Pinery Provincial Park

Start: August 2, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 2, 2025 - 12:30 PM

Join local wildlife experts on a 2.5 hours guided walk along the Riverside Trail. Explore butterflies, beetles, and other hidden wildlife. Engage in citizen science with iNaturalist and experience the untamed hidden beauty at the park

Start: August 2, 2025 - 11:00 AM End: August 2, 2025 - 12:00 PM

Come join a Park Naturalist at the Children’s Program Area to explore nature though colour. There’s so much brightness in Pinery, let’s take a look at some real stand outs and what makes them special.

Start: August 2, 2025 - 13:00 PM End: August 2, 2025 - 14:00 PM

Hats off to our favorite rooted friends! All are welcome at the Pinery Tree Party, hip and happening at the Park Store. Join a Park Naturalist to learn how different trees survive and thrive throughout the park. Meet at the Park Store area for this program.

Start: August 2, 2025 - 15:00 PM End: August 2, 2025 - 16:00 PM

Ladybugs and other small “pests” are often overlooked in our big world, yet they are incredibly important for our ecosystems. Come and learn about insects that exist in Pinery (and your backyard!) through a story time and activity. This program is intended for younger audiences, although all are welcome. Meet at the Indoor Theatre in the Visitor Centre.

Start: August 2, 2025 - 20:00 PM End: August 2, 2025 - 21:00 PM

Join Park Naturalists to learn how rolling waves and grains of sand created Pinery. Stroll along the shoreline as day turns to dusk and marvel at the world-renowned Lake Huron sunset. Please meet at Dunes Beach Lookout.

Start: August 3, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 3, 2025 - 11:00 AM

We are all connected to Pinery’s ecosystems from tiny butterflies to the wolves who once roamed these lands. Join a Park Naturalist on the Cedar Trail to explore how it’s all connected and what we are doing to fix the mistakes of the past.

Start: August 3, 2025 - 11:00 AM End: August 3, 2025 - 12:00 PM

“What is it about Pinery that makes it so fun and special anyway??” the stranger asks. “I’ll tell you why!” you say. Work together with a Park Naturalist to figure out how to tackle this scenario and explore why Pinery has become a favorite park to so many.

Start: August 3, 2025 - 13:00 PM End: August 3, 2025 - 14:00 PM

The Old Ausable Channel in Pinery is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, but its calm and cool waters benefit many species apart from humans. Join a Park Naturalist to learn about this unique waterway, the creatures that live in its waters, and how we can keep them healthy and happy.

Start: August 3, 2025 - 15:00 PM End: August 3, 2025 - 16:00 PM

Birds of prey may look a little scary, but they are a very important part of a healthy ecosystem with some interesting physical features. Join a Park Naturalist to learn what a raptor is, how to identify one, and why we need to protect them! This program is intended for younger audiences, but all are welcome.

Start: August 4, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 4, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Uncover the vital role of soil in sustaining life – from feeding us, filtering water, and supporting plants, animals, and ecosystems. Join a Park Naturalist on the Carolinian Trail to dig into the living ecosystems that are healthy soils. This is not a designated accessible trail, please be prepared for uneven terrain.

Start: August 4, 2025 - 11:00 AM End: August 4, 2025 - 12:00 PM

It's not easy being a turtle! Join a Park Naturalist and learn all about these reptilian creatures that call Pinery home, and how they navigate a world full of turtle hurdles! Located at the Children's Program Area/Chalet.

Start: August 4, 2025 - 13:00 PM End: August 4, 2025 - 14:00 PM

What do you see when you look up? Explore the clouds above while chatting with a Park Naturalist about Pinery’s weather, water, and cloud formations. Don’t forget to spin the Wheel of Clouds in an interactive activity. Located at the Park Store.

Start: August 4, 2025 - 15:00 PM End: August 4, 2025 - 16:00 PM

I suck! says the mosquito. You suck! Says the tick. We ALL suck! Says the leech. Despite this unfortunate occurrence, these blood-sucking critters are just being themselves. Join a Park Naturalist to learn how this part of a life cycle is vital for ecosystem functioning. This program is intended for younger audiences, although all are welcome. Located at the Visitor Centre Indoor Theatre.

