Discover The Grand Algoma Tour

The Grand Algoma Tour is a spectacular two day tour that takes you along the Lake Superior shoreline then inland through the heart of Algoma. The scenery between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa is exhilarating as you ride tight to the highway up and down with Lake Superior visible for most of the ride to Wawa. Heading to or from Chapleau up the twisty highway 129 provides bikers with curves to lean into as they experience the stunning landscape with mile high cliffs on one side of the road, this highway will not disappoint. As you ride down Hwy 129 you approach the North Shore of Lake Huron which provides equally impressive scenery and road to ride.

This route combines two of the larger great lakes, Lake Superior and Huron, for half of the tour and allows riders to experience the boreal forests and massive cliffs. There are many attractions and scenic lookouts to see along the way. At many of these stops you can explore the beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls, museums and Algoma’s beautiful natural attractions.

The Grand Algoma has been voted the top ride in Ontario for motorcyclists for 2013 and 2014. Read article: The 2013 Ontario Motorcycle Tour of the Year: The Grand Algoma

Duration: 2-3 Days

Source: Algomacountry.com

Algonquin’s 2016 ice out flight

Did you tune in to Algonquin Provincial Park‘s #IceOutFlight 2016 last week?

Our teammates at Algonquin took to the air, and live-tweeted ice-out conditions at the park.

Here’s a bird’s-eye view of several popular Algonquin lakes, trails and landmarks:

**NOTE** Although many of the lakes are ice-free, there’s still snow along many of the shores, on portages and campsites.

Our park rangers are still regularly trudging through snow. 

Please plan accordingly, check up-to-date conditions and practice spring paddling safety. 

Algonquin’s high-flying ice-out images, taken May 3, 2016:

Big Bob Lake

Big Bob Lake

Catfish Lake

Cedar Lake

Furrow Lake

Lake Lavielle

Lake Louisa

Logging Museum Trail

North arm of Lake Opeongo

Potter Lake

Radiant Lake

White Trout Lake

The Trans Canada Trail is one of the world’s longest networks of trails

The Trans Canada Trail is one of the world’s longest networks of trails, developed and promoted by a non-profit registered charity.

When completed, the Trail will stretch nearly 24,000 kilometres from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans, linking Canadians in close to 1,000 communities.
Today, over 18,000 kilometres of Trail have been developed. Millions of Canadians and international visitors are using the Trail to hike, cycle, ski, horseback ride, canoe and snowmobile. The Trans Canada Trail offers countless opportunities to explore Canada’s diverse landscapes and rich history.
When completed, it will be the world's longest recreational trail, linking close to 1000 communities and over 33 million Canadians! In Greater Toronto Area you can enter this trail in vareity of locations. Uxbridge for example. This trail enters Uxbridge via the abandoned CN rail line from Lindsay, traverses the Uxbridge urban area, then heads south through Durham Forest lands, the Glen Major Forest and to the Uxbridge-Pickering Townline. There are exciting plans to take this trail off-road as it exits the town.

Explore Canada's Trail Capital - Uxbridge

Welcome to The Trails of Uxbridge Township!

The Trails of Uxbridge Township Uxbridge Township boasts hundreds of kilometers of trails running through our communities and our rural, forested lands. Working in cooperation with Conservation Authorities and volunteers, a number of major trail systems pass through the Township, including the Oak Ridges and Trans Canada Trails, and trails within 8,000 acres of conservation lands.

Enjoy a trip through the historic Town of Uxbridge, using one of our many and accessible Town Trails.

Uxbridge Township has recently received federal designation by Industry Canada as The Trail Capital of Canada, and with good reason! Uxbridge Township welcomes visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and many benefits of our beautiful trails.

Source: Town.uxbridge.on.ca

Township Of Brock: Beaver River Trail Extension

The Township of Brock received $466,469.00 of funding from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program for the rehabilitation of the Beaver River Trail from Cannington to Beaverton.  This work will complete the surface treatment of gravel roads along the trail route, HL2 pavement along some of the paved roads along the trail route and signage along the trail route including trailhead signage.

Click here to view a map of the Beaver River Trail Extension.

About Beaver River Wetland Trail

The Beaver River Trail is one of the best ways to access and savour the smells, sights and sounds of the pristine and largely undeveloped Beaver River wetland. The flat, dry trail runs along a portion of an abandoned railway bed which was purchased by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority in 1993. Although some enjoy hiking or cross-country skiing along the trail cycling enthusiasts also enjoy this Conservation Area.

Savour the cool, clean air and watch for abundant wildlife as you travel along the trail. In the summer you might see a great blue heron, red-winged blackbirds, muskrats and beavers in the wetland. Marsh marigolds, violets and water lilies can also be seen growing here.

