Fall is the perfect time to paddle.
As the temperatures cool there are no bugs and the lakes become less crowded. Plus you can catch some of our beautiful fall colours!
But fall weather can be fickle. Hitting the lake too late, failing to respect weather conditions, or paddling beyond your skill level isn’t just risky — it’s downright dangerous.
We chatted with Paul Smith, Superintendent of Kawartha Highlands Signature Site, to get some top do’s and don’ts for fall paddling safety:
From streams and ponds to rushing rivers and the expansive Great Lakes: Ontario Parks are home to a network of over one million hectares of lakes and rivers. So it’s no wonder that spending time near or on the water is an integral experience at most provincial parks across the province.
We want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience in our parks and practicing proper water safety is a key component in that.
Continue reading Staying safe around hydroelectric facilities
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…
Ontario Parks protects not only land, but also a network of over one million hectares of lakes and rivers across the province.
And we want you to be safe while you’re here enjoying them.
Here are some tips to make your next visit a water-safe one:
The warm weather is here, and many Ontarians are getting out on the water.
To make sure you have a fun – and safe — experience, make sure you review these seven tips for safe boating:
While swimming, boating and other water activities are a centrepiece of many Ontario Parks adventures, there are also risks associated with these activities.
We want our visitors to stay safe when they hit the waves.
And that starts with a PFD (personal flotation device)!
If you’re reading this, you’re likely a not-very-furry mammal 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.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe in cold weather:
Today’s post comes from Jill Legault, Information Specialist at Quetico Provincial Park.
Summertime means puppy playtime!
Dogs love the opportunity to be outside as much as you do. A little planning means every family member is happy and safe in the backcountry.
Today’s post comes from year-round multispecies angler and writer Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com.
Brr! Winter weather has hit Ontario hard.
As the ice freezes up across the province, anglers are beginning to venture out onto the hard water for some ice fishing action.
Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors during our long, cold winters. Trust me, when you’re outside hooking fish, winter passes by in a flash!
Thankfully with the wide range of equipment available today, ice fishing doesn’t have to be a chilling experience. In order to enjoy a safe and comfortable season from start to finish, make sure you are prepared by checking out the list below.
The famous Mazinaw Lake at Bon Echo Provincial Park attracts tons of visitors every year.
We love to see our visitors enjoy beginner friendly canoe routes or swimming in Joeperry Lake and Mazinaw Lake, however we want you to partake in water activities safely.
Here are some precautions to ensure you explore Bon Echo safely:
