Little Pic River has deposited sand along the banks of the river and into Ashburton Bay.
The bay is hugged by a long stretch of beach that the park is well known for. Waves created by the winds over Lake Superior move the sand ashore, forming the dunes.
The dunes of Neys have seen years of change. Come with us on a journey through history to explore this unique ecosystem.
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.
Today’s post comes from the Discovery Program staff at Neys Provincial Park and our Northwest Zone Office.
Parks are a popular spot for park visitors, but did you know they’re just as popular for animals like lynx, deer, and moose?
Continue reading Behind the scenes: on-camera creatures at Neys
This post is brought to you from our guest blogger Sitka the Border Collie, with help from her human Laura Myers, a Learning and Education Leader with Ontario Parks.
Hello! My name is Sitka and I’m a dog.
My humans love to camp! From the moment they brought me home when I was eight weeks old, they said, “I can’t wait for all the camping adventures we will go on, little one.”
Continue reading Ruffing it at Ontario Parks: a dog’s perspective on camping
In today’s post, Neys Provincial Park Discovery staff Jessie Pleasance helps us gain some identifying skills.
Summer’s in full swing, so it’s time to brush up on your nature detective sleuthing skills!
