© Parks Canada

Discover the birth place of a hero!

In the heart of Muskoka cottage country, you can visit this beautifully restored Victorian Manse where a great Canadian was born. Discover the remarkable achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune, a battlefront surgeon, activist, inventor, humanitarian, teacher, and artist, as displayed in stunning new exhibits and brand new Visitor Centre! Dr. Bethune, most famous and revered for his work in China, became a hero to the Chinese people after serving as a battlefront surgeon during the Sino-Japanese war, where he died in 1939. You will be moved and inspired by his humanitarian spirit which reflects the profound effect of one man's quest for justice and greater good of mankind.
Other activities at Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site

© Parks Canada

Be a part of a drama unfolding

Meet some of the colourful personalities whose vision and determination led to the construction of Canada's premiere Waterway. You'll be inspired by the lively tale of lofty dreams, innovative engineering and political intrigue. For centuries, these shining waters have beckoned. Today, the Waterway is your stage!
Other activities at Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

© Parks Canada

Explore a fort on the brink of war

Discover Fort George, a main British headquarters during the War of 1812. Experience the ambience as the air is filled with music and smells of the kitchen. Feel the power of musketry and artillery as passionate staffs offer an exciting menu of presentations that bring the drama of the war to life.
Other activities at Fort George National Historic Site

© Parks Canada

Relive the stories of the War of 1812

New exhibits and displays transport you to a time when the War of 1812 raged between Britain and America. Discover why Fort Wellington was built at Prescott, how gunboats protected the St. Lawrence River shipping route and see a rare 1812-era gunboat wreck for yourself. Can you find the keys to unlock its mystery?
Other activities at Fort Wellington National Historic

The Ideal Getaway

Are you looking for relaxation and the simple pleasures of experiencing the outdoors with family and friends? Ontario's national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas offer a variety of worry-free and secure experiences that will help you kick back, relax, and get away from it all.

© Parks Canada

Travel light. Stay in a yurt!

Ten yurts along the shore of Cyprus Lake are a unique and new camping experience available at Bruce Peninsula National Park. Kick back and feel the lake breeze from your deck. Cozy up to the campfire or woodstove and watch the sunset over the lake. Gaze up at the starry sky through the skylight dome as you drift off to sleep in a comfortable bed. Book a yurt today to begin a magical vacation in Bruce Peninsula National Park! Insiders tip: the yurts are busy during summer, but spring, fall and winter are great times of year to come!
Other activities at Bruce Peninsula National Park

© Parks Canada

Paddle in style

See the Thousand Islands on a daytrip with an experienced guide and get the best of both worlds - an island escape with a bit of luxury. Refuel from your paddle in Thousand Islands National Park by indulging in a sumptuous gourmet shore lunch. Go ahead, you've earned it.
Other activities at Thousand Islands National Park

© Parks Canada

Hike the Bruce trail

Escape the everyday and discover the incredible beauty of nature with a hike in Bruce Peninsula National Park. The world-famous Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest footpath, provides the only continuous public access to the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Pack a snack and witness the incredible views while hiking a part of this 782 km pathway to Niagara.
Other activities at Bruce Peninsula National Park

© Parks Canada

On the edge of wilderness

Escape to the edge of wilderness on a day trip to the White River Suspension Bridge. Take Pukaskwa's Coastal Hiking Trail through the quiet of the boreal forest, and stop for a picnic break on the beach along the way. Savour a moment on the bridge as the water rushes through the gorge beneath your feet, then head back for a relaxing evening around the campfire at Hattie Cove Campground.
Other activities at Pukaskwa National Park

© Parks Canada

History with a view

Atop the picturesque Niagara Escarpment, the Battle of Queenston Heights saw an American invasion force defeated in 1812. Two hundred years later, revel in the majestic views of the Niagara River while enjoying a picnic, following a tour of the historic battlefield, or climbing Brock's Monument, the final resting place of Major-General Isaac Brock.
Other activities at Queenston Heights National Historic Site

The Pleasure of Togetherness

Looking for relaxation, ease, and a chance to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends? These simple, accessible experiences in our national parks and national historic sites are sure to please.

