Morson – Mid Canada

The shorelines and islands surrounding our community are largely undeveloped. Travellers can marvel at much of the same scenery that the first explorers saw when they discovered this island-studded gem in the centre of the continent. Local rock paintings depict the life of the area’s earliest inhabitants. Nestled on the south-eastern shore of Lake of the Woods, only 35 miles north of the Canada-US border, are the communities of Morson and Bergland. Amenities of over thirty businesses ensure that visitors never want for necessities. Our restaurants, stores and businesses offer a variety of choices for your vacationing pleasure.

For hearts that wish to experience true wilderness, Morson is a Mecca for naturalists, hikers, anglers and hunters. Although the tranquil wilderness presses in from all sides, camping, the charm of a rustic cabin, the privacy of a houseboat, are awaiting you. Once you reach Morson, the stresses of everyday life give way to the easier choices – Would you like to fish, hunt, go for a swim, golf, hike, go bird watching, pick wild berries, visit a favourite restaurant, or simply sit back and relax?

Morson is located in the “island belt” of Lake of the Woods which makes fishing an unmatched pleasure; the rocky shores, marshy inlets and countless sandy bays are a one-stop spot for walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, northern pike, lake trout, crappies and perch. If you have never experienced a shorelunch, this is a meal you won’t want to miss. There is nothing that will compare to fresh fish prepared over an open fire and served with all the trimmings!

The islands are also a great place to find a stretch of sandy beach; indulge in the warm sand, cool water and more often than not the privacy of your very own beach for the day.  Make sure to have your camera ready to get your best shot! Along with your fishing pole, don’t forget to pack your golf clubs to play 9-holes at the Spruce Creek Golf Course.

Our communities host several annual events throughout the year that add fun for the spectator as well as the participant. The Morson Bass International tournament also includes a free kid’s fishing tournament, entertainment, craft sale and the infamous Women’s Institute Fish Fry. Visit Morson, stay awhile, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime. The lake and the surrounding wilderness remain, for the most part, untouched and unchanged by the hands of either humans or time. Visitors can rediscover Lake of the Woods the way the first explorers encountered it many years ago. For Morson travel information: www.morson.org 1-807-488-5905

Desolation Sound - British Columbia

The setting: it's an early August morning of 1792 and it's looking to be yet another stifling hot summer day, much the same as it has been since mid-June. Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy, has been working his way up the west coast of North America, rowing and trying to sail up every nook and cranny that heads westward in search of that blessed and so far elusive NW Passage. Presently he is anchored approximately 100 miles northwest of the location he felt would make an excellent settlement (he's thinking he will name it Vancouver). Since then the sailing has been within a large but well protected body of water bordered by what appears to be a large mountainous and heavily forested island directly to the west (he's thinking of naming it Vancouver Island) and the even more mountainous and densely forested mainland to the east. So far he's found nothing but endless snow capped mountains, waterfalls, eagles, bears, deer, mountain goats, dolphins, gray whales, killer whales and salmon, lots of salmon. Now anchored in a remote area of small islands and narrow fjord-like waterways meandering amongst steep sided 5000 ft to 7000 ft mountains, the work of the boat crews has slowed considerably due to the sudden frequent occurrence of large numbers of them mysteriously falling out of the boats. The sea water temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, he suspects, may have something to do with it. The Spanish are anchored nearby in a rare era of "friendly nations" and they're drinking all his good wine. It's hot, his wig is itchy as hell and after yet another evening spent entertaining the Spanish he has a terrible headache. By God he thinks, a good name for this place would be: "Desolation Sound".

The setting: it's an early August morning of 2007 and it's looking to be yet another beautiful hot summer day at anchor in Desolation Sound (who in the world could have possibly named it that anyway?). You think you'll start your day with a quick dip in this fabulous 21 degree Celsius water, surrounded by magnificent towering mountain peaks.

Northumberland Strait - Maritimes

The beauty of the Northumberland Strait is that it is the only body of water that embraces all three Maritime Provinces.  The Strait borders New Brunswick's eastern Acadian shore to the west, northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island to the east, and the heartland of Prince Edward Island to the north.  The Strait is sandy, warm and shallow, with very few rocks, and is virtually fog-free.

Towering over this beautiful body of warm water is the Confederation Bridge, a 12.9-kilometer structure, completed in 1997, which connects PEI to mainland New Brunswick. It is an awesome sight for any boater and can be seen from miles away.

Boaters cruising east from Quebec and Ontario can travel through the Bay of Chaleur, a popular whale-watching spot, off northeastern New Brunswick, and then head south, passing through a drawbridge near Shippagan, and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which leads to the Northumberland Strait.

In the fall of the year, boaters may want to take the outside route around Miscou Island, to catch a glimpse at the fiery red moss peat bogs the island boasts.  Cruising southeast, the French Acadian coastline in New Brunswick is a scenic mix of fishing villages, waterfront cottages, woodlands and further down the coast sand beaches.

About a two-hour sail from Shippagan brings you to the famous Miramichi River, one of the most popular salmon fishing spots in all of Canada.  The City of Miramichi lies about 20 miles in from the wide mouth of the river, which narrows as you go down. The river of more than 12,000 square kilometers is New Brunswick's second largest. It offers good protection, is well marked, and is navigable to Miramichi, a city of more than 18,000 people.  Going upriver, the city is an amalgamation of the former towns of Newcastle on the right side of the river and Chatham on the left. The marina at Station Wharf and the Ritchie Park Wharf are located right along the waterfront, where shops, restaurants and supplies are easily accessible.  The wharf at Ritchie Park in Newcastle boasts a shipbuilding theme and has a nautical playground for children.
Miramichi Yacht Club is situated along the left bank of the river at Chatham, just before you pass under Centennial Bridge.  During the summer months, Miramichi is awash with Irish, folk and roll & roll festivals.

