June 2020

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures Announces New Hiking Centre

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures Announces New Hiking Centre

Is summer even summer if you don’t visit the caves of The Blue Mountains? Many Ontario-ans visit Scenic Caves over and over again in every season. If you’re looking for something new to explore in Ontario this hot summer, this is it. Everyone knows this is the best scenic view of the bay of Southern Georgian Bay, and they have several activities for you to do during your visit, including a picturesque picnic beside the pond.  

ToDoOntario, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures 2020 Season Announcement
The best news to share is our friends at Scenic Caves have been working very hard to update and prepare the property for Covid-19 health and safety measures and they have announced an open day of Tuesday, June 23rd. You can read all their Covid-19 updates here. They have taken their time and made updates and upgrades to keep their visitors and their own team members safe. 

This is a very special place in Ontario and Scenic Caves is where you will find the power of nature to help keep you healthy, both physically and mentally. 

Park Admission Includes:

Southern Ontario’s longest Suspension Bridge
Historic caves/caverns/crevasse trail network
New hiking centre trails
Camera-worthy lookouts and vistas
Pond & Picnic Area

But wait, they’ve added something new this year… 

Announcing the Scenic Caves Hiking Trail Centre

Perched atop the Niagara Escarpment the new Hiking Centre has 15 kilometers of trails meandering through 370 unspoiled acres of natural beauty. These incredible places, that are usually reserve for winter adventures, will allow space for everyone to safely distance and provide unique views of the 200 year old forest. The well-marked trails offer something for hikers of all skill levels.  Easy, Intermediate and Advanced trails are marked by signs, designating their degree of difficulty and distance. Travel along the terrain, featuring gentle rolling slopes to steep climbs, and expansive, world class views for an adventure suited to your ability. The trails weave throughout seventeen unique geological features, naturally carved millions of years ago by glacial ice. Staff will be there along the way and will assist guests to explore safely.

And what could be the best news yet – our generous friends have Scenic Caves have given us two adult admission passes to giveaway to ToDoOntario fans. It is super easy to enter, you can learn more and enter here:ToDoOntario Scenic Caves Fall Passes Giveaway

June 22, 2020
ToDoOntarioScenic Caves Nature Adventures Announces New Hiking Centre
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Black Culture Historic Sites in Ontario

Black Culture Historic Sites in Ontario

The experiences and culture of Black Canadians are integral threads in the fabric of Ontario history. We are updating this content and learning more about our province’s history and today’s world, how we got here and how we can help. We hope you come back soon and will let you know when it’s refreshed. In the meantime we have left information and links to places and areas where you can learn more. 

Buxton Museum
North Buxton, ON
One of the last stops on the Underground Railroad, the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum preserves the successful Buxton settlement and features original artifacts and structures built by former fugitive slaves. At Ontario’s second largest national historic site, visitors can “Ring the Liberty Bell”, tour one of the last standing schoolhouses, 1852 log cabin, 1853 barn, church, cemetery and museum. Each Labour Day Weekend, Buxton Homecoming features events focused around family, friends and homecoming. 

http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/

 
 
 
 
 
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Welcome back! On this throwback Thursday, we’re continuing on with part 2 of our look at the Buxton Community Club! We left off with WWII and the changing times of Buxton leaving the Community Club with fewer members than it once had, and the need for a reorganization. That organization came in 1945, when Ira Shadd took over the club as president, hoping to give the club some specific goals that it could strive for. To this end, Verlyn Ladd (pictured), also concerned with the young people whom she taught at S.S. #13, joined the club as secretary. Membership fees were initiated at 50 cents per month and a constitution was drawn up. Weekly social evenings provided entertainment for the community, as did debates, spelling matches, and other programs designed to promote interest in the betterment of North Buxton. One of the club’s first purchases was a record player, microphone, and speakers for the hall, which were installed by another club member, Ronald Alexander (pictured). In 1946, the Club offered to tile the Methodist ball park which, due to its location, tended to remain partially flooded after heavy rains, even when other areas had dried. The Church accepted the offer and the tile that was laid made the diamond dry enough to use for most of the year. This also had the added benefit of helping drain the nearby graveyard. A smaller peek at the club today, but tomorrow we will wrap up the Club’s early history in a Part 3! Many of you who have shared our piece from yesterday did so with thanks to members past and present, and we would like to extend our gratitude much the same! While we’re still in the 1940s at the moment, do you have any favourite memories connected to the Community Club? Do you know any of the names we’ve mentioned? As always, we’d love to hear about your connections! #buxtonmuseum #blackhistory #canadianhistory #museumfromhome #museumsconnecton #mayismuseummonth

