Ontario offers free day-use access to all provincial parks July 18
Healthy Parks Healthy People celebration gives visitors complimentary access all day plus activities like biodiversity documentation and guided hikes.
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Ontario Parks will welcome visitors to all operating provincial parks for free on July 18, as part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People celebration, allowing people to explore the grounds and facilities at no cost until 10 p.m.
Visitors will receive a complimentary day pass and can participate in a range of activities. These include helping document biodiversity at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park, a Silver Queen Mine guided hike at Murphys Point Provincial Park, yoga in the park at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, learning about the history of Silver Islet at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on Lake Superior's eastern shore, and mindful hiking at Bonnechere Provincial Park.
"The time to strengthen and rediscover our connection to nature is now," Ontario Parks said in a statement. "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."
Facilities not included in day use—such as camping, equipment rentals, and swimming pool access at Bronte Creek and Earl Rowe provincial parks—will still require payment.
The facts
When is free day-use access offered at Ontario provincial parks?
July 18, 2026. Ontario Parks is offering complimentary day passes to all operating provincial parks until 10 p.m. as part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People celebration.
What activities are available during the free day-use celebration?
Activities include biodiversity documentation at Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park, a Silver Queen Mine guided hike at Murphys Point Provincial Park, yoga at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, a history program about Silver Islet at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, and mindful hiking at Bonnechere Provincial Park.
What facilities still require payment on July 18, 2026?
Camping, equipment rentals, and swimming pool access at Bronte Creek and Earl Rowe provincial parks will still require payment during the free day-use celebration.
