We know camping or visiting a park for the day for the first time can be intimidating.
What supplies do I bring? What are the rules? How can I make my trip as comfortable as possible?
Not to worry, the Ontario Parks Discovery program is here to help you make your trip easy and memorable. Parks across the province have outdoor skills programs designed for new campers or those looking to brush up on some camping essential skills.
Drop-in programming offered all summer long!
Join one of our drop-in programs during your camping or day-use visit to experience an outdoor skill first-hand with no reservation necessary.
Test your skills at building a long-lasting campfire, perfect your campsite setup so you’re ready for any weather or learn how camp kitchen setup can lead to increased safety and ease of cooking.
“Knot” to worry, we also offer drop-in programs on knot tying, hiking basics, and beach stewardship. We have lots of different drop-in programs to fit your needs and flexibility for how long you want to participate.
You can find program schedules posted on park bulletin boards or check the park’s events calendar.
Guided programs for adults and kids
We also offer guided Outdoor Skills programs options – best enjoyed from start to finish.
For adults, we recommend our Park Essentials Tour program. It helps you familiarize yourself with park facilities, points of interest, and ask friendly park staff your questions.
For our younger new-to-camping campers, our Navigation for Kids and Camping for Kids guided programs help develop lifelong camping skills that will build confidence and experience for exploring parks.
Outdoor Skills programs are right at your fingertips
We recommend these parks for those looking to visit a park for the first time, or for anyone who wants to expand their skills at one of our Outdoor Skills programs:
- 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
Before your trip, check out our first time visitors section of our blog for more information on exploring and camping in parks.
For quick resources to make your trip planning, packing, and experience easier, be sure to check out our camping essentials resources.
Our Discovery staff can’t wait to see you in parks this summer!
