Ontario government loosening up alcohol restrictions at provincial parks

Alcohol consumption laws will be relaxed across the province, with some limitations. Existing rules will still apply for 'unsafe or unlawful' behaviour.

The Ford government is loosening up alcohol restrictions at provincial parks, making it legal to consume alcohol almost everywhere.

“Adults aged 19 and up will now be allowed to responsibly consume alcohol in most areas of our provincial parks, including picnic areas, beaches and other day use spaces,” Ontario Environment Minister Todd McCarthy said at an announcement in Oakville Wednesday morning.

The province says park users will not receive tickets or fines for “responsibly consuming alcohol in permitted areas outside of individual campsites.”

Existing rules will still apply for “unsafe or unlawful” behaviour, including public intoxication or underage drinking.

Asked whether there is concern that parks might become rowdy party areas, McCarthy said disruptive behaviour will still be prohibited under existing laws.

“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,” McCarthy said.

“But the liquor license and Control Act still applies so rowdy behavior, harm to others, irresponsible disposal of products after they’re consumed, any noise issues – anything like that obviously, they’ll be strictly enforced by our park wardens.”

Speaking to reporters at Queen’s Park Wednesday, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said he’s not necessarily opposed to expanding alcohol usage at parks, but said it needs to be done responsibly and in a way that ensures parks aren’t polluted.

“I’ll tell you, as somebody who used to go camping with my kids a lot, there’s a lot of excessive drinking that already happens in parks that I think we need to maintain control over,” Schreiner said.

“I’m not against somebody enjoying a beverage, but we need to make sure the rules are in place, that it’s done responsibly. And we also need to make sure, especially when it comes to back country, that people are keeping our parks clean.”

McCarthy noted there are 550 park wardens who are empowered like OPP officers, to enforce the law in provincial parks.

“Most people come here to have a good time with friends and family and to enjoy a beverage and act responsibly. But for those who would break the law or cause harm or danger to others, the rules will be strictly enforced,” he said.

Still, NDP Leader Marit Stiles said while she doesn’t have a problem with the change, it calls attention to a lack of priorities on the government’s part.

“I have no particular issue (with the new rules). I just think that it’s a ridiculous priority for the government, and I think it’s as usual, an attempt by this government to distract from what people are really concerned about,” Stiles said.

She pointed to hallway health care, OSAP cuts, class sizes and a nearly half-trillion-dollar provincial debt as areas Ontarians would rather see movement on.

The province says parks will post clear signage to identify areas that will still be alcohol-free, such as sites of cultural or historical significance.

Alcohol is currently sold with select Ontario Park stores. The province says sales will also be expanding to Fitzroy, Earl Rowe, Emily and Murphys Point provincial parks for the 2026 season.