National Symbols

The United States flag is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States. Whether it’s a full-sized flag, a miniature desk flag, or an item adorned with the flag design, this is a patriotic souvenir that embodies the spirit of the USA. In contrast, the Canadian Maple Leaf, prominently featured on the national flag, is a symbol of Canada and is often found on various souvenirs like pins, patches, and clothing.

Artwork

In the USA, local artwork often reflects the country’s diverse culture and history. From Native American crafts to modern art pieces from bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles, American artwork is as varied as its landscape. On the other hand, Canadian artwork is deeply influenced by its indigenous roots and natural beauty. Inuit sculptures, Group of Seven paintings, and locally made handicrafts are popular Canadian art souvenirs.

Sports Memorabilia

The USA is home to globally recognized sports teams, making sports memorabilia like baseball caps and jerseys popular gifts. Canada, known for its love of hockey, offers a range of hockey-related souvenirs, from team jerseys to pucks and sticks.

Local Crafts

Local crafts make for unique and personal souvenirs. In the USA, this could be Amish quilts from Pennsylvania or glass ornaments from West Virginia. In Canada, local crafts could include hand-knit Cowichan sweaters from British Columbia or soapstone carvings from the Arctic region.

Books

Books about the local history, culture, or landscape make for great souvenirs. In the USA, this could be a book about the Civil War, a guide to the national parks, or a cookbook of American recipes. In Canada, popular books could include works by Canadian authors, books about the Canadian wilderness, or a French-English dictionary for those interested in the country’s bilingual culture.

Nature-Inspired Gifts

The USA and Canada are both known for their stunning natural landscapes. In the USA, you can find souvenirs inspired by its diverse ecosystems, such as ornaments shaped like California redwoods or jewelry made from Alaskan gold nuggets. In Canada, nature-inspired gifts could include items made from Canadian diamonds or souvenirs featuring the country’s iconic wildlife, like the grizzly bear or the beaver.

Historical Memorabilia

Both the USA and Canada have rich histories that are reflected in their souvenirs. In the USA, historical memorabilia could include replicas of the Liberty Bell, copies of the Declaration of Independence, or souvenirs from historic sites like the Gettysburg battlefield. In Canada, you might find replicas of the country’s oldest coins, models of the iconic CN Tower, or souvenirs from historic sites like the Fortress of Louisbourg.

To Wrap Up

Whether you’re exploring the star-spangled banner country or the land of the maple leaf, the USA and Canada offer a wealth of unique and memorable souvenirs. From local artwork and national symbols to nature-inspired gifts and historical memorabilia, these keepsakes capture the spirit and culture of each country. So, as you pack your suitcase after your North American adventure, make sure it’s filled with mementos that will help you cherish those memories for years to come. Safe travels!

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For those with a passion for angling, the lure of Canada’s expansive and diverse fishing spots is undeniable. From the rugged landscapes of British Columbia to the pristine lakes of Ontario, the Great White North offers an angler’s paradise. Whether you’re an experienced gar fishing enthusiast or a beginner looking for adventure, it’s essential to grasp the subtleties of each location and choose the appropriate lures for gar to fully maximize your fishing expedition. In this traveler’s guide, we’ll navigate through the heart of Canada’s fishing havens, avoiding clichés and providing practical insights to enhance your angling experience. So, join us as we explore the best fishing spots Canada has to offer and discover the secrets to a successful catch.

Unleash the Beast at Lake Athabasca

Situated in the province of Saskatchewan, Lake Athabasca is a haven for anglers in pursuit of formidable adversaries, especially the elusive northern pike and the monstrous lake trout. To entice these predators, seasoned anglers swear by an arsenal of lures, with a special nod to the effectiveness of spoons and crankbaits. When it comes to tackling the notorious pike, selecting the right lures for gar becomes crucial – think large, flashy spinners and swimbaits that mimic the preferred prey of these freshwater giants.

Conquer the Salmon Run in British Columbia

The rivers of British Columbia boast an annual spectacle known as the salmon run, a natural phenomenon where thousands of salmon migrate upstream to spawn. Among the prime locations to witness this breathtaking event is the Adams River, where the vibrancy of the sockeye salmon is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Here, anglers can employ a variety of techniques, from fly fishing with vibrant streamers to casting spinners and spoons. The key is to match the hatch and choose lures that mimic the size and color of the salmon’s natural prey.

Navigate the Waters of Lake Superior

For those seeking a combination of stunning scenery and exceptional fishing, Lake Superior in Ontario is a top choice. Home to a diverse range of fish species, including lake trout, whitefish, and salmon, this expansive lake demands versatile lures. When targeting lake trout, consider using soft plastic swimbaits or jigging spoons to entice strikes. Experimenting with different depths and retrieves is essential, as the lake’s ever-changing conditions can influence fish behavior.

Pursue Trophy Muskie on the French River

The French River in Ontario is synonymous with trophy muskie, attracting anglers from far and wide in pursuit of these apex predators. Casting large, noisy topwater lures is a tried-and-true method for enticing muskies to strike. The key is to create a commotion on the water’s surface, mimicking the disturbance caused by prey. In this dynamic environment, lures that mimic injured fish or small mammals can trigger aggressive responses from these powerful predators.

