It’s Healthy People, Healthy Parks Day – free day use at Arrowhead and Algonquin Parks

Today, Ontario Parks celebrates Healthy Parks Healthy People at all of its operating parks with free day use for everyone until 10:00 p.m. (Additional charges for facilities not included in day-use such as camping or equipment rentals remain in effect.)

“The time to strengthen and rediscover our connection to nature is now!” writes Ontario Parks. “Ontario’s provincial parks are home to some of the most inspiring and beautiful landscapes in the country. We want to increase the awareness and uptake of the strong benefits linked to spending time in nature.”

Arrowhead Provincial Park

At Arrowhead Provincial Park, just north of Huntsville, check out their 15 km of hiking trails and the three sand beaches on Arrowhead Lake. While you’re there, join these free activities:

10:00 a.m. – noon – Mood Walk
Meet at Stubb’s Falls Trailhead (opposite Beach 1 Parking Area)

10:30 a.m. – noon Paint for the Health of it!
At the picnic shelter

Algonquin Provincial Park

To the east of Huntsville at Algonquin Provincial Park, in addition to free day-use entry, you can participate in the following free activities:

10:30 a.m. – Insect Hunt (Algonquin For Kids)
Black-and-red lady beetles, lime green moth – why do so many insects have such interesting colours and patterns? Get up-close and personal with some of the park’s most beautiful “bugs” to find out. An insect-catching session will follow (weather permitting) beside the Visitor Centre. Bring a net if you have one! Algonquin Visitor Centre (at km 43).

2:00 p.m. – Guided Walk – Beaver Pond Study
Join naturalists on this trail to see what aquatic creatures they discover, and then learn about what dwells on and below the water’s surface. Critter-catching session to follow! Closed-toe wading footwear is recommended. Dip nets will be provided, but bring your own if you have one. Beaver Pond Trail parking lot (at km 45.2).

7:00 p.m. – Guided Walk – Evening Walk: On The Trail of Wildlife
Join a naturalist in an exploration of mammal tracks and signs at twilight – the time when most of them are active! Mizzy Lake Trail parking lot (north from km 15.4).

8:30 p.m. – Film Night: The Canoe
This 26 minute film by Goh Iromoto explores how the canoe connects people to the landscape through the perspectives of five different people across Ontario. This film will surely inspire you to get out and paddle! Outdoor Theatre (km 35.4).

Algonquin Outfitters Feature Events

Local retailer Algonquin Outfitters is doing their part to help you enjoy nature today. They’re offering these free activities in Algonquin Park today:

8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Free 2 hour canoe, kayak or paddleboard rentals at the Lake Opeongo Store
Get out on the water for a free 2-hour rental of AO’s canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Paddle on Lake Opeongo right from the dock at the Opeongo Store located 6.2 kilometres north of Highway 60 at km 46.3.

10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – Free Guided Costello Creek paddle at Lake Opeongo Store
“The Costello Creek trip is a perfect short (2hr) guided trip for people on a tighter time schedule. This thoroughly enjoyable wilderness paddling experience includes all necessary equipment and the services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. AO’s guide will demonstrate you basic paddling skills so you can easily enjoy a few hours paddling a wilderness creek to Turtle Rock and back. Just meet us at the Opeongo Store located 6.2 kilometres north of Highway 60 at km 46, show up a few minutes early to register and get your PFD and Paddle.

10:00 a.m. – Free Guided Old Railway Trail Bike tour (bike rentals available)
Bring your bike or rent a mountain bike or fat bike from Algonquin Outfitters’ Lake of Two Rivers Store, Cafe & Grill for a 2-hour guided ride on Algonquin Park’s Old Railway Bike Trail. Special 2hr bike rental available (Adult: $24.98/$34.98 & Youth: $13.98).

11am to 4pm – Free Tom Thomson Paddle Art Contest workshop
Drop in for this Free Tom Thomson Paddle Art Contest entry workshop at the Algonquin Art Centre located at km 20 on Hwy #60. Local artist, Katie Ohlke, will be on hand to help you complete your paddle so you can enter it in the Algonquin Outfitters Tom Thomson Paddle Art Contest. This Free event is brought to you by the Algonquin Art Centre, Katie Ohlke and Algonquin Outfitters. Algonquin Outfitters goal is to have 100 paddles will be available in an online auction during September at www.algonquinoutfitters.com. Auction proceeds to go support local art in Oxtongue Lake and Huntsville. Free coffee and tea will also be provided by the Algonquin Art Centre during this event.

For more information on Healthy Parks Healthy People Day in Ontario, visit ontarioparks.ca/hphp

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