Summary of Provincial Park Offences
When visiting Ontario Parks, you must show respect and consideration for your fellow visitors and the park environment. The following table lists some of the common laws enforced in provincial parks. The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 and other legislation governing behaviour in provincial parks can be reviewed at provincial park offices and at: www.ontario.ca/laws. These laws are enforced by provincial park wardens who have all the power and authority of a member of the Ontario Provincial Police within a provincial park. Many of the listed offences could result in eviction from a provincial park. If evicted, you are prohibited from re-entering any provincial park for a period of 72 hours. Minimum fines listed below do not include court costs or victim fine surcharge.
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If you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume liquor (beer, wine, spirits) only on a registered campsite. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that liquor is properly stored while in a vehicle. Liquor must be in a container that is unopened and the seal unbroken or is packed away and not accessible to any person in the vehicle. |
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Provincial parks are established to provide a setting for peaceful and natural experiences. Rowdy behaviour, which includes excessive noise, or obscene language or gestures, is not permitted. You cannot disturb any other person or interfere with their enjoyment of the park at any time. |
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Deposit your garbage and litter in the containers provided to discourage wildlife from becoming pests. Facilities must be kept clean at all times to eliminate potential hazards to parks visitors and minimize human-wildlife conflict. |
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Off-road vehicles are not permitted in provincial parks because of the environmental damage they may cause. Licenced motor vehicles may be operated on roads only. You must follow the rules of the road and remember that the Highway Traffic Act applies on all park roads. Each vehicle in the park must have a valid provincial park permit. Bicycles are only allowed on park roads and on designated bike trails. |
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Your vehicle must be parked in a designated area with a valid park permit prominently displayed on your dashboard. |
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For the protection of wildlife and other park visitors, your pet must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 2 metres at all times. You must ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife. You must ensure your pet does not interfere with others’ enjoyment of the park. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area, on the beach or in a posted prohibited area at any time. |
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All vegetation, wildlife and natural features are protected in provincial parks. To maintain the park as a natural setting, the removal of natural objects is prohibited. Cutting any live growth or damaging any natural or other object is prohibited. You may not take any fallen or dead wood from a provincial park for the purpose of a campfire or other such intent. |
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Fireplaces are designated by park staff for safety reasons. Restricting fires to these locations greatly reduces the risk of forest fires. |
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Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited in provincial parks at all times. They constitute a fire hazard and disturb visitors who wish to enjoy the park in a peaceful manner. |
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Only registered campers are allowed in a provincial park during the posted hours of closing. |
Fines are subject to change. This is not a complete listing of offences; please refer to the specific legislation.