Today’s post comes from Nick Lacombe, fisheries biologist at Algonquin Provincial Park. For me, springtime in Algonquin means trout fishing. Many others share this feeling, as about 70% of backcountry campers fish for trout during their spring trips. Lakes containing Brook and Lake Trout are found throughout the Algonquin backcountry, with the best lakes often … Continue reading Help us maintain the Algonquin trout fishing tradition
Today’s post comes from Program Development Intern Vincent La Tassa at the Invasive Species Centre. Ontario is home to a significant number of majestic oak trees, many of which take root in our provincial parks. They provide us with shade, beauty, and a sense of connection with nature. The sprawling canopies of these mighty oaks … Continue reading What YOU need to know to keep oak wilt out of Ontario Parks!
Today’s post comes from Cara Freitag, a park naturalist at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. One of the most interesting stories that a small, shrubby, low-growing plant can tell is that of Sleeping Giant’s arctic disjunct species. They survived a journey of over 850 km: that’s almost infinity for small plants like the Encrusted Saxifrage. Travelling … Continue reading Orphaned by the Ice Age
The deep green boreal forest of Kettle Lakes Provincial Park contains 22 beautiful little lakes. Of these lakes, 20 are actually called “kettle lakes” by geographers. So what is a “kettle lake?” To answer that question, we first must look at how kettles are formed.
Today’s blog was written by Almeera Ahmed, School Outreach Coordinator with the Discovery program. Born and raised in the urban landscape of Brampton, Ontario, my childhood was far from the serene wilderness that would later define my career path. Growing up, my encounters with wildlife were confined to the captivating narratives of wildlife documentaries. However, … Continue reading A journey from the heart of Pinery to school outreach coordinator
Calling all anglers! Fishing season doesn’t end when the lake freezes over. Our parks are home to some world-class ice fishing opportunities. Here are some prime spots to drop a line this winter:
Today’s post comes from year-round multispecies angler and writer Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com. As the ice freezes up across the province, anglers will soon begin venturing out onto the hard water for some ice fishing action. Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors during our long, cold winters. Trust me, when … Continue reading Ice fishing safety all season long
In today’s post, year-round multispecies angler and writer Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com recounts a killer 2018 trip. There’s nothing I love more than venturing off on a road trip to somewhere new. This week’s adventure began at my home in Ottawa. Eric and I loaded up our truck and headed off to Windy Lake Provincial Park.
We called on Ontario Parks Architect Matthew Harvey to provide some insight on outhouses…the good, the bad, and the stinky! In the course of my 30 year architectural career with Ontario Parks, I occasionally get asked what I do for a living. I proudly reply “Why, I design outhouses!” If that person doesn’t excuse themselves, … Continue reading A look back on Ontario Parks’ outhouses
We are so happy to welcome visitors to Ontario Parks… …on the other hand, we are not so delighted to see what accompanies them. We know many of you have also noticed this and have expressed your concerns. We appreciate and encourage park-lovers who are committed to protecting our environment for the future.
