Posts Tagged ‘Next’

Visiting Ontario On Your Next Road Trip

Much like its provincial neighbor to the east, Ontario is filled with both urban capitals of culture and wild lands rarely explored. Consider it the best of both worlds. The barrenness of the Hudson Bay shoreline dominates the northern landscape southward until becoming a crowded collection of Canadian cities that mark the shoreline of four of the five Great Lakes. But fear not, the most populated of Canadian provinces has more than its fair share of outdoor escapes for its visitors and locals alike.
Set along the vast shores of Lake Erie, in the area called Ontario’s “South Coast,” travelers will be charmed by this seaside stretch. Enjoy strolling along white, sandy beaches, and exploring quaint fishing villages and lighthouses. Climb aboard the Port Stanley Terminal Railway for a scenic journey throughout the valley. Nearby Long Point Provincial Park encompasses about 25 miles of beaches, marshes, wetlands and sand dunes – making it a habitat for thousands of migrating birds, fish, reptiles and plant species. Take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths of the peninsula, and be sure to visit Long Point Bird Observatory, the oldest, privately funded, avian observation area in North America.

In the middle of the widest part of the St. Lawrence River lies the series of connected islands known as Iles de la Madeleine.

In Ontario’s easternmost reaches, across the St. Lawrence River from New York State, lie the Thousand Islands, a cluster of numerous (probably not a thousand, but lots) tiny islands. First and foremost, it’s a boater’s playground, but anyone who likes to do anything on the water will be pleased with the choice of venues. The waterways attract visitors from Canada and America in huge numbers.

From the Thousand Islands, take Highway 401 south, past Toronto. There, wedged in-between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, you’ll find one of the world’s most impressive sights: Niagara Falls. Formed about 12,000 years ago as glaciers retreated across the region, today the Falls is of course a major tourist attraction. Yet, the grandeur and immensity of this sight can’t be denied, no matter how crowded the area can get during peak season. To get up close, visit Table Rock, where the promenade actually hangs over part of the falls. Otherwise, grab some rain gear and hop aboard one of the boat tours that ventures right up into the falls. Climb aboard the Maid of the Mist tour boat and head upriver for a close-up view of the spectacular Horseshoe Falls, as well as the Rock of Ages, Cave of the Winds and American Falls. Consider visiting Canadian Horseshoe Falls, for one of the most incredible views of raging, rushing, and thundering waters.

Like any big city, the people of Toronto have their favorite weekend getaway spots. Some of the most popular destinations lie three hours north in places such as Stony Lake, Georgian Bay and Saint-Marie among the Hurons. Stony Lake, less than an hour’s drive from Peterborough, is home to Canada’s largest concentration of ancient stone carvings, some dating back as much as 1,000 years. The Georgian Bay, due north of Toronto, is a terrifically scenic area that was often the subject matter of Canada’s celebrated Group of Seven painters from the early twentieth century. Here also lies the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, a series of more than 60 islands, dotting the bay’s impressive shoreline. Some of the area’s larger islands greet guests with miles of terrific hiking trails and opportunities to glimpse some of the region’s native animals.

Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula is a 50-mile stretch that separates the Georgian Bay from Lake Huron to the west. Two-hundred-foot limestone cliffs are in abundance along the peninsula’s shoreline. The Bruce Peninsula National Park is also the starting point for Canada’s longest hiking trail, a 400-mile trek for those who bring their boots. The Fathom Five National Marine Park is also located on the peninsula and showcases the shore’s limestone rock formations. The park is also quite popular with scuba divers who enjoy crystal clear waters and the water’s many shipwrecks.
East of the Bruce Peninsula lies the immense Algonquin Provincial Park. Consisting of nearly 3,000 square miles, the park is home to more than 250 animal species that find shelter among the dense forests. And there’s water too, lots of it. For canoeists, there’s nothing quite like the Algonquin and its more than 2,500 lakes, many of which are connected with small natural waterways revealing even more possible adventures.
For those willing to test the barren and windswept reaches of northern Ontario, the shores of Lake Superior offer a number of exceptional national and provincial parks. The Lake Superior Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park all make for wonderful summer destinations when the weather is far more predictable.

