2009 Parks Season Officially Opens

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2009 Parks Season Officially Opens

 

 

May 05, 2009 / www.mnr.gov.on.ca

 

 

2009 Parks Season Officially Opens

McGuinty Government Invites Everyone To Experience Ontario’s World-Renowned Parks

 

NEWS

 

Most provincial parks in southern Ontario will be open on May 8, with the majority of northern parks opening on May 15.

 

Ontario’s provincial parks offer a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Many parks also provide Natural Heritage Education programs for children and adults to connect with their surroundings and learn about wildlife, plants, and park history.

 

May 8 also marks the beginning of an 11-day ban on the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in 44 provincial parks.

 

QUOTES

 

Visiting one of Ontario’s magnificent provincial parks this year is an opportunity for you, your family and friends to get outdoors and appreciate the value and beauty of nature. Parks are located in areas all across the province so there is sure to be one nearby to enjoy.

– Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources

 

QUICK FACTS

• There are 330 provincial parks in Ontario; 113 of these are “operating” parks (with visitor facilities). Last year, more than 9.5 million visits were made to Ontario Parks.
  
• Ontario Parks employs more than 1500 students each summer.
  
• Ontario’s provincial parks protect distinctive landscapes, rare plant and animal species and historic cultural sites.
  

 

LEARN MORE

• To find out more about the alcohol ban, camping, park opening and closing dates, fees and special events in provincial parks, visit the Ontario Parks website (www.OntarioParks.com).
  
• See the 2009 Ontario Parks Guide at www.ontarioparks.com/english/parksguide.html.
  
• Get a printed copy by calling 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746).
  
• To reserve a campsite, call 1-888-ONT-PARK (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.
  

 

For More Information

Ivan Langrish, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212

Media Desk, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106

 

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre

1-800-667-1940

TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)