Begin the yr with a First Day Hike – a New Yr’s Day custom!
Are you prepared to start out a brand new custom for the brand new yr?
We’ve bought the key to beginning 2026 on the proper foot.
Take a hike!
A First Day Hike is a enjoyable and wholesome approach to kick off the New Yr. The idea is straightforward: on January 1, go to a provincial park close to you for a hike!
Mountain climbing for well being
A First Day Hike promotes a year-long embrace of well being and happiness within the outdoor. Plus, climbing affords head-to-toe well being advantages.
Mountain climbing is sweet for cardiovascular well being and can assist cut back your danger of coronary heart illness, hypertension, and stroke.
It’s additionally nice at firming muscle tissues, particularly in quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Add some hills or uneven terrain for an excellent higher cardio exercise and to burn extra energy.
Mountain climbing is sweet in your thoughts, too. Analysis reveals that spending time outdoor might enhance your consideration span and inventive problem-solving abilities by as a lot as 50%.
As you journey alongside the path, you’ll hear the sounds of nature throughout you. Nature sounds – like birds and dashing water – have been proven to decrease stress ranges.
Ring within the new yr with a First Day Hike at one in every of our park occasions!
Every year, Ontario Parks hosts First Day Hike occasions the place we encourage Ontarians to hitch us for a hike at one in every of our 30+ working parks to kick off the brand new yr in a cheerful, wholesome approach.
Sibbald Level Provincial Park
On February 14 or 15, go to Sibbald Level Provincial Park for a night journey lit solely by hearth and the celebrities.
Hike between the hours of 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm by yourself or be a part of a guided hike led by Sibbald Level’s Discovery workforce that may meet on the trailhead. Guided hikes will begin at 7:00 pm on every occasion day.
This journey takes roughly 1-1.5 hours to finish dependent in your climbing tempo.
Wasaga Seaside Provincial Park
Begin your yr at Wasaga Seaside! Discover the paths on foot or by snowshoe. A self-guided scavenger hunt shall be out there.
After your hike, get pleasure from sizzling chocolate by the hearth (cups supplied).
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Be part of Presqu’ile’s park naturalist on a stroll to seek for the birds which can be spending the winter on the park.
Binoculars shall be out there to borrow for this system. Meet at 10:00 a.m. on the Camp Workplace parking zone.
This stroll normally lasts about an hour to an hour and a half, relying on what number of birds we encounter. We’ll journey 1.5km on pretty flat gravel roadways with the opportunity of ice or snow relying on the day.
Killarney Provincial Park
The chilly and snow can’t maintain us inside, and the identical is true of lots of our feathered mates. Be part of Park Naturalist Kate for some winter birding on the La Cloche Path. Spot a number of the park’s year-round residents and snowy season guests.
Meet on the Park Workplace at 10:00 a.m. The hike shall be about an hour in size. We’ll be strolling 2 km over pretty even terrain with just a few hills. Contributors might want to carry snowshoes or ice cleats relying on the climate, however neither is required for the hike.
Want a self-guided possibility?
Listed here are just a few nice choices in your First Day Hike:
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Take a self-guided hike of Silent Lake’s Bonnie’s Pond Path!
This 3 km path is ideal for the character lover or explorer. It winds by way of mature beech timber, and passes a big beaver pond, pine and hemlock forests to a panoramic lookout.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Discover one in every of 13 km of multi-use trails to stroll, jog, ski or cycle alongside.
Plan to start out your hike both in Parking Lot A within the Day-Use Space or the campground most important lot.
Awenda Provincial Park
Discover Awenda’s winter path community!
The three.7 km Seaside Path takes you down the Nipissing Bluff to the gorgeous Georgian Bay shoreline, whereas the Wendat Path is an 8 km loop path that provides serene forest views round Kettle’s Lake.
Prepared to select you park?
Test our working dates to seek out out which parks are open close to you. Questioning if that park has snow? Test the Snow Report.
Don’t neglect to e-book your day-use allow as much as 5 days upfront.
Wishing you a tremendous begin to the brand new yr!