Unlock the Secrets of the Miramichi River

Head east to the picturesque province of New Brunswick, where the Miramichi River offers an angling experience like no other. Known for its thriving Atlantic salmon population, this river is a haven for fly-fishing enthusiasts. When angling for these prized fish, opt for classic fly patterns like the Green Highlander or the Undertaker. The key lies in presenting the fly with precision, mimicking the natural movements of insects or small fish that salmon find irresistible.

In conclusion, Canada’s fishing spots are a tapestry of diverse landscapes and thriving aquatic ecosystems. Whether you’re casting your line into the depths of Lake Athabasca or fly fishing along the Miramichi River, understanding the nuances of each location and selecting the right lures for gar is the key to a successful angling adventure. So, gear up, explore these fishing havens, and let the thrill of the catch unfold amidst the beauty of Canada’s vast and varied waters.

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Missinaibi Provincial Park is a little visited and relatively unknown hidden gem amongst both international visitors and Ontario residents themselves.

Established in 1970 it is a relatively large park encompassing 99,090 hectares (244, 857 acres) or 991 sq. kilometres (383 sq. miles) of wilderness and follows the historic Missinaibi River for 601 kilometres (360 miles) from near its source at Missinaibi Lake just north of the Town of Chapleau through Foster Lake and Brunswick Lake into the Moose River and eventually James Bay. An additional 20,719 hectares (51,197 acres) or 80 sq. miles has been proposed to include some of the lower stretches of the river near Thunderhouse Falls.

While the Missinaibi Provincial Park may be little known to most travelers, amongst canoeing enthusiasts it is one of those must visit destinations that makes their eyes grow in excitement by the mere mention of its name. The Missinaibi River itself flows for 755 kilometres (469 miles) and is one of the longest free-flowing undeveloped rivers in the Province. In Cree its name means “pictured waters” which probably refers to a number of pictographs found on some of the sheer rock cliffs found along its shores and historically the river was part of the main route used by fur traders as the journeyed between James Bay and Lake Superior.

Today, the river is a wilderness and canoeing nirvana and a provincial waterway park that was designated a Canadian heritage river in 2004 . While undoubtedly canoeing is one of the premier attractions and activities of the park like most other northern Ontario parks it is also a world class fishing destination and anglers that do make the journey will enjoy an experience of a lifetime. Camping and wildlife viewing are two of the other prime activities that the park has to offer while for others it is the chance to view some of the aboriginal pictographs on display particularly at Fairy Point on Missinaibi Lake.

How to get to Missinaibi Provincial Park:

The park itself begins approximately 80 kilometres (48 milesa) north of the Town of Chapleau about 10 hours north of Toronto on an access road but there are two main access points depending upon which activity or part of the park you wish to visit. One near Chapleau and the other near the Town of Mattice.

Please note that the park itself is very remote and is crossed at only 4 points by either road or rail.

Please note that for the Chapleau access you will be traveling on remote roads so a GPS is recommended.

By Car:

From Southern Ontario to Chapleau access:
Take Highway 401 East or West depending upon where your starting point is.
Take Highway 400 North until it merges with Highway# 69 towards Sudbury.
Take Highway# 17 towards Sault Ste. Marie.
In the small town of Iron bridge take Highway #546 North.
Where the road splits take Highway# 554 West until it ends at Highway #129.
Turn right on Highway #129 North and follow right into Chapleau to Lisgar Street.
Lisgar Street turns into Martel Road then Poplar Street. Follow Poplar Street right into the park.

From Eastern Ontario to Chapleau access:
Take Highway# 17 towards Sault Ste. Marie.
In the small town of Iron Bridge take Highway #546 North.
Where the road splits take Highway# 554 West until it ends at Highway #129.
Turn right on Highway #129 North and follow right into Chapleau to Lisgar Street.
Lisgar Street turns into Martel Road then Poplar Street. Follow Poplar Street right into the park.

From Northwestern Ontario to Chapleau access:
Take Highway# 17 East towards Sault Ste. Marie.
At Wawa continue on Highway #101 East until it splits with Highway #129.
Follow Highway #129 right into Chapleau to Lisgar Street.
Lisgar Street turns into Martel Road then Poplar Street. Follow Poplar Street right into the park.

From Southern Ontario to Mattice access:
Take Highway 401 East or West depending upon where your starting point is.
Take Highway 400 North until it merges with Highway# 11 North towards North Bay.
Continue on Highway #11 into Mattice.

From Eastern Ontario to Mattice access:
Take Highway #17 North towards North Bay.
In North Bay take Highway #11 West to Mattice.

From Northwestern Ontario to Mattice access:
Take Highway #11 East to Mattice.

By Public Transport

By Bus: Public bus will take you to or Mattice.

By Rail:

The existing CN and CP railroads continue to provide access to Chapleau. This will be the closest you can get by rail, from there you must rent a car to complete the journey.

By Air:

There is no direct air service into the Missinaibi Provincial Park area but there is regular scheduled air service from Toronto to Kapuskasing. From there you can take public bus service to Mattice to begin your journey into the park. There are also many local outfitters that do provide fly-in service to numerous lakes in the region. The pages of this website will provide further information.

Activities at Missinaibi Provincial Park

Canoeing:

Without a doubt canoeing and kayaking are the number one reason most people visit Missinaibi Provincial Park. The whitewater is world famous and challenging for even the most experienced paddlers. Careful planning and preparation must be undertaken before beginning any journey, as the river is very remote and undeveloped and it is highly recommended that only very experienced paddlers undertake the course. An excellent level of fitness is also required as portages are frequent and can be very difficult.
While some canoeists have completed the entire month long 550-kilometre (330 mile) journey most will complete only a portion of the route depending upon the starting point.
Please note that if you do plan to canoe a portion of the Missinaibi River you will need a provincial park permit, services are non-existent and there are limited camping spots. It is also recommended that river water levels should be confirmed as low levels make portions of the river impassable.

The two most popular canoe routes are:

1) Missinaibi River Route from the hamlet of Missinabie just outside the park to the township of Mattice 238 kilometres (144 miles) away.
This route takes you through the large Missinaibi Lake passing by the Fairy Point pictographs, Whitefish Falls and past the remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post.
There are a number of portages around whitewater rapids (more experienced paddlers may attempt to run these) as you pass the mouth of the Hay River and through Peterbell Marsh.
Between Peterbell and Mattice there is a series of 30 rapids that can either be portaged or run depending on your experience and the water levels including Split Rock Falls, Albany Rapids, Beaver Rapids and Shaprock Falls.
There are limited camping facilities along this route, up to 27 portages and will take anywhere from 7 – 9 days to complete. Summer is the best time to undertake this challenging whitewater route.

2) Mattice to Moosonee, a 316 kilometer (190 miles) journey that will take you to the edges of the near arctic at James Bay.
As you leave the Township of Mattice you will immediately be set upon a series of rapids including Rock Island Rapids and Black Feather Rapids and a portage around Kettle Falls. This is an extremely picturesque portion of the Missinaibi River.
You will then encounter a long string of rapids that are usually fairly easily navigable after you have passed Alice Island until you reach Thunderhouse Falls where violent rapids connect a series of small waterfalls and the river drops over 40 meters (132 feet) in 3 distinct drops. This marks the starting point of the Missinibi River’s descent from the Canadian Shield highlands to the lowlands of James Bay. You then pass the site of an old Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and between some steep granite cliffs.

As you pass the mouth of the Soweska River the river widens and is joined by the Mattagami River to form the Moose River. You then pass a railway bridge and a small aboriginal settlement aptly called Moose River Crossing where you can end your journey to catch the Ontario Northland train.
If you wish to continue your adventure it is another 72 kilometres (43.5 miles) to the town of Moosonee into the estuary where the Moose River meets James Bay. The Polar Bear Express provides railway service back to Cochrane and thus the rest of Ontario.
There are limited or no camping facilities along this route and the entire journey includes 7 portages and should take 7 – 9 days to complete.

Camping:

Missinaibi Provincial Park has limited camping facilities for a park of its size as in addition to being a waterway park it is also a wilderness park.
There are 36 campsites along the shores of Barclay Bay at the southern end of the park on Missinaibi Lake that are fully serviced with facilities and running water. The campsites are also near a boat launch and there are boat and canoe rentals available on site during the busy summer months.
Along the course of the river there are 103 backcountry campsites for paddlers to utilize during their adventure. There are no facilities or services offered at these sites.
Please note that all campsites are only open during the busy summer months from early May to late September and permits are required to camp along the Missinaibi River.
Please note that non-residents utilizing a licensed tourist outfitter can be exempt from paying Crown Land Camping Permits.

Fishing:

Next to canoeing and/or kayaking this is the most popular activity undertaken by visitors to the park. As with most northern bodies of water fishing is spectacular and the waters of the Missinaibi Provincial Park are no exception. Fish are so plentiful that even the most inexperienced angler should have no difficulty in landing a meal or two and will always have the potential of landing a trophy fish.

Some of the species found in the waterways include:

Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth, Bass Splake, Sturgeon, Lake Trout, Whitefish.
Northern Pike (to some the most delicious game fish there is) are so plentiful and easily caught that there are no limits on the number landed and there is a year round open season.

Boating:
There is a boat launch at the southern end of the park and motorboats are allowed on Brunswick, Little Missinaibi and Missinaibi lakes.

Hiking:
Missinaibi Provincial Park is a wilderness park and hiking is not a prime activity but there is one well-marked hiking trail. The Borasso Logging Camp Trail is 6 kilometres (3.6 miles) long and passes through some rugged Canadian Shield terrain and will take most hikers up to 2.5 hours to complete. The trail is accessible by boat.

Wildlife Viewing:
As this is northern Ontario wildlife is plentiful and Missinaibi Provincial Park offers some excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and some of its southern portions lie within the Chapleau Game Preserve (the world’s largest game reserve).

Animals that can be viewed include: Moose, Black Bear, Lynx, Marten, Fisher, Wolf, Deer, Eagles, Herons, Ospreys.

Hunting:
Limited in season hunting opportunities exist in MIssinaibi Provincial Park for those that get the required permits. Contact the park through Ontario Parks or the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Heritage Sightseeing and Aboriginal pictographs:
missinaibi pictographsThe Missinaibi River is a historic fur-trading route and aboriginal peoples have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Missinaibi Provincial Park has many aboriginal rock paintings including the most famous of all: those that cover the rock face at Fairy Point in Missinaibi Lake depicting the mythical Mishipizhiw (also known as Mishipizheu or Gitche-anahmi-bezheu).
Known as the “Spirit of the Water” this fearsome shape-shifting animal was both feared and revered by various native cultures. Designed to be viewed from the water the red coloured images at Fairy Point also depict images of fish, caribou and canoes and cover a 35-meter (110 feet) area of sheer granite cliff face facing the setting sun allowing them to be naturally illuminated each day at nightfall.
In addition to the pictographs there are also the remnants of a number of historic Hudson’s Bay Company trading posts along the route in addition to the present day remnant of an originally founded company settlement at Moose Factory, the first English settlement in Ontario.

Missinaibi river thunderhouse fallsA trip to Missinaibi Provincial Park is not everyone’s cup of tea and appeals mainly to wilderness adventurers as facilities are almost non-existent. For those that do wish to partake in these types of activities it is probably an adventure they have dreamed of for quite some time as the waters of the Missinaibi River are some of the most sought after by whitewater enthusiasts worldwide.

The wild, majestic Missinaibi River is one of the longest undeveloped and unspoiled free-flowing waterways in Ontario. This is not a river however for inexperienced paddlers and wilderness adventurers. The route is challenging and must be traversed with extreme caution and visitors must be well prepared for any eventuality, as the whitewater can be treacherous and extremely dangerous in numerous locations. The use of a local guide or outfitter is highly recommended to minimize risks.

For whitewater enthusiasts the raw beauty of Missinaibi Provincial Park and the Missinaibi River represents the ultimate outdoor adventure and challenge.

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The small city of Welland Ontario is located almost smack dab in the centre of the Niagara Region in southern Ontario. While not a tourist destination in its own right it is very close to many interesting communities that draw visitors from around the globe.

A little over an hour away from the City of Toronto it is also within easy traveling distance of Hamilton, Niagara Falls, St. Catherines, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Port Colbourne and Buffalo. New York. Centered on the Welland Canal from which it derives its name, its history and development is almost entirely due to this supremely important body of water that ties Lake Erie to Lake Ontario thus bypassing the spectacular cataract at Niagara Falls.

With a population of approximately 51,000 the “Rose City” is also known as the place “where rails and water meet” as its development was in part spurred by where the railway crossed the canal and the Welland River which bisects the city in two.

How to get to Welland Ontario:

By Car:

From Eastern Ontario:
Take Highway 401 West
Take Highway 427 South to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Hamilton
Take the Queen Elizabeth Way West towards Hamilton/Niagara
Just before St. Catherines take Highway 406 towards Welland
Turn right on East Main Street into downtown Welland

From Western Ontario:
Take Highway 401 East towards Toronto
Near Woodstock take Highway 403 towards Hamilton
Continue on Highway 403 past Hamilton to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) towards Niagara Falls
Just before St. Catherines take Highway 406 towards Welland
Turn right on East Main Street into downtown Welland

From Northern Ontario:
Navigate to Highway 400 South
Highway 400 ends at Highway 401
Take Highway 401 West
Take Highway 427 South to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Hamilton
Take the Queen Elizabeth Way West towards Hamilton/Niagara
Just before St. Catherines take Highway 406 towards Welland
Turn right on East Main Street into downtown Welland

By Public Transport
By Bus. Welland Ontario is easily reached by bus services.

Ontario’s commuter bus service Go Transit travels to the City of St. Catherines. From there it is possible to take the city’s local bus service to a connection with Welland’s local bus service.

By Rail:

Passenger rail service is no longer offered to Welland Ontario. It is however possible to take a vial rail passenger train to the City of St. Catherines and then transfer to the local bus service for a connection into Welland.

By Air:

While Welland does have a small airport it does not offer any passenger services. The city is so close to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (approximately 90 minutes) by car and it is the main entryway into the province for international and far afield domestic visitors alike, a car rental or other public transport option as listed above is the easiest way of reaching the city.

Welland recreational canal United Empire Loyalists first settled the area in 1788 as they embarked on a new life after fleeing from the recently formed United States. The Original inhabitants settled east of the present day city in the small hamlet of Cooks Mills. It was here that one of the final battles of the War of 1812 took place as the American invaders fought an inconclusive skirmish then retreated across the border never to return.

After the war the British realized that they would have to improve communications to the western portions of their colony and began construction of the Welland Canal. The first Welland Canal was completed in 1833 and the shantytown that sprung up to house the workers employed on the project was called Aqueduct after a wooden aqueduct built to carry the canal over the river.

Industry began to spring up in the area and the population continued to grow. The town was renamed Merrittville after one of the founders of the Welland Canal project. In 1858 the community officially changed its name to Welland and in 1917 it became a city. The city continued to grow which initiated the Welland By-Pass project in 1973 that has resulted in creating the Welland Recreational Waterway the city’s main tourist draw today.

Welland Canal Recreational Waterway

With the building of the new canal route no longer do the ships traversing the Welland Canal pass through the center of town causing extreme traffic jams. The resulting abandoned canal has subsequently been turned into a recreational paradise.

Motorboats were banned as they posed a threat to other recreational activities such as: Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing, Paddleboats, Fishing, Swimming (though not really adviseable).

The Welland Canal Parkway Trail is a paved hiking, biking and recreational trail that follows alongside both banks of the entire length of the old canal from St. Catherines on Lake Ontario to Port Colbourne on Lake Erie and passes right through downtown Welland Ontario.

In downtown Welland Ontario itself between the recreational waterway and the Welland River is 3-kilometre (1.8 mile) long Merritt Island, which has been turned into a community park. Rentals of equipment for the above-mentioned activities are available and the park has become a favorite amongst locals for picnicking and barbequing in the summer months. There is also a memorial dedicated to the workers that built this important waterway that significantly contributed to the growth of Ontario and Canada as a whole. Each fall the park also hosts the Niagara Food Festival.