Visiting Prince Edward Island On Your Next Road Trip

Although I suppose it’s technically illegal, I found several places in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces where I camped overnight right along the coastline. I was away from towns and homes, and made no mess or disturbance, of course. Quiet, picturesque. Free. And I wasn’t bothered at all; folks didn’t even honk their horns as they cruised by. One of my favorite places was in sight of Confederation Bridge, which is the 9-mile long connection between mainland Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island. I stopped near the bridge on the New Brunswick side and did some casual beachcombing (with practically no waves, not a whole lot washes ashore). I read some, and wrote in my journal. In the evening, I dragged out my camera and tripod because the prospects for a spectacular sunset were good. No filters were needed as the lowering sun turned the clouds orange, red and crimson. It was one of the few times I’ve used a 400mm lens for a sunset shot, but the most intense colors were in a small area, so the long telephoto lens was the right choice.
Early in the morning I drove across the bridge to Prince Edward Island. The crossing was free! However, the return trip would cost a bundle (2008 fees are $41.50 for the first two axles and $6.75 for each additional axle), but P.E.I. is worth it!
At nine miles, Confederation Bridge is the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered sea water (in winter only). Once on the island I drove straight to Charlottetown, the provincial capital. It’s a lovely old city, with multi-story red brick buildings indicating a definite absence of earthquake activity. I was raised in California and notice such things.
The folks at the visitor center were quite helpful, so off I went in search of the real P.E.I.
But first, I had to get some propane for my travel trailer. It was not that easy to do in eastern Canada because they didn’t use the same propane “fill-up” valve connectors that we did in the states. So I had to track down a propane distributor who had the parts to make the right conversion. That took an hour going from one gas station to another. Finally, I found a place where, with considerable searching through the parts bin, the man was able to come up with half of what was needed. He sent me to a building supply store for the rest. Overall it was a pain to search out several stores in a strange city while pulling a trailer. For starters, where do you park at each of them?
When all was said and done, the whole thing cost less than Cdn. $40.00 (the man charged no more than a few dollars for all the time he spent putting the pieces together). It was another example of the honest, friendly and helpful eastern Canadians with whom I’d come into contact.
Leaving Charlottetown, I immediately entered the rich-looking red-earth farmland that makes up much of P.E.I. But it wasn’t just the red soil that contributed to the overall beauty.
There were lupines by the tens of thousands. The only lupines I’d seen in the far west were the short, blue variety with white markings. In the Maritimes, it was different. Especially on P.E.I., where they were long-stemmed and of many and varied colors, and happened to make their homes alongside the highways. It really added to my driving enjoyment.
With the recently acquired provincial map in hand, I continued my counter-clockwise circling of the island, taking every paved road that indicated it might be at the water’s edge. As my first evening on the island approached, I headed down a dirt road that went right to the end of a small peninsula. Finding a place with good views of the ocean on three sides, I waited for what promised to be another lovely sunset. Just a few clouds were in the western sky to mute the harshness of the sun and lend several varieties of pink to the clouds and the bay.
Comfortable in my silent sleeping sanctuary, I was awakened at the un-godly hour of “fourish” in the A.M. by what sounded like dozens of insects buzzing loudly, yet far away. Rising to my elbow to look out into the darkness, I saw their lights. Still half asleep, I decided they were nothing more than gigantic fireflies. But at 4 A.M. my curiosity was exceeded only by my desire to get back to sleep.
At the grey light of pre-dawn I was again awakened by the buzzing, so I got up. There must have been fifty small outboard-motor-driven lobster boats noisily checking their traps.
