We can definitely recommend “losing yourself” in our provincial parks by delighting in the sights and sounds of nature, and living in the moment.
We do not, however, recommend getting actually lost.
Park visitors get lost more often than you’d think. It can be a scary, stressful, and dangerous situation. It can also result in complicated and expensive search-and-rescue operations.
While we know no one sets out to get lost, there are steps you can take to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Trail guide and cellphone and water in bottles,
Flashlight just in case your hike is a dawdle,
High energy snacks secured with drawstrings,
These are a few of our essential things… (can’t you just hear Maria von Trapp’s voice?)
A walk through a pine tree forest in crunchy snow can be dreamy, however your trip through a winter wonderland can go south quickly if you’re missing important items.
Being prepared with a few essentials in your bag will help keep you safe on your adventure. Here are six items that should always be in your day pack on a winter hike:
Continue reading 6 essential items to pack for your winter hike
For many, autumn is the ideal season for outdoor fun. But as the temperatures start to drop, we want to make sure our hikers and campers stay safe while exploring our parks.
With help from our friends at Subaru Canada, we’ve gathered some top tips for staying warm and dry during your fall forays:
Today’s post comes from Kristiana Wilson, Assistant Park Superintendent at Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.
2021 was quite the fire season in Ontario.
Last year alone, approximately 55% of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park burned due to natural forest fires.
The park is no stranger to forest fires — fire is key for regeneration in the boreal forest.
Still, when most people think of picturesque park landscapes, they typically don’t think of park areas that have been burned.
We’re here to change any preconceived ideas you have about travelling through large burns and share some tips to make your next post forest fire park paddling trip a little easier!
Continue reading Paddling Woodland Caribou Provincial Park after a forest fire
Did you know park roads are just as official as the roads in your neighbourhood?
It’s true. The Highway Traffic Act is enforced by wardens in our parks. If you speed, forget your seatbelt, or commit other infractions, your actions could result in a fine, a license suspension, or worse: a tragedy.
Here are four critical road rules to remember when visiting parks:
Watching winter slip away is a magical thing. Snow is melting, temperatures are warming, and some of our fair-weather bird friends are returning.
However, Ontario is a huge province, and the arrival of spring looks very different depending on where you are.
Spring comes slowly in many provincial parks.
Every year people are surprised to learn that while urban areas may be in bloom, many provincial parks, such as Algonquin, are still covered in snow and ice.
This can lead to some unwelcome surprises and unsafe situations for visitors who are expecting warm weather and spring-like conditions.
During the snowy season, parks can feel like our own personal winter wonderlands. Meandering through snow-covered trails and frozen forests can make an awesome day in the outdoors.
Here’s how to have a fun and safe time on your frosty foray:
When it comes to an outdoor excursion during the winter months, clothing can make or break your experience.
If you’re cold or wet it’s going to be much more difficult for you to enjoy your time in the outdoors. Making sure you’re properly outfitted for whatever weather comes your way is crucial. Here’s how to dress for a great day out in the snow!
In today’s post, Discovery Leader Rachelle Law answers a common question: “How do I get to the top of Sleeping Giant?”
Hiking up the Sleeping Giant and some of the tallest cliffs in Ontario can be quite the challenge, but the experience and the views are the ultimate reward.
One of the most commonly asked questions at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is: “How do I get to the top of the Giant?”
Most are surprised to hear the three different hiking trails that go up the Sleeping Giant are long and rated difficult. But it’s no reason to be discouraged, as navigating to the Giant is also possible, in part, by bike!
Nothing beats hitting the trails on a beautiful summer day.
It’s important to be prepared for anything, especially if you’re new to hiking at Ontario Parks or any other wilderness trail.
We created these key tips to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip:
Continue reading 4 tips for a safe hike
