Exploring Mary Lake in Ontario Canda

Exploring Mary Lake in Huntsville, Ontario, is a Canadian outdoor adventure offering a variety of recreational experiences for all ages. This video features, boating enthusiasts, tubers, and wake-boarders navigating the pristine waters around Mary Lake in the Muskokas. This beautiful lake, just outside of Huntsville, Ontario, offers a picturesque shoreline of rocks and trees. For the thrill-seekers, cliff jumping is an exciting option, as several cliffs along the edge of Mary Lake provide the perfect opportunity for jumping into the water below. And as the day comes to a close, there's no better way to end the adventure than by witnessing a beautiful sunset over Mary Lake in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada.

A beautiful hike in western Quebec, brings you to The Grande Chute in Opemican National Park. This waterfall in Quebec has a fantastic viewpoint built over the base of the falls, giving you the view you see here. The round-trip hike into the Grande Chute viewpoint is only about 1km in and back. It's a well maintained easy trail through the forest and along the Kipawa river. It is a fantastic autumn hike to see the gorgeous fall foliage in Canada. 

A quick evening stroll around the Many Springs Trail loop left us wowed by the mountain beauty and perfect water reflections. Located just off HWY1 in Bow Valley Provincial Park, it is one of our personal favourite hikes. The fall colours of Alberta are really starting to come out in Kananaskis Country

Tynehead Regional Park is a very large park located in Surrey British Columbia very near to Hwy 1. The park consists of meadows and forests and covers 260 hectares. This included a 2.5 hectare off leash dog park.

There are picnic tables and space for group campsites which could be reserved by schools or guides, for example. There is also a fish hatchery located here.

A number of trails run through the park and there are several entrances, each with their own parking area. You might expect to see wildlife here. Signs are posted about coyotes. Also owls and hawks are often seen here. 

Bonavista Lighthouse, Bonavista, Newfoundland, Canada

The Bonavista Lighthouse was built in 1843. The lighthouse in Bonavista was home to a light keeper and their family for many generations. It is one of the few worldwide that still allows visitors to climb all the way to the top of the tower and see the lamps and reflectors, along with the clockwork mechanism that kept them turning.

The lighthouse is open to tourists in the spring and summer for a small fee and allows visitors to see how the light keeper's family lived in the 1870's. 

This popular destination is a great location to see icebergs, whales and the towering cliffs around the Bonavista Peninsula. In July and August visitors may also see puffins who nest nearby each summer. 

The lighthouse grounds are accessible with free public parking and paved areas mixed with gravel paths. The inside of the lighthouse requires walking up the staircases to tour. 

This lighthouse is home to a seal oil fueled catoptric light apparatus that was purchased by Newfoundland from Scotland. This light was originally used at the Harbour Grace Island Lighthouse and the Cape Pine Lighthouse before being moved to Bonavista. This light was used to aid mariners until 1962. At that time it was replaced by an electric light in nearby tower. 

The lightkeeper at Bonavista was originally Jeremiah White who immigrated from Ireland to Newfoundland in the mid 1800s. The last lightkeeper was Bonavista native Hubert Abbott, who served until 1960.

This popular tourist destination is a great location for a picnic or a hike in any weather. It is a top location for anyone who visits Newfoundland and an important part of history. 

Adventures and Activities in Newfoundland Canada

Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Newfoundland, Canada

This past June I took a roadtrip to the southeastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland to visit the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Newfoundland, Canada. To visit the Reverse you book a guided tour at the Edge of Avalon Interpretation Centre in Portugal Cove South. If you want to explore the area, there are public hikes and trailways, but access to view and walk on the fossils requires a permit with a registered guide.

Fossil Hiking Tours and Guides at Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve

The fossils you discover at Mistaken Point are the world's oldest and largest collection of biologically complex marine life fossils. These fossils from the Ediacaran period are perfectly preserved on a prehistoric ocean floor. This area has over 10,000 fossils. When you arrive you actually get to walk in your sock feet on a 565-million year old ocean floor - it was incredible! The fossils were known to the local communities for many generations, but it wasn't until 1967 when Shiva Balak Misra discovered them and knew their significance, that protection for the fossils begin to start.