Prince Edward Island not only has rich-looking red earth and wonderful wildflowers, but tidy-looking houses and villages, pampered farmland that grows potatoes, alfalfa and scrumptious strawberries! You-pick is common here, and I picked and ate many boxes of strawberries. They were small, red all the way through, and exquisitely sweet—flavor that I hadn’t found at the market for many a year.
And P.E.I. was green everywhere! I’d never seen so much green in my life.
Selecting a small, unmarked road at random, I turned onto it, in search of one of the hundreds of tiny natural harbors all along the edges of the island. I wanted picturesque views of a quaint little fishing port. The road led me a mile from the highway, right to the dock. Dozens of lobster boats were coming back, having disturbed as many boondocking tourists as they could.
Talking with one lobsterman, he said that he had 300 traps. Current prices paid him from CDN. $5.50 to $6.50 per pound. The daily catch varied from 100 to 1000 pounds.
All the lobstermen I talked to complained about the difficulty in making a living because of interference by the government.
During one conversation, I talked to a retired government fisheries inspector who said that over-harvesting had killed off one of the best cod fisheries in the world, and if the fishermen weren’t careful, they’d do the same with lobstering. Then he added, “Besides, even though they complain all the time, them lobstermen all live in real nice houses and buy new pickups every year or two. Do the math.”
Math was never a favorite subject of mine, and besides, such complications are commonplace when it comes to harvesting nature’s bounty. Currently living in the Pacific Northwest—where we had our own similar problems—I made no judgments, and after another hour of poking around, I drove off.
Lobster fishing is among the few industries on Prince Edward Island; I’d been following the coastline as much as possible and photographing many of the tiny, natural harbors that served as bases for the fishing boats. It was time for a lobster dinner. Hah! At a very modest cafe, the cheapest meal featuring lobster cost more than $20.00, and contained only 2 to 3 ounces of meat (at the store, lobster was selling at CDN. $45.00 per pound). And I was only fifty feet from the boats that trapped the creepy, crawly crustaceans!
One night I made the mistake of boondocking at a picturesque fishing port. Lobster fishermen and women start work really early. I didn’t make that mistake again.
Considering that I’d been following the water’s shoreline practically from the time I entered Quebec and the Maritimes, I had seen very few coastal birds, such as seagulls. There seemed to be few dead things that washed up along the shore. Perhaps that was the reason. Yet, there were many fishing ports and canneries. Shouldn’t that attract scavenging seagulls? Apparently not.
Turning into a corner gas station out in the middle of nowhere, I had to do a figure 8 in order to get my fuel filler next to an open pump. After coming to a stop, I got out of my pickup. From a group of obviously “dedicated” bicyclists sitting around drinking cold beer, one red-headed man smiled and said, “I give you eight and a half points out of ten for that maneuver.”
I responded by saying that I only needed seven points in order to get my driver’s license.
At Malpeque I got some good photos of the boats and the harbor, and struck up a conversation with two old-timer fishermen. Like many others among the island’s fishing community, they were of Irish/Scottish background. No wonder they were so friendly; the Irish and Scots are among the friendliest people on earth.
Completing my circle of the island, I paid the toll (gulp) and crossed the bridge to New Brunswick.
Prince Edward Island is small (only 2144 square miles), yet it has an extensive and rugged coastline. Numerous towns have RV parks or campgrounds, and there are the provincial parks as well. With short travel distances, finding suitable camp sites should not be a problem. As always, selecting one early in the day is better than waiting until dusk, especially on weekends.
If you like small fishing villages, a rocky coast, lovely pastoral scenery and friendly people, P.E.I. should be on your list of Atlantic Provinces worth visiting.
Plus, summer brings the best strawberries ever.

