Category: Healthy Parks Healthy People
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Listen to nature: what do you hear?
Today’s blog post comes from Ecologist Corina Brdar. When Corina’s not working at Ontario Parks, she is actively involved in the growing nature journaling and mindfulness community. Our last nature mindfulness moment led you through a simple 10-minute exercise in paying attention by looking, listening, and feeling. This month, we invite you to dive a…
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Nature matters and so do you
We know how much nature matters – and we know you do too! That’s why Ontario Parks asked you for your opinion last year during our Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) consultation. And you responded! We received more than 2,500 responses from researchers, members of the healthcare sector, environmental groups, Indigenous organizations, educators, and members…
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This is your brain on nature!
Nature? We’re here for it and so are our friends at Coleman Canada. Read on to find out how they’re helping us encourage Ontarians to spend more time outside! It’s easy to feel a bit low at this time of year. It seems to get dark outside immediately after lunch, the sun is elusive, and…
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Meeting the 30×30 Challenge during challenging times
ICYMI, August 1 kicked off Healthy Parks Healthy People’s 30×30 Challenge! All you need to do is get outside for 30 minutes for 30 days to experience the many benefits nature provides! There’s lots of research about how spending time outside is good for us. But how do we get outside safely this summer especially…
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Ontario Parks: a natural place of healing
In today’s post, Discovery Lead Tim Tully asks us a very important question. What do parks mean to you? Chances are this is a question that has recently taken on more importance.
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How to use your senses to experience nature at home
Today’s post comes from Rachel Gagnon, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator. Did you know that nature can touch all our senses: sound, smell, sight, touch, and taste? During these times when we can’t visit our favourite natural spaces, bringing pieces of nature home can help us experience some of its benefits. So few…
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Health benefits of backcountry camping
Today’s post comes from Sarah McMichael, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator. Backcountry camping is known for being a way to experience beautiful, serene landscapes. But a backcountry trip also provides an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally. The combination of paddling, portaging, and hiking through the backcountry is a great all-over workout.…
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5 walks through winter woods
The health benefits of hiking are head-to-toe. A walk in the woods can help alleviate mental fatigue, and improve creative thinking. Hiking is also great for cardiovascular health and muscle tone. But is hiking an option in the winter? Absolutely. We’ve collected a list of five parks with stellar options for winter rambles:
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4 ways camping helps us slow down and enjoy life
Today’s post comes from Connor Oke, an Ontario Parks marketing intern. We live in a world that demands a lot of us. Canadians work overtime at higher rates than they did 25 years ago. At the same time, we spend more hours in front of screens and on social media, which are linked to increased…