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🍁 Canada Day Picnic & BBQ at Darlington Provincial Park
Celebrate Canada Day with us at the beautiful Darlington Provincial Park — a perfect place for a relaxed, joyful day surrounded by nature, family, and community. Whether you’re swimming, exploring trails, or simply enjoying BBQ and good company, this will be a truly Canadian experience! 
BBQ • Beach • Birdsongs • Concert • Talent Show • Dance • New Friends
Picture this: sunlit forest trails, kids chasing butterflies, sausages sizzling on the grill, and a vibrant mix of music, dance, and laughter by the lake. Join us for a full-day celebration of community, culture, and Canadian summer at its best!
Let’s show our Canadian spirit — dress in RED and WHITE!
Reserve My Picnic Pass!
📍Where & When
- Darlington Provincial Park, 1600 Darlington Park Rd., Bowmanville, ON, L1C 3K3 (40-60 min east of North York)
- Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – Arrive any time after 8 AM — stay as long as you like (park closes at 10 PM)
- Park Entry: $22 per car (Register for a parking permit at https://reservations.ontarioparks.ca/create-booking 5 days before the event in order to secure the spot! Reservations will be open on June 26, 2025 at 07:00 a.m. EDT, Select Day Use, Darlington Park and July 1, 2025)
- Event Fee: $25/adult and $10/child.
Not staying for the BBQ or Vegetarian? Pay half the fee.
Pay by: eTransfer to [email protected]Donations are always welcome!
🎉 Activities
Spend the day your way! Whether on your own or with others, enjoy:
- Swimming – Just a 5-minute walk from our picnic area. The beach is quite large with powdery, groomed sand, and warm, shallow waters. The lake is typically warm in July and great for a swim!
- Fishing – Try your luck from shore. Free fishing rods will be available! (No license needed on Canada Day.)
- Hiking – Explore beautiful forest trails, McLaughlin Bay, and meadows.
- Biking – Bring your bikes! You’re allowed to ride on campground roads and along Camper’s Trail, with a surface mix of pavement and crushed gravel.
- Bird Watching – Spot swans, ducks, and many other bird species near the bay.
- Butterfly Spotting – The park is a known stop for migrating monarch butterflies.
- Playtime for Kids – We’ll bring outdoor toys and games to keep the little ones busy and entertained.
🗓️ Day-at-a-Glance
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 8 AM – 12 PM | Choose-Your-Own Adventure: Swimming • Fishing (rods provided) • Hiking or Biking forest trails • Birds watching • Kids’ Games |
| 12 PM | BBQ Round #1: Burgers, sausages & chicken hot off the grill, plus some salads and veggies |
| 1 PM – 4 PM | Free Time: Explore, relax, play Beach Volleyball and Frisbee + Games & Fun Activities for Kids |
| 4 PM -5 PM | BBQ Round #2:Grill re-fires for seconds & late arrivals |
| 5 PM – 6 PM | 🍁 “O Canada” Showcase & Talent Show 🍁
|
| 6 PM – 7 PM | 🎤Concert & Dance Hours 🩰
|
| 7 PM – Sunset | Unplugged Sing-Along & Chill Time: Group photos, lakeside relaxation, music under the sky |
| 8 PM – 9 PM | Pack-Up: Helpers welcome – stay to catch the sunset glow |
| 10 PM | Park gates close |
🎭 Want to perform?
Let us know on the registration form or email [email protected].
Food & Shared Table
- We supply everything for the BBQ
- You bring a snack, veggies or fruit for the communal table
- Water refill taps are available on-site
🧺 What to Pack
To stay comfortable and enjoy the day, please bring:
- Lawn chairs & blankets
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Towels & swimwear (if you plan to swim)
- Water toys & safety life jackets for kids
- Bike & helmet (optional)
- Hats & water bottles
- Snacks & any special dietary items for you or your kids
- Any musical instrument you’d like to share!
🚗 Getting There
- Carpool option inside sign-up form (tick Need a ride or Have seats).
- GO Bus Richmond Hill → Bowmanville (1 h 20 m). We’ll coordinate terminal pick-ups.
️ Save Your Spot
Reserve My Picnic Pass! Confirmation & fee details will follow by email.
Let’s share songs, dances, flavours, and one spectacular Lake Ontario sunset together. See you by the shore! 🌅
