GET BACK TO NATURE IN ONTARIO'S PROVINCIAL PARKS

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2007

GET BACK TO NATURE IN ONTARIO'S PROVINCIAL PARKS
2007 Parks Season Opens In May

TORONTO — Ontario’s provincial parks are ready to welcome visitors for the 2007 season, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

“Get away and experience the diversity of Ontario’s provincial parks and enjoy nature at its best,” said Ramsay.  “Our parks offer something for everyone, whether you are returning to a favorite park or exploring a new part of the province.”

Most provincial parks in southern Ontario open on May 11, with the majority of northern parks open on May 18.   An alcohol ban is in place for 43 parks until May 21, 2007.  A complete list of parks and information on those affected by the ban is available at www.OntarioParks.com.

It’s a great year to venture north.  Park visitors can experience amazing views at Ouimet Canyon or at The Lookout at Sleeping Giant, or enjoy spectacular sandy beaches at Pancake Bay and Neys.  Quetico Provincial Park and Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater offer world-class canoeing and backcountry adventure.  Families can tour the visitor centres at French River or Lake Superior provincial parks, or take part in a Voyageur adventure tour at Samuel de Champlain.

There are also many things to do along the way. 

Half the fun of enjoying Ontario’s provincial parks is getting there, with great attractions and pit stops along the way,” said Tourism Minister Jim Bradley.  “There’s no place like Ontario for fun this summer.”

For information on things to do along the way this summer, visit www.ontariotravel.net/summer.

This year, the government has introduced the Ontario Parks Insider, an electronic newsletter containing exclusive promotions and offers, as well as the latest information about events and activities at featured parks.  You can sign up at www.ontarioparksinsider.com.

Campsite reservations are available up to five months in advance for a non-refundable reservation fee of $12.  Reservations can be made by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (668-7275) or by booking online at the Ontario Parks website at www.OntarioParks.com. 

Free copies of the 2007 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. 

Related Information

• ONTARIO PARKS SEASON 2007

For More Information

Anne-Marie Flanagan
Minister’s Office
416-327-0654

Jolanta Kowalski
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2106

General Enquiries

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