Ontario’s provincial parks will be open to the public free of charge on Friday, July 19th for all day-use visitors.
The Ontario government is encouraging everyone to visit a provincial park to improve their health in recognition of Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
On July 19, if you visit a provincial park that normally charges a fee for day use, the fee will be waived and you can enjoy the park facilities for free until 10 p.m. Charges in addition to regular day use fees still apply for facilities such as camping and equipment rentals.
The provincial government has designated July 19 as Healthy Parks Healthy People Day as part of the world-wide Healthy Parks Healthy People movement. Launched in Australia in 2000, the movement reinforces and encourages the connections between a healthy environment and a healthy society.
For example, research shows that access to nature and green space plays a vital role in physical and mental health, well-being, and development. Contact with nature has been found to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, help fight disease, and reduce stress.
In addition, activities done in a natural environment reduce anger, fatigue, and sadness when compared to the same activities done in a human-made environment.
“I invite all Ontarians to take advantage of this free pass to Ontario Parks, an opportunity to immerse yourselves in the joy and wonder of exploring the great outdoors,” says Ontario’s minister of the environment, conservation and parks Andrea Khanjin in a media release.
“Whether you’re looking to get some exercise or seeking a fun and affordable day with your family, I hope this free day will give more people the opportunity to explore everything that their local provincial park has to offer.”
While entry to the parks is free on July 19, the government recommends obtaining daily vehicle permits in advance to secure a spot and avoid potential delays. Permits can be reserved at no charge up to five days before July 19 at ontarioparks.ca/dayuse/getapermit.
Provincial parks in the Kawarthas
Parks in the Kawarthas region include Balsam Lake near Kirkfield, Emily near Omemee, Ferris near Campbellford, Kawartha Highlands north of Buckhorn, Lake St. Peter north of Maynooth, Mark S. Burnham in Peterborough, Petroglyphs near Woodview, Presqu’ile near Brighton, and Silent Lake near Apsley.
If you’re willing to travel a little north of the Kawarthas, there’s also Algonquin Provincial Park — the most popular provincial park in Canada with more than 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometres of streams and rivers.
