Park interpreters conduct a Saturday morning bug hunt, 3 yr old Emeraude Charron at the ready with her net behind them, at White Lake Provincial Park.

December 22, 2010

McGuinty Government Encourages Ontarians To Get Outdoors

Ontario’s provincial parks received almost 100,000 more visits in 2010, with a total of close to 10 million Ontarians and visitors enjoying the natural beauty the province has to offer. With at least one of Ontario’s 329 provincial parks within a two-hour distance for most Ontarians, they offer an accessible and affordable range of outdoor activities to families, seniors and to visitors from around the world.

Ontario’s parks remain open during the winter season offering a variety of snow activities such as cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing or hiking.

The Open Ontario Plan sets out to attract more visitors from around the world to Ontario, helping local economies grow with tourism dollars to support and create jobs for families.

• Ontario provincial parks received 9,534,362 visits in 2010.
• More than 80 per cent of visitors to parks are from Ontario.
• Provincial park visitor fees will remain unchanged for 2011.
• Northshore parks are regularly visited by residents of nearby communities; these include Obatanga and White Lake Provincial Parks on the East, Rainbow Falls and Neys on the West. 

• Visit www.OntarioParks.com to find out what’s going on in provincial parks year round.
• Check out the Ski Trail Report.
• For information on camping, park opening and closing dates, family activities and seasonal events, see the online Ontario Parks Guide or get a printed copy by calling 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746). The 2011 Parks Guide will be available soon.