Start: August 5, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 5, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Pedal the Savanna Bike Trail with Park Naturalists and learn about Pinery's Oak Savanna and some of its inhabitants. Rent one of our bikes or bring your own. The bike hike will be leaving at 10:00 AM. If you are renting a bike, please allow time to stand in line. Please meet at the bike rentals part of the park store.

Start: August 5, 2025 - 13:00 PM End: August 5, 2025 - 14:00 PM

Join a Park Naturalist for a program full of digging, dirt, mystery, and fun. Learn what an Archaeologist is, what they do, and how they are important to understanding the history of Pinery and beyond. Located at the Children's Program Area/Chalet.

Start: August 5, 2025 - 15:00 PM End: August 5, 2025 - 16:00 PM

Come find out what all the buzz is about. Through stories and games, children can discovery the amazing world of native bees, while learning about why non-native honeybees may pose a threat to our ecosystems. This program is intended for younger audiences, although all are welcome. Located in the Visitor Centre Indoor Theatre

Start: August 5, 2025 - 21:15 PM End: August 5, 2025 - 22:15 PM

Go back in time and explore Pinery throughout the years! Learn how climate and geology have impacted Pinery for millennia, and how the animals and plants we find here today adapted to these very different circumstances.

Start: August 6, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 6, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Join a Park Naturalist for an adventure along the Riverside Trail. Enjoy a story introducing Pinery’s wetland wildlife and travel along the boardwalk searching for wetland plants and animals. Take a moment at the end to explore what was found and ways that wetlands and the creatures living in them connect to our own lives. This program is intended for younger audiences, although all are welcome.

Start: August 6, 2025 - 13:00 PM End: August 6, 2025 - 14:00 PM

Have you ever wondered what people used as medicine before hospitals and pharmacies? Drop by Riverside Trail Dock to discover some traditional medicinal plants, how they have been used for centuries, and the gifts that they hold. Turn left at the fork to quickly access the program.

Start: August 6, 2025 - 14:30 PM End: August 6, 2025 - 15:30 PM

Come meet park naturalists, get ‘oozy and goozy,’ and explore the aquatic life and history of the Old Ausable Channel! Fishing hooks are often found at this dock, so please wear close-toed shoes. Please meet at the dock on the park store bridge.

Start: August 6, 2025 - 21:15 PM End: August 6, 2025 - 22:30 PM

Pinery’s popular beaches are part of a rare freshwater dune ecosystem, home to unique landscapes and Species-at-Risk. They are also some of the most sough-after recreational spaces in Southern Ontario. Join Park Technicians to learn more about Pinery’s beaches, what threatens their integrity, and help become a part of the solution, instead of a part of the problem. Located at the Outdoor Theatre

Start: August 7, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 7, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Green, red, brown, and blue – what do these colours tell you? From warning colours to clever camouflage, every shade in Pinery’s Oak Savanna and Dune ecosystems has a job to do. Join a Park Naturalist for this one-hour guided hike through Pinery’s vibrant ecosystems and discover how colour helps plants, animals, and fungi survive and thrive. Located on the Heritage Trail.

Start: August 7, 2025 - 13:00 PM End: August 7, 2025 - 14:00 PM

Don your detective hats and magnifying glasses to investigate clues left behind by Pinery’s mammals. Join a Park Naturalist to work together to solve the mystery. Located at the Children's Program Area/Chalet

Start: August 7, 2025 - 15:00 PM End: August 7, 2025 - 16:00 PM

After being displaced from the area for a hundred years, Black Bears recently made a small come-back in the area. Learn about their lifestyle, history, and tips for camping in areas with known bear occurrences. Located at the Park Store

Start: August 7, 2025 - 21:15 PM End: August 7, 2025 - 22:15 PM

Join Park Naturalists at Riverside Trail to stroll into the kingdom of some of Pinery’s nocturnal creatures. No pets and no flashlights please. Please wear sturdy footwear.