© Parks Canada

Relax by the river

Thousand Islands National Park invites you to play and unwind on the breezy banks of the St. Lawrence River. The park's Mallorytown Landing Visitor Centre is the perfect spot for your family's picnic in the Thousand Islands, with a playground, barbeque facilities and a beautiful gazebo. Park interpreters will introduce you to some fascinating island creatures in the visitor centre's live animal displays and interactive exhibits.
Other activities at Thousand Islands National Park

© Parks Canada

Travel over 200km of heritage discovery

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the Rideau Canal is a beautiful system of lakes, rivers and canals. It winds 202 kilometres from Ottawa, Canada's capital, to Kingston, passing through the scenic countryside, historic towns and quaint villages of Eastern Ontario along the way. There's so much to see and do along the Rideau Canal.
Other activities at Rideau Canada National Historic Site

© Parks Canada

Drink afternoon tea in the garden

You are invited to Bellevue House, the home of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Savour afternoon tea in the spectacular gardens. Relax and sample fresh scones, jams, lemon butter, clotted cream, homemade shortbread, fresh fruit and teas. Costumed interpreters will take you to the 1840s and provide a glimpse into the life of John A. and his wife, Isabella.
Other activities at Bellevue House National Historic Site

© Parks Canada

A roof over your head

Experience the iconic scenery of Georgian Bay Islands National Park first-hand from the comfort of a rustic cabin. Spend some time exploring the lush hardwoods or fall asleep to the sounds of Georgian Bay waves lapping at the shoreline. The park's rustic cabins and boat service provide everything you need to escape and recharge your batteries in comfort.
Other activities at Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Simply Breathtaking

Share a moment and create new memories exploring nature in Ontario's national parks and marine conservation areas. Be inspired by exceptional landscapes and natural treasures... and remember them for a lifetime.

© GaryandJoanieMcGuffin.com

Float on the world's largest freshwater marine protected area

Cruise the wild, remote region of the Great Lakes in this corner of paradise. More than 70 species of fish inhabit the near-pristine waters of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. Watch gulls, herons, eagles and pelicans as they feed in these waters. As many as 50 shipwrecks rest within the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, attesting to the power of the greatest of the Great Lakes.
Other activities at Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

© Parks Canada

Tour Flowerpot Island

Absorb the beauty and tranquility of Fathom Five National Marine Park on a glass-bottom boat tour to Flowerpot Island. Relax and enjoy the incredible rock formations that are among Canada's most recognized and popular natural attractions. Hike the island's trails, explore the cave, or simply take in the flowers and wildlife.
Other activities at Fathom Five National Marine Conservation Area

© Parks Canada

Plunge into the deep

On the spine of the Niagara Escarpment, plunging below the lake and surfacing again on the shores of Manitoulin Island, Fathom Five National Marine Park is a region of stunning beauty above and beneath the water. Experience some of the world's best freshwater diving. Novice snorkelers to advanced diving enthusiasts can explore fascinating underwater formations and more than 20 historical shipwrecks.
Other activities at Fathom Five National Marine Conservation Area

© Parks Canada

Search for birds at the festival

Flock to Point Pelee National Park to experience one of the most spectacular birding hot spots in North America. The lush Carolinian forest is an oasis for migrating songbirds in the spring and high-flying raptors in the fall. Hike along with a guide during the Festival of Birds in May and see first-hand the colourful cascade throughout the woods.
Other activities at Point Pelee National Park

© Parks Canada

View the landscapes of windswept pines

See for yourself what inspired the famous Group of Seven artist at Georgian Bay Islands National Park. The barren, glacier-scraped rock and windswept pines dominate the landscape. Spectacular views, time-worn rock faces, diverse habitats, and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield are definitely worth the trip.
Other activities at Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Live What is Real

Are you looking for relaxation and the simple pleasures of experiencing the outdoors with family and friends? Ontario's national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas offer a variety of worry-free and secure experiences that will help you kick back, relax, and get away from it all.

© Parks Canada

Swing into spring!

This is the only place in the world you can witness the swinging of the last remaining Emergency Swing Dam! One of only 9 built in the world, this marvel of 19th century engineering was designed to slow the flow of water from Lake Superior in the event of an emergency. At the Sault Ste Marie Canal National Historic Site you can view the dam up close, learn about its construction and function and listen to the story of how the dam saved the day during the accident of 1909!
Other activities at Sault Ste Marie Canal National Historic Site

© NoemiPhotography.com

Permission to come aboard

Don't forget to have your station card ready to present as you board Canada's most famous warship. The officer of the day will be on-hand to return your salute and post your station card until the end of your visit. Picture yourself in the ship's gallery cooking stew for 200 hungry sailors stand watch by one of the guns or put your feet up in the officers' wardroom and listen to Canada's wartime prime minister address the nation.
Other activities at HMCS Haida National Historic Site

© Parks Canada

Experience military life

Come for live demonstrations, tours, and a hands-on experience of military life as experience by the soldiers and their families stationed at Fort Malden nearly 200 years ago. Surround yourself with the sights and sounds of this 18th century outpost. Listen to fascinating stories, tour the soldiers' barracks and cookhouse, witness musket demonstrations, end explore the fort's colourful history.
Other activities at Fort Malden National Historic Site