We know that spending time in nature is good for us. Sometimes we just need a little push!
That’s why on July 17, 2026, parks across the province that normally charge a day use fee will offer FREE entry!
We’ll also celebrate the day with special activities and events!
Book your permit in advance at participating parks
Although day use is free on July 17, it’s important to reserve your spot in advance to guarantee access.
Book online or call 1-888-668-7275 (1-888-ONT-PARK) to snag your daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance of your trip.
Special events
Did you know the Discovery program has offered interpretive programs to visitors for 80 years?
Take a guided hike, bring the fam to a children’s programs, paddle a voyageur canoe, or tour a historic mine — we’ve got it all!
The best part?
Programs are included with your day use permit or camping reservation.
As part of the celebration, here are a few special events happening on July 17:
Bioblitz, Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park
| Time | 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Location | Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park |
Discover and help document biodiversity at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park.
Explore any of the park’s trails and record the plants and wildlife you find.
No experience needed, just curiosity!
Bring your phone with the iNaturalist app to contribute your observations and support real conservation science.
Staff will be on site at the 565 Old Stouffville Rd access point if you need assistance.
Silver Queen Mine Guided Hike, Murphys Point Provincial Park
| Time | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
| Location | Silver Queen Mine Trail (registration required), Murphys Point Provincial Park |
Join park staff at 10:00 a.m. for a guided tour down the Silver Queen Mine Trail and into the historic mica mine!
Visitors should preregister for this tour through the park’s gatehouse or by calling the park at 613-267-5060×0.
*Please note that while pets are allowed on the hike (on leash), they are not permitted in the mine or buildings. Wearing suitable footwear such as running shoes or hiking boots is strongly recommended.
Yoga in the Park, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
| Time | 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Bagwa Day Use Area, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park |
Spending time in nature is good for you. A wide body of research supports physical and mental benefits of spending time in nature.
Join Colleen Jones from Yoga North to stretch, move, and relax in a 1-hour basic yoga session on the beach to reap all the benefits time spent in nature can bring!
Please bring your own towel or mat.
Lake Superior’s Buried Treasures, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
| Time | 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Visitor Centre Theatre, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park |
Great feats of engineering and human ingenuity led to the discovery of the richest silver mine on Earth!
What would you do if you showed up to a new job and it was underwater?
Join staff to learn about the history and legacy of Silver Islet!
Mindful Hike, Bonnechere Provincial Park
| Time | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Location | Bonnechere Provincial Park |
It’s clear that nature is beneficial for both our mental and physical health. Take a moment to be mindful of the feelings nature inspires.
Tune into your senses as you follow the prompts on this self-guided hike. Record and celebrate your observations in the nature journal provided.
All ages are welcome, though children will need support from an adult.
Have you checked out our events calendar?
Use the park events calendar to see highlighted special events, or visit each park’s webpage to find a complete list of events during your trip.
Pay special attention to the description to see if you need to register in advance for any programs.
Ready to spend the day in parks?
Use our Park Locator to find a park near you.
