St. Lawrence Parks Commission

NEWS - The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) proudly announces that its renowned attractions – Fort Henry, Kingston Pen Tours, and Upper Canada Village – have been honoured with the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards!

These awards celebrate businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers worldwide, based on stellar reviews over the last 12 months.

Fort Henry and Kingston Pen Tours have now secured their place among the top 10% of attractions globally for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Upper Canada Village has earned this distinguished award for the second year running, showcasing our unwavering dedication to providing unforgettable experiences.

SLPC extends heartfelt gratitude to our valued guests, tourism and community partners, and incredible staff whose support has contributed to the continued success of these attractions.

NEWS - Movie Nights are back this summer at Kingston Penitentiary, featuring four different movies on four separate dates. This season, visitors also have the opportunity to explore a cell block featured in the highly popular Kingston Pen Tours, getting a sneak peek into the Kingston Pen experience, while enjoying an unforgettable movie night under the stars.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/experience-a-night-at-the-movies-with-kingston-pen-tours/

En français: Les soirées cinéma sont de retour cet été au pénitencier de Kingston, avec quatre films différents à quatre dates distinctes. Cette saison, les visiteurs se verront aussi offrir la possibilité d’explorer un bloc cellulaire par l’équipe des très courues visites guidées du pénitencier de Kingston, et d’obtenir un aperçu de cette expérience, tout en profitant d’une inoubliable soirée cinéma sous les étoiles.

https://www.parks.on.ca/fr/des-soirees-cinema-parallelement-aux-visites-guidees-du-penitencier-de-kingston/

Experience a Night at the Movies with Kingston Pen Tours Kingston, Ontario – Movie Nights are back this summer at Kingston Penitentiary, featuring four different movies on four separate dates. This season, visitors also have the opportunity to explore a…

NEWS - The Sunset Ceremony is making its return to Fort Henry for the 2024 season, on select evenings in August. Rich with pageantry and performance and set against an awe-inspiring sunset, Fort Henry’s Sunset Ceremony has become a must-see for both Kingston residents and visitors. Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/fort-henrys-iconic-sunset-ceremony-returns

En français: La cérémonie du coucher du soleil fait son retour à Fort Henry pour la saison 2024, certains soirs d’août. Riche en apparat et en spectacles, avec un coucher de soleil impressionnant, les cérémonies du crépuscule du Fort Henry est devenue un incontournable pour les résidents et les visiteurs de Kingston. Les billets pour les deux spectacles sont en vente.

https://www.parks.on.ca/fr/la-ceremonie-emblematique-du-coucher-de-soleil-a-fort-henry-est-de-retour

Fort Henry’s Iconic Sunset Ceremony Returns Kingston, ON — The Sunset Ceremony is making its return to Fort Henry for the 2024 season, on select evenings in August. Rich with pageantry and performance and set against an awe-inspiring sunset…

This , St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) is proud to celebrate and honour the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This month is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Two-Spirit, Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Q***r or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and additional sexual orientations and gender identities. 🌈

At the SLPC, we are committed to fostering an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront. We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. This Pride Month, we stand against discrimination and work towards breaking down barriers that many in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continue to face.

Join us in celebrating unity, acceptance, and the beautiful diversity of our community. Together, let's build a workplace where everyone can thrive.

NEWS - School’s out for summer, and parents looking for ways to keep their kids entertained and educated need look no further than the St. Lawrence Parks Commission sites, offering the perfect solution to those long summer days.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/the-wild-rumpus-begins-as-final-school-bell-tolls/

En français: L’école est finie pour l’été! Pour les parents qui veulent divertir et éduquer leurs enfants, les sites de la Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent (CPSL) offrent la solution parfaite pour profiter au maximum des longues journées d’été.

https://www.parks.on.ca/fr/lecole-cest-fini-le-chahut-commence/

NEWS - With true summer now upon us, Parks of the St. Lawrence is pleased to remind the community that Day Use & Picnic Areas are now open seven days a week until Labour Day. Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or a relaxing picnic by the water, these parks offer the perfect opportunity for a daycation.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/swim-or-picnic-any-day-of-the-week/

En français: À l’approche de l’été, Les Parcs du Saint-Laurent est heureux de rappeler à la communauté que les aires de fréquentation diurne et de pique-nique sont désormais ouvertes sept jours sur sept, jusqu’à la fête du travail. Que vous soyez à la recherche d’une journée d’aventure ou d’un pique-nique relaxant au bord de l’eau, ces parcs vous offrent des vacances inoubliables… chaque jour.