The waterway has also become a magnet for festivals and special events. One of the premier events held annually since 2002 that draws participants and spectators from far and wide is the Welland Dragon Boat Festival.

There is also a recently built amphitheatre along the waterways western shore that used to host a summertime outdoor concert series named IlluminAqua where floating stages are used for various performances as the artists perform between firepods. As of this date the concert series has been suspended due to lack of government sponsored funding.

City of Murals

One particularly unique aspect of Welland Ontario is the preponderance of remarkable murals of varying sizes that have sprung up on the exterior walls of buildings throughout the city. The city is quickly becoming known as a large open-air gallery as city fathers encourage artists from across Canada to beautify the urban landscape with colorful murals depicting themes of significant historical importance to the region.

At present 27 of these larger than life murals have been commissioned with one being 3-storeys high and 25 metres (80 feet) long. Most are concentrated in the downtown area and are easily within walking distance of each other.

While not a tourist mecca like some other nearby communities Welland Ontario does provide some places of interest for those in the area. You can probably combine it with activities and visits to nearby attractions to make a complete day of it. Most visitors to downtown will be a little disconcerted by the number of dilapidated and closed up buildings but the city is definitely on the upswing.

It is a historic community and its ties with the Welland Canal make it a significant community in the-annuls of Canadian history. This is depicted in the Welland Museum located in the cities downtown in the historic Carnegie Building.

Depending upon the time of year you visit there are also a couple of significant events hosted by the city.

The Welland Rose Festival, which commemorates Welland’s heritage as the “Rose City”, has traditionally kicked off the summer for over 50 years and occurs every June.

The Niagara Regional Exhibition traditionally marks the end of the summer and is the regions largest fall fair.

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Kingston Ontario is a beautiful medium sized city located in Eastern Ontario on the banks of Lake Ontario. It is of significant historical importance due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Cataraqui River at the meeting point of Lake Ontario and the mighty St. Lawrence River.
Known as the “Limestone City” due to the fact that many of its older buildings were constructed of locally quarried limestone it is located at almost the halfway point between Montreal and Toronto.

Originally founded by the French in 1673 as Fort Cataraqui (an aboriginal name for the area), it was soon called Fort Frontenac after the Governor of New France, Louis de Buade de Frontenac. It served as their main base of operations on Lake Ontario until it was attacked, captured and destroyed by the British in 1758 during the Seven Years War.
Settlement in the area began in earnest after the American Revolutionary War when thousands of United Empire Loyalists began fleeing north to remain under British jurisdiction. A restored Fort Frontenac (aka Cataraqui) became known as “the King’s Town” and in 1788 the name was officially changed to Kingston to honour King George III. Kingston soon became the leading community in this part of Upper Canada.
During the War of 1812 between the British and the expanding United States Kingston became the leading British naval base on Lake Ontario and the militarization of the community and its surrounding areas was rapidly undertaken.
After the war the English constructed the strategically important Rideau Canal with its entrance into Lake Ontario at Kingston. Leading edge military fortifications were constructed to guard to city and canal and these all still exist today and remain part of the lure of this charming city.
Kingston’s strategic location at the entrance of the Rideau Canal, at the end of Lake Ontario, and at the headwaters of the St. Lawrence River made it the largest and most important centre in Upper Canada. This was officially recognized when the newly incorporated town was made the first capital of the Province of Canada in 1841.
Kingston held this distinction for only 3 years though as the British government felt it was too vulnerable to an American attack and they began alternating the capital between Toronto and Montreal before finally settling on Ottawa in 1857.
In 1846 Kingston Ontario was incorporated as a city but after the removal of its capital status it began to decline in importance both militarily and politically.

Getting to Kingston Ontario:

By Car:

The city lies on Highway 401, the main east-west traffic corridor across the province linking Toronto to Montreal and Ottawa. Driving times from major cities are: Toronto – 2.5 hours, Montreal 3 hours, Ottawa – 1.5 hours
From Eastern Ontario:
Navigate to Highway 401 and travel west until reaching the city.
From Western Ontario:
Navigate to Highway 401 and travel east until reaching the city.
From Northern Ontario:
Navigate south on any of Ontario’s secondary highways until you reach Highway 401 then head either east or west depending upon your intersecting point.

By Public Transport:

By Bus:

It is very easy to reach Kingston Ontario by bus as it is a major stopping point on the main east-west transportation corridor.

By rail:

As the city does lie on the main east-west transportation corridor across Southern Ontario it is well serviced by passenger rail and there is regular daily service.

By Plane:

Norman Rogers Municipal Airport located in the western part of the city has regular domestic flights to a number of communities but unfortunately does not cater to any international flights.
If you wish to fly to Kingston you will have to take a connecting flight from one of the larger international destinations such as Toronto or Ottawa. This is however quite an expensive option and since the city is so well serviced by other modes of public transport and travel times are comparative to flying I would recommend that visitors simply choose one of these options instead.

By Ferry:

Kingston is also connected to Wolfe Island by a free of charge ferry that runs all year round. The Kingston Terminal for the Wolfe Islander III is located at the intersection of Barrack and Ontario Street’s. Another Ferry connects Wolfe Island to the United States so it is possible to travel from Kingston Ontario to New York State by car via Wolfe Island and during the busy summer months many visitors do make use of this route.
The 61metre (200 feet) long Wolfe Islander III can carry up to 330 passengers and 55 vehicles and the trip from Kingston to Wolfe Island takes about 20 minutes.

