Ontario ParksCome explore Ontario Parks. Encounter Canadian wildlife, learn about Ontario history and heritage, wander our wonderful walking and hiking trails. Engage in sporting adventures.
Ontario parks go by a number of different names: national parks, Ontario provincial parks, regional conservation areas, municipal parks, wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves. A lot of that has to do with who funds them and who runs them. To the average visitor, though, that doesn’t really matter. What matters are the wonderful attractions they offer, especially to those of us who live in cities and need that escape to nature to keep us sane. These attractions include: encounters with Canadian wildlife, opportunities to explore hiking trails, a look back in time at Ontario history, and sporting adventures.If you were raised in Ontario, you probably feel the same way as I do about Ontario parks. They inhabit a special place in your heart. If you’re just moved to the province, or or are just visiting (welcome!!), then these parks will soon squirrel their way into your heart as well. I spent much of my childhood summers in Ontario parks. My family used to go camping in Algonquin Park, picnicking in Balls Falls, and strolling in the manicured landscapes surrounding Niagara Falls. Because of our “history” together, I feel that these green oases are a big part of my identity. I treasure them, am proud of them, and welcome visitors to share them with me. Who uses Ontario parks? Nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and heritage lovers visit Ontario parks. The parks therefore cater to a great many different needs. Different parks specialize in different activities. Features of Ontario parks? Some parks are very close to their natural state and offer basic trails only (and in the wilderness no trails at all!), while others cater to all kinds of sporting and cultural interests. Some welcome only day-trippers, while some welcome overnight campers as well. Features vary from park to park, so it’s best to investigate before you visit to ensure you’ll find the features you’re seeking. Some of these features might include: Nature -large wildlife – visit Algonquin Park for moose and other large animal sightings -birds – parks popular with birders include the famous Point Pelee National Park or Cootes Paradise in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton. For a really neat way to build your own field guide according to the region, see http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/fieldguides.php. Includes pictures and recordings of bird calls! -waterfalls – Niagara Falls may be the best known, but they aren’t the only falls in the province. Southern Ontario has many waterfalls, especially around Hamilton. Check out some of my favourites, Websters Falls or Balls Falls. -gardens – many parks, especially those in urban areas, have spectacular flower gardens; the Royal Botanical Gardens are the most famous. Some of the prettiest and most popular gardens are along the Niagara Parkway which runs through the city of Niagara Falls Sports -hiking and biking trails -sports grounds like bocce courts, volleyball and basketball courts, soccer fields, and children's playgrounds -beaches (e.g. Wasaga Beach ) -rock-climbing -boating and watersports opportunities including (sometimes) equipment rental (e.g. Fifty Point Conservation Area") -winter sports like toboganning and skiing and snowshoeing -horse riding lessons, trail riding For more information about activities see my page on Outdoor Adventures. Special events and programs -outdoor concerts -animal/bird conservation programs with live animal shows (like those at the Raptor centre at Mountsberg Conservation area) -guided hikes by conservation and animal experts (Algonquin Park) -festivals (e.g. International Wakeboard Festival in late June at Current River Greenaway Park or Ribfest at Spencer Smith Park in Burlington Cultural Heritage -original heritage buildings (e.g. Ball’s Falls, Bronte Creek) -reconstructions of historic buildings like the Wendat village (longhouse and walls) at Crawford Lake -museums like the Halton Region Museum at Kelso Conservation Area -pictographs – prehistoric drawings by Aboriginal people, usually painted on rocks in caves (Petroglyphs Provincial Park near Peterborough) Accommodation and Food -campgrounds -snack shops and restaurants (e.g. the wonderful restaurant in Queenston Heights Park) -picnic areas (covered and uncovered) -washrooms Where will you find the best Ontario parks for you? Ontario provincial parks are the most numerous. Algonquin Park is the best known for wilderness trips. An example of a tamer, more suburban one is Bronte Creek. Canadian National parks - There are 5 in Ontario: For local municipal or regional parks not run by the above two organizations, check local tourist sites and look for nearby parks. A special note for local residents If you love nature and aren’t a member already, consider joining Nature Conservancy of Canada. . They buy wilderness land and conserve it for future generations. It doesn’t cost a lot (you can become a member for just $40) and it’s a wonderful investment in the future. Related pages Algonquin Park return from Ontario Parks to Ontario Travel Secrets home page
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