Explore nature with our Discovery program!

The Ontario Parks Discovery team is hard at work coming up with creative ways to connect visitors with the special stories and values protected in our parks.

If you visit any of the parks offering Discovery programming, you may connect with Discovery staff along a trail, as they rove through the campground, at an exploration station, in a visitor centre, or at a scheduled program.

What is a Discovery program?

Discovery programs come in lots of different shapes and experience levels.

Whether you’re a first-time park visitor or a lifelong camper, Discovery programs and staff are there to help you foster a deeper connection with our parks.

Programs provide you with an opportunity to explore a new area of the park, understand the park’s value, and appreciate the diversity of living things that make the park beautiful.

This can be done along a trail on a guided hike, at an exploration station, or in a peaceful moment during an Art in the Park program.

Discovery staff bring the tools and knowledge needed to help guide you on your own learning journey.

We know learning, exploring, and discovery isn’t a one size fits all. That’s why we offer lots of different types of Discovery programs across the province.

Time to get exploring!

Some parks offer exploration stations during the months of July and August.

Exploration stations are designed to get people of all ages and skill levels observing, exploring, and connecting with nature. These programs offer participants tools for enhancing exploration and nature journals for deepening their connection to nature.

Many parks that offer these programs also offer free Discovery lending kits to help you continue exploring on your own. Ask a park staff member which kits are available for you to borrow.

Some parks have Discovery buckets with nets and other tools available to sign out!

These parks offer exploration stations in the summer:

A map of Ontario showing the locations of parks which offer Discovery exploration stations — Parks across the province that offer Discovery exploration stations in the summer

Our Discovery programs – enhanced!

Enhanced Discovery parks have at least one experienced naturalist on staff.

These parks offer a variety of interpretive programs, from guided hikes to children’s programs to evening presentations!

Be sure to check out each park’s events page on our website before your trip to see upcoming programs.

Once you arrive at the park, you can find out about upcoming programs and park facilities by speaking with staff or checking the parks events listings, typically posted at comfort stations, main beaches, and office buildings.

These parks offer enhanced Discovery programs:

A map of Ontario showing which parks offer enhanced Discovery programs — Parks across the province that offer enhanced Discovery programs

Select enhanced Discovery parks also offer staff-led programs into the fall and winter, including school programs.

This season, Discovery is encouraging visitors to “Take a Hike!”

On Saturday, August 9, you can join Discovery staff on a guided hike, explore the Take a Hike exploration station, walk a story book trail, or pick your favourite trail or a new spot to hike on your own.

Guided hikes have a long-standing tradition in the Ontario Parks Discovery program. Credited as the first interpretive program offered in parks, they are the catalyst that sparked the Discovery program, which has introduced millions of visitors to the stories of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage.

Say hi to our Discovery team!

Whether you see Discovery staff walking a trail, clearing invasive species, or monitoring species, be sure to say hello and take the opportunity to ask questions.

There is no better way to connect with the many park stories we have to tell then seeing them happening firsthand.