The Bruce Trail

It is said that there has been more change to the Niagara Escarpment during the past 100 years than in the previous 9,000 years. As a result of the tremendous urban and recreational development of natural lands, people became motivated to ensure access to green space where they could walk and reflect. So, people came together and built the Bruce Trail. With more than 800 kilometres of main trail, Canada's oldest and longest footpath snakes its way from the Niagara River to Tobermory - at the northernmost tip of the Bruce Peninsula.

Providing the only public access to this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Bruce Trail is truly spectacular. The trail can be accessed at many points and camping is permissible at designated sites along the route. The Escarpment and the trail encompasses farms, recreation areas, sweeping scenic views, 1675 foot cliffs, clear streams, wetlands, pebbled beaches, rolling hills, pristine waterfalls, wildlife habitats, historic sites, villages, towns and cities.

Every year, 400,000 visits are made as people walk, cross country-ski, snowshoe, watch wildlife, take photographs and admire the glorious scenery of the Escarpment. Indulge in a little pampering alongside your outdoor experience and leave the path and your muddy boots at the door of an historic inn anywhere along the trail for a comfortable bed or relaxing massage; or perhaps simply just take in a fine meal and a glass or two of Niagara's finest wines.

Pukaskwa National Park - Feel the Spirit of Ancient Landscapes

The exceptional beauty of Pukaskwa National Park is revealed in its vistas of Lake Superior. The Park projects the rugged ancient landscape of the Canadian Shield, its northern forests and the spirit of wildness. This area offers fantastic hiking, camping, canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experiences.

Nearby attractions include the Hemlo Gold Field, the largest gold deposit in Canada, where public mine tours are available in the summer months. Ontario's official mineral emblem, amythest, is in rich supply along Lake Superior's north shore east of Thunder Bay. Several amethyst mines welcome visitors to search out their own treasures left behind during surface mining. Other welcome stops along the north shore of Lake Superior include White Lake and Ouimet Canyon.

Georgian Bay Islands

Georgian Bay Islands National Historic Park is contains the barren glacier-scraped rock and windswept pines that inspired Canada's famous Group of Seven artists. Because this is an island park, it is only accessible by boat. Start your park experience with a boat trip from Honey Harbour water taxi locations or other surrounding shoreline communities to Beausoleil Island, where a Visitor Centre will introduce you to the unique qualities of island life on Georgian Bay.

The Islands are particularly renowned for the variety of reptiles and amphibians they support. Trail maps and recreational activities allow visitors to shape their own island adventure. Activities in the park include camping, hiking, boating, canoeing, swimming and cross-country skiing. Special outdoor learning experience programs are available for those wishing to learn more about the greater Georgian Bay ecosystem. A trip to Georgian Bay Islands National Park compliments tours of award-winning museums, historic sites, religious and wildlife attractions of Midland/Penetanguishine. These include the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Ste. Marie Among the Hurons, the Martyrs Shrine, Huronia Museum and Discovery Harbour.

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