In today’s post, the Chairdog of the Ontario Barks committee shows off his best buds at their favourite provincial parks with their humans!  Oh boy! It’s National Pet Day! *zoomies* Even though this is a special day, I’m going to be fur-real with you – in my household, every day is pet day. From the … The post Happy National Pet Day from Ontario Barks appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

You’ve planned your trip and thought of everything. Your boots are sitting at the door and your backpack is full of water, snacks, route maps, extra clothes, and your trusty first aid kit. Your favourite park awaits! You slip into your boots, open the door, and… …pouring rain. Wet weather doesn’t need to stop your … The post Wet weather hiking appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

Black Bears live across Ontario in forested areas where they can find enough food, shelter, and denning sites. Our provincial parks are their home, and over 90% of our parks are in bear country. A safe bear sighting during one of your adventures with Ontario Parks can be a lasting memory. Educating yourself about bears … The post How to be a Bear Wise visitor appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

It’s International Day of Forests! Ontario Parks protects a collection of breathtakingly beautiful forests from across the province. Each will be brimming with signs of life as the snow melts and temperatures warm. Let’s take a look at five unique forests you can visit this spring. 1. Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest at Arrowhead Provincial Park … The post 5 fantastic forests to visit this spring appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

You’ve heard about this fantastic new adventure through a friend, route guide, or Instagram. It looks kind of tough, and you’re pretty new to the whole backcountry thing. Still, you don’t want to miss out, so you decide to go for it. But as you start planning, there’s a little voice wondering if this is … The post Backcountry basics: know your limits appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

This winter, outdoor activities are a great option to keep you happy and healthy. It’s the perfect time to try something new – like snowshoeing! For any winter activity, planning ahead and a bit of research can go a long way to make sure your day is safe and fun! So what does a beginner … The post A beginner’s guide to snowshoeing appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

Not ready to say goodbye to Frontenac’s 100+ km trail network? This winter, trade your hiking boots for a pair of snowshoes or skis! Nature-lovers come from around the globe to explore Frontenac Provincial Park‘s trails. Perched on the southern arm of the Canadian Shield, this park features granite outcrops, vast wetlands, scenic lakes and mixed … The post Make tracks to Frontenac this winter! appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

Are you ready to start a new tradition for the new year? We’ve got the secret to starting 2024 on the right foot. Take a hike! A First Day Hike is a fun and healthy way to kick off the New Year. The concept is simple: on January 1, visit a provincial park near you for a … The post Hit the trails for a First Day Hike appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

Today’s blog comes from Ontario Barks’ Activities Director.  We all know the excitement that builds in your chest when you feel the car pull off the highway, gently rolling up to the gatehouse of your favourite park. As your person navigates parking, a dance takes over the back half of your body, with your tail … The post Bark if you love nature! appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more

Ah, fall…the weather cools down, the bugs disappear, and our parks turn into a kaleidoscope of stunning reds, oranges, and yellows. If you’re a lover of fall hiking, northeastern Ontario is the place to be. The combination of rugged Canadian Shield and spectacular fall colours makes hiking in northeastern Ontario a bucket list item. Our … The post Fall vistas of Ontario’s northeast appeared first on Parks Blog ..read more