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 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’.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” - Andre Gide

Sleeping Giant – Words are not enough

The Sibley Peninsula that juts out into Lake Superior near Thunder Bay is home to the Sleeping Giant - so named because the landform’s profile resembles that of a massive sleeping figure. The Park’s 24,000 hectares sit on rock more than 1.7 billion years old and the towering cliffs are amongst the highest in the province. Eight nature trails cater to hiker and biker alike – the entire family will marvel at the park’s abundance of wildlife.

Sleeping Giant offers incredible panoramas along its picturesque pathways – from the Top of the Giant Trail to the view from the Thunder Bay Lookout. A must see while at the Lookout is a cantilevered platform that extends beyond the cliff face and the last 2 metres of the platform floor are open grate. Dare all your family members to make it to the end of the platform. (We’ll let you in on a little secret – our Ontario Parks Zone Manager Tim Sullivan hasn’t made it out to the end of the platform yet).

And let’s not forget that the park is home to more than 30 species of some of Ontario’s rarest wild orchids. Even if you never get past the visitor centre, an overnight stay on one of the park’s 200 campsites (85 with hydro) is highly recommended. In fact, the Giant insists.

Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park

Just 65 km east of Thunder Bay brings you to a sight you won’t soon forget. Ouimet Canyon is a 100 metre deep gorge that measures 150 m wide and 2 kilometres long. Two platforms on its west side provide you and the family with the best view of its sheer-walled face with an expansive panorama of Superior to the south.

A large rock column - “Indian Head” - is visible from the platform, as are the rare Arctic and sub-Arctic flowers and plants that blanket the canyon floor. Note that Ouimet is a day use park, so no camping facilities exist. You’ll want to book a site at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

For an added thrill – visit Eagle Canyon for a glimpse of the canyon floor from “Canada's longest foot suspension bridge”. At a breathtaking 45 m above the canyon floor, who would argue?

More Green – Less Screen!

Any parent will attest to the fact that times have changed ‘since they were a kid’, and not necessarily for the better. Research shows that our children are less connected to the natural world than at any other time in history. Today, children are more likely to play indoors than outdoors. In short, children’s lives have moved indoors and screen spaces have replaced green places! No wonder our kids have Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD)! A growing body of research supports that the simple act of outdoor playing – climbing trees, building forts, or splashing in creeks builds on a child’s natural curiosity and stimulates their imagination. In other words, the simple act of playing in nature results in healthier and happier children. Studies prove that stress levels fall within minutes of being exposed to green spaces. Ontario Parks play a key role in helping to re-establish the connection between children and the natural world. The lifelong connections resulting from this exposure will go a long way toward curing NDD –inspiring children to protect these valuable resources when they become adults.

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” - Rachel Carson

Thunder Bay – The Lakehead City

Thunder Bay is a vibrant city - the largest on the shores of Lake Superior. It has quickly earned the reputation of being a four-season outdoor paradise, combining a bustling city surrounded by some of Canada’s greatest wilderness. You can explore the city’s many attractions or use it as a base to discover the joys of its less refined destinations. With its origins in the fur trade of the late 1700s, Thunder Bay presents a perfect family destination you’ll want to come back to time and time again.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Prince Edward County's renowned Sandbanks is known for having the largest freshwater bar dune system in all of North America. Of course with sand dunes come sand beaches and the temptation to build castles the size of Casa Loma. Many consider the beaches at Sandbanks to be among the best in the world. The beaches, the children’s programs and a wealth of nearby diversions make the park a very popular destination – so reservations are key. From offering the best windsurfing in Canada to walking trails and tours to nearby shops, Sandbanks makes for the perfect family vacation.

Did you know?

Sandbanks was the location used for Honeymoon Suite's hit song from ’84, “Wave Babies”.

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

Engage the kids: Look See Paint

Self-expression is all-important and a lifelong ambition. In the case of kids, the simple act of doing is every bit as important as having something to hang on the fridge. We learn by doing. Jeff Miller – creator of Look See Paint – believes that a deep love for nature can only come from paying attention to its detail. He suggests that the simple idea of looking, seeing and painting in nature will connect us to it and increase our appreciation for how lucky we are to be surrounded by it. Jeff’s experience tells him that this is especially true with young people. He teaches art classes to kids – to help make this special connection which will create future advocates for the wilderness. Visit his site and find out why Robert Bateman says, “Look See Paint is a refreshing and very practical system for putting us back in touch with the joy and complexity of our roots, our natural and human heritage. For starters it should be incorporated throughout our school systems. It can be beneficial from children to seniors."