Do you want to get a better night sleep? Be more creative? Have more focus and attention?
What about a higher level of job satisfaction, or a general feeling of being restored?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the 30×30 Nature Challenge might be for you!
Studies show that time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier, and less stressed. As little as 30 minutes per day can lower your blood pressure, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood!
Imagine how your health and happiness could improve by spending time in nature each day for a month. That’s what the 30×30 Nature Challenge is all about.
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How to participate
Joining the August 30×30 Nature Challenge is simple.
This August, Ontario Parks challenges you to make nature a priority by spending 30 minutes outside every day for 30 days.
All you need to do is choose where to spend your 30 minutes, and what activities to try.
For ideas, check out: Five outdoor activities to improve your health.
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Special events
We encourage you to find meaningful moments in nature — whether in our parks, a forest, a beach, or in your own backyard!
Your 30 minutes outside can be as simple as breathing deeply, closing your eyes, and relaxing your brain and body.
If you are looking to join one of the engaging events happening in parks across the province, be sure to visit our online events calendar.
Here are some events and activities to get you outside in August:
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Sunset Stroll at Pinery Provincial Park
| Date | August 2, 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
| Location | Dunes Beach Lookout |
Join Park Naturalists to learn how rolling waves and grains of sand created Pinery.
Stroll along the shoreline as day turns to dusk and marvel at the world-renowned Lake Huron sunset.
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Take A Hike Day
| Date | August 9, 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Location | All provincial parks (self-guided) Select provincial parks (Discovery programming) |
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Discovery staff across the province are encouraging everyone to explore our provincial park system by taking a hike.
Whether along a trail with our knowledgeable Discovery staff or on your own with one of our amazing Discovery products, it’s a chance to enjoy the beauty of Ontario Parks.
Check out each park’s event calendar, see in-park program listings, or speak to staff for details about what programs are being offered.
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Wildflower Appreciation at Bonnechere Provincial Park
| Date | August 13, 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm |
| Location | Bonnechere Provincial Park |
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it’s hard to deny the beauty of wildflowers!
Get up close and personal with these tiny wonders – examine their colours, count their petals, and admire their shapes.
Take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and let their beauty spark your creativity. Record and celebrate your discoveries in the nature journal provided.
All ages are welcome, though children will need support from an adult.
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Nature in Watercolour at Windy Lake Provincial Park
| Date | August 23, 2025 |
| Time | 10:00 am to 11:00 am |
| Location | Windy Lake Provincial Park |
Put your “art eyes” on and join us as we seek out and celebrate the beauty of nature!
Focus your attention using the frames provided – zoom in on a leaf or zoom out on a landscape. Then use the watercolour paints provided to paint what you see.
There is no limit to nature’s beauty.
All ages welcome. No watercolour experience necessary.
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Stargazing with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at Algonquin Provincial Park
| Date | August 28-30, 2025 |
| Time | 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Location | Mew Lake Campground (at km 30.6, near sites 67 and 70) |
Join members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (Toronto Centre) for a night of stargazing!
You will have the opportunity to observe astronomical phenomena together such as Saturn, galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae.
If you have binoculars or a telescope, please feel free to bring them along. Please do not use flashlights or headlamps when joining the event as white light rapidly destroys night vision. Red light flashlights/headlamps are acceptable.
This event is weather dependent and will not take place if there is rain or if the sky is very cloudy.
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Bonus: give plogging a go!
It may have a funny name, but the concept of plogging is simple.
Eco-friendly folks head out for a jog and bring an empty garbage bag (and a glove) to pick up trash along the way. During your jog, you are prepared to pause, and pick up litter as you see it.
It’s a great way to give back to valuable ecosystems during your 30×30 Nature Challenge!
- Where: any green space
- When: any time!
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What are you waiting for?
The 30×30 Nature Challenge starts August 1.
Keep track of your journey on X, Facebook and Instagram by sharing photos and stories with the #OP30x30NatureChallenge hashtag.
