Ontario expanding areas where provincial park visitors can drink alcohol

Visitors of Ontario’s provincial parks will be able to start drinking alcohol in more areas starting this summer.

Todd McCarthy, The Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, announced Wednesday a change of the rules regarding where alcohol can be consumed, to allow for drinking outside of individual campsites.

This move by the Ontario government is aiming at allowing the province to be more resilient, competitive and self-reliant.

“As families and friends gather for picnics or unwind after a long day on the trails, updated rules around where alcohol can be consumed are intended to improve the overall park experience and support local tourism, while continuing to prioritize safety,” said McCarthy in a statement. “Ontario Parks are a key part of what makes our province a travel destination and we are supporting experiences that attract more visitors, strengthen communities and grow the economy.”

Starting this summer, people ages 19 and older can enjoy alcohol in most areas of provincial parks that are open and staffed for the 2026 season — picnic areas, beaches and other day use areas.

Visitors will not receive tickets or fines for responsibly consuming alcohol in permitted areas.

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The Ontario government stressed that the existing rules still apply for unsafe or unlawful behaviour, including public intoxication, underage drinking, and having open or improperly stored alcohol in a motor vehicle or boat.

“I want to say, first of all, that we recognize it’s 2026, not 1926 — it is time that we embrace modernization and the responsible consumption of beer, wine and spirits in our parks, and we trust people to act and behave responsibly,” said McCarthy. “But the Liquor Licence and Control Act still applies.”

The government enabled the changes in a red tape reduction bill last year and now says they will take effect for the 2026 season.

Parks will have signage indicating areas that are still alcohol-free.

This is the next in several steps made by Premier Doug Ford’s government to expand the sales and use of alcohol.

Last month, Ontario announced the expansion of tailgating rules to allow people to bring their own alcohol to public events.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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