Summary of Provincial Park Offences
There is one basic rule in Ontario Parks: Have respect and consideration for your fellow visitors and the park environment. The following table lists some of the more common laws enforced in provincial parks. Under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, the registered permit holder is responsible for the conduct of all campsite occupants and could be charged with an offence based on the actions of the occupants of the registered campsite. The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act and other legislation governing behaviour in provincial parks can be reviewed at provincial park offices and on the e-laws website at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca . These laws are enforced by Provincial Park Wardens who have all the power and the authority of a member of the Ontario Provincial Police within a provincial park. Many of the listed offences could result in eviction from a provincial park. Evicted visitors are prohibited from re-entering any Provincial Park for a period of 72 hours. Fines do not include the victim fine surcharge.
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Alcoholic Beverages
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If you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume alcoholic beverages on a registered campsite only. Many parks enforce a complete alcohol ban on Victoria Day and for the preceding ten days. An alcohol ban is also in effect at Sibbald Point Provincial Park on Labour Day and for the preceding five days. During these time frames, possession of alcohol is prohibited everywhere within parks imposing the alcohol ban. |
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Rowdyism / Noise
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Provincial Parks are established to provide a setting for peaceful and natural experiences. Rowdy behaviour which includes excessive noise, obscene language or gestures, is not permitted. You cannot disturb any other person or interfere with their enjoyment of the park any time of the day or night. Operation of an audio device (such as a radio, stereo, TV, etc.) in a radio free area is prohibited. |
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Storing Wildlife Attractants
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Do not maintain or store potential wildlife attractants, including food or beverages, food preparation or storage equipment, cooking devices or utensils, garbage or recycling products, scented products or any other item that is likely to attract wildlife. |
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Refuse
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Deposit all garbage and litter in the containers provided to discourage wildlife from becoming pests. Campsites and/or facilities must be clean at all times to eliminate potential hazards to parks visitors and wildlife. |
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Vehicles
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Off-Road vehicles are not permitted in Provincial Parks because of the environmental damage they cause. Licensed motor vehicles may be operated on roads only. All provisions of the Highway Traffic Act apply on all park roads. Each vehicle in the park must have a valid permit. Bicycles are only allowed on park roads and on designated bike trails. |
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Parking
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All vehicles must park in a designated area and display a valid park permit. You must prominently display your valid park permit on your dashboard. |
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Pets
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For health and safety reasons, your pet must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 2 meters at all times. You must ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with campsite vegetation or wildlife. You must ensure your pet does not interfere with others enjoyment of the park. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area, on the beach or in a posted prohibited area at any time. |
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Environmental Protection
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To maintain the park as a natural setting, the removal of natural objects is prohibited. All vegetation, wildlife and natural features are protected in provincial parks. This includes the cutting of any live growth and the damage of any natural or other object. You may not take any fallen or dead wood from a provincial park for the purpose of a campfire or other such intent. |
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Camping Permit
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To maintain the park as a natural setting, the removal of natural objects is prohibited. All vegetation, wildlife and natural features are protected in provincial parks. This includes the cutting of any live growth and the damage of any natural or other object. You may not take any fallen or dead wood from a provincial park for the purpose of a campfire or other such intent. |
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Camping Equipment / Persons
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Without a limit on the amount of camping gear allowed, campsites would quickly deteriorate, becoming larger, eventually destroying the surrounding vegetation. The maximum number of campers allowed per campground campsite is six persons and the maximum number of campers allowed on an interior campsite is nine persons. |
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Campfires
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Fireplaces are designated by park staff for safety reasons. Restricting fires to these locations greatly reduces the risk of forest fires. At any time during a fire ban no person is permitted to have a fire unless otherwise stated by the Park Superintendent. |
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Fireworks
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Possession or use of Fireworks is prohibited in Provincial Parks at all times. They constitute a fire hazard and disturb visitors who wish to enjoy the park in a peaceful manner. |
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Hours of Closing
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Only registered campers are allowed in a provincial park during the posted hours of closing (10 p.m. to 8 a.m.). |
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Fines are subject to change. This is not a complete listing of offences; please refer to the specific legislation.