Looking to make the most of your park visit?
Discovery’s outdoor skills programs are a great way to build confidence and learn something new!
Whether you’re camping for the first time or just want to sharpen your skills, here are 5 great reasons to join in:
1. Build confidence
These programs can help you feel more comfortable and capable outside.
With programs ranging from “Hiking Basics” to “Campsite Setup,” you’ll learn practical skills that make outdoor experiences safer and more fun.
Learn how to choose the right trail, organize your campsite, or prepare for bad weather.
For families, we offer programs like “Navigation for Kids” and “Camping for Kids.”
Learning how to use a compass or help set up camp gives kids a sense of accomplishment — and makes the whole experience more fun!
2. Learn by doing
Discovery programs are hands-on. You can practice what you learn in real time.
Practice using rope and twine at our “Knot Tying Skills” program, and learn which knot to choose for different camping tasks.
At a “Campfire Skills” program, learn how to safely build, maintain, and extinguish a fire. This is one skill that’s better practiced in person!
3. Learn how to visit parks
Sometimes, the hardest part of visiting a park is simply knowing where to start.
Programs like our “Park Essentials Tour” and “Discovery Questions & Answers” are there to help.
Learn where to find key facilities, like washrooms and water taps. Discover activities happening during your stay, and get tailored recommendations from friendly staff.
This local knowledge helps you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying your visit.
4. Connect with nature responsibly
We all share the responsibility of caring for the environment.
Programs like “Caring for our Beaches” show how small actions can make a big difference. You’ll learn simple ways to reduce your impact, protect natural spaces, and support healthy ecosystems.
These lessons help ensure that parks remain beautiful and accessible for everyone, now and in the future.
5. It’s flexible and welcoming for all
With a mix of guided sessions and drop-in programs, it’s easy to find something that fits your schedule and interests.
Stop by a drop-in session for a few minutes or stay for the full experience. It’s completely up to you!
Guided programs offer more structure, while still being approachable and inclusive.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or brand new to outdoor adventures, Discovery programs are designed to meet you where you’re at. They’re friendly, informative, and open to all ages and experience levels.
Join us at this summer at a Discovery Outdoor Skills program
Learn about upcoming Outdoor Skills programs by visiting each participating park’s events webpage.
Come curious, leave confident, and make your outdoor experience even more memorable.
Participating parks:
- Algonquin Provincial Park
- Awenda Provincial Park
- Balsam Lake Provincial Park
- Bass Lake Provincial Park
- Darlington Provincial Park
- Earl Rowe Provincial Park
- Fitzroy Provincial Park
- Killarney Provincial Park
- Killbear Provincial Park
- Long Point Provincial Park
- Mara Provincial Park
- McRae Point Provincial Park
- North Beach Provincial Park
- Port Burwell Provincial Park
- Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
- Turkey Point Provincial Park
- Voyageur Provincial Park
- Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
