We have had some great experiences in Algonquin Provincial Park, from seeing autumnal colours in 2014, to canoeing and swimming in Canoe and Joe Lakes on a beautifully sunny and warm day in 2015. We’ve also had some challenging experiences such as canoeing all day in torrential wind and rain in 2016. But in all those visits we had yet to see one of Algonquin’s … Continue reading Finally seeing our first Algonquin moose
In May last year, we went on an excellent 6-hour canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park. Everything was perfect – from the weather, to the paddling conditions and even our lunchtime sandwich – apart from our failure to see a moose. When my uncle and aunt, Angus and Sue, announced that they would be visiting in late-May this year, we offered them the chance to … Continue reading Canoeing in the rain at Algonquin Provincial Park
Exploring Muskoka – Algonquin’s neighbour to the west. Last time out we blogged about our hunt for our first moose. On the same trip, north of Toronto with Emma’s parents in early spring, we extended our exploration outside of Algonquin Provincial Park. First up were the Ragged Falls on the Oxtongue River. A quick stroll from the car park soon reveals the waterfalls. They certainly were … Continue reading Stepping out of Algonquin
On the hunt for our first moose in Algonquin Provincial Park Since we’ve been in Canada, we’ve got excited at various points about spotting wildlife that we wouldn’t see in the UK. So far we’ve seen a mummy black bear with her two cubs, a coyote, mountain sheep, elk, a skunk, raccoons and several groundhogs! But other than bears, Canada’s other two iconic animals have … Continue reading Canoes and moose in Algonquin Provincial Park
So having driven down to the Niagara Falls, we drove all the way back to Toronto and kept on going until we reached Algonquin Provincial Park. The Park is massive – about one quarter of the size of Belgium, and is home to forests and thousands of lakes. A main road to Ottawa passes through the Park in the far south, where a lot of … Continue reading Algonquin Provincial Park
3 parks, 2 days, 1 pass Algonquin Provincial Park is not only huge, but is also blessed by having other provincial parks scattered around its fringes. Armed with a Ontario Parks Annual Vehicle Permit and now with the satisfaction of having seen our first Algonquin moose, we spent the next two days exploring more of what the park has to offer, as well as two … Continue reading Road trips from Toronto: exploring the Provincial Parks of Muskoka
After a couple of fun camping trips last year, we were excited to book a trip to Bon Echo Provincial Park this summer to celebrate Canada Day. Bon Echo is one of Ontario’s most popular parks, thanks to Mazinaw Rock with its centuries old Aboriginal pictographs and a very large lake to explore. Our long weekend didn’t get off to the best of starts when … Continue reading Camping, canoeing and pictographs at Bon Echo Provincial Park
Arrowhead Provincial Park’s winter activities don’t stop with its skating trail, it is also home to a network of cross-country skiing trails. We put on a pair of skis for the first time in Canada to check them out. My first and only skiing experience had been just as traumatic as my first ever skating lesson. As with anything that required coordination, my one and … Continue reading Cross-country skiing in Arrowhead
Last weekend we paid a visit to the city of Hamilton. For anyone not in the know, Hamilton is home to plenty of waterfalls, and is arguably one of the most important places in Canada, as it was home to the very first Tim Hortons! Hamilton is bounded by the Niagara Escarpment, which starts in upstate New York, passes through Ontario and along the Bruce … Continue reading Day trips from Toronto – Hamilton’s waterfalls
Vancouver, as we’ve all heard, has the upper hand when it comes to Canadian cities with stunning scenery on its doorstep. But here, we want to reclaim a little pride for Toronto. There are some great outdoor locations to visit near Toronto, although unfortunately most require a bit of travel. But nevertheless, there are the Niagara Falls (just make sure you’re facing away from the … Continue reading Cycling to the Scarborough Bluffs
Brown Bear Travels 