Rules & Legislation

Park Rules & Legislation

Rules and regulations for the Parks of St. Lawrence are intended to ensure the safety of park visitors, protect the park and its resources, and ensure our park visitors have an enjoyable stay. When in doubt, ask a Park Ranger. The penalty for violation of the laws that apply in the Parks of the St. Lawrence may be eviction from the park or a monetary fine imposed by the Courts or both. The following is a summary of basic rules based upon the regulations made under the authority of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission Act:


Loud Noise

Be considerate. Please keep the volume of music, voices and other noises to a reasonable level. Interfering with another person’s enjoyment of the park (day or night) is not only inconsiderate, but also contrary to park regulations. Quiet hours are enforced 24 hours a day.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are permitted but only on registered campsites. The possession or consumption of alcohol in all other park areas is prohibited by law.

Camping and Vehicle Permits

A valid permit is required to camp or operate a vehicle within Parks of the St. Lawrence. The campsite permit holder must be 18 years of age or older. Each campsite permit allows for one (1) vehicle and up to three (3) pieces of shelter equipment per site. Only one tent trailer, house trailer or self-propelled camping unit may be used per site, in combination with up to two other pieces of shelter equipment (e.g. tent, dining shelter, tarp).

Boat Launching & Docking

Temporary storage of boats is permitted on campsites or in designated areas. Seasonal and transient dockage is available at Crysler Park and Ivy Lea for an additional fee.

Check-In / Check-Out Times

Campsite check-in is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is at 1:00 p.m. Roofed accommodation check-in is 2:00 p.m., and check-out is 10:00 a.m. 

Extending Your Length of Stay

To extend your stay, permits must be renewed at the registration office before 1:00 p.m. on the day of departure, provided the campsite/accommodation is available.

Maximum Length of Stay

The maximum length of stay, at one campsite, is 23 nights. Extended Stay Camping is available at most campgrounds.

Changing Your Site

Before moving to another site within the same campground, inquire at the park registration office regarding availability. Do not set up camp until your permit has been updated and confirmed by park staff.

Parking/Additional Vehicles 

Each campsite permit includes parking for one vehicle. A permit is required for each additional vehicle. Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Every park designates several spaces and campsites for additional vehicles.

Off-Road and Unlicensed Vehicles

The use of ATVs, off-road motorcycles, side-by-side or utility terrain vehicles, golf carts, or any other unlicensed motorized vehicles is prohibited on Parks of the St. Lawrence property.

Bicycles

Bicycles are permitted on roads and designated bike paths only.

Park Resources

Help protect the park so that everyone may enjoy its beauty. Our parks are full of interesting and precious vegetation, wildlife, archeological and historical and natural earth features. It is illegal to remove, damage or disturb vegetation and wildlife in the Parks of the St. Lawrence.

Sales of Goods and Services

Only authorized concessionaires are permitted to sell goods and services on Parks of the St. Lawrence properties.

Pets

Pets must be controlled and kept on a leash no longer than two metres. Pets are not permitted in swimming and beach areas. Designated dog-friendly cabins are available at select campgrounds. Pet owners are required to clean up after their animals at all times.

Out-of-province visitors should confirm breed restrictions at: Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16 | ontario.ca

Campfires & Firewood

Campfires are permitted only in designated firepits and must never be left unattended. Please be careful with fires at all times. To prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases, outside firewood is not permitted on any SLPC property.

Generator Use

Limited use of generators will be permitted only between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Generators must be quiet-running and enclosed or self-contained within RV units.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Permit holders are responsible for ensuring all visitors to their site and vehicles are registered, and that applicable day-use fees are paid. All visitors must leave the campground by 9:00 pm.

Number Of People Per Site

A maximum of six (6) people, or one single-family unit, is permitted on each campsite. A single-family unit consists of parents/ guardians and their children under 18 years of age.

Refuse (Waste)

Please have regard for the condition of your campsite. Deposit all garbage, litter, and recycling within the designated containers, and leave your campsite clean and in a natural state.

Fireworks and Firearms

Fireworks and firearms are prohibited, except as permitted by regulation.

Metal Detectors

The use of metal detectors is prohibited to protect the archaeological and natural integrity of park lands.  

Drones

For the safety and privacy of all guests, drones of any size are not permitted for recreational purposes (e.g., personal images, social media, family photos) on any St. Lawrence Parks Commission properties, which include campgrounds, day-use areas, historical sites, golf course, and marina. 

Hunting

Hunting is prohibited within Parks of the St. Lawrence, except in designated areas and during regulated seasons as defined by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and associated hunting regulations.

Swimming &  Water Safety

All Parks of the St. Lawrence waterfront areas are unsupervised. Swim at your own risk. Never swim alone, in unmarked areas, or beyond buoy lines. Always supervise children and non-swimmers.

Boating, Waterskiing & Personal Watercraft

All watercraft are prohibited in designated swimming areas and in adjacent zones. Act safely and in accordance with the regulations when boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing, etc.  

Unattended Vehicles & Boats

Vehicles and boats should never be left unlocked and unattended, except in designated areas or with permission of a Park Ranger. St. Lawrence Parks Commission is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal property.

Smoking, Vaping & Cannabis Use

Smoking or vaping cannabis is subject to the same restrictions as tobacco. Smoking or vaping tobacco, cannabis or any other substance (including electronic cigarettes) are prohibited inside buildings and enclosed public spaces including washrooms, on shared outdoor patios, within 9 meters building entrances, and within 20 meters of playgrounds, sport and spectator areas, designated swimming areas, and nature trails.

Cannabis cannot be consumed in any form in a vehicle or boat (including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or similar watercraft) that is being driven or under the control of a person. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action under applicable provincial legislation.