During the long winter months, many of us get less “Vitamin N” than usual. Yet contact with nature has been found to lower blood pressure, strengthen immune system, help prevent disease, and reduce stress levels.
Keen to spend time in nature with your family this March Break? Here’s a list of fun happenings across the province:
Bronte Creek Provincial Park — Maple Syrup Festival
“Sugaring off” is a tradition at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. The park’s annual Maple Syrup Festival begins the first weekend in March and runs every weekend in the month, plus the week of March Break.
The festival heritage staff dress in historical attire and immerse visitors in the history and culture of maple syrup. Attractions include: pancake house, fresh maple candy, fresh maple taffy, guide tours of maple lane, gift shop, wagon rides, farm animals, historical tours, family activities, and more.
Find the festival’s hours and details here.
Quetico Provincial Park — Cross Quetico Lakes Tour
This world-class paddling destination becomes a wonderland in the winter. Sign up for an all-day ski tour on the frozen lakes and portages of pristine Quetico Provincial Park, on the Trans-Canada Trail and the Path of the Paddle.
On March 21, participants will ski over varied terrain, much of it in a non-groomed wilderness park. Participants have all day to finish the route.
The Cross Quetico Lakes Tour is hosted by the Beaten Path Nordic Trails in collaboration with the park. Participants must register ahead of event by contacting Chris Stromberg (cstromberg@shaw.ca), and attend a mandatory safety briefing in Atikokan the night before.
For more information and to register, click here.
Algonquin Provincial Park
March Break is perfect for early spring camping. Algonquin’s Mew Lake Campground still has lots of electrical sites available on the reservation system (as well as a number of first-come, first-served sites).
The ice rink will be open all week, weather permitting (and if the ice melts, the park will set up a road hockey area). A cheery campfire will be maintained at the rink for skaters to warm up.
Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor’s Centre and chat with our naturalists!
Check out Mew Lake’s trails and winter attractions here.
Pinery Provincial Park — Memories in March
Park staff are offering a variety of scavenger hunts, guided hikes, Ask-the-Naturalist chats and chickadee programs throughout March Break. If we’re lucky, we can celebrate the annual migration of thousands of Tundra Swans and join a park naturalist to view swans and other migratory waterfowl in the Thedford Bog.
Pinery’s trails are perfect for a healthy walk or quiet solitude. Bring your camera, a picnic lunch, art supplies, family and friends and work on that rosy glow on your cheeks. Consider an overnight stay in a tent, trailer or one of our roofed accommodation options!
Call the Visitor Centre at 519-243-8574 for details or visit the park’s webpage for details.
Rondeau Provincial Park
Rondeau Provincial Park is an amazing place to take in all the wonders of migration as thousands of ducks, geese and swans move through the area!
Take in some bird-themed events as well as some new activities the whole family is sure to love, including traditional dancing and storytelling, and making your own birdhouse!
Find the full schedule here.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Don’t hibernate this winter. Grab your friends and family and come join in the fun at MacGregor Point!
Have you checked out MacGregor Point’s best-kept secret? Their ice trail is open and ready to go! The 400 m skating trail provides an unforgettable outdoor experience. We turn trail lights on for skating under the stars until 10:00 pm every day of the week, and that’s when things get truly magical.
Remember to check the Ski Report before heading out.
Stay tuned for more details as they develop!
Presqu’ile Provincial Park — Waterfowl Weekend
Don’t miss the 44th Annual Presqu’ile Waterfowl Weekend on March 21-22, 2020! Presqu’ile offers easy access to viewing stations for up to 25 different species of waterfowl that arrive each spring to rest and feed, before moving on to nesting areas further north and west.
Scheduled activities and spotting scopes with volunteer birders are available from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. The Nature Centre will feature children’s activities and crafts, as well as duck displays.
Find more details here.
Just in the mood for a March Break ramble?
Use our park locator to find the provincial park closest to you.