ONTARIO PARKS SEASON 2008

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2008

ONTARIO PARKS SEASON 2008
BACKGROUNDER

Ontario Parks Reservation Service
Ontario provincial parks are popular camping spots, so reservations are recommended for overnight stays.  Reservations can be made up to five months in advance.  The cost for each reservation is $11.85, and the minimum cost to change or cancel a reservation is $8.90.

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.

Regular fees for campsites range from $23.75 to $37.35 a night, with discounts available for Ontario seniors and Ontario person with disabilities.  Day-use fees range from $8.90 to $16.80 a day.  Seasonal day-use passes are also available.  In addition to campgrounds for tents and trailers, some parks offer yurts, cabins and cottages for rent.

Most provincial parks in southern Ontario open on May 9, and the majority of northern parks open on May 16.  Visit the Ontario Parks website to find out when a specific park is opening.

Alcohol Ban in 43 Provincial Parks
Ontario Parks reminds campers that the opening of the parks season on Friday, May 9, also marks the beginning of an 11-day ban on the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in selected provincial parks.

The alcohol ban, from Friday, May 9, through Monday, May 19, includes campsites and day-use areas.  Beginning May 20, park visitors may consume alcoholic beverages on their registered campsites only.  The possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in day-use areas year-round.  Charges under the Liquor Licence Act and regulations can be laid against those who possess and consume alcohol in day-use areas or do not observe the alcohol ban.

This year, the alcohol ban is in effect at the following 43 provincial parks:

Parks Guide
Free copies of the 2008 Ontario Parks Guide are available from any provincial park office, tourism agency, ServiceOntario/Government Information Centre and local chamber of commerce, or by either calling 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746) or visiting the Ontario Parks website.

For More Information

Media Enquiries

Bruce Van Staalduinen, Ontario Parks, 705-755-1712

ontario.ca/mnr

General Enquiries

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