Ontario Parks' events continue during March Break

    One-Tank Trip for March 14/20

 

   By Jim Fox

 

   With so many events being cancelled over the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, there are some spring things still on at Ontario Parks during March Break.

   “At the current time, the events are still going on,” Connor Oke, marketing intern at Ontario Parks, said at press time on Friday.

   “March Break is a great chance for families to spend time together in nature,” said Jeff Brown of Ontario Parks.

   The provincial parks are hosting events throughout the week “to take advantage of the last bit of winter,” he added.

It will soon be time to get back on the lakes in Ontario Parks. (Jim Fox photo)

    There’s the Maple Syrup Festival at Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville through the break and weekends this month.

   Staff members dress in historical attire and immerse visitors in the history and culture of maple syrup.

   At Pinery Provincial Park’s Memories in March event, there are scavenger hunts, guided hikes, naturalist chats and chickadee programs.

   Visitors can join a park naturalist to view the annual migration of thousands of tundra swans.

   Presqu’ile Provincial Park’s annual Waterfowl Weekend March 21 and 22will view waterfowl that arrive to eat and rest.

   “At this time, Ontario Parks has not implemented changes to policies or procedures around festivals and events within Ontario Parks,” Oke said.

   The ministry is currently reviewing what advice may be given to support groups that are organizing large gatherings, he added.

The ministry would advise all Ontarians to take the much publicized everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health, primarily washing your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

   For the most up to date information about events and festivals in Ontario parks, go to ontarioparks.com/events

 

  Fishing season is around the corner at Bass Lake Provincial Park. (Jim Fox photo)

   Events postponed

   Many major events have been postponed or cancelled due to the virus outbreak.

   These include:

   - The Norfolk Wildlife Festival & Adventure Show in Simcoe that was to have been on this weekend.

   - The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show that was returning to the International Centre in Mississauga from March 18 to 22in its 73rd year.

    - The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival set to take place on April 4.

- The Spring Cottage Life Show, March 26 to 29, at the International Centre.   - Canada Blooms flower show and the Home Show, both in Toronto, March 13-21.

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca