Discover heritage events and activities around Canada Day
By Greg Smart
Greg Smart is an avid traveller, collecting unique experiences and sharing the interesting stories of his adventures abroad.
March 22, 2017
With the warm months around the corner, it’s a great time to beat the rush and start planning your getaway to one of Ontario’s beautiful Provincial Parks. The parks come alive with activity this time of year—spring is in the air, the birds are chirping and there are plenty of distinctly Canadian events underway. Here are just a few of the unique experiences you might want to check out in June and July.
Champlain Voyageur Canoe Adventure
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
July and August, 2017
Climb aboard a 30-foot replica voyageur canoe and paddle back in time on the mighty Mattawa River, one of the most important routes during the fur trade era. There are three unforgettable experiences to choose from: The Children’s Tour (1 hour), The Mattawa River Tour (1.5 hours) or The Talon Chutes Tour (3 hours).
Paddle the serene waters of Killarney Provincial Park while you participate in the Spring Loon Count. It’s a feel good activity that contributes to the ongoing preservation of this iconic Canadian species. All the information collected will be submitted to Bird Studies Canada and all volunteers will be treated to a complimentary BBQ dinner.
Algonquin Park in the 1910s - A Tom Thomson Perspective
Algonquin Park
July 1-September 4, 2017
Opening on Canada Day, this exhibit focuses on the Algonquin Park that iconic Canadian painter Tom Thompson experienced between 1912-1917. Take a journey 100 years into the past, and get a sense for what life was like for this legendary artist who would go on to inspire the Group of Seven.
Celebrate, participate, enjoy, listen and dance. Explore the history behind the Wampun Belt and the colourful tradition of Pow Wow at this annual gathering. This year’s theme is "Bringing in the Grandmothers." The rich celebration will include presentations, a tea social, craft and food vendors, an open mic, dancing and music.
Step back in time into an early 1900s replica logging camp at the Lumberjack Days Festival and visit a working blacksmith’s forge. This fun-filled romp includes logger contests and challenges, music, a logger’s lunch, demonstrations by the Fleming College Loggersports team and more. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes, because the famed Wakami Wailers will be bringing music into the forests.
Join the fun as The Algonquin Logging Museum comes to life with activities and demonstrations. Explore the nearby trails, then get energized with an old-time loggers’ lunch served up at the Sawlog Cookery. Stay for the weekend and enjoy the famed Wakami Wailers singing shanty songs at an evening performance on July 30.
With the warm months around the corner, it’s a great time to beat the rush and start planning your getaway to one of Ontario’s beautiful Provincial Parks. The parks come alive with activity this time of year—spring is in the air, the birds are chirping and there are plenty of distinctly Canadian events underway. Here are just a few of the unique experiences you might want to check out in June and July.
Champlain Voyageur Canoe Adventure
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
July and August, 2017
Climb aboard a 30-foot replica voyageur canoe and paddle back in time on the mighty Mattawa River, one of the most important routes during the fur trade era. There are three unforgettable experiences to choose from: The Children’s Tour (1 hour), The Mattawa River Tour (1.5 hours) or The Talon Chutes Tour (3 hours).
Paddle the serene waters of Killarney Provincial Park while you participate in the Spring Loon Count. It’s a feel good activity that contributes to the ongoing preservation of this iconic Canadian species. All the information collected will be submitted to Bird Studies Canada and all volunteers will be treated to a complimentary BBQ dinner.
Algonquin Park in the 1910s - A Tom Thomson Perspective
Algonquin Park
July 1-September 4, 2017
Opening on Canada Day, this exhibit focuses on the Algonquin Park that iconic Canadian painter Tom Thompson experienced between 1912-1917. Take a journey 100 years into the past, and get a sense for what life was like for this legendary artist who would go on to inspire the Group of Seven.
Celebrate, participate, enjoy, listen and dance. Explore the history behind the Wampun Belt and the colourful tradition of Pow Wow at this annual gathering. This year’s theme is "Bringing in the Grandmothers." The rich celebration will include presentations, a tea social, craft and food vendors, an open mic, dancing and music.
Step back in time into an early 1900s replica logging camp at the Lumberjack Days Festival and visit a working blacksmith’s forge. This fun-filled romp includes logger contests and challenges, music, a logger’s lunch, demonstrations by the Fleming College Loggersports team and more. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes, because the famed Wakami Wailers will be bringing music into the forests.
Join the fun as The Algonquin Logging Museum comes to life with activities and demonstrations. Explore the nearby trails, then get energized with an old-time loggers’ lunch served up at the Sawlog Cookery. Stay for the weekend and enjoy the famed Wakami Wailers singing shanty songs at an evening performance on July 30.
Greg Smart is an avid traveller, passionate about exploring new horizons, collecting unique experiences and sharing the interesting stories of his adventures abroad.