Today marks a significant day - it is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and June is dedicated to recognizing National Indigenous History Month. This is a time for all Canadians to honour the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day gives us an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous peoples, celebrate their excellence and achievements, and reflect on the important steps that we can take towards reconciliation.

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission understands that true representation requires active participation, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected at our sites. We recognize that strong community partnerships and relationships are crucial to our shared goal of presenting all facets of history.

Join us today in celebrating the vibrant cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples, and in our continuous journey towards understanding, partnership, and reconciliation.

NEWS - Where military and musical discipline intersect, Tattoo at Fort Henry encompasses an array of impressive military music and pageantry, showcasing the heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations that are at the core of the Fort Henry experience. The annual event, returning on Saturday, July 27, 2024, sees Fort Henry hosting leaders in military music from across Ontario. Tickets are on sale today Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/fort-henrys-annual-tattoo-returns-july-27-2024/

En français: À la croisée des disciplines militaire et musicale, l’événement « tattoo » organisé au Fort Henry invite à la découverte d’un éventail impressionnant de traditions et de costumes d’apparat mettant en valeur les prouesses musicales et les démonstrations militaires de précision, qui sont au cœur de l’expérience offerte dans ce lieu historique national. Dans la foulée de cet événement annuel, dont le nom viendrait de l’expression hollandaise « taptoe » (signal de la retraite des militaires vers leur base), le Fort Henry accueillera à nouveau des chefs de file du domaine de la musique militaire de partout en Ontario le samedi 27 juillet 2024. Les billets sont en vente dès aujourd’hui, le mercredi 19 juin, à partir de 11 h.

NEWS - The patio is set, the perched beach is ready for sandcastles, the accessible water access points beckon and now, the ribbon has been cut. Though guests have been enjoying the newly renovated park for a few months already, Brown’s Bay Beach and Picnic Area has now been declared officially open. The honours were conducted this morning at a grand re-opening ceremony, celebrating St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC’s) oldest and most iconic park, and marking the first of SLPC’s major capital revitalization commitments.

Read more: https://www.parks.on.ca/st-lawrence-parks-commission-celebrates-grand-reopening-of-revitalized-browns-bay-beach-and-picnic-area/

En français: Tout est prêt : la terrasse, la plage perchée parfaite pour la création de châteaux de sable et les points d’accès à l’eau. Il ne restait plus que le ruban à couper! Bien que les visiteurs profitent du parc rénové depuis quelques mois déjà, la plage et l’aire de pique-nique revitalisées de Brown’s Bay sont enfin inaugurées. Une cérémonie grandiose s’est déroulée ce matin, en présence d’invités d’honneur, pour célébrer le parc le plus ancien et emblématique de la Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent (CPSL), et applaudir la réalisation du premier grand projet de revitalisation de nos installations.

https://www.parks.on.ca/fr/la-commission-des-parcs-du-saint-laurent-celebre-la-reouverture-officielle-de-la-plage-et-de-laire-de-pique-nique-revitalisees-de-browns-bay/

NEWS - The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is celebrating the grand re-opening of Brown’s Bay Beach and Picnic Area, with free admission for all from Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/free-admission-weekend-for-browns-bay-beach-picnic-area-grand-re-opening/

En français: La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent célèbre la réouverture officielle de la plage et de l’aire de pique-nique de Brown’s Bay en offrant l’entrée gratuite à tous du vendredi 14 juin au dimanche 16 juin.

https://www.parks.on.ca/fr/entree-gratuite-en-fin-de-semaine-la-reouverture-officielle-de-la-plage-de-laire-de-pique-nique-de-browns-bay/

📣 The Grand Re-Opening of Brown's Bay Beach

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is excited to introduce the newly revitalized Brown’s Bay Beach and Picnic Area to guests and to the local community this summer!

Join us on Friday, June 14, from 11am to 2pm to celebrate as we extend an invitation to all community members who supported us throughout this journey. The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guest speakers, live music, and various activities.

The multi-year Brown’s Bay revitalization represents a key investment in Brown’s Bay infrastructure and future sustainability. The revitalized park is an asset to the community and a highlight for visitors to the Thousand Islands area.

Guests will enjoy free access to Brown's Bay Beach from June 14-16 as we commemorate the re-opening of our oldest and most iconic park.

