Naturally Northern Memories

Who doesn’t fondly recall their most memorable vacations? Just a guess, but we’ll bet the ones that truly stand out involve being somewhere you’ve never been before, seeing or experiencing something truly out-of-the-ordinary.

Herein lies the appeal of Ontario’s more northerly provincial parks. Each individual destination offers a page from the story of our natural history – from the ruggedly breathtaking landscapes, to the sky-blue waters of the clean freshwater lakes. The distinctive landscapes formed by massive glaciers thousands of years ago, are the natural treasures of a vibrant parks system that has inspired adventurers, artists and pathfinders alike. So, get your pen and paper ready – we’ve got some decidedly different destinations to tell you about that will change the way you define ‘vacation.’

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his greatest surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't” - Henry Ford

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater is the crowning glory of the Temagami region – with its world-renowned old growth forests, crystal-clear lakes, and raging waterfalls. You’ll hear Helen Falls long before you see them – cascading its water a full 25 metres. South of Smoothwater Lake, a dramatic landform rises out of the Canadian Shield – Ishpatina Ridge, the highest point in Ontario. The truly adventurous will find this area a destination to truly get away from it all. Its popularity as a fly-in destination attests to its relative remoteness (just 6 hours north of Toronto) and its bounty of white-water canoeing, hiking and fishing makes this an unforgettable experience.

Self-expression

Serious trippers and backwoods aficionados are also known for their love of detail. Whether you record copious notes of your exploits, make sketches or simply write after-the-fact reviews of each adventure, why not share them with others? Post your comments on blogs or other social marketing websites. Don’t hold back expressing yourself about something you love – it may inspire someone else to discover the joys of the great outdoors. Read the Parks Blog.

Photography

Another form of self-expression is photography. And, like any favourite hobby, it can be perfected. Which is why we asked award-winning professional photographer, instructor and outdoor guide, Rob Stimpson, to reveal some of his shooting secrets with Insiders. Rob, who routinely creates images that capture the magnificence of the Canadian landscape, passes these tips:

1. Does your photo tell a story - ask yourself: why am I taking this photo and what is it I am trying to say?

2. Centre of Interest - the success of a photograph depends on there being one dominating feature, or centre of interest. Having a clear centre of interest, along with contributing elements that complement the subject, lets the viewer know immediately what your photo is about.

3. Keep it simple - Be careful of any distractions that will take the viewer away from your centre of interest.

4. Remember that your eye is drawn to the lightest or darkest part of an image - be careful of those white hats or highlights that can distract the eye and move attention away from your centre of interest.

5. Control the background - a non-distracting background will help bring attention to your subject matter. Move around or move the subject to avoid background distractions.

6. Use the Rule of Thirds to organize elements in your images - divide your composition into thirds - both horizontally and vertically. Place your centre of interest at the point where these lines intersect.

For more helpful information and a leg up on outdoor lifestyle photography. Rob invites you to visit robstimpson.com

Rob Stimpson's Workshop Updates

“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.”
- Frank Borman

More Temagami

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater is just the start of your Temagami adventure. You’ll find a series of protected waterway parks within a large wilderness area, consisting of a network of 11 parks some 96 km from North Bay. The area remains largely unspoiled allowing for the protection of its rugged landscape and diverse wildlife. You may spot a peregrine falcon, re-introduced to the area in ’97 after near-extinction.

Rich in history and notable for its famous visitors, Temagami provides access to portages and trails first travelled by Aboriginal peoples. The story of Archie Belaney – aka Grey Owl – who took up residency along the Mississagi River (his cabin still stands), gains more meaning in the presence of the wild he fought so hard to preserve. The paintings of David Milne and Group of Seven artist Frank Carmichael were also influenced by the allure of Temagami.

Did you know?

Temagami is derived from an Ojibway word that means "deep water by the shore".

A southerly twist

As wilderness enthusiasts, we sometimes tend to restrict our attention to those geographic areas well north of the largest population centres. That’s sometimes a mistake, as there are many chest-thumping destinations in our comparatively nearby locations.

Take Bon Echo Provincial Park, situated north of Belleville towards Algonquin. Bon Echo offers 6,000 hectares of mixed forest and pristine lakes that provide a surprising degree of solitude despite its easy-accessibility to a large population. If you’re looking for distinctive landforms, there are few more memorable or less photographed than Mazinaw Rock – a 100-metre tall, 1.5 km. long face of rock that plummets deep and dramatically into the 150 metre depths of Mazinaw Lake. Equally distinguishing, this “Canadian Gibraltar” is bedecked with over 260 ancient pictographs – one of North America’s largest collections - painted in red-ochre by Algonkian-speaking people. Known for its excellent camping and close proximity to good beaches, Bon Echo has over 500 sites across 4 campgrounds (133 with electrical service) and over 28 km of hiking trails.

Solo tripping

There is, without question, an element of risk involved with soloing – there’s nobody around to help you should you get into danger. It is something we’d never recommend. However, for those who have done it, nothing can replace the resulting connection you get with the wild that it delivers. Solitude doesn’t get any better than time with yourself, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

If you consider it planning a solo trip, consider this checklist as a means of taking necessary precaution:

• Am I a competent canoeist and strong enough paddler to withstand a solo trip over the planned distance (account for wind!)?

• Am I healthy and in sound physical shape?

• Am I choosing a trip that minimizes the natural hazards, rather than run the risk of putting myself in harm’s way?

• Can I handle the very real psychological aspects of being completely alone in the woods?

• Can I build in a failsafe action plan for added security in case of emergency?

If you want to “go solo” in a more gentle wilderness, we suggest Frontenac Provincial Park, just north of Kingston. An added bonus is the park offers a variety of courses on back country travel.
There is little question that soloing repays the experience with sizeable and unforgettable rewards. In truth, the practice can prove addictive. The key is to plan carefully, inform others of your details - and timing - and to avoid any unnecessary risks.

Share Your Memories

Ontario Parks’ Insiders savour their outdoor adventures more than most. Reminisce with all of us – we’ll proudly publish your special experience in a future issue of the Insider. E-mail your best story or photo today – a favourite destination, a special moment with nature or the funniest photo ever. You’ll be entered – instantly – into a monthly draw for your chance to win some great parks-related prizes!

Hi Campers

My wife Pat and I discovered Marten River Prov. Park about 7 years ago and fell in love with its Splendour and Hospitality. This Park is highly maintained by an excellent and friendly Park Staff.

If you love nature, wildlife, water, and history Marten River has it all. The logging camp restoration and museum is fantastic.

Hope to see you all there one day.

Mike and Pat Kostecki and Chase