Ontario Parks Celebrates 125 years #OP125 and Benefits of having a Park Pass

Ontario Parks celebrate 125 years of pitching tents, cooking over campfire, enjoying picturesque sunsets and starry nights, and having unforgettable adventures! In celebration, there will be many special events at various parks across Ontario such as cultural heritage programs, stewardship activities, concerts, and legacy projects.

Special events that will happen at Ontario Parks this summer:

• Musician David Archibald will be performing live at 30 parks.
• Art based programs to connect with nature.
• Stewardship programs we can get involved in by giving back, learning, and participating such as BioBlitz, invasive species removal, wildlife monitoring to help protect biodiversity.
• Opportunity to purchase vintage themed merchandise.
• Travelling exhibits.
• Opportunity to donate online towards legacy projects. For example, to improve accessibility trails, interpretive displays, and recreational facilities.

We love camping and exploring different parks to hike, swim, paddle, cycle, and fish. It is the best place to connect with nature and our loved ones. We have all heard of benefits associated with connecting ourselves with nature, for example it helps reduce blood pressure, strengthen our immune system, and reduce stress. 

There are opportunities to do different types of camping in tents, RV, backcountry, and roofed accommodations. They have Learn to Camp programs in which families can get comfortable camping, by learning the basics and getting more knowledge from experts. Details about the program and our Learn to Camp experience on this post.  

• Ontario Parks would be a serene place to unplug this summer, and do a digital detox. 
• We can take part in healthy parks and healthy people programs. 
• Mark your calendars! July 20th is Free Ontario Parks day. 
• They also have winter adventure programs such as ice fishing at Windy Lake Provincial Park, and winter camping at Frontenac Provincial Park.  

Ontario Parks protect 340 provincial parks, which is 8% of Ontario, an area larger than Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island combined. 

Invest in an annual pass and visit stunning landscapes, carry on traditions, and make new memories. Having an Ontario Parks Pass will make it easy to explore different places in Ontario during road trips. It would also encourage us to go more often to different parks to hike, swim or explore park programs, and connect with nature. We have visited quite a few provincial parks in Ontario, and found each one to be unique, check out the list on our travel page.  

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Ontario Parks. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2018. Please Ask First