In 1944, Algonquin Provincial Park decided to try something new.
They hired Professor J.R. Dymond, Director of the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology, to deliver guided hikes for park visitors. Those first interpretive programs were a success and what would become the Ontario Parks Discovery Program was born.
More than seventy-five years later, roughly 300 Discovery staff in over 70 parks continue to engage visitors with stories of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage and encourage them to explore further.
New discoveries
It sounds cliché to say that a lot has changed since Dymond offered his first guided hike, but it’s true.
For example, in the past 75 years, technology has completely changed the way that we learn about and interact with the world – both physically and socially.
Before portable devices like cellphones and laptops, Discovery staff were often the only sources of information about a park’s natural and cultural heritage features. Now visitors bring Google in their pockets and can find the answers to their curiosities almost instantly.
So does the Discovery Program still have something to offer you?
Here are a few reasons why you might want to check out a program this summer:
- to improve your connection to the park – Discovery staff often go to great lengths to plan and present interactive programs that connect you in meaningful ways to the special features protected in parks
- to improve your overall experience – Discovery programs aim to offer fun, social, and unique experiences that can enhance your trip
- to empower you to contribute to and protect these special places by participating in citizen science initiatives
Enhanced Discovery Program
Over 20 parks (see list below) offer an enhanced range of programs and services, including:
- staff-led guided hikes
- children’s programs
- theatrical evening programs
- canoe hikes
- bioblitzes
- self-use products like trail guides and signs
- Visitor Centre exhibits
- and much, much more.
These parks have a full team of Discovery staff, lead by experienced naturalists and interpreters. They have expertise in various areas from birds and amphibians to history and are ready to answer your questions in person or through #AskanOPnaturalist.
Exploration Stations
Other parks (see list below) have one or two student Discovery staff that specifically offer Exploration Stations for families with children.
These drop-ins offer a flexible time frame for families to stop by, pick up tools and tips for exploring the topic of the day (such as Amazing Amphibians!), and explore alongside our Discovery Guides.
Programs are usually concentrated in the summer months of July and August. However, some of our enhanced Discovery Program parks offer additional programs in the spring and fall.
The best way to find out about programs in advance of visiting a park is to check the park’s social media platforms for program posters, visit the Ontario Parks events page, or simply call the park.
Enhanced Discovery Program Parks:
- Algonquin Provincial Park
- Arrowhead Provincial Park
- Awenda Provincial Park
- Balsam Lake Provincial Park
- Blue Lake Provincial Park
- Bon Echo Provincial Park
- Bronte Creek Provincial Park
- Charleston Lake Provincial Park
- Darlington Provincial Park
- Emily Provincial Park
- Grundy Lake Provincial Park
- Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
- Killarney Provincial Park
- Killbear Provincial Park
- Lake Superior Provincial Park
- MacGregor Provincial Park
- Murphys Point Provincial Park
- Neys Provincial Park
- Petroglyphs Provincial Park
- Pinery Provincial Park
- Presqu’ile Provincial Park
- Rock Point Provincial Park
- Rondeau Provincial Park
- Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
- Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
- Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Exploration Station Parks:
- Algonquin-Achray Provincial Park
- Bass Lake Provincial Park
- Bonnechere Provincial Park
- Chutes Provincial Park
- Craigleith Provincial Park
- Driftwood Provincial Park
- Earl Rowe Provincial Park
- Esker Lakes Provincial Park
- Fairbank Provincial Park
- Ferris Provincial Park
- Finlayson Point Provincial Park
- Fitzroy Provincial Park
- Fushimi Lake Provincial Park
- Halfway Lake Provincial Park
- Inverhuron Provincial Park
- Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park
- Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
- Mara Provincial Park
- Marten River Provincial Park
- Mikisew Provincial Park
- Nagagamisis Provincial Park
- Pancake Bay Provincial Park
- Point Farms Provincial Park
- Port Burwell Provincial Park
- Quetico Provincial Park
- Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
- Rene Brunelle Provincial Park
- Restoule Provincial Park
- Rideau River Provincial Park
- Rushing River Provincial Park
- Sandbar Lake Provincial Park
- Sauble Falls Provincial Park
- Selkirk Provincial Park
- Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
- Silent Lake Provincial Park
- Silver Lake Provincial Park
- Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
- Turkey Point Provincial Park
- Voyageur Provincial Park
- Wheatley Provincial Park
- White Lake Provincial Park
- Windy Lake Provincial Park