A look back on Ontario Parks’ outhouses

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 30 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:

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Planning your RV adventure at Ontario Parks

RVing is an integral part of the Ontario Parks camping experience, and there’s no better time to plan a province-wide tour than now!

We’re teaming up with The Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show and Sale for an RVing Q&A live on Facebook on February 28 at 7:30. Tune in to learn everything you need to know to plan your own RV adventure!

For now, let’s take a look at some of the basics of RVing at Ontario Parks.

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Arrowhead staff say, “Hold the mustard!”

Garlic Mustard may sound like a gourmet condiment, but it’s actually an invasive species in North America, introduced from Europe over 100 years ago.

It is a major enemy in the ongoing battle to maintain biodiversity in Arrowhead Provincial Park and many other provincial parks. It’s considered one of Ontario’s greatest forest intruders.

Continue reading Arrowhead staff say, “Hold the mustard!”

Here’s to another 125 years

As our 125th anniversary year comes to a close, we would like to say a huge thank you for an amazing year.

Now etched into our history, here’s a few of the highlights from this exciting year.

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9 future jobs of Ontario Parks

Today’s post comes from Ontario Parks 125th Anniversary Coordinator Laura Myers.

Over the course of 2018, Ontario Parks’ 125th Anniversary has inspired us to reflect on our past and to imagine our future. We thought it would be fun to think about what Ontario Parks jobs may be required as we move forward into our next 125 years!

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Southeastern Friends: this year’s accomplishments

Each year, the Friends leave a lasting imprint on the park, and this year was no different. Their passion for parks is unmatched, and make our parks better for all who visit.

Here are some of the amazing 2018 project accomplishments from the southeastern Friends:

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Rolling out the red carpet at Pinery

Today’s story comes from Alistair MacKenzie, Natural Heritage Education and Resource Management Supervisor at Pinery Provincial Park.

I started out my career saving lives.  It was a hard job. Working conditions were awful. I was constantly being asked to bend and twist to what someone else needed me to do. I was dragged through the mud and poked with sticks, even burned with hot embers.

Despite these hardships, I loved aspects of the work, but eventually I just couldn’t keep up, and they pulled me back to base to run me through some tests. Sadly, I failed, and they unceremoniously stripped me of my field approvals and cast me aside.

I thought it was all over, until they boxed me up and shipped me to Pinery Provincial Park.

Continue reading Rolling out the red carpet at Pinery

5 reasons to explore Ontario Parks in an RV

Today’s post comes from Catherine Sugrue, a writer for Canadian leading lifestyle blog DoTheDaniel.com. Catherine is one of six content creators we invited to document and share their Ontario Parks RV experience in a custom-wrapped RV as part of this year’s OP125 celebrations.

In 2018, Ontario Parks turned 125 years old.

Recognized all over the world for stunning scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, Ontario Parks hosts millions of people every year from all over the globe.

Continue reading 5 reasons to explore Ontario Parks in an RV