*Contest webpage will be activated prior to publication*
Lawren Harris, Norval Morrisseau, and you….what do these people have in common?
They have a passion for Ontario’s wildlife, natural landscapes, and artistic expression!
Get your brushes, pencils, styluses, (or whichever tool you prefer) ready; we’re having a sticker design contest!
~
A sticker design contest?!
That’s right!
In celebration of our love for natural spaces, Ontario Parks is asking YOU to design a sticker that will be given away to our park visitors at the beginning of this coming summer season.
Your art builds on our extensive collection of both crest and parks-themed stickers — we’re thrilled to have your keen artistic eye!
All ages are welcome — but to ensure we have all visitors represented, we’re running TWO different categories: one for youth participants (up to 17 years) and adults (18+).
~
The theme: Connect with Nature
How do you connect with nature?
Is it by taking a slow, meditative walk through nature? Casting your rod into the still waters of your favourite lake? Or submitting everything and everything you see at a park to iNaturalist?
We want YOU to inspire our 2026 visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature just as much as you do.
While designing your sticker, we encourage you to incorporate your favourite parks of nature. Just don’t include Ontario Parks logos or crests — you can leave that up to us!
~
How can I get inspired?
We encourage you to visit your favourite natural space in order to feel those creative juices flowing! (Don’t forget a notebook, phone, tablet, or however you prefer to record your nature!)
Here are a few activities that make us feel inspired:
~
Hike
Wandering through the forest allows us to take our time and appreciate the surrounding environment.
Take a moment and ask yourself: what do I hear? What do I see? How do I feel?
You could spot a stunning Red Cardinal in a tree, the sun shining through the gently moving canopy, or a snake sunning itself on the trail.
~
Paddle
Time to take to the water!
Bring or rent your watercraft and paddle smooth or stirring waters.
Feel the sun on your face as you push yourself along. Trace around the water’s edge and notice the unique geography. Appreciate the sun sparkling off the water.
Take a moment and ask yourself: what do I hear? What do I see? How do I feel?
~
Camp
Gather around with family and friends for a campfire. Listen to the crackling of the wood and watch sparks dance in the sky.
Wake up with the sun and the sound of birds chirping.
Cook a nourishing meal that always tastes better when outdoors.
Take a moment and ask yourself: what do I hear? What do I see? How do I feel?
~
How do I enter?
Simply fill out our online form and include a JPEG copy of your design.
Complete instructions and guidelines for entry are available on our contest webpage.
~
How are you judging the contest?
A judging panel including Ontario Parks staff from across the province will judge your stickers.
Don’t worry — we’ve got a keen understanding of artistic style.
~
When do I have to enter by?
The deadline for the contest is November 28 by 12:00 pm.
Please have your entry submitted on our web form before that time.
~
What do I win?
The top three submissions in each category will be awarded an Ontario Parks merchandise package (and bragging rights! Don’t forget about those bragging rights!).
~
How do I learn more?
Visit our contest webpage for all the important deets!
~
