PARKS SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENS

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2008

PARKS SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENS
McGuinty Government Invites Everyone To Experience The Wonder Of Ontario Parks

NEWS
Most provincial parks in southern Ontario open on May 9 and the majority of northern parks open on May 16.

Ontario’s parks have some of the best examples of natural and cultural heritage that Ontario has to offer and are popular camping destinations.  Reservations, which can be made five months in advance, are recommended for overnight stays.

The opening of the parks season on May 9 also marks the beginning of an 11-day ban on the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in 43 selected provincial parks. 

QUOTES

“Ontario’s provincial parks offer a range of fun family activities, including camping, hiking, canoeing and picnicking,” said Donna Cansfield, Natural Resources Minister.  “Most importantly, visiting our parks allow us to experience the biodiversity that makes our province truly unique.”

“Our parks are world-renowned for their natural beauty and provide great places for residents and visitors to make lifelong memories,” said Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca.  “They are an important part of Ontario’s tourism industry and help make this province an exciting outdoor and adventure destination.”

QUICK FACTS

• There are 329 provincial parks in Ontario; 114 of these are “operating” parks (with visitor facilities) and 19 are open all year long.
• Ontario’s parks and protected areas cover over 9 million hectares, or about 9 per cent of the province’s area.
• There are still plenty of campsites available for the 2008 camping season.

LEARN MORE

• Visit the Ontario Parks website to find out about opening and closing dates, camping accommodations, park fees, and special events in provincial parks.
• To reserve a campsite, call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST daily, or book online 24 hours a day at the Ontario Parks website.
• See the 2008 Parks Guide  or the Ontario Parks website for more information on the alcohol ban.
• Want a copy of the 2008 Ontario Parks Guide?  Please call 1-800-ONTARIO.

Related Information

Backgrounder: ONTARIO PARKS SEASON 2008

For More Information

Media Enquiries

David Bauer, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212
Jolanta Kowalski, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106

ontario.ca/natural-resources-news

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)