Tag: Summer

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.

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

Should you bring a floatie to the beach?

The day starts out with the best intentions.

You’ve brought your inflatable flamingo (or unicorn or yellow duck or inner tube…) to your favourite beach in hopes of getting some much-needed R&R.

You wade into the water, throw the shades on, climb aboard, and lie back to soak up the sun…

… when suddenly, you’re jolted awake with the realization that you’ve drifted way out into open water!

Your swimming skills aren’t great and you didn’t wear your lifejacket or PFD, so you attempt to paddle yourself near land with your arms. But the wind’s against you.

You wave your arms, trying to get the attention of people on shore…

…until you lose your balance and slide off your slippery inflatable friend into the water…

Continue reading Should you bring a floatie to the beach?

How to plan a day trip to North Beach

North Beach Provincial Park is a beautiful day use park offering long sandy beaches along Lake Ontario and North Bay — 2,000 meters of sand beach to be specific!

Located in Prince Edward County, a short drive from its more famous neighbour, Sandbanks, it’s a popular spot for beach-goers and often hits capacity throughout the summer.

This year, you need to book your day use permit in advance to guarantee entry.

Continue reading How to plan a day trip to North Beach

June’s digital download

Watch the water glisten and shimmer as you glide across the lake, taking in the serenity of the late afternoon.

This month’s FREE digital download comes from Mikisew Provincial Park!

Throughout 2022, we’re sharing a free downloadable graphic for you to use as wallpaper for your favourite devices. We’ve specially sized these images for your computers, tablets, smartphones, and Facebook covers.

Continue reading June’s digital download

Get your daily vehicle permit in advance for select provincial parks!

Did you know that you can obtain your daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance at select provincial parks? This service provides you with guaranteed access for your day trip.

We know you don’t want to spend your time sitting in a line-up at park gates, only to be turned away because your favourite park is already full.

More than 80% of visitors told us they liked being able to reserve their daily vehicle permit in advance.

Continue reading Get your daily vehicle permit in advance for select provincial parks!

July’s digital download

We tried to catch some fog, but just mist!

This month’s FREE digital download comes from Rushing River Provincial Park.

Throughout 2021, we’re sharing a free downloadable graphic for you to use as wallpaper for your favourite devices. We’ve specially sized these images for your computers, tablets, smartphones and Facebook covers.

Continue reading July’s digital download

Get a jump on June: summer camping in southwestern Ontario

It may be the middle of winter, but we’re daydreaming of summer in southwestern Ontario! How about you?

Get a jump start on planning your vacation. Book a campsite at one of these hidden gems today!

Continue reading Get a jump on June: summer camping in southwestern Ontario