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Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site
Dresdon, ON
The Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site recognizes the accomplishments of Josiah Henson through interpretive videos, interactive exhibits, numerous artifacts and tours reflecting the Black experience in Canada.  The five acre site consists of the Josiah Henson Interpretive  Centre, with its Underground Railroad Freedom Gallery and North Star Theatre, plus three historic buildings, two cemeteries, a sawmill and numerous artifacts that have been preserved as a legacy to these early pioneers. Each August Civic Holiday weekend (August 3, 2019) the site hosts Emancipation Day, with various speakers, performers, exhibits and cuisine reflecting early Black life in Ontario.  Black History Month programming takes place each February. The museum is owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust.

https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/

Resources for kids, from CBC Kids:

5 Stops on the Underground Railroad – The North Route To Freedom – 4 out of 5 Ontario sites to read about or visit in Ontario. 

  1. John Freeman Walls Underground Railroad Museum – Lakeshore, Ontario
  2. Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site – Dresden, Ontario
  3. Sandwich First Baptist Church – Windsor, Ontario
  4. Buxton National Historic Site – Chatham, Ontario
  5. Birchtown National Historic Site – Birchtown, Nova Scotia
CBC For Kids Underground Railroad Code

CBC For Kids Underground Railroad Code

 

Images Credit: Thank you Chatham-Kent Tourism for your informative website section on Black History in Ontario and for sharing the use of your articles images. 

June 9, 2020 , ,
ToDoOntarioBlack Culture Historic Sites in Ontario
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5 Things You Can Do In Ontario That Will Make Your Trip Special

5 Things You Can Do In Ontario That Will Make Your Trip Special

If you appreciate the Great Outdoors, you’ll love Ontario. This beautiful province boasts breathtaking scenery, superb lakes, and rich cultural sites. Here are just 5 exciting activities you can enjoy in Ontario.

ToDoOntario - fresh waters of Ontario#1. Visit Blue Mountain

Whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, Blue Mountain Village Resort offers a range of outdoor activities to entertain your whole family.

During summer, thrill-seekers enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, ziplining, and free-fall jumping. To appreciate the scenery, you can walk along the world’s longest freshwater beach, hike sections of the Bruce Trail, play golf or go paddle boating.

In winter, Blue Mountain is Canada’s 3rd-busiest ski resort. So, pull on plenty of layers and don heated gloves so you can make the most of Ontario’s fantastic winter sports. Visitors flock to Blue Mountain to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, sleigh rides, ice skating, and snowshoeing.

#2. Cruise across Lake Muskoka in a historic steamship

Sail across Lake Muskoka in the oldest steamship in North America. The Royal Mail Ship Segwun was originally launched in 1887 and is so famous in Canada that it has appeared on a postage stamp. Today, you can enjoy a luxurious dinner cruise aboard this carefully restored ship and admire Ontario’s breathtaking scenery.

Another restored historic ship, the SS Bigwin launched in 1910, sails out of Dorset. During its illustrious past, this beautiful vessel transported many famous people, including Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, and Clark Gable.

