Here’s how you can visit Ontario Parks for free this summer

Already planning your summer adventures? We have one more date you should add to your calendar. Ontario Parks will welcome visitors for free use, for one day only this summer. This is your chance to explore Ontario’s provincial parks at no cost.

Head to any of the operating Ontario Parks on July 18 for a free, full day of fun. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds all day long.

What to know

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

The one-day-only celebration, Healthy Parks Healthy People, permits visitors to enjoy their local Ontario provincial parks, use their facilities, and even partake in a fun event.

Considering this is a beloved, annual event, there are some things visitors should know.

Ground rules

Entry is NOT guaranteed if you simply show up. That means you’ll want to reserve your spot to ensure your free day can be enjoyed at the park of your liking. All visitors to the park will be issued a complimentary day pass. Park facilities can be enjoyed until 10 p.m. on July 18.

Be sure to go to Ontario Parks’ reservation service to obtain a daily vehicle permit. You can grab one up to five days in advance of your trip.

“Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be adding 13 more Ontario Parks to the day use list on our reservations website, bringing the total to 88 parks you can book online for a fun day of hiking, swimming, picnicking, or canoeing,” shares Ontario Parks with Curiocity.

However, it’s important to know that you will still have to pay for facilities not included in day use, such as camping and equipment rentals.

Don’t forget to mark down your calendars for July 18, 2025. Now all you have to worry about is picking the best park to explore.

Free day use at Ontario Parks

When: July 18, 2025
Where: Ontario Parks
Cost: Free

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Karen Doradea

Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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