Belwood Lake Conservation Area

The Belwood Lake Conservation Area is a reservoir in Dufferin County located northeast of Guelph, Ontario. In 1942 the Grand River waters were slowed by the erection of the Shand Dam for flood control and the generation of hydroelectricity. Belwood Lake Conservation Area, operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority offers a fantastic recreation opportunities. Hiking, biking, boating or just getting away to a quite spot on the Grand River on a lazy summer day, this is the place. 

Plaque erected on Dam structure

Discovery Harbour, Midland Ontario

A road trip to Midland, Ontario is not complete without a visit Discovery Harbour. Discovery Harbour was the original British naval and military base in Penetanguishene, built to provide protection to Upper Canada after the War of 1812. The British naval presence on Georgian Bay was to provide ships to supply British posts westward. By the early 1800s, it was home to sailors, officers, shipwrights, and soldiers. Five large ships, 15 smaller vessels, and numerous workshops and dwellings were built.



Entrance to Discovery Harbour

Things to do over Labour Day weekend



Camping - a great Labour Day Weekend tradition in Canada

Kids either dread or love this phrase - Labour Day Weekend. For some, it's summer's last hurrah and for others it's a sign they'll soon reunite with friends at school.

For adults it's much the same. Labour Day weekend marks the end of summer and indulgent days lounging by the pool, at the beach or on a patio. Back to work!

To finish off the summer season on a high note, there are many things you can do that are fun and memorable.

Camping

With 42 national parks and numerous provincial parks, Canada has many places to camp. Despite some locations being booked up for Labour Day weekend, there are some further away from major city centres that may have spots available. You may also want to consider conservation areas that have camp sites - these places tend to be closer to major urban areas offering a quick getaway, even for one night.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Burlington, Ontario

Bronte Creek Provincial Park can only be described as an island in the sea of suburbia. Situated in the Golden Horseshoe, the 1690 acres park was designated a provincial park in 1972 by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. With a mix of farm pasture, orchards and forest it is truly an dynamic spot to explore. An amazing feature of this park space is the kilometers of walking, hiking and biking trails. Also, the access to the majestic Bronte Creek Valley.

Looking West toward the Niagara Escarpment

As a young child, my parents would take my sister and I to the park on outings. There are so many things that you can do and see at Bronte. From the turn-of-the-century history museum, called Spruce Lane Farm, to the children's play barn, a nature center, a 1.8 acre pool and an Olympic size skating rink.

Hiking Local - Finding Great Local Trails

When I think about going for a hike, I usually associate hiking with jumping in the car and driving out of the urban and suburban areas. We have a vision in our heads of finding that perfect trail where there is absolutely nobody. I want to open peoples eyes when it comes to local hiking and local trails.



Mt. Nemo Conservation Area, Burlington, Ontario



In Southern Ontario we are blessed with a number of major walking and outdoor recreation trails. From the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail to the Bruce Trail and finally the Trans Canada Trail, this is just a sample of the fantastic trails just waiting for you to plan an adventure.

Point Pelee, Ontario

I don’t know how to explain the feeling I had when Margaret and I were heading towards Point Pelee. I think it was the pure excitement of traveling to the farthest point south in Canada that is connected to the mainland.



Road running through the Point Pelee National Park

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

The best way to describe Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is a little bit of paradise in Mississauga. It feels like you are in the middle of a wild place, far away from the City. The trails are fantastic.

There is a boardwalk around the environmentally sensitive sections of the marsh. This allows for some absolutely fantastic vantage points of the marsh. I enjoyed standing under the massive oak trees that seem to be over a century old. I will let my photos and video do the talking and I hope you enjoy them.

If you want more on the Rattray Marsh check out (Sub)urban Tourist.

Grand Bend Adventure Road Trip: Grand Bend to Goderich

As you drive north along Highway 21 you pass through the town of Grand Bend, Ontario. The town has a unique character that I have not experienced anywhere on my travels through the province. A relaxed lakeside cottage feel makes everyone stopping in Grand Bend feel comfortable and want to return again.

Highway 21 is flat and mostly straight as you drive past a mix of farms and cottages. Occasionally, you will see very large homes that are year-round residences. As the two lane road heads north it runs parallel to the lakeshore and allows for great views of the southwestern Ontario countryside.




Church Steeple in downtown Goderich

 

Grand Bend Adventure Road Trip

I remember in my early twenties waiting for the first long weekend to come. Anticipating the first camping trip of the year, it could never come quick enough. When we couldn’t get a camp site anywhere, we usually just went for a drive. A road trip was a great way to spend time with family and friends.  It was spontaneous and you were able to explore trails, tracks and towns.

This weekends’ exploration focused on checking out the Pinery Provincial Park and slowly wending our way along Highway 21 north.  Highway 21 runs from Highway 402 in the south running up the east shore of Lake Huron ending in Owen Sound in the north.  Along the way, going through towns such as Forest, Grand Bend, Goderich, Point Clark, Kincardine, Tiverton (Bruce Nuclear Generating Station), Port Elgin, and Southampton, Ontario.  The highway is often referred to as the Bluewater Highway.  The highway is an easy drive, mostly flat and straight, running past farms, cottages and larger homes.

Some of my favorite places to camp were the Pinery, Port Burwell, Sauble Beach or Sandbanks. I think some of the best camping sites in Ontario are at Provincial Parks. These sites allow the car camper to reserve a camping site or even group camping sites in spectacular locations all across the province of Ontario.



Pinery Provincial Park Dunes