A beginner’s guide to cross-country skiing

Picture this: you’re gliding through a glittering, snow-covered forest. You hear bird calls, and see signs of forest life all around you.

There’s no better way to enjoy winter at Ontario Parks than on a set of skis.

If you’re not a cross-country skier already, here are some beginner tips to get you started.

Continue reading A beginner’s guide to cross-country skiing

Has spring sprung? Depends where you are!

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.

Continue reading Has spring sprung? Depends where you are!

Wabakimi: the land of the grey ghosts

Today’s post comes from Shannon Walshe, biologist at Wabakimi Provincial Park.

Peering out from among the trees, I am certain these curious animals watched us as we paddled by.

We know they exist, but they’re so seldom seen that they’re referred to as “the grey ghosts.”

Wabakimi Provincial Park is home to the elusive creature known as the Woodland Caribou, at the southernmost edge of their range.

Continue reading Wabakimi: the land of the grey ghosts

March’s digital download

Warm weather will be here before you know it.

Get one last winter adventure in this March and get outside!

This month’s FREE digital download comes from Sleeping Giant 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 March’s digital download

Winter yurt camping at MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Today’s blog comes from Elizabeth Rose at ThisGrowingLife, who recounts her trip to the park in 2020. 

Over the years, our family has camped in every season, and in many different types of accommodations.

However, it wasn’t until our trip to MacGregor Point Provincial Park that we finally got the opportunity to experience yurt camping!

Continue reading Winter yurt camping at MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Where to skate in Ontario Parks

The air is crisp and clean. The evergreens are covered with snow. If you’re lucky – and observant – you might spot a cardinal, a finch, a waxwing or a blue jay as you glide along the ice.

And when the sun goes down, you can huddle around a big bonfire with a cup of hot chocolate and warm up before relacing your skates and heading back out to skate under the stars.

It’s simply magical.

This winter, plan a skating trip to these four provincial parks:

Continue reading Where to skate in Ontario Parks

February’s digital download

Looking for an adventure? There’s “snowhere” better to explore than our natural spaces!

We guarantee you’ll have an “ice” day!

This month’s digital download features the ultimate winter destination: Killarney 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 February’s digital download