Perfect parks for your late fall camping trip

Looking to extend your camping season?

Many of our parks are open for overnight stays in October and November. Whether you snuggle up in your tent or get cozy in your RV, make sure you pack extra socks!

Bundle up and book a trip to one of these late fall camping spots:

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A Sandbanks summer: the life of a maintenance student at Ontario Parks

Last summer while other people my age worked in customer service or were out on placement, I chose a job with the beautiful Sandbanks Provincial Park as a maintenance student.

Hi, my name is Hunter, I am a post-secondary student studying photojournalism and am into the second year of my program. This past summer was my second season working at Sandbanks. While I might seem like an odd fit compared to many of my co-workers whose backgrounds or area of study relate to natural sciences or the outdoors, working at Ontario Parks has been one of the greatest summer jobs, full of adventures and lots of learning.

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Worst of the worst: a naturalist’s list of the most harmful types of litter

Today Yvette Bree, a Discovery Leader at Sandbanks Provincial Park for over 30 years, shares some thoughts about this season. 

I am pretty lucky: I live in a great country, a great province, and have enjoyed a career in a stunningly beautiful park.

Usually my job is to inspire visitors to appreciate the natural world around them, to breathe life into history, and to encourage stewardship so they will respect not only this park, but take these ideals home with them.

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How to plan a trip to Sandbanks

Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the busiest parks in the province, welcoming over 800,000 visitors in 2020!

Sandbanks full parking lot signsMany summer days — especially weekends — Sandbanks hits capacity and can’t welcome any more visitors. This year, you need to book your day use permit in advance to guarantee entry.

We really hate to turn away visitors, especially knowing many have driven several hours to get here.

Planning a trip to Sandbanks? Check out our top tips for a fun and frustration-free visit:

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Confessions of a struggling birder

Today’s blog comes from Carlin Thompson, a discovery leader at Sandbanks Provincial Park.

My name is Carlin, and I’m a struggling birder.

As an Ontario Parks Discovery leader, I am surrounded by colleagues with a passion for the natural world — which I share.

Many share a specialty in identifying birds — which I do not.

These are my confessions.

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Beyond the beach: one naturalist’s 35-year-career at Sandbanks

Today’s post comes from Yvette Bree. Yvette has been the park naturalist at Sandbanks Provincial Park for 35 years and retires at the end of August this year.

1986. A year forever etched in my memory.

The year I graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (B.E.S.) with a Resource Management option.

The year I was married to my high school boyfriend (still going strong).

And the year I got my first job with Ontario Parks.

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March vacancy highlights (roofed accommodation)

Spring will be here before you know it. Get one last winter adventure in this March!

Stay warm in one of our roofed accommodations. We’ve got lots of cabins, cottages, and yurts available all month, especially for midweek visitors!

Accommodations featured below were available as of 11:00 am, February 18, 2020.

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February vacancy highlights (roofed accommodation)

Are you planning a romantic getaway this month? Why not celebrate at a provincial park!

Stay warm and cozy at Ontario Parks this February in one of our roofed accommodations! We’ve got lots of cabins, cottages and yurts available all month, especially for midweek visitors!

Accommodations featured below were available as of 11:00 am, January 14, 2020.

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Romantic winter adventures worth travelling for

A cozy cabin in the woods blanketed with snow. A forested trail leading to your very own frosty adventure. Gliding through the woods by skate or ski.

Sound like something out of a fairy tale? It’s not; it’s winter at Ontario Parks!

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