The trail between Blackwater and Sunderland is approximately 4 km, and between Sunderland and Cannington is about 13 km long. Please remember to arrange for someone to pick you up at the end of the linear trail, to take you back to your departure point and vehicle.

This 17 km trail follows the original rail bed between Blackwater and Cannington. It is popular for horseback riding, cycling, skiing and walking. No motorized vehicles are allowed except snowmobiles.
Sources:  Townshipofbrock.ca, Ontariotrails.on.ca

Hunters Bay Trail -- Partial closure for repairs

The Town of Huntsville wishes to alert visitors and residents that a section of the Hunters Bay Trail will be closed for repairs starting Monday May 9.

The closure will run from the Centre Street access point at 37 Centre Street North (near Uponor) for about ¾ km of the trail, as far as the railway trestle. Closure signs will clearly mark closed-off areas. Repairs are scheduled to be completed in approximately two weeks.

The remaining 3 km of trail will remain open. The Town recommends that trail users enter at the Orchard Park (3 East Airport Road) or Avery Beach (8 Yonge St. N.) parking lot and access points.   

Hunters Bay Trail is a popular walking, running and cycling trail close to downtown Huntsville. It winds  along the south side of Hunter’s Bay. Residents and visitors have long enjoyed its beautiful views.

Read more at www.huntsville.ca

Play it smart when hosting your summer parties

It's the season for pool and barbecue parties so if you are hosting, plan ahead for your guests' safety.

“Summer get-togethers can be a great way to reconnect with family and friends and create lasting memories,” says Glenn Cooper from Aviva Canada. “It's important however, that you take accountability ahead of time to prevent accidents both on and off your property.”

Cooper suggests these simple tips the next time you have guests over:

Serve smart: If you provide alcohol to someone who injures themselves or someone else, either at your house or on their way home, you could be liable. Take the following precautions:

• Arrange for safe rides after the party;

• Provide sufficient overnight parking;

• Don't make alcohol the focus of the event.

Swim smart: If your guests come to beat-the-heat in your pool, take the following safety precautions:

• Ensure children are wearing life jackets;

• Keep lifesaving equipment handy and nearby;

• Never allow anyone to enter the pool after consuming alcohol.

With these tips in mind, you should be all set to send out the invites for any celebration. More information is available from your insurance broker or from avivacanada.com.

www.newscanada.com

Best tips to get your backyard ready for summer

The thick bed of snow that covered your backyard over the winter didn't offer much in the décor department and it likely left you dreaming about the warmer months ahead. So now that your perennials are giving life back to the scene, why not give your whole backyard some DIY love to get everything looking like summer again?

Here are a few tips to help you:

Decorate and add personalized touches. Bring the indoors outside with colourful pillows, candles and even a rug. An upcycled antique door or window looks great propped up or mounted on a fence. Get creative!

Design the gardens with sustainable polish. Make your vibrant garden a focal point of the backyard with earth-friendly and beautifully designed products made with recycled Ontario tires. Manufacturers Multy Home and New Rubber Technologies produce robust and environmentally-friendly items for the home, including garden edging, flooring and stepping stones made right here in Ontario. You can find them now at local home improvement stores for a quick sustainable makeover on any outdoor space.

Give your plants a boost. Don't forget, plants need food to grow too – and there are many different types of fertilizer available at your local gardening store. From organic to liquid to granular, the right one can help your garden to blossom. Be sure to ask a gardening expert what's best for your particular flora and fauna. Alternatively, if you have a composter, did you know that old banana peels can make for great plant food?

No matter whether you're out to create a lush garden or a relaxing patio area, check-out more creative backyard solutions in the Fresh Home Ideas e-guide, available at RethinkTires.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Go from boring to affordably beautiful in the backyard

Interior design trends continue to straddle the outdoors – and nowhere is it more exciting than in this year's designs for the perfect patio oasis. No matter whether your outdoor space is large or small, there are now more options than ever to replicate the comfort and beauty found inside our homes with the latest products.

Lifestyle expert, Janette Ewen, partnered with The Home Depot Canada to share some of this year's top trends in outdoor décor:

Layered Patterns

Add dimension and texture to your outdoor space by layering attractive patterns. Outdoor rugs are a great way to incorporate both – they're now available in more designs and colours than ever before, so you can find something that suits your space while adding comfort and warmth on a cool evening. You can also get creative and DIY by spray-painting patterns with stencils onto an existing rug.

Would you like to play with patterns without making a huge investment? Try using wrapping paper – like bold stripes or chevron - as a table runner.

Canadiana

Get nostalgic with traditional cottage décor like vintage canoe paddles, lake-signage and found objects. And don't forget the staple Muskoka-style chairs. While the wooden ones give a more classic look, they are also available in more modern sleek designs and shades – and in kid-size.