Explorer Shiva Balak Misra

He was in the area mapping Precambrian rocks along the coastline. In the years to follow there were people lobbied to preserve the fossils for their historical significance as this was the first record of Ediacaran fauna in the Western Hemisphere. In 1987 it was designated as a fossil ecological reserve. In July of 2016 it was further designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Irish Loop on Avalon Peninsula

This area of the Avalon Peninsula is part of a road trip known as the Irish Loop (Route NL-10). It is just over two (2) hours from St. John's. The location of the guided hike requires you to drive about 15 minutes from the Interpretation Centre to a designated parking lot which is equipped with washrooms.

Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve Guided Tours

The guided tour teaches you about the local flora and fauna, along with the historical significance of the area. The total hike is about six kilometres and takes about 3-4 hours, depending on how long you want to stay and explore the fossils. Sections of the trail were muddy and it is rated moderately difficult, but I would rate it moderate. It is important to dress in layers as this area of the province is generally foggy and this close to the tip of the Peninsula the wind can certainly gust, although it was beautiful on the day we got to explore. Overall, I would recommend making time to visit this historically significant area of Newfoundland, and the world.

Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Newfoundland, Canada

Long Point, Ontario, Canada is a hidden gem along the shores of Lake Erie. This video will take you on a journey through the natural beauty of this region. From the beaches along the point, to the marshlands wildlife, Long Point, Ontario Canada offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Twillingate Newfoundland Adventures in Chicken Sitting 

Twillingate Newfoundland, Canada, is located along famous “iceberg alley” and overflowing with epic adventures such as coastal hiking, whale and berg watching, sea kayaking and so much more. Going with the flow of the universe I find myself randomly chicken sitting and holding down the fort at Olde House Shows in rural NL. Additionally, there are 4 beautiful and sooky kitty cats to care for as well, in addition to the 8 feisty hens! Each morning my chicken coop duties include feeding, watering and collecting freshly laid eggs from underneath the birds. Hopefully I don’t get my eyes pecked out by a contrary hen! Looking forward to showing you around the rugged and beautiful coastline of Twillingate island and surrounding communities. 

The Sunflower Festival in Richmond BC is really something to experience. From the large parking lot, a minature train or wagon will take you out to the fields. 

Sunflowers, Dahlias in many colours, and wild flowers - 90 varities altogether! There are 20 acres planted in amazing varieties. 

The wide paths are easy to negotiate. There was a live band, many chairs, plus bales of hay to sit on. I saw two food stands. The sun was shining and the dahlias were wonderful. Yellows, red, purple, copper, etc. Well worth the trip to Richmond.

The Richmond Sunflower Festival offers an abundance of dahlias as well as sunflowers. Ride a train or wagon from the parking lot out to the fields. There you will see 20 acres of sunflowers, dahlias and other flowers. 

There is also an area with life sized dinosaurs and some scary roars. 

Come with your camera or cellphone as photo opportunites are many. There are several food vendors on the property as well as a live band and plenty of seating complete with shade umbrellas. 

Hiking the Sugarloaf Path, East Coast Trail, Newfoundland

The East Coast Trail has 336 kilometres of hiking trails that are free to the public. The trail goes from Topsail Beach to Cape St. Franic. It connects 24 local communities along the coastline of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland.

This section of the trail goes from Logy Bay to Quidi Vidi. It takes an average of 3-4 hours to complete. The trail is an adventure through the forest, over rivers and along the beautiful uninhabited coastline of Newfoundland.

This trail is rated moderate to difficult and has over 80 flights of stairs during the 8.9 kilometre trail. This was my longest solo hike, but since it is well travelled I did encounter a few people. 

It is important to note that cell service is unreliable on this trail so downloading your map and notifying others of your location is important for safety. It is also reccomended to have trail-rated footwear and ensure you bring water. 

Overall, this is one of my favourite sections of the East Coast Trail. For me, it was both the rugged beauty and also the height of the cliffs which bring such breathtaking views.

Hiking Adventures and Trails in Newfoundland Canada

During our visit to Georgian Bluffs, we had the pleasure of being introduced to Goat Village at Farm on the Lake, thanks to our dear friends Julie and Jim. This delightful sanctuary offers a unique and immersive experience for goat enthusiasts.

