Who’s the Big A?

This one’s been brewing for a while.

An epic showdown.

A frosty rivalry.

A battle between wintry giants.

Finally, we put the question to you, our visitors: which park, Algonquin Provincial Park or Arrowhead Provincial Park, is the winter destination park in the region?

Which one deserves the title of The Big A?

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10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Today’s post comes from Quetico Provincial Park Superintendent Trevor Gibb.

Quetico is primarily known for its world class backcountry canoeing opportunities.

However, once the lakes freeze and snow blankets the forest, the park transforms into a wilderness winter wonderland.

Continue reading 10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Winter adventures at Windy Lake

Lack of good snow getting you down?

Located just north of Sudbury, Windy Lake Provincial Park has some of the best cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the region, plus cozy yurts and cabins, making it a prime winter vacation destination.

Here are our top five reasons you need to check out Windy Lake:

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Winter adventures at Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the most iconic places in Ontario all year round, and that’s for good reason!

With so many activities to try, the vast winter landscape is an opportunity for you to choose your own adventure.

Snowshoeing through the forest is rewarded by the scenic vistas and solitude. Winter camping gives you a stunning a view of the moon casting long shadows through the trees on a clear winter night. Making a discovery of your own by following tracks along the path is a real treat.

New this year: come to the West Gate on weekends for a campfire and fireside chats with park naturalists!

Here are seven reasons you need to visit this winter:

Continue reading Winter adventures at Algonquin Provincial Park

Your winter preparedness guide

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a human being with a core body temperature around 37ºC.

Your body works very hard to maintain this temperature. If it drops even a few degrees, moving, thinking, and other basic tasks become difficult. You will need to warm up quickly, or you may find yourself in a dangerous situation.

To prevent cold-related emergencies, it’s important to plan your winter adventures with care.

Our friends at Subaru Canada want to share the best ways to stay safe in cold weather:

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5 ways to stay active in the cold

Brrr! Temperatures are dropping, and winter’s icy grip is almost upon us.

We bet you’re feeling just about ready to tuck into a nice, long winter’s hibernation.

Not so fast! We’ve partnered with our snow-loving friends at Subaru Canada to share some great ways to stay active and enjoy winter.

Outdoor activity is important for our mental and physical health all year long. Getting outside is good for you even when the weather is not ideal.

Ontario Parks has 30+ parks open in the winter. Each park offers plenty of ways for you to get active in the chilly months.

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6 essential items to pack for your winter hike

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:

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7 ideas for romantic in-park dates

Valentine’s Day can be about more than roses and champagne.

Why not surprise your loved one(s) with a trip to the great outdoors? It’s a great opportunity to get in touch with nature and spend some quality time together.

If you’re not sure where to go, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at some of the romantic activities here at Ontario Parks:

Continue reading 7 ideas for romantic in-park dates