Paddle in a New Direction

This issue’s theme is something we take literally, encouraging everyone to discover new ways to explore the unknown and to realize fresh ways to take another look at what may seem familiar.

We turn our attention to the canoe – the perfect way to slow things down and take a closer look. The canoe remains a monumental symbol to the settlement of our country – in fact, many have said that Canada would not have existed were it not for the canoe, which proved essential to defining national boundaries and carrying sovereignty to the northern half of the continent. Developed by the First Peoples of the New World, the canoe proved the perfect transportation solution in a land criss-crossed with lakes and rivers. The canoe we know best – a wooden frame covered with birch bark and sealed with spruce resin – was light enough to be lifted yet sturdy enough to carry a large load. As the increased demand for fur drove Europeans farther into the country, the canoe proved to be more practical than their own boats. Following established Aboriginal trade networks, larger canoes were built to carry more people and heavier cargoes. The spirited voyageurs who became the backbone of commerce-driven exploration, added colour to Canadian culture. And now this same spirit is becoming a part of yours.

“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves.” - Andre Gide

Canoe do it?

Of course you can. The art of canoeing is built into every Canadian’s DNA and, as any veteran or beginner can tell you - the rewards are life-affirming. From paddling silently along a shoreline or getting a glimpse of wildlife oblivious to your presence, the canoe is beautiful in form and function. Its graceful lines and balanced shape become your ticket to almost anywhere you and your gear want to go. The basic navigational skills are easily learned and your level of expertise grows with each adventure. The J-stroke which once seemed so difficult to master becomes second nature and your first awkward portage soon proves to be your specialty.

Mastering the art of canoeing can be part of your heritage and you and your family have a lifetime to gain the skills you need to realize one of the gentlest, most exhilarating activities on the planet. Woman and man against nature? Hardly, it’s woman and man with nature – all the way. Following a few practice trips close to home, you should be ready for a canoeing adventure in northern Ontario. Choose from a day trip from the campground in Wakami Lake, Obatanga, Blue Lake or Rushing River or a five day excursion in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Mississagi or Wabakimi. You’ll find dramatic and truly distinctive landscapes and enjoy the solitude of a less crowded lake or river.

If you and your family already know what you’re doing – great news. If you don’t – or if the kids need some skills instruction and sound advice to get them going, there is help. For organizations offering courses, visit orca.on.ca, paddlingcanada.com or paddlingontario.com

Instruction programs are also offered at Frontenac Provincial Park, click here. Space is sometimes limited.

“We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character.”
- Henry David Thoreau

The Bird’s the Word

Looking for an outdoor activity that is affordable, all-ages friendly and may prove a lifelong hobby? Birds have a habit of capturing our attention and the anywhere/anytime act of ‘birdwatching’ can prove addictive. All you need is a quality bird identification book, a pair of 7 X 35 binoculars, a notebook and a bird list. The book will teach you tricks to help you identify one species from the next; the binoculars will allow you to watch in detail – ‘close up’; the notebook records your sightings and the bird list acts as a wish list. Your own backyard can deliver all the habitat you need to start but true excitement comes from discovering countless new species along the streams and in the woods of any provincial park. Some best birding bets include Sleeping Giant, Lake Superior, Rondeau and Presqu'ile.

Our Back Pages

In 1957, Dr. Douglas C. Pollard set up a printing shop near Cobalt, Ontario which, over 50 years, has evolved into a book hunter’s paradise: Highway Books. With the publishing of specialty books and wealth of new and used books available (many of them out-of-print), this store has become a traditional stop for those needing some under-the-covers reading material. Camping just isn’t camping without taking a good book along for the ride. Start your own tradition: highwaybooks.ca

And you can take that special book you found to any number of nearby parks – Marten River, Finlayson Point, Esker Lakes.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” - Helen Keller

MP3 Hiking Trails: Nature meets technology

Is there anything better than a walk in a park? There is – thanks to our Parks Get Active program, which adds the notion of education to wholesome exercise.

Consider MacGregor Point Provincial Park, where we supply hikers with portable MP3 audio trail guides that offer interpretations of the natural and historical features of the park landscape. At audio listening stations, you’ll hear the stories, music and natural sounds of MacGregor Point.

Or take our 'Walk the Distance: Family Fitness Challenge': When you hike park trails with your family or group and track your total distance travelled, you can enter your ‘passport’ into a prize draw. Your distance also gets added to our park-wide tally. You’ll find these ‘Parks Get Active’ programs at Bronte Creek, Pinery, Rondeau and MacGregor Point provincial parks.

Interested in our more `traditional` activities like canoe hikes and howl hoots, then use the Park Locator by searching for 'Nature Programs'.

We suggest that you pay particular attention to those parks in the north. Their stories are quite different!

"What do parents owe their young that is more important than a warm and trusting connection to the Earth...?"
- Theodore Roszak, The Voice of the Earth

Getting Down with the Family

Way down! If your fellow campers find the summer temperatures a little sweltering, here’s a great destination to chill them out – closer to the centre of the earth. Then take a trip down the shaft of one of Canada’s most productive gold mines. Not only is this a true adventure, but you’ll gain some insight into the hardships of the miner’s life and the efforts made by our early pioneers. timminsgoldminetour.com

And speaking of Gold, while you’re near Timmins, take the kids to the Shania Twain Centre – built to celebrate the city’s most famous daughter.
Visit here for more information: shaniatwaincentre.com

You’ll find several Ontario Parks nearby to Timmins, including Kettle Lakes, Ivanhoe Lake and Greenwater.

Canadian Canoe Museum

The Canadian Canoe Museum

Given the importance of the canoe to Canadian history, it’s only right that we know something about it. Kirk Wipper began to collect historic canoes and artifacts and, before long, realized that his sizeable collection needed a proper home. Thus, the Canadian Canoe Museum was born when it moved to Peterborough (once the centre of Canadian canoe manufacturing), opening in July of 1997. The Museum is North America’s only canoe museum and holds over 600 canoes, kayaks and related artifacts which are part of our heritage.

Photo credit: Don Rankin

Seasonal Fare

Nothing tastes better than fresh Ontario produce. Here is a recipe for steamed corn on the cob for Ontario Parks' Insiders courtesy of The Cooking Ladies

2 cobs of corn
heavy duty aluminum foil
180 mL (3/4 cup) of water

Husk the cobs, trim the ends, cut each cob in half.
Place a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil on a counter. Two layers of regular foil will work as well. Form the foil into a large packet.
Place the four pieces of corn side by side in the foil packet. Do not pile. Add the water. Seal the packet.
Preheat the barbecue on high for 10 minutes. Place the corn packet on the grate. Lid closed. Cook until the water in the packet begins to boil, approximately 8 minutes.
Remove the packet from the grate level of the barbecue and place it on a raised shelf with less heat or move it away from direct heat. Continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

Serves 2.

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!

Mike and Marilyn Hamel write about Mississagi Provincial Park ...
"Morning coffee" - The peace & tranquility of this park cannot be surpassed. The mornings start with a light fog over the lake, early canoers and a cup of piping hot coffee at the lake. Life cannot get any better than this!