#3. Enjoy canoeing and camping at Algonquin Provincial Park

With over 745 miles of rivers and streams and 2,400 lakes, Algonquin Provincial Park is a veritable paradise for canoeing enthusiasts. The lakes were formed by retreating glaciers toward the end of the ice age. The forests and waterways support a diverse range of animal and plant species, making the park a popular destination for nature lovers.

Many keen canoers head for the park’s backcountry and camp overnight. There are established hiking trails, canoeing routes, and portages around the park that enable paddlers to reach sites of cultural and natural significance. Trail guide booklets are available from trailheads.

#4. Explore the wilderness in Wabakimi Provincial Park

Wabakimi Provincial Park is Ontario’s second-largest park and contains one of the biggest boreal forest reserves. Because this pristine wilderness is road-free, you’ll need a canoe to get around. There are over 1,200 miles of canoe trails crisscrossing the wilds. You can opt to explore by yourself with a map or join guided tours.

Wabakimi Park is also popular for sport fishing, with abundant stocks of walleye and northern pike. Several First Nations communities are based within the park, which boasts a long cultural history.

#5. Scuba dive in Fathom Five National Marine Park

With 22 fascinating shipwrecks and stunning underwater geologic formations, Fathom Five National Marine Park is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The park is a National Marine Conservation Area in the Georgian Bay area of Lake Huron established to preserve freshwater ecosystems, lighthouses, and shipwrecks.

There are also numerous islands within the park including Flowerpot Island, where unusual rock stacks off the coast with vegetation on top resemble flowerpots. Park visitors who don’t want to dive under the waves can view two of the 19th-century shipwrecks by joining a glass-bottom boat tour.

June 5, 2020 , , ,
ToDoOntario5 Things You Can Do In Ontario That Will Make Your Trip Special
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Humdinger Bicycles Tours Announces Tours To Look Forward To

Humdinger Bicycles Tours Announces Tours To Look Forward To

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we are all working out how to live healthy and meaningful lives. Outdoor adventures in small groups provide an excellent option for distanced recreation and vacation activities. Humdinger Bicycle Tours is committed to adhering to provincial protocols to be able to offer safe cycling tours this summer.

In addition to that, the high-gear cycling tours will take you through some of the best and top rated cottage country areas of Ontario. Muskoka, Georgian Bay and Haliburton all make the list for towns you’ll bike in, or though in some cases! 

ToDoOntario, Humdinger Bicycle Tours logo
Small Group, Safe Bicycle Tours Through Picturesque Ontario Cottage Country

These tours take place in the summer and fall and provide a great opportunity for a short stress-free, healthy getaway. The tours promise lots of fresh air, distance between cyclists and knowledgeable guides (including bilingual guides and french tours, see below). All Multi-Day Tours on Sale until June 15. 

Click here to choose from a selection of guided and self-guided Ontario cottage country tours, all on sale until June 15. 

ToDoOntario, Humdinger Bicycle Tours - HaliburtonBuild Your Own Bike Tours

The “Build Your Own” tour option is completely personalized for you and your group. These self-directed cycling vacations are economical, and give you complete control over group size, who is in your group, accommodations, food options, and routes. Humdinger will support you with luggage transfer and any other services you need. You can add on passenger/bike shuttles if you want to do a point-to-point route.  We can provide vehicle support or a cycling guide for a day or two as needed – or not! Plan a trip in Simcoe, Muskoka, Grey, Bruce, Haliburton, or Kawartha, and let us provide the custom support you need.

Bilingual Tour Information and Bicycle Guides | circuits à vélo information et guides en français!

Did you know that Humdinger also offers tours led by french guides? The french version of their latest newsletter can be found here:

Saviez-vous que Humdinger propose également des visites guidées par des guides français? 

Toutes les informations sur leur circuits peuvent également être trouvées sur leur site Web entièrement traduites.

Happy Biking, Keep Safe! Bon vélo, restez en sécurité!

June 2, 2020 , , ,
ToDoOntarioHumdinger Bicycles Tours Announces Tours To Look Forward To
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