The Ontario government is making provincial parks even more accessible to those who have dedicated their lives to defending Canada.
The province has expanded free day-use access to provincial parks for veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces who live in Ontario.
By reserving a spot in advance or by presenting valid Canadian Armed Forces identification, veterans and active service members living in Ontario can now access over 340 parks for free seven days a week, including long weekends and statutory holidays.
Any friends or loved ones accompanying a service member or veteran can also attend provincial parks for free if they are in the same vehicle.
“We are immensely grateful for the courage and sacrifices made by the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to defending our country and protecting our values of freedom and democracy,” said Environment Minister Todd McCarthy in a news release. “Expanding access to our incredible provincial parks is a token of appreciation for their service and commitment.”
Ontario Parks has welcomed more than 228,000 weekday visits from veterans, active service members, and their families and friends since free weekday access was initially launched in 2019.
The province is home to nearly 150,000 veterans, and around 9,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from military service each year.
