Give the gift of Ontario Parks

(News Release)

Give Ontario Parks this holiday season. Park gift certificates and seasonal vehicle day-use permits allow family and friends who love the outdoors to experience Ontario Parks in a variety of ways. Both are easy to purchase from Ontario Parks' online

store, https://www.ontarioparks.com/parkstore.

 

Proceeds support Ontario Parks directly. Gift certificates come in $20 denominations. Seasonal day-use vehicle permits are available for winter ($75 CDN), summer ($111 CDN) or year round  ($155 CDN)) visits.

 

They allow for unlimited daily vehicle entry to all Ontario Parks while valid. Christmas orders must be placed by December 16 for Canada and December 12 for the U.S. Here are a few of the ways family and friends can enjoy their Ontario Park gifts:

 

Use gift certificate (s) to: 

- book an overnight adventure.

Even in winter, you can book a cozy cabin, cottage or yurt at Ontario Parks https://www.ontarioparks.com/roofedaccommodation. Monthly vacancy reports on the Parks Blog are helpful for booking last minute getaways http://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/december-2016-roofed-accommodation-availability/  For summer cabin, cottage or yurt adventures, take advantage of the parks' five month booking window and book ahead. https://www.ontarioparks.com/reservations.

 

- purchase last minute camping supplies. 

Forget something? Provincial park stores carry all kinds of items, including groceries.

 

- rent equipment.

Cross country ski, snowshoe, skate, canoe, kayak and bike rentals are available at select parks.

 

- buy yourself a cozy park hoodie.

Park stores carry quality Ontario Parks merchandise too, including hoodies, t-shirts, and hats.

 

A seasonal vehicle day-use permit is the ultimate tool for planning memorable family outings. Use it to:

 

- cross country ski or snowshoe a winter wonderland.

Nineteen parks offer a spectacular network of groomed winter trails. Some host loppets and snowshoe events. For a list of parks that are open this winter, rentals, and the latest snow conditions, visit http://www.ontarioparks.com/winter.

 

- skate through the woods.

Skate through the woods at MacGregor Point and Arrowhead Provincial Parks. Staff flood campground loops to create the cool skate trails. Avoid crowds and skate mid-week when the trails are less busy. Algonquin and The Pinery Provincial Parks also offer skating at outdoor rinks.

 

- take in a special event.

This winter, join a ski loppet, snowshoe race or a birdwatching hike. Learn how to backcountry camp or cook with a Dutch Oven at a wilderness workshop https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/frontenac/events or enjoy Family Day and March Break activities. Check Ontario Parks' online calendar for details, https://www.ontarioparks.com/events. 

 

- get your kids hooked on nature.

Thousands of young families get hooked on nature through fun, hands-on activities led by park naturalists. Every summer, over 40 provincial parks across Ontario offer these educational programs. Most are free with a seasonal day-use permit.  

- visit amazing beaches all summer long.

You'll find some of Canada's best beaches in Ontario Parks especially those along the Great Lakes.

 

Ontario Parks' latest news is posted on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ontarioparks, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ontarioparks. For the latest snow conditions across Ontario, check the Ontario Parks' Ski Report at https://www.ontarioparks.com/winter

 

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