Ontario Parks Bucket List

It started as a hunt for a birthday gift. My boyfriend's birthday was approaching at the beginning of June, and I wanted to find a unique and interactive gift to celebrate his 25th birthday. We both love to adventure and were already planning a couple of summer camping trips. I don't remember when, or even where I came across the Ontario Parks Passport (I was too excited, it's all a blur) but I knew I had stumbled across the perfect birthday addition. 

Ontario Parks, the governing organization of Ontario's Provincial Parks, came out with an 'Ontario Parks Passport' designed to encourage visitors at all the province's parks. Due to the sheer vastness of the province, some parks receive more visitors than others on an annual basis. From my own research, I have noticed that the southern parks close to large cities are significantly busier than those in the barren north. I think the passport serves as a challenge to visit all 115 parks and explore the paths less travelled. When at a new park, visitors can purchase a park crest sticker to signify completion of another goal. Given that we can only visit a few parks each year, we figure that we have at least 25 good years of provincial park camping ahead of us! 

Rondeau Provincial Park (May 2023)

Over the past 2 years, we have camped at 6 parks. Our journey began with MacGregor Point, followed by, Bronte Creek, Rideau River, Earl Rowe, Rondeau, and most recently, Turkey Point. Over reading week, my boyfriend and I booked a spontaneous fall camping trip to Turkey Point Provincial Park with some friends. Located on Lake Erie, Turkey Point Provincial Park offered us beach access, beautiful fall colours, and comfortable seasonal temperatures. The campground was practically empty as it was mid-week on the shoulder season. It always surprises me that fall camping is not more popular! I cannot think of anything better than curling up with a warm cup of coffee around the campfire and breathing in the crisp fall air. The lack of bugs and humidity also make this an ideal time to be outside.

I think that there is a lot of value in spending time outside and disconnecting from our modern, man-made responsibilities such as work or school. Whenever I spend time outside, I feel better emotionally, mentally, and physically. While the Ontario Parks Passport may be a marketing tactic, I am happy that the organization is taking initiative to encourage people to get out of the city and into nature - especially the more remote areas. For myself, I have always wanted to visit the northern parts of Ontario, but I always lacked motivation as it seemed rather unattainable. Now that we keep track of our visits in the passport, I feel a sense of responsibility to explore the province I call home - even if it might take 25+ years!

Rondeau Provincial Park (May 2023)