A Thousand Things to do This Summer

Adventure awaits at Thousand Islands National Park

MALLORYTOWN, ON, April 28, 2014 /CNW/ - This summer, take a moment to lean back in a Muskoka chair and relax in the sun, listen to the soothing sounds of gentle water lapping at the shore, and roast marshmallows over an open fire under a starry night sky. Now, make it even better by being on a small island that boasts the incredible natural beauty of a UNESCO recognised Biosphere Reserve. Sound impossible? Your summer adventure is waiting for you at Thousand Islands National Park- all less than half a day from home.

Thousands Islands National Park is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands, a region that is half way between Toronto and Montreal and easily accessible by car or boat. The park is spread across several ecologically important mainland locations and more than 20 islands between Kingston and Brockville. Whether it's your first visit or fiftieth, it is now easier than ever to find your perfect spot in the park. For those who want to camp in comfort, Thousand Islands National Park has oTENTik accommodations, a cross between a tent and a rustic cabin, on some islands and on the mainland.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff look forward to welcoming you and can tailor trip recommendations based on your interests. The park's visitor centre provides an introduction to the park with a hiking trail, interpretive programs, exhibits and activities for the whole family. This summer, visitor centre activities include Xplorer programs for children ages six to 11, learn to geocache programs, live animal exhibits, a monarch butterfly display from the Canadian Museum of Nature, a collection of photographs of invasive species from the Montreal Biosphere, and the Royal Ontario Museum's Seeds in Disguise travelling exhibit about the use of seeds throughout time.

To find the summer events and activities you want to attend, visit www.pc.gc.ca/ti, telephone [phone] or email [email protected]. To book your stay, visit reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE to confirm your escape to Thousand Islands National Park today.

Quick Facts

• Thousand Islands National Park opens for its 110^th season on May 16, 2014.
• The Thousand Islands National Park visitor centre is located at 1121-1000 Islands Parkway, just west of County Road 5 (exit 675 on Highway 401). The visitor centre includes indoor and outdoor exhibits, live animals, oTENTik accommodations, a playground, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
• Four new oTENTiks will open this summer on the mainland, for a total of 5 available. They are great for cyclists and easily accessible to cars coming off Highway 401.The park also has 4 oTENTiks available on two park islands.
• The park's visitor centre is open weekends until mid-June and Thursdays through Mondays from mid-June to Labour Day. Island services are maintained from the Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving. Mainland trails are accessible year round.
• Salamander Saturdays and Feeding Time programs every Sunday are a great way to keep your children entertained on the weekend.

Quotes
"The Thousand Islands are filled with majestic monuments which remind us of the region's industrial past, and have incredible natural spaces that support a number of unique and rare species to Canada. Thousand Islands National Park is one of the only opportunities visitors to the area have to actually spend the night on an island. oTENTik accommodations now make it a very easy and feasible option for first time visitors and their family to enjoy the park."
Jeff Leggo, Superintendent, Thousand Islands National Park

Internet Links:
Park website: www.pc.gc.ca/ti
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TInationalpark
Twitter: @TInationalpark
Parks Canada Reservations: reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada Ontario Trip Planning: www.pc.gc.ca/ontario
Parks Canada Accommodations: www.pc.gc.ca/accommodations

About Parks Canada

Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites and four national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.

Image with caption: "Thousands Islands National Park of Canada (CNW Group/Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140428_C8906_PHOTO_EN_38892.jpg

SOURCE: Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)

Contact

Bruce MacMillan
Partnering Engagement & Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
[email protected]
613-923-5261 extension 122