We know that spending time in nature is good for us.
Sometimes, we just need a little push to get outside and feel the effects!
That’s why on July 15, we are offering a variety of activities in parks across the province in celebration of Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
All parks that normally charge a day-use fee will be offering free entry so you can enjoy the benefits of being in nature.
Special events
Did you know that the Discovery Program has offered interpretive programs to visitors for over 75 years?
Explore a new trail on a guided hike, play with your kids at a children’s programs, paddle a voyageur canoe, or tour a historic mine.
The best part?
Programs are free with your day-use permit or camping reservation.
Here are a few Discovery Programs happening on July 15:
Sunset walk to Sunset Rock, Killarney Provincial Park
Join naturalist Kate on a journey through time to witness the powers of water, earth, and ice that have shaped Killarney’s landscape for billions of years.
This gentle walk to George Lake Campground’s most scenic lookout will reveal the signs of Killarney’s geologic past right beneath your feet.
- Where: Killarney Provincial Park
- When: July 15 at 8:00 pm
Nature Detectives Exploration Station, Bonnechere Provincial Park
Bring along your Discovery Activity Book (or pick one up at the Exploration Station), and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature.
Be sure to share your observations with park staff and to take the Discovery Ranger Pledge!
- Where: Bonnechere Provincial Park
- When: July 15, 2:00 pm
Beginner Yoga & Stretch Session, Mara Provincial Park and McRae Point Provincial Park
Join our park ambassador at the beach for a beginner yoga/stretch session while overlooking beautiful Lake Simcoe.
- Where: Mara Provincial Park and McRae Point Provincial Park
- When: July 15 — Mara, 10:00 am; McRae Point, 2:00 pm
Did you know that park ambassadors are available at 15 parks, offering workshops to learn new outdoor skills?
Make sure to book your spot in advance!
Here are a few ambassador workshops taking place on July 15:
How to build the perfect campfire, Sibbald Point Provincial Park
What camping trip is complete without a cozy campfire?
Campfires keep us warm, cook our food, and are perfect for making happy memories with family and friends. Learn everything you need to start, take care of, and extinguish your fire when you’re done.
- Where: Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- When: July 15, 1:00 pm
How to set up your site, Sibbald Point Provincial Park
New to camping and not sure what to do when you get to your campsite?
Join a park ambassador to learn what equipment you’ll need, how to set up your eating and sleeping areas, how to protect nature while you’re here, and how to tear down when you’re done.
- Where: Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- When: July 15, 1:00 pm
One-on-one topics
Planning on an overnight trip to one of our participating parks for Healthy Parks Healthy People Day?
You can book an ambassador on July 15 at Awenda Provincial Park, Turkey Point Provincial Park, Killbear Provincial Park, Long Point Provincial Park, Earl Rowe Provincial Park, or Killarney Provincial Park for one of the following topics:
- How to cook while camping
- I’m new to Ontario Parks — what do I need to know?
- What kind of animals live at Ontario Parks?
Find a park near you!
Use our park locator find a park near you.
Have you checked out our new events calendar?
Use the park events calendar to see highlighted special events taking place, or visit each park’s webpage to find a full list of events taking place during your trip.
Pay special attention to the description to see if you need to register in advance for any programs.
Make an advanced reservation at participating parks (yes, even on HPHP Day!)
Just because day-use is free on Healthy Parks Healthy People Day doesn’t mean you don’t need to book your spot (in fact, we expect to be extremely busy, so it’s even more important!).
Visit our reservation service to obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance for one of the 33 participating parks up to five days in advance of your trip.