Start: August 8, 2025 - 09:30 AM End: August 8, 2025 - 10:30 AM

Experience the Old Ausable Channel right from the water! Join naturalists for a paddle along the channel and learn about the species that call it home. Rent one of our canoes or bring your own. Please arrive by 9:15 AM if renting a canoe or kayak. Please meet at the park store.

Start: August 8, 2025 - 14:00 PM End: August 8, 2025 - 15:00 PM

Microbes may be invisible to the human eye, but they are working hard behind the scenes to keep Pinery’s ecosystems alive and thriving. Join a Park Naturalist to chat about the secret world of these mighty microbes all around you! Located at the Park Store.

Start: August 8, 2025 - 21:15 PM End: August 8, 2025 - 22:15 PM

Despite their potentially unsettling appearances, off-putting smells, and alarm-like songs, these animals have fascinating life adaptations and can even be beneficial to humans! Come to the Outdoor Theatre to find out which under-appreciated animals we’re talking about.

Start: August 9, 2025 - 20:00 PM End: August 9, 2025 - 21:00 PM

Join Park Naturalists to learn how rolling waves and grains of sand created Pinery. Stroll along the shoreline as day turns to dusk and marvel at the world-renowned Lake Huron sunset. Please meet at Dunes Beach Lookout.

Start: August 11, 2025 - 18:00 PM End: August 11, 2025 - 20:00 PM

Pinery isn’t a place, it is a community. Come and gather with fellow Pinery visitors at the Chalet area. There will be puzzles and board games, space to run around, and a cozy campfire. Limited picnic table seating is available. Feel free to bring your own camp chairs or blankets for extra comfort.

Start: August 12, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 12, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Pedal the Savanna Bike Trail with Park Naturalists and learn about Pinery's Oak Savanna and some of its inhabitants. Rent one of our bikes or bring your own. The bike hike will be leaving at 10:00 AM. If you are renting a bike, please allow time to stand in line. Please meet at the bike rentals building at the park store.

Start: August 13, 2025 - 14:30 PM End: August 13, 2025 - 15:30 PM

Come meet park naturalists, get ‘oozy and goozy,’ and explore the aquatic life and history of the Old Ausable Channel! Fishing hooks are often found at this dock, so please wear close-toed shoes. Please meet a the dock on the park store bridge.

Start: August 13, 2025 - 21:00 PM End: August 13, 2025 - 22:00 PM

Join Pinery’s Turtle Technicians to learn about the efforts and research happening in the park to help protect these Species-at-Risk. We need everyone’s help to ensure Pinery stays a safe haven for these 5 special reptiles. Located at the Outdoor Theatre

Start: August 14, 2025 - 20:45 PM End: August 14, 2025 - 22:00 PM

Join Park Naturalists at Riverside Trail to stroll into the kingdom of some of Pinery’s nocturnal creatures. No pets and no flashlights please. Please wear sturdy footwear.

Start: August 15, 2025 - 09:30 AM End: August 15, 2025 - 10:30 AM

Experience the Old Ausable Channel right from the water! Join naturalists for a paddle along the channel and learn about the species that call it home. Rent one of our canoes or bring your own. Please arrive by 9:15 AM if renting a canoe or kayak. Please meet at the park store dock.

Start: August 18, 2025 - 18:00 PM End: August 18, 2025 - 20:00 PM

Pinery isn’t a place, it is a community. Come and gather with fellow Pinery visitors at the Chalet area. There will be puzzles and board games, space to run around, and a cozy campfire. Limited picnic table seating is available. Feel free to bring your own camp chairs or blankets for extra comfort.

Start: August 19, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 19, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Pedal the Savanna Bike Trail with Park Naturalists and learn about Pinery's Oak Savanna and some of its inhabitants. Rent one of our bikes or bring your own. The bike hike will be leaving at 10:00 AM. If you are renting a bike, please allow time to stand in line. Please meet at the bike rentals building at the park store.

Start: August 20, 2025 - 14:30 PM End: August 20, 2025 - 15:30 PM

Come meet park naturalists, get ‘oozy and goozy,’ and explore the aquatic life and history of the Old Ausable Channel! Fishing hooks are often found at this dock, so please wear close-toed shoes. Please meet at the dock on the park store bridge.

