Starting this year, the Ford government is going to let people drink alcohol pretty much anywhere they want in provincial parks.
On Wednesday (April 15), the provincial government announced it is relaxing restrictions on alcohol use in Ontario’s parks, which was previously limited to individual campsites.
Now, people 19 years and older can consume alcohol “in most areas of provincial parks that are open and staffed for the 2026 season,” according to a media release.
That includes areas frequented by families, including picnic areas, beaches, and other day use areas across a park.
“Park users will not receive tickets or fines for responsibly consuming alcohol in permitted areas outside of individual campsites,” the release states.
There will be some areas in parks that will remain alcohol-free, including sites of cultural or historical significance, buildings where food and drink are already restricted, and “areas that may pose significant safety risks,” presumably for someone who is inebriated.
The province says the change is “part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy,” with Ontario’s environment, conservation, and parks minister Todd McCarthy noting the province is “supporting experiences that attract more visitors” to the parks.
“As families and friends gather for picnics or unwind after a long day on the trails, updated rules around where alcohol can be consumed are intended to improve the overall park experience and support local tourism, while continuing to prioritize safety,” McCarthy says.
The government adds that “existing rules still apply for unsafe or unlawful behaviour, including public intoxication, underage possession or consumption, and having open or improperly stored alcohol in a motor vehicle or boat” and that park staff “will continue to enforce rules to ensure Ontario Parks remain safe, family friendly and enjoyable for everyone.”
In terms of making safety a priority, the media release does not address the potential risks from allowing day users of parks — who usually drive to get to a park — to consume alcohol, and whether or how park staff will be trained to deal with enforcement of park visitors who are too inebriated to drive.
The decision to relax alcohol restrictions in Ontario parks is another example of the Ford government’s ongoing efforts to expand alcohol availability and consumption, which began when Ford launched his populist “buck-a-beer” slogan during the 2018 election campaign that saw him become premier.
Since then, the Ford government has expanded sales of alcohol to convenience stores and, most recently this spring, allowed “bring your own” permits for people to consume alcohol at municipally designated cultural or community outdoor public events, including farmers’ markets, movie screenings, art exhibits, and neighbourhood festivals.
The provincial government has also announced that it will be expanding alcohol sales to Ontario Parks stores at Fitzroy, Earl Rowe, Emily, and Murphys Point provincial parks for the 2026 operating season. Alcohol sales are already allowed at select Ontario Parks stores, including at Bonnechere, Presqu’ile, Pinery, and Halfway Lake provincial parks.
