Ontario Making it More Affordable to Enjoy Provincial Parks

The Ontario government is making it easier and more affordable for families to spend time in provincial parks. The province is reducing the price of the popular seasonal day-use vehicle permits by up to 36 per cent and increasing the number of day-use vehicle permits that can be borrowed from public libraries, free of charge.

“Getting outdoors and spending time in nature can have a profound positive impact on our health and well-being, and this has become even more evident during COVID-19,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Cost should not be a barrier to enjoying these important benefits, which is why we are helping to make Ontario Parks more affordable and accessible to all.”

The new, lower priced Ontario Parks seasonal day-use vehicle permits are on sale at www.ontarioparks.com/parkstore now. The Ontario Parks Library Day-Use Vehicle Permit Lending Program is already available for free at some libraries and is now expanding to more libraries across the province. Library users at participating branches can borrow a day-use vehicle permit, which will include free entry, and discount coupons for a future regular day-use vehicle permit to Ontario Parks.

Ontario Parks is also introducing a new commercial day-use vehicle permit for tourism businesses, including accommodations and resorts, to lend to their guests to enjoy as part of their stay. Providing businesses with more opportunities to expand their visitor experiences through this added promotional offer is another way the province is supporting Ontario’s tourism sector during these challenging times.

“Ontario’s public libraries are important community hubs that provide access to a wide range of information, programs and services,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The expansion of the Ontario Parks Library Day-Use Vehicle Permit Lending Program is just one example of how our government is working together during the COVID-19 outbreak to help people safely engage in all the province has to offer. I encourage Ontarians to continue to support their communities by safely visiting local libraries, parks and attractions.”

Ontario is committed to protecting natural areas, supporting conservation efforts and promoting the importance of healthy, natural spaces for future generations to use and enjoy, as outlined in our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.

Quick Facts

• Ontario Parks has reduced the price of all its seasonal day-use vehicle permits by up to 36 per cent:
  • 2021 Annual permit from January 1 to December 31 is reduced from $155 to $99
  • 2021 Summer permit April 1 to November 30 is reduced from $111 to $75
  • 2020-21 Winter permit from December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 is $75
  • The 2021-22 Winter permit from December 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 will also be reduced to $60 starting next year.
• The Ontario Parks Seasonal Day-Use Vehicle Permits can be used at any of the more than 100 parks where fees are collected. To purchase a seasonal permit, visit an operating park or order online by visiting www.ontarioparks.com/parkstore. For the most up to date information on park locations and operating dates, visit www.ontarioparks.com.
• The expanded list of participating libraries for the vehicle permit lending program will be available at www.ontarioparks.com by early January 2021.
• Ontario manages and protects 340 provincial parks and 295 conservation reserves, totaling 9.8 million hectares or over nine per cent of the province.
• Spending time in nature can have a profound positive impact on our health and well-being, lowering the risk of heart attack by 50 per cent, reducing the risk of mental health challenges and helping to combat chronic disease. Visit the Healthy Parks Healthy People program website for more information.

Additional Resources

• Use the Ontario Parks locator tool to find a provincial park near you.
• Read the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.