Rustic English Garden

Go Downton Abbey with soft touches of pastels and Victorian-era design. Think about patios filled with flowers, herbs and oversized wicker furniture with plush cushions.

Nautical Accents

Thick stripes and preppy prints in classic reds and blues can add a hint of seaside splendour to any outdoor space. Many cushions and pillows feature vibrant, fade-resistant colours and are made with high-quality weather-resistant materials so you no longer have to sacrifice style for staying power.

Whimsical Oasis

Incorporate lighting in mason jars or creative floral patterns to turn your terrace into an al frescospace ready for any soirée.

Ewen suggests checking out www.homedepot.ca for more information and also for more how-to ideas to inspire your outdoor space.

Source: www.newscanada.com

First World War planes to fly by during Stouffville festival

Mark your calendars, Stouffville, this year’s Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival is jam packed with too many events and activities to count.

First held in 1984, the festival has become York Region’s second largest event attracting 25,000 visitors each year. This year is no different, as events are planned for Canada Day and throughout the weekend of June 30 to July 3.

Coinciding with the festival is the unveiling of two plaques commemorating Captain Roy Brown, the Canadian RAF pilot and Stouffville resident who shot down the “Red Baron” during World War One. The commemoration will feature a fly-by (weather permitting) of two First World War-era airplanes conducted by the Great War Flying Museum.

“I think it’ll be a great experience,” said Gleyn Beatty, a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee. “They’re really like flying lawnmowers, they don’t go quickly and they don’t fly high. They’re very easy to see.”

In addition the fly-by, an exhibition dedicated to Captain Roy Brown will be on display at 19 on the Park. The exhibition features different artifacts, medal replicas and displays explaining the life of Roy Brown.  The exhibition features contributions from the Roy Brown Society, Canadian Aviation Hall of Game and the Royal Canadian Military Institute.

The fly-bys will be held on Friday and Saturday.

Read More Yorkregion.com

Explore Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre

Step into the past and explore the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre – North Americas only in water exhibit of working antique boats. The state-of-the art exhibits capture the glory of the Muskokan experience, exploring the rich history of steamships, wooden boats and luxury hotels that helped define Muskoka.

The Grace & Speed Boathouse is a wonderful way to view up to 20 antique wooden boats in the water. Come celebrate turn of the century craftsmanship and the 11 wooden boat builders of the Muskoka area.

Experience what Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre has to offer - from permanent and feature exhibits, to meetings and conventions and even weddings and receptions.

For more information, please visit the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre website.

Source: www.gravenhurst.ca

Important Tips On How To Pack For A Canoe Trip

If you’re a newbie to canoeing, or if you usually go car camping and just take the canoe out for the odd spin, planning an overnight (or longer) trip can be intimidating. When it comes to long canoe trips, packing is everything. Not only will stores be inaccessible—if you forget sunscreen, you’re out of luck—but you’ll be hauling all your gear over portages, which always seem longer in real life than they do on maps. Trust us on that one.

Before you haul the canoe out of storage, oil up your paddle, and start looking at your collection of maps for your next big adventure, take a look at our handy guide on how to properly pack for a canoe trip.

Use a checklist

Repeat after us: you will not remember everything off the top of your head. And again: you will not remember everything off the top of your head. Make a list, and check it twice. Better yet, check it three times.

Pack enough food

If you’re going to be canoeing every day, you’re going to be burning a lot more energy than you may be used to, which means you’re going to be hungry. Ideal canoe trip food is lightweight, non-perishable, simple to prepare, and compact. As tempting as canned food might be, leave it on the grocery store shelf. Not only is it insanely heavy, but you’ll have to take the cans back out again.

Plan out your meals in advance, and pack the necessary ingredients in Ziploc bags or other light containers (for a handy guide to planning a menu, check out this article by paddling.net). Don’t forget to carry healthy, calorie-dense snacks, like granola, energy bars, dried fruit, turkey jerky, and trail mix. And hey—if you don’t feel like doing that much planning, there are lots of freeze-dried meals available. Some actually taste good, too.

Think about water

A good rule of thumb is that every adult on your trip will need about four litres of water per day for drinking and cooking. If you don’t carry your own water (which is heavy, bulky, and awkward) you’ll need a water purifier. If you’re a little overwhelmed by the plethora of gear that’s out there, here’s a handy guide to what you might need and how to make the right decision for your particular trip. Oh, and don’t even think about bringing glass bottles—they’re not allowed at most provincial parks, and really, there are much better options.

Clothing considerations

Regardless of when during the year you’ll be travelling, you’ll need to think about layers: a wicking layer, a layer for warmth, and a layer that’s wind and rain resistance. If it’s hot, just wear your wicking layer. If it’s cold, wear all three and strip down as needed. Pants with closeable pockets and belt loops for hanging carabiners and gear are hugely useful. It’s prudent to plan as though you’re going to get wet, so don’t keep anything precious in your pockets that’s not in a waterproof container and securely fastened. If you have space, two pairs of shoes—one for water, one for land—will keep your feet happy. And don’t forget a hat—one that’s tight enough to stay on your head in the wind or has a handy fastening system.