By Boat:

This is usually not an option I list when creating information on how to arrive at a destination but Kingston Ontario’s location at the intersection at some of the country’s greatest waterways make listing this information a necessity.
Whether arriving from the Rideau Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway or from other points along the Great Lakes, Kingston’s strategic position at the eastern end of Lake Ontario has long made it an important stopping point for craft of all sizes.
Today most cargo traffic passes by the city as its harbour is too small for the St. Lawrence Seaway’s huge container ships but the city is still at the epicenter of dense pleasure craft traffic especially from the Rideau Canal. Many visitors arrive by their personal watercraft and the city has numerous marinas to accommodate them including: Kingston Marina, Collins Bay Marina, Music Marina, Confederation Basin, Blue Woods Marina, Kingston Yacht Club, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Treasure Island Marina, Rideau Marina.

Getting Around Kingston Ontario

As with most medium-sized and larger Canadian cities public bus transportation adequately services most areas of interest to visitors. The local bus service is appropriately named Kingston Transport.
Of course taxis are readily available, easily hailed and are relatively inexpensive as traveling throughout the city is fairly easy compared to some larger Ontario cites as traffic is not as congested.
Kingston Ontario Trolley Tours
A majority of the city’s visitors are interested in seeing the historic sites and attractions unique to the area and Kingston Trolley Tours provides a wonderful service for doing so. Many of the attractions are located either in the historic centre or along the waterfront so a perfect service is the Hop On Hop Off tour.

Leaving every half hour during the summer months from its departure point at the Kingston Ontario Visitor Information Centre located at 209 Ontario Street it makes six scheduled stops: Visitor Information Centre, The Royal Military College of Canada Museum, Fort Henry, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum, Queen’s University.

Entertainment and Shopping District

Once you purchase a ticket you can hop off at any of the stops, visit and explore, then hop back on a trolley as many times during the day as you like. An electronic guide is aboard giving informative narration and a trolley comes by each stop every half hour during the day making it a great way of exploring the city.

For those that just wish to see the city without getting on or off the city also operates the Confederation Trolley Tour. This one-hour tour is also electronically narrated. It passes by all the important attractions including:
The Royal Military College, Fort Henry, Fort Frontenac, Bellevue House, Penitentiaries, Queen’s University, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour.
For the most part these trolleys run from mid-May until just after Labour Day in early September.
Kingston ontario Kingston today has a population of just over 160,000 inhabitants and its rich history is reflected in the amount of National Historic Sites to be found in the immediate region including Bellevue House, the former home Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister.
The city is also arguably the birthplace of ice hockey, Canada’s national passion, as there is concrete evidence that the sport was played here as early as 1843. It is also home to the oldest continuous rivalry in the sport as the annual Queen’s University – Royal Military College of Canada game has been contested since 1866.

For the most part though Kingston Ontario is regarded as the starting point for exploring the nearby Thousand Islands region as the largest of these: Wolfe Island, lies just offshore and marks the ending point of Lake Ontario and the starting point for the St Lawrence River, arguably Canada’s greatest heritage waterway. Many 1000 Island cruises originate from the city and this is definitely one of the greatest draws for visitors to the Kingston area.

Whatever your interest I highly recommend that if you have time on your itinerary you plan to spend at least 1 day in Kingston Ontario, two is preferable as this gives you time to explore the city and surrounding Thousand Islands in more depth. The small nearby communities of Gananoque and Brockville are definitely also worthy of a stop. If you are traveling from Toronto and plan on visiting Ottawa, Algonquin Park and/or Montreal you have to pass right by Kingston so you don’t have to go out of your way to get here and a stop will allow you to see one of the most beautiful and historically significant communities in the province of Ontario.

Kingston Ontario attractions and activities

Thousand Islands

Without a doubt the best attraction in the greater Kingston area. Taking a drive along the nearby 1000 Islands Parkway is a great way to see this remarkable stratch of the St. Lawrence River but for an even better view, hop on a boat cruise in Kingston or nearby Gananoque or Brockville.

The Rideau Canal

A historic military waterway linking the cities of Ottawa and Kingston it is now a pleasure craft nirvana with its opening to Lake Ontario right in the city of Kingston.

Fort Henry

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city this UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site of Canada sits high atop Point Henry standing guard over Kingston, Lake Ontario, the Rideau Canal and the St. Lawrence River.

Wolfe Island

The largest island of the famed Thousand Islands group it lies a short “free” ferry ride from downtown Kingston and makes for a great day trip for those wishing to spend a quiet relaxing day. Especially loved by cyclists and beach lovers.

Bellevue House

A lovely historic house located in an old, established upscale Kingston neighbourhood near Queen’s University. Once the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald it is now a National Historic Site of Canada.

