Ontario Outdoors: Featured Videos
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Birdwatching Holidays in Ontario
One of the largest regions in Canada, Ontario, has many natural sanctuaries for bird watching. Those who find pleasure in this activity will find many bird species to observe in the area as there are over 466 species noted in the region.
Bird watching holidays don’t cost too much and make for an unusual holidays experience. This type of holiday can be enjoyed while travelling in any part of the world. Many people like to rent a car so that they can travel from place to place to see different types of birds while on their holiday. For those that are considering taking a holiday in Ontario, there are many bird watching clubs and Bird pals that can help you plan your activities. The Bird pals are locals who take the activity of birding very seriously and they will show you some of their most favourite hot spots to watch certain species of birds.
In the image above is a Northern Mockingbird, this photo was taken in Silverstone, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.
Image Source: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4057/4516846498_e2218fe89b_m.jpg Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnath/
If you need a place to stay while on your birding holiday there are many Ontario villas that will accommodate you. Some of these villas are nestled right in the heart of bird watching territory so you do not have to travel too far in order to enjoy your holiday.
Some of the best places to watch certain varieties of birds include Amherst Island where you can see owls during the daylight in December. Another great area to watch birds is Long Point, which extends about 19 miles into the Northern edge of Lake Erie. Here you can observe great hawks and migrating Warblers. You will also find the Long Point Observatory as a great place to begin your journey.
Other places that are great for watching birds are Niagara Falls and Pointe Peele. Both of these places are considered to be among the greatest places to watch birds and are in the Top 10 listings for bird watching areas. They also have the most variety of species to observe.
This photo shows a Red Winged Blackbird, the photo was taken in Beaton, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Image Source: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2249/2434820969_f76c0605cb_m.jpg Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/qmnonic/
Most bird watching observatories and events are free to enter, but some of them require a small entrance fee. One such event is the Humber-Arboretum Bird Watching Event which costs $7.90 per person and is located at Humber-Arboretum North Campus. The cost for a family of two adults and two children is $29.38.
Birding can be one of the most naturally relaxing activities to participate in. There are a few bird watching festivals in Ontario that the whole family can enjoy. When spring is near, the birds return to area parks to bring out crowds to celebrate their winged friends. Two such events are the Presqu’ile Provincial Park’s Waterfowl Weekend and Rondeau Provincial Park’s Wings of Spring Festival. These events happen on the eve of spring in March.
At the Rondeau festival, there are many family activities that can be enjoyed such as bird house building, waterfowl viewing stations, children’s crafts, a live bird of prey show, a barbeque lunch, and activities featuring local artisans. These events are hosted by the Rondeau Bay Waterfowlers Association and the Friends of Rondeau organization.
If you are considering a birding holiday in Ontario, just remember that there are many areas to view birds and plenty of birding activities to participate in. You will find a lot of enjoyment in this activity and you'll meet some local fellow enthusiasts that are eager to share their knowledge and give you a well rounded birding experience.
This article was authored by Alan Horton, who is a keen writer of travel articles. To find out more about Alan's work checkout his Twitter profile at https://twitter.com/#!/TravelFlag
Lakes, Rivers and The Great Outdoor in Ontario
 I recently discovered my photos showing up on a Facebook page promoting a local Muskoka magazine. How I ended up on that Facebook page is another story. They opted about 3500 people into their group without anyones knowledge or permission, very surreptitious. Anyhow, I am honored that people like my photos and share them with friends however in this case I noticed something rather peculiar. The watermarks I normally use to promote this blog were missing and replaced with someone else’s name. That’s odd I thought and started thinking maybe someone took a similar photo but as I continued to search... Read more... |
 I’m not particularly adept at identifying birds however I would hazard to guess that this little guy is some sort of Sparrow? (Update it is a Pine Siskin – thanks Ellen) He ( I’m assuming it’s a he) spent the entire weekend pecking, drooling, fluttering and doing the mambo in our windows proudly admiring his pulchritudinous reflection. After a few hours this little routine became annoying so what to do but shoot him .. with a camera that is.
