Explore Ontario’s spectacular natural resources
It’s hard to believe if you’re in the centre of a city, but most of Ontario is wilderness. Two thirds of the province is forests, and almost a fifth is lakes and rivers. The rest is mostly wetlands and fields – just two per cent of the province is developed as urban, residential and industrial.
Ontario’s natural spaces are waiting for you to explore. In fact, 87 per cent of the province is Crown land – owned by all Ontarians. Find out about camping and other recreation activities on Crown land.
There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Ontario – camping, fishing, hunting, and more!
Check out our provincial parks
Find a park close to home (or far away), and plan a fun day trip – or the trip of a lifetime.
Try fishing for the first time!
Many events supply gear for kids and families during a licence-free weekend in February and week in July.
Explore our provincial parks
Our 330 provincial parks cover 90,000 square kilometres and attract 10 million visits each year. Take a day trip or plan a weekend or week of camping in a provincial park. (Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions about out parks.)
Ontario has some of the best fishing in the world
With a quarter million lakes and countless streams and rivers, we have some of the best fishing anywhere. There are opportunities in and near cities – or head to a provincial park. And don’t let cold weather stop you from angling – ice fishing is a great way to spend a winter day.
Just getting started? If you’re over 17 and under 65, you’ll need an Outdoors Card and a licence tag. Here’s more information about how to get them. If you’ve never fished before, Family Fishing Weekend in February and Family Fishing Week in July are great times to give it a try. Many organizations hold derbies where they share equipment and advice with children and families.
At Fish Ontario, you’ll find all the information you need for a successful fishing experience.
Ontario has a hunting heritage
You can join generations of hunters with opportunities from wild turkey and waterfowl to deer, moose and bear.
Just getting started? You’ll need to take a hunter education course to be licensed, plus a federal firearms course if you want to hunt with a gun. Find out what you need to do to get a hunting licence at Outdoors Cards and Licences.
Our Hunt Ontario guide provides everything you need to plan your hunt in Ontario, including information about moose, deer, wild turkey, black bear, bow hunting, muzzleloaders, waterfowl, game birds, small game, regulation and contacts.
Take a hike! Or paddle a canoe!
The Ontario Trails Council can help you find a hiking route close to your home. Maybe you’d like to take up snowmobiling. Or plan a trip to see Ontario’s spectacular fall colours in one of our provincial parks.
Ontario Travel can help you choose your outdoor adventure, from canoeing and kayaking to rock climbing and birdwatching.
Get involved in a conservation project
Find out what you can do to help protect Ontario’s plants and animals and the wild places where they live. Or see how you can get involved in protecting our rarest and most endangered species.
Enjoy Nature