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Thousand Islands National Park officially opens for the visitor season

Press Release

Free admission for youth at Parks Canada’s places starting in 2018

May 14, 2018         Mallorytown Landing, Ontario      Parks Canada Agency

Parks Canada’s places represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Millions of Canadians celebrated Canada 150 with free admission to Parks Canada’s places in 2017 and more Canadians than ever before had amazing experiences. Building on that success, the Government has announced free admission to Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under, starting in 2018 and beyond. This will make discovering nature and connecting with our history easier and more affordable for families.

Through the Parks Canada Discovery Pass, families and groups will have unlimited opportunities to visit national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites throughout the year.

Starting on May 19, Thousand Islands National Park will begin welcoming visitors for the 2018 season. As one of the oldest national parks in Canada, the Park is continuing the tradition of welcoming thousands of visitors to the visitor centre, mainland trails, and more than 20 islands between Kingston and Brockville.

Throughout the summer, Mallorytown Landing is a centre point for engaging activities for travellers of all ages, with indoor and outdoor exhibits, oTENTik accommodations, a playground, picnic areas, and a boat launch. Learn about the Thousand Islands from an Indigenous perspective through the Voices of Akwesasne video exhibit and the Mohawk Thanksgiving Address rock carvings, participate in daily Get Me Geocaching programs,  enjoy live animal programs such as Feeding Time Sundays, and explore over 20 kilometres of hiking trails at Jones Creek, Landon Bay, and Mallorytown Landing. Children can also become Parks Canada Xplorers and earn a reward by completing a series of challenges.

For those looking for more than a day visit, Thousand Islands National Park provides diverse accommodation options, including oTENTiks – part tent, part cabin. For an island retreat, oTENTik accommodations are available on McDonald or Gordon Islands. At Mallorytown Landing, visitors can stay the night at the park’s stunning riverside oTENTiks. Reservations can be made for many campsites and oTENTik accommodations online through the Parks Canada Reservation Service or by calling 1-877-RESERVE.

Whether visiting Thousand Islands National Park for the first time or for the thousandth time, there is always something new and fun to discover. For more information on exciting events taking place at the park in 2018, follow the park on Facebook.

Parks Canada is actively working with our partners, including Indigenous groups, to share the stories of our treasured places, and to monitor and restore sensitive ecosystems, advance conservation initiatives, protect species at risk, and expand our knowledge of biodiversity and climate change.

To have a memorable time and make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Visitors can order their Discovery Pass and make camping reservations online by visiting the Parks Canada’s Website. Visitors are also encouraged to download the incredibly popular Parks Canada’s mobile app. and follow us on social media for more information about the breathtaking locations, and hidden gems at national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites.

Quotes

“This year we are celebrating families with free admission for youth aged 17 and under. We want to inspire youth to discover, connect, and protect Canada’s remarkable nature and history. And as always, we encourage all visitors to plan their trips and discover new and exciting destinations across the country, by consulting Parks Canada’s website, or downloading the Parks Canada’s Mobile App for a list of hidden gems and other unique and memorable ways to experience our national treasures.

The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Quick facts

  • Established in 1904, Thousand Islands National Park is the oldest national park east of the Rocky Mountains.
  • The visitor centre, located at Mallorytown Landing, is open weekends from Victoria Day weekend until the end of June, and daily from June 24th to Labour Day.
  • Thousand Islands National Park offers Parks Canada programs such as Xplorers and Club Parka for children ages 3-16.
  • Significant flooding impacted the park in 2017 and many of the park’s public docks were damaged. While repairs to docks will continue throughout 2018, work will be influenced by factors such as weather conditions, restrictions to protect spawning fish, and availability of contractors. Boaters are encouraged plan their visit in advance by reviewing updates to the status of docks online at www.pc.gc.ca/ti.
  • Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of 171 national historic sites, 46 national parks, one national urban park, and four national marine conservation areas.
  • Beginning in 2018, Parks Canada will return to fee-based admission. Admission fees will not increase over 2016 levels.
  • Parks Canada will continue to offer free admission to new Canadian citizens for one-year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program. Regular parking fees will apply for the 2018 season at the park’s mainland properties at Jones Creek, Mallorytown Landing, and Landon Bay. For more information about park fees and regulations, visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/1000/visit/reglements-rules.
  • Canadians are encouraged to order their Parks Canada Discovery Passes online. Discovery Passes are also available at Parks Canada’s entry gates and visitor centres. Please visit the Parks Canada’s Web site for more information.
  • As in the past, our partners, such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), will be selling Discovery Passes as of January 2018. Please visit the Webpage of a partner location near you for details.
  • Enter Parks Canada’s Discover Canada contest for a chance to win an amazing trip to Canada’s west coast and other bi-weekly prizes, including Discovery Passes, merchandise and more. In collaboration with our proud partners: MEC, CIBC, and Air Canada.

Associated links

Contacts

Leslie MacPherson
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Parks Canada
613-923-5261, ext. 114
Leslie.MacPherson@pc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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