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 I went for a little adventure up to High Falls near Bracebridge hoping the water would be rushing over like a mini Niagara. High Falls is fed by the north branch of the Muskoka River and is one of the steepest falls in Ontario. The area is actually a park with washrooms, picnic tables and BBQ’s setup. The gates were closed when I arrived so I had to perform some rudimentary ninja navigation techniques to get in, Shush! Here is a Map
FYI – There are quite a few other falls around Muskoka that I have been to including; Bala Falls,... Read more... |
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Package includes 18 holes of Golf at the superb Brockville Country Club and one ticket for any arts centre summer series show.
Only $75 per person Read more... |
The eighteen hole course is beautifully designed amongst hilly terrain, numerous ponds and abundant trees and gardens. Par 72 and over 6300 yards from the blue tees, it features beautiful tree-lined and lush fairways, fast and tricky greens, spectacular elevation changes and challenging water hazards and bunkers on a number of different holes. Golfers can enjoy a stimulating round and the tranquil beauty of one of the finest golf courses in Eastern Ontario.
There are four sets of tees providing a challenge for the better golfer while at the same time making the course playable for the novice. Many fine amenties... Read more... |
 I’m constantly looking around for something to take photos of. I think its part of having a blog, the love of photography and being in a great place like Muskoka. Heck, we all drive by roads everyday and have no idea whats down them, right? I mean who has time for that? It appears I do, well at least when I’m in Muskoka searching out the next scene. I was cruising down Judd Haven Rd just as the sun was rising and I noticed a road called Bluff Rd. Little did I know there was a public access dock at... Read more... |
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A short and very dreamy little ditty by a Canadian group called Dala. There is some great historic video taken on the shores of Georgian Bay around the Honey Harbor area.
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 I headed out in the early morning determined to get a photo of this cool boathouse that I knew about on Lake Rosseau. I was aware there were a few cottages around the bay and was very careful not to disturb anyone. Who wants to see and hear the boathouse papparzi while awakening to fresh morning coffee.
I discovered that this is the original site of the Thorel House Hotel. Details are sketchy however I did find someone that passed me an old photo from years gone by. (see below) When I took this shot I was standing just to the... Read more... |
This year, we anticipate the arrival of 25 majestic hot air balloons. In addition to our extensive balloon roster, we have also added an impressive list of musical groups that will perform on our stage. Whether you plan on experiencing life above the Seaway Valley in a hot air balloon or feel more comfortable tapping your toes to our entertainment package, we are confident that you will find something to suit every taste!
Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off is a not-for-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, consisting of 20 community leaders. This group and many other volunteers donate... Read more... |
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WELCOME TO ALL SNOWMOBILERS!
District One, of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs offers you a fabulous winter playground with over 3900 km of groomed OFSC snowmobile trails. These winter trails wind their way through enchanting landscapes of snow-covered forests, open farmland and the rolling hills of the Canadian Shield. Trailside services are always available on the various circle tours.
HAVE A GREAT TOUR! Read more... |
The Quinte Ice Fishing Team is a team of guides on the Bay of Quinte who are determined hardwater walleye fanatics. We specialize in utilizing modern ice fishing technology to help our clients locate and catch the trophy walleye that the Bay of Quinte is famous for. We are your Bay of Quinte hardwater walleye specialists. Our day begins in the dark with our guides there to teach and assist you for the full day. Be it trophy hunting for that chance at a personal best, or catching a large number of fish, we listen to our clients and strive... Read more... |
Strategically located at the mouth of Gray’s Creek in Cornwall’s east end, the marina provides easy access to the popular boating and fishing grounds of the St. Lawrence River. The marina basin provides 110 open slips for day and seasonal boaters. Support facilities include a launching ramp, service building that sells gas, oil and other marine sundries. Adjacent to the marina you will find Gray’s Creek Conservation Area with trails and picnic tables. The marina parking area also provides an excellent access point to the St. Lawrence Recreational Path network. Read more... |