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Petroglyphs Provincial Park is a unique place of significant historical importance, especially to aboriginal peoples as it contains the largest collection of ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) not only in the province but in all of North America.
Located deep in the thick forest Ancient First Nations people carved the roughly 900 depictions in a single large white marble outcropping between an estimated 600 to 3500 years ago. Forgotten for centuries they were rediscovered accidentally by miners in 1954 and have once again become a sacred and spiritual pilgrimage site for the local Ojibwe inhabitants.
Proclaimed a National Historic Site of Canada in 1976, local aboriginals believe that this is an entrance into the spirit world and that the Spirits actually speak to them from this location. They call it “Kinoomaagewaapkong” which translates to “the rocks that teach”.
The rock art depicts various objects and creatures such as: turtles, snakes, boats, birds and humans depicted doing everyday activities. The main collection of petroglyphs has been enclosed by a glass structure to prevent further degradation from the elements such as acid rain and frost to ensure their continued survival.
Cared for by the local Curve Lake First Nation they take great pride in maintaining the park and it has become a very significant part of their spiritual beliefs. The sounds emitted by the wind and rain as it passes though the rocks is interpreted as the Spirits speaking.

Getting to Petroglyphs Provincial Park:

The only option of reaching the park is by car as there is no plane, train transport options available. Public transport is limited to the following:

By Bus:

There is no direct bus service to Petroglyphs Provincial Park but you can get very close. Three of the largest bus services have regular scheduled routes to the nearby City of Peterborough.
Once in Peterborough Greyhound Canada does provide limited service to the small community of Woodview just outside the park. Once there you can complete the journey with a short hike. I would contact Greyhound Canada for further information.

By Rail

Rail travel to Petroglyphs Provincial Park is not an option.

By Air:

Air travel to Petroglyphs Provincial Park is not really an option.

By Car:

Depending upon where your starting point is the following routes are available:

Coming from Northern Ontario:
Navigate to Huntsville then take Highway #35 South towards Lindsay
Follow until reaching Highway #118 East towards Bancroft
Turn right on County Road #48 (Dyno Road), at Highway # 28 continue south towards Woodview
In Woodview take Regional Road #56 (Northeys Bay Road) to the parks entrance

From Eastern Ontario:
Take Highway 401 West towards Toronto. At Belleville take Highway #62 towards Marmora
In Foxboro take County Road #14 (Foxboro Stirling Road) towards Marmora
In Marmora take Highway #7 West towards Havelock. In Havelock turn right onto County Road 44/46
The road splits north of Havelock so continue on County Road # 44 and it eventually turns into Regional Road #56 (Northeys Bay Road) just before the parks entrance

From Southern Ontario:
Take Highway 401 East
At Clarington take Highway #35/115 North towards Peterborough
Continue on Highway #115 and in Peterborough turn right onto Highway #7 East towards Ottawa
Turn left onto Highway #28 towards Bancroft. Turn right on Regional Road #56 (Northeys Bay Road) to the parks entrance

Additional activities at Petroglyphs Provincial Park:

As the park has been designated a historical park and is limited to day use only the limited additional activities are mainly wildlife viewing and hiking. Its location at the edge of the Canadian Shield and bordering the Peterborough Crown Game Reserve provides for some dramatic scenery and includes large populations of indigenous animals such as: Beaver, Otter, White-tailed deer, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Fishers, Wolves (rare).

Many species of birds are to be spotted including: Woodpeckers, Grey Jays, Wild Turkeys, Hawks, Warblers, Northern Flickers, Ruffled Grouse.
Bald and Golden Eagles can sometimes be spotted in the winter months

Hiking:

Well-marked hiking trails traverse their way through forests, wetlands and past rocky ridges. Each trail provides for some beautiful visuals of the rugged Canadian Shield and make for a good outing. The following are the hiking trails located in Petroglyphs Provincial Park:

Nanabush Trail

At 5.5 kilometres (3.3 miles) in length this is the longest trail in the park but it is very easy to complete and passes through a variety of terrains. Expected completion time: 90 minutes.

Ratarat Trail

The shortest trail in the park it is also probably the most well used due to its convenient location near the picnic area. At only 1 kilometre (.6 miles) in length it is of moderate difficulty and takes very little time to complete but it does pass through some dense forest and skirts the shores of beautiful McGinnis Lake. The picnic area makes for a great place to take a break and enjoy a relaxing lunch among the sereneness of the Canadian wilderness.

Marsh Trail:

The longest trail in the park at 7 kilometres (4.2 miles) it is of moderate difficulty as it does include some fairly steep sections as it winds its way through forests, uplands and as the name entails, marshy wetlands. For those with plenty of time and wishing to see the beauty of the rugged Canadian Shield and hopefully catch a glimpse of the many species of wildlife to be found in the area. Expect to take 2 -3 hours to complete.

West Day-Use Trail:

Another trail displaying the beauty of Canada’s near north it is 5 kilometers (3 miles in length and is of moderate difficulty. Passing through dense forests of oak, birch and pine it makes for a great location for spotting the various wildlife to be found within the park’s borders and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Cycling

Cycling is a limited activity as bikes are allowed on the park roads but not on the hiking trails (this includes mountain bikes).

Provincial Park is located 55 kilometres (33 miles) northeast of Peterborough just outside the small hamlet of Woodview at 2249 Northey’s Bay Road and is a very short distance from the nearby Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. It is open until Thanksgiving daily from 10 a.m. to 5pm except for Mondays and Tuesdays in the spring and fall.
It is a little known park both internationally and also among Canadians and Ontarians themselves and is a quiet and little visited destination somewhat befitting its status as a sacred spot amongst the local First Nations tribes yet the petroglyphs themselves are historically significant and unique within Ontario’s borders.
The parks location in the heart of the Kawartha’s, one on the province’ premier tourist destinations, makes it easily accessible and in time I believe its significance will increase its popularity. A trip through the park should take no longer than half a day or so and it makes for a great stop for those on their way to one of the more popular destinations in the area or for those spending a little more time in the Peterborough region.