At Goat Mountain, you can purchase hay to feed the goats, providing you with an interactive and hands-on encounter with these adorable creatures. Alternatively, head over to "Kid" Village, where you can pet and play with the goats, creating memorable moments of joy.

Don't forget to explore the self-serve gift shop, where you can find souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

If you're seeking a way to destress and stay connected with the goats even after your visit, consider tuning in to the online live streams, where you can watch these charming animals from the comfort of your home. For an even more engaging experience, you can participate in their Online Feeding Session for just $10.

Live music and dancing are a large piece of Newfoundland culture that you do not want to miss out on when visiting the beautiful East Coast Canada island. Visitors can find live performance venues everywhere, from popular pubs on George Street St. John’s to performances in old homes in rural communities. While travelling in Vana the adventure van this Summer I was lucky to spend some time at Saltbox Restaurant and Bar in the small community of Benoit’s Cove, an approximate 20 min. drive from Corner Brook. Also on site is the Everoutdoor Adventures offering activities such as sea kayaking and boat tours in the Bay of Islands. 

Not only was the food and drink delicious, the staff and owners were very welcoming and friendly. Furthermore, this past Summer Saltbox collaborated with local musician Dave Mchugh to host “Saltwater Sessions” - a live music performance on the Wednesday evenings. The covered outdoor patio overlooking the ocean and the Bay of Islands was the perfect place to relax with some great tunes and a cold drink on a hot calm Summer evening. Musician Dave Mchugh captivated the audience with his fun upbeat energy and comical storytelling about living with mom. It was a treat to hear unique renditions of traditional NL folk songs in addition to original music. By the end of the night the dance floor (patio) was blocked and after multiple encore performances the party finally got shut down haha! It was a night for the books in Benoits Cove NL Canada!! I highly recommend a visit to Saltbox and Everoutdoor Adventures when visiting the Bay of Islands. 

Oceanfront Camping in Little Bay Newfoundland Canada 

Little Bay, Placentia Bay, NL, is home. The tiny rural community is located about a 3 hour drive from St. John’s and I grew up here on the shores of the North Atlantic Ocean in the 1980’s. In fact, my great uncle, Jerome Walsh, was a well known fisherman, storyteller and museum owner. Tourists from around the world would come to our small community to admire his eclectic personal collection of antiques and oddities while listening to stories about the Newfoundland fishery and life in the “olden days”.  Unfortunately, the museum, fishing wharf and family home no longer stand but some treasures can be viewed at the Marystown Model Ship Gallery. 

This past weekend my family got together at the special site for camping and a big ol’ fish fry with delicious NL cod and homemade hand cut fries. The weather cooperated perfectly and the bay was flat calm making perfect conditions for a ladder ball tournament and campfire. The red shed in the video is very old and belonged to my Uncle William Walsh, who was known for building model boats. The other beige shed was once a community shop owned and operated by my great uncle Leo Walsh. Little Bay was once a very active fishing community but a lot has changed over the years. It was wonderful to be able to gather with my family at the the special site for a fun filled night! 

The hike to Gros Morne Mountain Summit is one of my favourite hikes in Newfoundland and Labrador Canada. The breathtaking views of the fjords are extra scenic in the Fall when the leaves have changed colour. The mountainous glacial carved landscape is a landscape photographers dream. I’ve always wanted to fly through the fjord in a helicopter. A Boat ride will have to do for the time being. 

The hike is long, steep, and hard. Do not underestimate the mountain, bring plenty of snacks and water and be very mindful of the weather. If the conditions are foggy and you cannot see the top of Gros Morne Mountain Summit do not proceed past the gully. I know from past experience, it is easy to become disorientated when the fog rolls in, and this summit is exposed to very high winds, lightning, and other extreme weather conditions. Please heed the warnings and be safe. 

The James Callaghan Trail is a 16 km loop located in Gros Morne National Park in NL Canada. The summit is 806 metres high and is often hidden in the clouds. A clear day is ideal for conquering Gros Morne Summit. In conclusion, be sure to add this epic Newfoundland hiking adventure to your east coast adventure travel bucket list.