Camping Gear You May Want to Bring With You on Your Next Camping Adventure

Are you planning to take a camping adventure?  If you are, have you ever been camping before? If this is yours first time taking an extended camping vacation, you may be unsure as to what you should bring along.  If that is the case, you are definitely not alone. Although a camping vacation can be fun and exciting, it can sometimes be stressful to plan.  If you would like assistance with planning your next camping vacation, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to camping, you will find that you need to bring multiple items with you. These items often include items that are referred to as camping supplies and then items that are referred to as camping gear. In most cases, you will find that camping gear is used to describe pieces of equipment, whereas camping supplies are often used to describe food, health and beauty products, and so forth.

When it comes to camping supplies, like clothing and food, there are many individuals who automatically know what they need to bring. On the other hand, when it comes to camping gear or camping equipment, there are many individuals who are unsure as to what they really need to bring with them.  Just a few of the many pieces of camping gear or camping equipment that you may want to bring with you on your next camping adventure are outlined below. 

One of the most common pieces of camping gear that you will need to bring with you on your next camping vacation is a tent. Depending on who you are going camping with, you may even need to bring multiple camping tents with you. If you have yet to purchase a camping tent, you will want try and make sure that you purchase a tent or tents that are strong, sturdy, dependable, and waterproof. Even if you are planning on camping in a motor home, you may want to think about bringing a tent, just in case.  Many motor home campers prefer spending at least one night in the open wilderness and you may too.

A sleeping bagis another piece of camping gear that you will want to make sure that you bring along with you. If you are camping with your family or your romantic partner, you will want to make sure that you have enough sleeping bags to go around.  Although you may assume that a light sleeping bag is good in the summertime, you may still want to think about bringing along a heavy style sleeping bag. These types of sleeping bags are good in case the weather suddenly turns cold.

In addition to brining a traditional sleeping bag with you, you may also want to think about bringing along a sleeping pad or an air mattress. If you will be camping in a traditional tent, you may find it somewhat uncomfortable. While many campsites have level ground, not all do.  If you are concerned with how you will be able to sleep on your next camping adventure, you may want to buy a sleeping pad or an air mattress along with you, just to be on the safe side.  With these items being relatively affordable, you really have nothing to lose by doing so.

The above mentioned camping gear pieces are just a few of the many camping gearpieces that you may want to think about bringing along with you on your next camping adventure.  For a full list click here.

Remember for all your travel needs visit us at myroadtotravel.com

Take your Next Camping Vacation in an Rv

Nothing beats a great camping vacation in an RV. The nice thing about vacations with RVâ??s is that you can pretty much go wherever you want, without the annoying hindrances of reservations and schedules. Not to mention standing in line at a busy airport – no thanks!

RV travel is the perfect solution for affordable and extended family travel. With an RV youâ??ll be able to go wherever the road takes you, and at a cheaper price at that. According to a recent cost comparison study of vacation travel, RV vacationing is more affordable than traveling by car, airline, or vacation cruise ship. Even when you factor in the costs of owning your own RV, a whole family of 4 can spend up to seventy percent less when traveling with an RV.

Before you start your camping trip, make sure you plan everything first. One of the nice things about camping with an RV is that youâ??ve got more room to work with than when you’re traveling in a typical car. Take anything and everything you think youâ??ll need along with you for your camping vacation. Pack plenty of food and supplies for everyone, you don’t want to be caught in the great outdoors without the necessary supplies.

In the US the RV is growing to be very popular, and ownership has recently hit record highs. A total of around eight million homes in America have at least one RV, which is a fifteen percent jump over the last five years. More and more people in America are starting to take advantage of their RV especially when camping in the great outdoors.

Youâ??ll find a wide variety of RVs available, thereâ??s something for everyone. All RVs are built according to high quality standards that are sure to impress. RVs come in many different sizes with a wide variety of features. There are single, double, and triple slide out floor plans. Some RVs feature convenient amenities like quality appliances or comfortable couches. These kinds of things can really make your vacation a lot easier.

Make sure you plan out where youâ??re going to camp your RV at night. The last thing you want to do is sleep on the side of the road. RV and camping spaces are available in many places all over the country, and arenâ??t hard to find and reserve for your next camping vacation.

Why to select Ecuador as your next holiday destination?

