Ontario Parks: Free Day Use Event on July 17, plus Backcountry Camping Parks and Tips

By Gazette Staff

July 10th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Celebrate with Ontario Parks on Friday, July 17, 2026 by heading out to a favourite park for our Free Day Use Event in support of the Healthy Parks, Healthy People movement. 

Ontario Parks Free Day Use Event is a time to strengthen and rediscover our connection to nature. Ontario’s provincial parks are home to some of the most inspiring and beautiful landscapes in the country.

Connecting with nature is great for our physical and mental health. Time outdoors can improve sleep, increase productivity, and decrease stress, among many other benefits.

Events are taking place in parks across the province to strengthen nature connectedness and showcase all that Ontario Parks has to offer. Check out the events calendar to find nearby events.

Everyone is invited to head into a park on July 17, 2026 for a dose of nature. Access to Ontario Parks will be complimentary for the day. To guarantee access to parks offering advance daily vehicle permits, visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance of July 17 at no charge.

Nature facts from Ontario Parks: 

• • Complete guide to free day use on July 17 at Ontario Parks
  • The calm, peaceful feeling we get being in nature is called Waldeinsamkeit
  • Studies show that time in nature can lower the risk of heart attack by 50%
  • Sleeping in nature, away from artificial light and waking up with natural sunlight can reset your circadian rhythm
  • Activities such as hiking, paddling, and cycling improve overall physical health
  • Canadians spend 90% of each day indoors, more than any other point in history
  • To find an Ontario Parks location near you, visit the Park Locator.