Are you ready to start a new tradition for the new year?
We’ve got the secret to starting 2025 on the right foot.
Take a hike!
A First Day Hike is a fun and healthy way to kick off the New Year. The concept is simple: on January 1, visit a provincial park near you for a hike!
You’ll feel great after spending some time in the frosty fresh air to ring in 2025!
Hiking for health
A First Day Hike promotes a year-long embrace of health and happiness in the outdoors. Plus, hiking offers head-to-toe health benefits.
Hiking is good for cardiovascular health and can help reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
It’s also great at toning muscles, especially in quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Add some hills or uneven terrain for an even better cardio workout and to burn more calories.
Hiking is good for your mind, too. Research shows that spending time outdoors may increase your attention span and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50%.
As you travel along the trail, you’ll hear the sounds of nature all around you. Nature sounds – like birds and rushing water – have been shown to lower stress levels.
Ring in the new year with a First Day Hike at one of our park events!
Each year, Ontario Parks hosts First Day Hike events where we encourage Ontarians to join us for a hike at one of our 31 operating parks to kick off the new year in a happy, healthy way.
Take a self-guided hike with your friends and family, or find a park event near you:
Visit Sibbald Point this winter for an evening journey along the Maidenhair Fern Trail, lit only by fire and the stars.
Hike between the hours of 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm on your own or join a guided hike led by Sibbald Point’s Discovery team that will begin at 7:00 pm on event dates.
This journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete dependent on your hiking pace.
Staff recommend bringing your own snowshoes, but they are optional depending on amount of snow fall.
Visit Sibbald Point’s event page for more details.
How do Killarney’s critters survive winter’s chill? Do they brave the cold, head south, or curl up for a season-long snooze?
Join Park Naturalist Kate on a guided hike to discover the secrets of wintertime wildlife survival while enjoying breathtaking scenery!
Meet outside the Main Gate on January 1 at 10:00 am for a 2 km hike. This hour-long adventure follows fairly even terrain with a few hills.
Snowshoes or ice cleats are optional but may be useful depending on the conditions.
Explore the beauty of Bronte Creek with a self-guided hike.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing stroll or an invigorating workout, there are 13 kilometres of multi-use trails perfect for walking, jogging, skiing, or cycling.
Start your adventure from Parking Lot A in the Day-Use Area or the Campground Main Lot in the campground area.
Be sure to bring a park map or use your mobile phone’s map app and stay on marked trails to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Dress in layers to stay warm and pack some snacks to keep your energy up along the way.
For more details, visit Bronte Creek’s event page.
Start your year off on the right feather with a winter bird hike at Presqu’ile!
Join our park naturalist on January 1 at 10:00 am at the Camp Office Parking Lot for a guided walk through the campgrounds.
Search for the birds that call Presqu’ile home during the winter season, and experience the therapeutic benefits of birdwatching!
Ready to hit the trails for a guided hike to search for tracks left behind by winter wildlife?
Join our park naturalist on January 1 at 10:00 am at the Mew Lake Old Railway Bike Trail Parking Lot at Kilometre 30. The hike will last approximately 1.5 hours.
Binoculars will be provided to help you get a closer look.
Staff recommend wearing winter boots. Don’t forget to dress warm!
Pinery is offering a guided hike at 11:00 am at the Cedar Trail.
Join our park naturalist for a snowy stroll to discover how plants, animals, and humans adapt to the challenges of winter’s coldest and darkest days. Don’t forget to bundle up!
Start your year with an unforgettable day at Awenda!
With nearly 35 kilometres of winter trails, there’s something for everyone — whether you prefer hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
Looking for hiking and snowshoeing trails? Try out the Beach Trail (3.7 km), Robitaille Trail (7.5 km), and Wendat Trail (8 km).
For cross-country skiing trails, check out the Brulé Trail (4.2 km) and the Bluff Trail (10 km).
Click here for more information on our trails!
Parking is available at the Trail and Activity Centre (trails can be accessed from these locations).
Pretty River Valley Provincial Park
Explore Pretty River Valley’s scenic 2 km trail on a self-guided hike between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm
The trail offers a moderate challenge and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Park staff will be on-site with an Ask-the-Naturalist table to answer your questions. They will also be facilitating a fun scavenger hunt!
Complimentary hot chocolate and coffee will be provided – remember to bring your mug.
Ready to hit the trails?
Start planning your First Day Hike now!
Hiking during the winter can be fun as long as you plan ahead, be prepared, and dress for the conditions. Let this mark the beginning of a healthy lifestyle for the whole family!
Don’t forget to guarantee your spot! Visit our reservation service to obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance for one of the many participating parks up to five days in advance of your trip.