Ecuador Travel offers you the most fascinating insights of this wonderful country. Learn more about those places that attract travelers to Ecuador and do plan your visit accordingly. There is something for each traveler here so read to learn more.
Today, when someone plans for a vacation he or she usually look for places that offer them everything that they may wonder. Ecuador is one place on earth that brings you a perfect holidaying experience. The country’s natural diversity and the fun associated with it make this place the best selection for your next holiday. It is one place where you will never feel bored as it includes a lot to explore.
The Republic of Ecuador is ranked amongst the smallest nations in South America, but the major attractions for which it is known to the world wide visitors is really astounding. The thrilling Amazon Basin, the drenched tropical forests, the charming Pacific Coast, the unique Galapagos Islands, the historical cities of Quito and Cuenca is all that makes Ecuador worth a visit.
Ecuador travel offers information on featured Ecuador tours open for visitors from all over the world. Tours those are unusual and exciting offering you the true experience of knowing about the culture, heritage, food, drinks, and adventure that the land of Ecuador is known for. So you will come to know what kind of journey waits for you.
Coffee Tour:
Operated for all coffee lovers coming to the beautiful city of Quito, this tour will offer you a new experience of some warm pleasures. These kinds of tours are generally half day tour making you discover and learn about the coffee origins. You will come to know about the growing areas, characteristics, main varieties and types of this exotic drink throughout the world and within the country of Ecuador.
In addition, you get to learn some of the coffee recipes and special preparations with tips on what to look for when you go out to buy some new coffee. You will also be taken for a visit to some of the coffee plantations, special projects and other manufacturing units. At times, these visits may take a whole day hike throughout the spectacular countryside. This is must tour for all the coffee enthusiasts. Moreover, coffee tour can be an interesting one for foreign visitors and can extend to 5 or 6 days.
Chocolate Tour:
If you love chocolates and want to go out for an unusual yet exciting journey then select chocolate tour in Ecuador. It is where you can roast, pick, process and grind chocolates and taste results. It’s a life time opportunity so make the most out of it.
Culinary Travel or gastronomic tours to Ecuador:
Ecuadorian cuisine includes a variety of special dishes. Apart from varieties of staple foods from Amazon lowlands, Coast and Highland, it also includes a fine influence of North American, European and Spanish tastes. Some of the common dishes in this country are Seco de Pollo (cooked chicken garnished with avocado fruit served with rice), Seco de Chivo (spicy goat meat served with dry rice), Lomo a la Plancha, Churrasco, Menestra, Locro, Hornado, Fritada, Trucha and others.
Garden Tours:
Gardening Tours are common in Ecuador. Organized by different tour operators, these tours show you gardens that inspire and educate. The varied terrain and tropical climate makes Ecuador one of the 17 countries to be classified as one of the most mega diverse countries in respect of biodiversity. There are about 25,000 plant species that have been catalogued over time. Garden tours to the Galapagos Islands offer you the chance of experiencing the truly diverse species of plants. However, flower plantations form to be the central interest for most garden tourists.
Overland tours:
South American overland tours bring you the true essence of the life of Ecuador. To get the taste of the outdoor adventure, book your overland tour operator and get an action packed touring experience. These tours include a combination of hotels and camping. These are mainly participation tours where you will get to involve in a lot of activities each day from cooking, cleaning and setting up of the camp etc.
4×4 tour:
The Ecuador 4×4 tours refer to the 4 wheel adventure tours. The country offers you thousand kilometers of adventure tracks and roads in the Pacific lowlands (coast), Andean Highland and the Amazon rain forest and jungles for travelers. So don’t miss the opportunity to explore adventure Ecuador with the 4×4 tours.
Accommodation Ecuador:
With the increasing number of tourists each year, Ecuador has come up with some of the best accommodation facilities to meet the basic needs of their visitors. You will find Ecuador hotels and accommodation services ranging from hostels, inns, eco lodges, resorts, B&Bs, haciendas and much more located all over the country. For newly wedded couples, there are honeymoon hotels that offer honey moon packages of all kinds to meet their budget requirements.