Start: August 20, 2025 - 20:45 PM End: August 20, 2025 - 21:45 PM

Join Pinery’s Bat Technician to venture into the wild world of bat conversation. Learn about amazing abilities of the bats that call Pinery home, how they help our environment, and the ways that the park and academics are working to help our flying friends. Located at the Outdoor Theatre

Start: August 21, 2025 - 20:45 PM End: August 21, 2025 - 22:00 PM

Join Park Naturalists at Riverside Trail to stroll into the kingdom of some of Pinery’s nocturnal creatures. No pets and no flashlights please. Please wear sturdy footwear.

Start: August 22, 2025 - 09:30 AM End: August 22, 2025 - 10:30 AM

Experience the Old Ausable Channel right from the water! Join naturalists for a paddle along the channel and learn about the species that call it home. Rent one of our canoes or bring your own. Please arrive by 9:15 AM if renting a canoe or kayak. Please meet at the park store dock.

Start: August 23, 2025 - 19:30 PM End: August 23, 2025 - 20:30 PM

Join Park Naturalists to learn how rolling waves and grains of sand created Pinery. Stroll along the shoreline as day turns to dusk and marvel at the world-renowned Lake Huron sunset. Please meet at Dunes Beach Lookout.

Start: August 25, 2025 - 18:00 PM End: August 25, 2025 - 20:00 PM

Pinery isn’t a place, it is a community. Come and gather with fellow Pinery visitors at the Chalet area. There will be puzzles and board games, space to run around, and a cozy campfire. Limited picnic table seating is available. Feel free to bring your own camp chairs or blankets for extra comfort.

Start: August 26, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 26, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Pedal the Savanna Bike Trail with Park Naturalists and learn about Pinery's Oak Savanna and some of its inhabitants. Rent one of our bikes or bring your own. The bike hike will be leaving at 10:00 AM. If you are renting a bike, please allow time to stand in line. Please meet at the bike rentals building at the park store area.

Start: August 26, 2025 - 20:30 PM End: August 26, 2025 - 21:30 PM

In 2022, Pinery Park welcomed back some special species after a long goodbye due to ecosystem imbalance. Learn about how the Mottled Duskywing was successfully re-introduced to Pinery, possibly paving the way for other Species-at-Risk butterflies to come back home to Ontario. Located at the Outdoor Theatre

Start: August 28, 2025 - 20:30 PM End: August 28, 2025 - 21:30 PM

Join Park Naturalists at Riverside Trail to stroll into the kingdom of some of Pinery’s nocturnal creatures. No pets and no flashlights please. Please wear sturdy footwear.

Start: August 29, 2025 - 09:30 AM End: August 29, 2025 - 10:30 AM

Experience the Old Ausable Channel right from the water! Join naturalists for a paddle along the channel and learn about the species that call it home. Rent one of our canoes or bring your own. Please arrive by 9:15 AM if renting a canoe or kayak. Please meet at the park store dock.

Start: August 30, 2025 - 10:00 AM End: August 30, 2025 - 12:00 PM

Join the mission to keep Pinery’s beaches healthy, clean, and beautiful. Connect with Park Naturalists to learn more about Pinery’s beaches, what threatens their integrity, and help become a part of the solution by actively cleaning up our beaches and making artwork with what we find. Express your creativity and care for the Park all in one place! Location: P9 Pavillion.

Start: August 30, 2025 - 19:30 PM End: August 30, 2025 - 20:30 PM

Join Park Naturalists to learn how rolling waves and grains of sand created Pinery. Stroll along the shoreline as day turns to dusk and marvel at the world-renowned Lake Huron sunset. Please meet at Dunes Beach Lookout.

Start: October 24, 2025 - 17:00 PM End: October 26, 2025 - 17:00 PM

Pinery may be sunny in the summer, but it can quickly turn spooky with the darker days, colder nights, and silent forests. Events and activities will be available from Friday to Sunday for those brave enough to join us for ghastly and ghostly fun.