Please note however that you must arrive before 3:30 PM or you will not have enough time to reach the petroglyphs due to the distance of the site from the entrance.

Please note that photography of the rocks is not permitted, as they are considered quite sacred.

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Golden horseshoe vineyards. The Golden Horseshoe area of Southwest Ontario. While hard to believe for most international visitors the region is at the heart of Canada`s wine and fruit growing regions. Endless rows of vineyards and orchards abound amidst the urban sprawl in one of the country`s most heavily populated areas.

While heavily populated and industrialized this large region is still mainly rural. Drive 5 minutes outside the City of Hamilton and your smack dab in the middle of rows upon rows of fruit bearing orchards. In recent years these are being replaced by vineyards as the wines these locally grown grapes produce are now recognized as being amongst the best in the world.

The Golden Horseshoe

The Golden Horseshoe was a term coined in the 1950`s for the area of Southern Ontario stretching from the city of Oshawa in the east to the Town of Fort Erie in the southwest.

For the purposes of these pages I will exclude anything east of Oakville as this is the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and deserves pages in its own right and is included in my Central Ontario section, additionally I have included Fort Erie in the Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island section of my Southwestern Ontario pages.

For the purposes of these pages The Golden Horseshoe area stretches from Oakville in the east to Niagara Falls in the southwest and encompasses the area up to the City of Brantford in the west.

This region of Ontario is along with Toronto, Canada`s most heavily populated and rapidly growing areas and is the industrial economic heart of the country, it includes major population centres such as: Hamilton, St.Catherines, Oakville, Burlington, Niagara Falls.

Most people visiting Ontario Canada for the first time do actually include a visit to the Golden Horseshoe region on their itinerary as a trip to Niagara Falls is invariably on their must see lists but there is much, much more to see and do in this region in addition to “The Falls”.

Some of the many attractions in the region include:

The area stretching from Niagara Falls to Hamilton is one of Canada`s major wine producing regions whose products can be found on tables around the world.

The Niagara Escarpment, a United Nations World Biosphere – runs through the region stretching all the way north to the Bruce Peninsula and the well-traveled Bruce Trail is a hiking destination of international renown.

The beautiful picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake draws visitors by the busload all summer long.

The Welland Canal which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario

Royal Botanical Gardens

Getting to the Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario Canada:

By Car:

As this is part of the most densely populated area of Canada getting around is relatively easy yet congested.

The main transportation corridor to the heart of the region is along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) highway. It runs along the shore of Lake Ontario stretching from downtown Toronto to Fort Erie. Please note that this is probably the most traveled and congested highway in the country. During rush hours (especially in the Toronto area, expect LONG travel times.

Overall, the region is very accessible by car and the roads and highways are probably the best in the country. If you are planning on venturing g anywhere in the province beyond Toronto and Niagara Falls than this sis the mode of transportation that I would recommend.

By Air:

Almost all of the larger communities in the region are serviced by airports yet because the region is so close to Canada`s busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, all international flights are serviced there.

The only other airport of any significance is the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Hamilton and it is more of a cargo airport and since it is located less than an hour by road from Toronto anyway, really makes no sense to transfer to.

In conclusion, air travel to the region is really not an option once visitors arrive at Toronto`s Pearson Airport. Car or public transportation is the way to go from there.

By Public Transport:

By Rail:

Via Rail offers a direct once per day Toronto to Niagara Falls return route. For those wishing to visit only “The Falls” this makes for a great way explore the city on a day trip.

The local commuter rail line GO Transit has daily service from Toronto to Hamilton with many stops in between. Weekend service extends to Niagara Falls during the summer months with a stop in St. Catharines along the way.

By Bus:

Go Transit also provides bus service into the region year round and covers the entire corridor from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Visit the website above for more information as to schedules and rates.

The other major bus companies that service most larger Golden Horseshoe communities are Greyhound and Coach Canada.

golden horseshoe grapes For most visitors to Ontario Canada the Golden Horseshoe region other than Niagara Falls is not even on their radar. This shouldn’t be the case as in all actuality a visit between Toronto, Niagara Falls and the Golden Horseshoe region`s attractions would be enough to fill most 2-week itineraries.

A very popular activity that has increased dramatically in recent years is the advent of winery tours. There are many tour operators offering group tours to many of the major and micro wine producers that have sprung up all over the Niagara Peninsula in recent years. These tasting tours will usually visit 3 or more wineries in a day and often schedule lunch and dinner stops in very picturesque settings amongst the rows upon rows of vines. It really is a great way to spend a hot summer day!

The Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario really shouldn’t be overlooked as a vacation destination, for a complete list of all major attractions in the region visit my Golden Horseshoe pages below.

Golden Horseshoe Attractions

Hamilton Ontario

The City of Hamilton Ontario and its environs are well worth spending a day or two on your itinerary.

African Lion Safari Ontario

Located just outside Hamilton this unique wildlife park is sure to be a highlight of any visit to Ontario. Located halfway between Toronto and Niagara Falls it is well worth a full day of your itinerary.

Welland Ontario

At the center of the Niagara Peninsula the City of Welland bears the name of the canal from which it developed. Nicknamed the “Rose City” this small city makes for a great stopover.

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