Good gear

A comfortable pack will make all the difference on portages—find one that fits your body proportions, and load it up before buying it so you can test out how it will feel.

Other must-haves include:

• Canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices
• Tent (or another form of shelter)
• Sleeping bag or alternative
• First aid kit
• Stove and fuel
• Flashlight
• Multi-tool
• Map/map case
• Matches/fire starter
• Cookware, including utensils
• Bug repellent
• Dry bags/hard case for keeping things waterproof
• Duct tape
• Sunscreen

Nice-to-haves are:

• Tarp
• Sleeping pad (don’t bring an inflatable mattress—they’re too bulky)
• Rope
• Saw
• Knife
• Extra Ziploc bags
• Light, comfy camp shoes. Changing shoes at the end of a long day can feel like heaven. Old sneakers work, as do Crocs.
• Camp chair. Only if you’re not doing honking-long portages.
• Toilet paper. Depending on who you are and how well you can identify poison ivy, this might go on the must-have list. (Also, check out our“How to poop in the woods” article.)

Are you planning a canoe trip this summer? What are some of your best packing tips?

Source: Cottagelife.com

Enjoy Cinema Under the Stars in Gravenhurst This Summer

Enjoy an unforgettable experience of Cinema Under the Stars in Gravenhurst This Summer.

Location: Gull Lake Rotary Park, Gravenhurst

Time: (July - August) 7:30 p.m. for Live Entertainment, Music and Games. Movies start at dusk.

'Cinema Under the Stars' began in 2012 and has fast become a cherished tradition among attendees. Bring a cozy blanket, lawn chair, friends and family and enjoy free full length features with us every Thursday night in July and August!

Snacks and Refreshments are available for purchase.

Source: Gravenhurst.ca

The 2016 Town of Gravenhurst Spring & Summer Activity Guide Released

The 2016 Town of Gravenhurst Spring & Summer Activity Guide Is Here!
Featuring a Stellar Lineup of Programs, Activities & Events

Gravenhurst, ON – The Town of Gravenhurst Recreation, Arts & Culture Department is pleased to introduce the 2016 Spring & Summer Activity Guide featuring an action-packed lineup of family fun for all ages. With over 50 pages of programs, there is bound to be something for everyone.

“Through our exciting lineup of recreation, arts and cultural offerings, we truly believe there is something for everyone,” said Marta Proctor, director of recreation, arts & culture. “Whether you’re looking to stay active, learn a new activity, make new friends or participate in one of our workshops, there are plenty of options to choose from.”

Those interested in Tee-ball and Baseball will be excited to learn that the Town of Gravenhurst has partnered with the Muskoka Hornets in an effort to grow the league, provide more structure and improve the experience for youth.  Participants will get to learn to play like the Blue Jays and their other Major League Baseball favourites as hardball is introduced for the very first time!

In response to the overwhelming support and demand, the Pickleball program is also being expanded. This unique, fun and easy-to-learn sport has been a huge hit and now is your chance to experience it with the new ‘Pickleball 101: Group Lessons for Beginners’ program. For those looking to dive right in, there will be both a Spring session (April – June) and a Summer session (June – September).

Summer 2016 also means the launch of the Gravenhurst Opera House’s exciting season of Summer Theatre and the return of other classics like Cinema Under The Stars and Music On The Barge.

“Our staff remains committed to offering affordable, relevant and engaging opportunities for all ages to experience everything that Gravenhurst has to offer,” says Proctor.

The Spring & Summer Activity Guide will be distributed directly through Canada Post to all Gravenhurst households. For additional copies, you can find them at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre, Gravenhurst Public Library, Town Hall, the Library, Chamber of Commerce and various locations throughout Gravenhurst.

For more information, please visit www.Gravenhurst.ca/activities where you’ll find a digital copy of the Activity Guide and can register for programs.

More info at Gravenhurst.ca

MEGANEWS. Guns N' Roses coming to Toronto this summer

For the first time in 23 years Guns N' Roses re-united for a Big North America Tour. Including Toronto, Ontario. For the first time in 23 years Guns N' Roses reunion in 2016 is including Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKaganwith - the original members of the band.

"Following months of intense rumor, speculation and feverish excitement from rock music fans around the world, Guns N' Roses confirmed today they will embark on a massive North American summer stadium tour as founder Axl Rose and former members, Slash and Duff McKagan regroup for what will be one of the century's most anticipated musical events", states on bands official website.

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Sat, Jul 16, 2016 08:30 PM

For tickets www.ticketmaster.ca