📍 Brown's Bay Beach, 1231-1241 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown, ON

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/corporate/ongoing-projects/browns-bay-beach-revitalization/

NEWS - Join St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s Fort Henry henry Saturday, June 8 for a day of adventure at Cannonball Crush, a thrilling 5K race with 20 obstacles throughout historic grounds. Then, indulge in Kingston’s finest food, drink, and entertainment at YGK Craft Beer Fest, celebrating local flavours and live music against the backdrop of Fort Henry’s iconic heritage site.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/two-events-one-historic-venue-get-ready-for-hops-and-hurdles-at-kingstons-fort-henry-on-june-8-2024/

En français: Rendez-vous au Fort Henry de la Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent le samedi 8 juin pour assister au palpitant spectacle du défi Boulet de canon/Cannonball Crush, une course de 5 km avec 20 obstacles répartis sur des terrains historiques. Pour vous sustenter et désaltérer ensuite, offrez-vous les meilleurs plats, boissons et divertissements de Kingston au festival de la bière artisanale YGK. Au menu : un délicieux mariage de saveurs locales et de musique en direct dans le délectable cadre d’un site historique emblématique!

https://www.parks.on.ca/fr/deux-evenements-en-un-lieu-historique-preparez-vous-a-une-course-de-haies-et-houblon-au-fort-henry-de-kingston-le-8-juin/

📣 Brown's Bay Beach is officially open for Summer 2024!

Perfect for camping, an afternoon picnic location or the ultimate beach day... Brown's Bay Beach has got you covered! 🏖️🧺🏕️

📍Located on The Thousand Islands Parkway

Discover Brown's Bay ➡️ https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/.../browns-bay-campground/

NEWS - Fort Henry’s YGK Craft Beer Fest returns on Saturday, June 8, 2024, with breweries and bands from the Kingston area and across Ontario showcase their best brews and tunes all day long.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/beers-bands-ygk-craft-beer-fest-2024/

NEWS - Upper Canada Village - Morrisburg, Ontario is officially opening a new permanent exhibit that focuses on local Black history of what was then Upper Canada in the 1860s.

The exhibit shares the context of the area’s Black population and tells the personal stories of some of the prominent Black figures who helped shape the Upper Canada region. It is a celebration of Black History, Black Heritage, and Black Achievement.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/upper-canada-village-unveils-new-permanent-black-history-exhibit/

NEWS - As of this weekend, St. Lawrence Parks Commission is welcoming guests back to all its properties. With campgrounds, beaches, marina, golf course and historic sites open for business, it promises to be a busy long weekend, followed by another summer of historical, recreational and memorable experiences for people of all ages.

Learn more: https://www.parks.on.ca/its-opening-weekend-2024/

NEWS - Another season on one of Canada’s most scenic links, Upper Canada Golf Course, opens on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Upper Canada Golf Course Opening for 2024 Season Morriburg, ON — Another season on one of Canada’s most scenic links, Upper Canada Golf Course, opens on Thursday, May 2, 2024. This 6,922-yard, 18-hole public golf course is challenging for both…

NEWS - Tickets on sale now for YGK Craft Beer Fest - annual waterfront festival celebrating local and Ontario craft beer, music and the scenic views at Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston.

Excitement Brewing for YGK Craft Beer Fest on June 8, 2024 Kingston, ON — Local beers and bands will again be celebrated at Fort Henry this year when YGK Craft Beer Fest returns on June 8, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Starting April 30, guests can book their…

📣 Exciting News! The Long Sault Parkway is now OPEN for all your favourite outdoor adventures! Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, whether you're cruising, cycling, or strolling along the picturesque route. 🚗🚴‍♂️🚶‍♀️

It's the perfect time to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.

📣 The Long Sault Parkway will open at 11 a.m. today!

Looking for a scenic drive, a new cycling route or a brisk walk? 🚙 🚴‍♂️ 👣 Explore the Long Sault Parkway this season!

👏 👷 Please join us in thanking our incredible maintenance team for working hard to make the Parkway a safe and beautiful destination for our adventurers.

Campgrounds and Day-Use beaches are opening next month so be sure to stay tuned! 🏕️ 🏖️

📣 Get ready to tee off! We're excited to announce that Upper Canada Golf Course will be reopening its greens on May 2nd!

Dust off your clubs and get ready for an unforgettable season of swings and sunshine. ⛳️

Tee times will be available to book starting April 29th: https://bit.ly/3y3cuyE

Happy ! 🌎

In honour of the place we call our home, let's take a moment to appreciate its beauty.

