Post and rope: protecting dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Fraser Moodey, chief park naturalist at Sandbanks Provincial Park.

At Sandbanks, the pressures of wind and waves constantly shape the dynamic dune systems.

These processes have been at play for thousands of years and through time, have crafted the very beaches we enjoy today.

However, a much more powerful force has taken hold at the park in recent years: the compelling urge to venture off-trail.

During the busy summer months at Sandbanks, unique trails are crafted throughout the dunes. They may be called “shortcuts” or “social trails,” but all have the same effect on this sandy landscape.

The unfortunate outcome of off-trail travel through the dunes is dead plants.

Continue reading Post and rope: protecting dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park

Calling all new campers!

We know camping or visiting a park for the day for the first time can be intimidating.

What supplies do I bring? What are the rules? How can I make my trip as comfortable as possible?

Don’t worry, the Ontario Parks Ambassador program is here to help you make your trip easy and memorable.

Continue reading Calling all new campers!

EDDMapS: report your invasive species sightings

Today’s post comes from our friends at the Invasive Species Centre.

Outdoor adventurers: we need your help. Invasive species are infiltrating our parks and protected areas, but if we don’t know where they are, it’s tough to stop their spread.

Become an Invasive Species Fighter by reporting any suspected sightings of invasive species!

Continue reading EDDMapS: report your invasive species sightings

5 must-try hikes at Frontenac Provincial Park

Today’s blog post comes to us from Assistant Ecologist Erica Kendrick from Ontario Park’s Southeast Zone. 

I may be biased, but Frontenac Provincial Park is a hiker’s dream come true.

Through both work and pleasure, I have become quite familiar with the park and all the beautiful places it has to offer.

Located in the Frontenac Arch, this park is the best of both worlds – where the south meets the north. From the Black Spruce swamps and rock barrens of Slide Lake Loop to the mature maple and oak forests of the Tetsmine and Gibson Lake Loops, this park is truly spectacular!

With over 100 km of interconnected trails, Frontenac has something for every level of hiker!

Here are my top five day hikes to try at Frontenac:

Continue reading 5 must-try hikes at Frontenac Provincial Park

Killbear Provincial Park’s gone paperless!

You heard it right — Killbear Provincial Park has switched to paperless permitting!

That means there’s no need for visitors to stop at the front gate to check in — you can head right into the park and enjoy!

Here’s everything you need to know:

  • when you’re camping
  • when you’re visiting for the day
  • if you’re a seasonal permit holder

Continue reading Killbear Provincial Park’s gone paperless!

It’s May — what are Black Bears up to?

Planning a visit and wondering whether you’ll see a Black Bear? Tune in to our monthly Black Bear feature where our ecologists let you know common bear behaviour for the month or season.

Spring is upon us, and Ontario’s Black Bears are ready for another season of eating to gain fat for winter hibernation.

While young bear cubs are sticking close to their moms, yearling bears (bears that are about a year and a half) may be leaving and striking out on their own for the first time in search of food. (Your actions really make a difference for young Black Bears this month!)

Here’s what our bears are up to this month:

Continue reading It’s May — what are Black Bears up to?

Changing landscapes at Mara and McRae Point

Today’s blog comes from Park Superintendent Scott Thomas and Assistant Park Superintendent Andrea Maranduik of Ontario Parks’ Bass Lake Cluster.

As we prepare for another camping season at Mara Provincial Park and McRae Point Provincial Park, we want to share some important updates regarding the health of our trees and the measures we’re taking to ensure your safety and preserve the natural beauty of the parks.

Because of Emerald Ash Borer — an invasive species that is devastating forests across southern Ontario — we’ve unfortunately had to cut down large swaths of trees at both parks to safeguard the health of our forests and the well-being of our visitors.

If you’re a return visitor to these parks, you’re almost sure to notice. As a result, your camping experience will be affected. Some campsites, for example, will have less privacy and shade.

But we want to assure you that our top priority is the safety of our visitors, our staff, and our parks. We’re working hard to manage our park ecology responsibly.

And it’s not all doom and gloom! The forest will rebound. And there are things you can do to help.

Continue reading Changing landscapes at Mara and McRae Point