Ontario Parks suggests these six trip planning tips for plugging in or out at Ontario Parks this summer

(News Release)

Plugged in - Campsite-friendly apps

Camping apps can make your trip planning easier. Many are free or available for a nominal fee. Use your phone as a flashlight. Search for campsite recipes. Map the night sky or even record a backcountry trip. This Park Blog post links you to some camping app reviews and articles... http://www.parkreports.com/parksblog/?p=3500

 

Unplugged -  Nature education for kids

Kids may take a day or two to unplug but when they do they love to explore and interact with other kids in safe park settings. Over 33,000 kids participate in Natural Heritage Education (NHE) programs every year at Ontario Parks. Led by knowledgeable NHE leaders, the program fees for most are included in the price of a day or overnight park permit. Over 40 provincial parks have NHE programs. Use the Park Locator tool on the Ontario Parks website to locate them... http://www.parkreports.com/locator/search.php

 

Plugged in - Digital orienteering 

Digital GPS orienteering is not the same as a car's navigation system", says Sheila Wiebe, Bronte Creek Provincial Park's orienteering instructor. "This type of GPS requires you to punch in coordinates." The Oakville park's workshop focuses on park safety, park sustainability and is a useful tool for RV travellers too. It helps to avoid traffic and directs travellers to the nearest hospital, gas station and even historical points of interest. More details… http://www.parkreports.com/parksblog/?p=3513

 

Unplugged - A new beach or fishing spot

Did you know that 106,842 kilometres of beach are protected within Ontario Parks? Some are included in this "Where to Swim..." park blog post... http://www.parkreports.com/parksblog/?p=2843. Fishing is another popular park activity. During Family Fishing Week, fishing licenses will be waived across Ontario including all Ontario Parks from July 6 to 14. Fifty-six parks also offer TackleShare, a rod and tackle lending program. Four provincial parks have added Learn to Fish - http://www.ontarioparks.com/learntocamp/learntofish.html - to their Learn to Camp programs this year. If you're looking for a new fishing spot to take the family, try one of these Northern Ontario Parks… http://www.parkreports.com/parksblog/?p=3505

Plugged in - Book online 

Campsite and cabin/yurt rentals book quickly at Ontario Parks especially at popular parks, on weekends and during peak vacation times. Try booking at a less busy park or time and use your overnight permit to visit popular parks nearby. Last minute booking instructions on this Park Blog will help you book online... http://www.parkreports.com/parksblog/?p=3265

 

With over 320 provincial parks, covering 8 million hectares that attract over 9 million visits each year, there is a lot to discover at Ontario Parks, http://www.ontarioparks.com/