Today and every day, St. Lawrence Parks Commission is committed to respecting and protecting the environment with sustainable operations and practices, while promoting increased awareness and education to create a strong culture of environmental sustainability.

Every action makes a difference when we work together to protect our community for a better and sustainable tomorrow.

Celebrating ! 🎉

This week, we're shining a spotlight on our incredible volunteer groups across the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. Join us in extending our heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of the Sanctuary at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, The Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield at Upper Canada Village, the TIPTAC-Thousand Islands Parkway Trail Advisory Committee, and the Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada for their continued support, unwavering dedication and passion.

To each and every volunteer in these remarkable groups, your contributions have been truly invaluable.

Volunteer Canada

Happy ! 🎉

As a leading tourism organization, we're committed to generating lasting visitor growth, driving economic prosperity, and fostering community partnerships in Eastern Ontario. We look forward to welcoming back both local residents of Ontario and visitors to the province to our sites for the 2024 season!

Add one of our amazing sites to your list of places to visit this season:

💥 Fort Henry
👒 Upper Canada Village - Morrisburg, Ontario
🗝️ Kingston Pen Tours
⛳️ Upper Canada Golf Course
⚓️ Crysler Park Marina
🏕️ Parks of the St. Lawrence

NEWS - Tickets now available for three premier cultural experiences: Upper Canada Village - Morrisburg, Ontario, Fort Henry and Kingston Pen Tours

Vacation Season is Only a Click Away Morrisburg and Kingston, ON – This morning, April 11, tickets for St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s historic sites will be available for purchase. Secure your tickets for Upper Canada Village…

Yesterday was an extraordinary day as the St. Lawrence Parks Commission had the immense pleasure of hosting not one, but two incredible solar eclipse viewing events at Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario and at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site at Upper Canada Village - Morrisburg, Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre.

Thousands of visitors from near and far gathered to witness the breathtaking celestial phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brought together individuals of all ages and backgrounds, united in awe and wonder.

The SLPC is immensely grateful to our tourism partners, onsite teams for a seamless ex*****on and all who joined us for this unforgettable experience, making it a day to remember for years to come.

🎉 Visit Kingston South Eastern Ontario Municipality of South Dundas Queen's University Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Destination Ontario Kingston Transit Kingston Trolley Tours City of Kingston - Municipal Government The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry SDG Tourism

Excitement fills the air as we prepare to witness the celestial spectacle of a total solar eclipse today! Though before we turn our gaze skyward, St. Lawrence Parks Commission had the immense pleasure of hosting two wonderful guests for an enlightening evening on April 7 at Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario located in the direct path of totality.

We welcomed none other than Bob McDonald, the distinguished Canadian author, science journalist, and and the familiar voice behind CBC Radio's Quirks & Quarks, along with Dr. Mark Richardson, Manager for Education and Public Outreach at the McDonald Institute at Queen's University.

Together, they treated guests to an engaging journey through mysteries of space, the significance of eclipses and the boundless opportunities for discovery that lie ahead! Guests also had the exclusive opportunity to meet Bob during his book signing session.

Visit Kingston - South Eastern Ontario

NEWS - On April 8, 2024, parts of North America will experience a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse event. St. Lawrence Parks Commission historic sites, Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry and Kingston Pen Tours, fall along the path of totality which will experience two to three minutes of total darkness at the height of the event.

To celebrate this history-in-the-making, SLPC’s historic sites are running weekend programming and eclipse viewing opportunities from Friday, April 5 to Monday, April 8, 2024.

History-in-the Making This Weekend at SLPC Heritage Sites Solar Eclipse Weekend: Programming Updates and Safety Tips

Spring is finally here, and with it comes the opportunity to peek behind the curtain and shine a spotlight on one of the key figures shaping the gardens of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. Meet Travis Froats, the Horticulture Crew Leader part of the SLPC’s Maintenance and Operations team whose expertise and passion have been cultivating beauty across various sites for 28 seasons since 1992.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/slpc-staffseries-travisfroats

NEWS - These sunnier days have people preparing for summer holidays, as thousands are now holding on to a little promise of summer – their summer camping reservation at Parks of the St. Lawrence campgrounds in Eastern Ontario.

St. Lawrence Parks Hits Historic High with Record-Breaking Camping Reservations Made Morrisburg, ON – These sunnier days have people preparing for summer holidays, as thousands are now holding on to a little promise of summer – their summer camping reservation at Parks of the St.