We know that spending time in nature is good for us.
Sometimes we just need a little push to get outside and feel the effects!
That’s why on July 18, 2025, we are offering a variety of activities in parks across the province to celebrate the benefits of connecting with nature.
All parks that normally charge a day-use fee will open for FREE entry, allowing visitors to enjoy the benefits of being in nature.
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Book your permit in advance at participating parks
Although day use is free on July 18, it is important to reserve your spot in advance to guarantee access.
Visit our reservation service to obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance up to five days in advance of your trip.
Parks not listed on this service do not require you to obtain your permit in advance.
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Special events
Did you know the Discovery Program has offered interpretive programs to visitors for 80 years?
Explore a new trail on a guided hike, play with your kids at children’s programs, paddle a voyageur canoe, or tour a historic mine.
The best part?
Programs are included with your day use permit or camping reservation.
As part of the celebration, here are a few special Discovery programs happening on July 18:
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Ploverpalooza, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
| Time | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Location | Beach Area 1 |
Join us at Beach Area 1 at 12:00 pm for Ploverpalooza as we celebrate Piping Plovers in Wasaga Beach!
An endangered species in Canada, the Piping Plover has nested in Wasaga Beach since 2008.
Ploverpalooza will include family friendly activities and games for all ages focusing on the Piping Plovers at Wasaga Beach.
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Guided Canoe Hike, Pinery Provincial Park
| Time | 9:30 am – 10:30 am |
| Location | Park store dock |
Experience the Old Ausable Channel right from the water! Join naturalists for a paddle along the channel and learn about the species that call it home.
Rent one of our canoes or bring your own.
Please arrive by 9:15 am if renting a canoe or kayak. Please meet at the park store dock.
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Sunset Yoga, Bon Echo Provincial Park
| Time | 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
| Location | Pumphouse Beach (near Amphitheatre parking lot) |
Join us for yoga on the beach with instructor Ro from WildRoga!
There will be a special sunset yoga session taking place at 8:00 pm at Pumphouse Beach (near Amphitheatre parking lot) that you won’t want to miss.
All are welcome!
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Mindful Hike, Bonnechere Provincial Park
| Time | 9:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Location | Bonnechere Provincial Park (self-guided) |
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.
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Invertebrate Tracking, McRae Point Provincial Park
| Time | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Location | Day Use Beach |
All living things leave signs of their presence on the land, and it takes a keen observer to notice and interpret them.
Join us at 2:00 pm in discovering and interpreting the signs left behind by some of our smallest kin: insects and their relatives.
Record and celebrate your discoveries in the nature journal provided. All ages are welcome.
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Silver Queen Mine Guided Hike, Murphys Point Provincial Park
| Time | 10:00 am – 11:30 am |
| Location | Silver Queen Mine Trail (registration required) |
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 x0.
*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.
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Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
| Time | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Location | Visitor Centre (Indoor Theatre) |
“Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder where we are.”
Join us to discover where we are in the universe and how you can use the galaxy to find your way on Earth!
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Gratitude Search, Rideau River Provincial Park
| Time | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Location | Main Beach |
Research shows that gratitude is deeply connected to happiness.
Take a moment to pause, engage your senses, and reflect on the wonders of nature you’re grateful for. Record and celebrate your reflections in the nature journal provided.
All ages are welcome, though children will need support from an adult.
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Meet our Discovery Ambassadors!
They’re located within 21 parks across the province.
Join a drop-in workshop during your day use visit to learn an outdoor skill at participating parks.
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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.
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Ready to spend the day in parks?
Use our Park Locator to find a park near you.