While the Miramichi River winds upriver another 55 miles, the river is only marked for boaters for another five miles past the city, and requires local knowledge to venture further safely.  Cruising from the mouth of the Miramichi further southeast along the Acadian coast, boaters can marvel at the amazing sand dunes that blanket the coastline between Richibucto and Bouctouche, both of which have marinas for boaters.  Bouctouche is the native community of late billionaire K.C. Irving, New Brunswick's most prominent businessman, who left behind a fortune made from oil, lumber and shipbuilding. Located in Bouctouche is the Irving Eco-Centre, with its boardwalks and interpretive trails that provide for sensitive exploration of the long sand dunes.

Another hour's sail along the coast brings you to Shediac, the lobster capital of New Brunswick. The town boasts a monster-sized lobster statue that is certain to draw attention. Friendly and inviting operators of full-service marinas are located both in the Town of Shediac and in nearby Pointe de Chene.  The Shediac area is home to Parlee Beach, a former venue for the real Beach Boys, who performed there in-concert in the 1980's. The popular sand beach has attracted as many as 25,000 people on a single day.

For those that wish to cross the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island, a close port to Shediac on PEI is Summerside, where a private full-service marina welcomes visiting boats.
Prince Edward Island sits like a jewel in the Strait, strikingly beautiful, fringed with beaches ranging from white sand dunes to brilliant red sand bordered by clay cliffs and headlands.
Farmlands, fields, golf courses, fishing villages and lighthouses are sprinkled along the coast. 

The City of Summerside offers a host of attractions. The 521-seat Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre hosts both musical and theatrical performances throughout the summer. Island life is captured on canvas at the Pete Exhibition Centre, a nationally recognized art gallery. Museums and walking tours of Summerside are other fascinating features of this seaside port.

A cruise of 48 nautical miles east along the southern coast of the island will take you under the breathtaking Confederation Bridge and into the port of Charlottetown, the Island capital and birthplace of Canada's Confederation.  Boaters arriving in Charlottetown can dock at Quartermaster Marine, a full-service marina at Peakes Quay, close to shops, restaurants and other amenities and attractions.  One huge attraction for visitors is that every summer, The Charlottetown Festival stages the musical production of Anne of Green Gables, the internationally popular fictional character, created by island author Lucy Maude Montgomery.  Other key attractions include Province House, Founders Hall and the Confederation Arts Centre.
The waterfront is also a hub of activity and each September is the venue for the PEI International Shellfish Festival. It is a great time to try wonderful homemade fish chowder and watch fishermen go head-to-head shucking mussels and oysters.

Leaving Charlottetown and cruising east along the coastline, there are more picturesque villages, marine mammals, seabirds and plenty of fishing vessels.  The Northumberland Strait is home to many fishing vessels, although the designs here differ from the Nova Scotia inspired Cape Islander. Here the elegant Northumberland fishing boat is built at boat shops on the Strait in all three Maritime Provinces.

Sharing the Strait area is a ferry that shuttles back and forth between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Woods Island, PEI. Boaters cruising east along the Strait need to be aware of this larger vessel crossing.  Once on the eastern side of the Island, there are several marinas to visit, including Murray Harbour, Montague, Cardigan and Souris. Here boaters will find a change of scenery as some of these marinas are accessed through inland, tall-banked rivers. The distance from Charlottetown to Montague, almost mid-way up the eastern side of the Island, is 62 nautical miles. The north shore of the Island, which takes one into the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, offers boaters another experience, less sheltered but marked by sweeping capes and gorgeous sand beaches.

Most popular among those beaches, mid-way along the north shore is Cavendish.  Cavendish not only has a spectacular beach, it is also referred to on the Island as "Anne's Land," because it is where the famed house that inspired the Anne of Green Gables story still sits.  Just west of Cavendish is Stanley Bridge, where there is a marina and a marine aquarium. Further west is Malpeque Bay, a scenic and busy fishing port, and a key spot for bluefin tuna fishermen.

Another choice for boaters cruising southeast down the Acadian coast from New Brunswick is to stick to the Nova Scotia coastline, which one picks up after rounding Cape Tormentine.  Following the landscape along the coast, boaters will be cruising parallel with what is known on land as the Sunrise Trail, and to boaters as the Sunrise Shore, with its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This is the north shore of Nova Scotia.

The first place to berth coming from New Brunswick is at Pugwash, a harbour shared by lobster fishermen, salt boats and recreational boaters. There is both a marina and a yacht club.
Cruising further along the north shore, a fascinating site from the water is the lush private Fox Harbour Golf Course, developed by entrepreneur, Ron Joyce, co-founder of the Tim Horton's coffee and donut shops. The resort area includes luxury waterfront properties and an airport.
Joyce is a native of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, which is the next place along the Sunrise Shore to dock and visit. Barrachois Harbour is home to Sunrise Shore Marina & Cottages and the Tatamagouche Yacht Club, which both share the same location.

Another public golf course is nearby and Tatamagouche is renowned for its Ocktoberfest gathering in September of each year, which draws people by land and sea. Venturing east from Tatamagouche, boaters will next find the waters of Pictou harbour. You can't miss the public marina, Hector Quay, as docked beside it is the tall ship Hector. The ship is on public display and can be boarded. Pictou's Scottish ancestors settled this area after disembarking from the original ship Hector in 1773.  Proud Pictonians celebrate their Scottish heritage each summer with New Scotland Days, which runs from mid-July to mid-September and features Gaelic music and dance. In mid-July, Pictou also holds its annual Lobster Festival, and is home to the Northumberland Strait Fisheries Museum.

Boaters continuing to cruise eastward down the Strait, and rounding Cape George, can take shelter at a popular marina in picturesque Balantynes Cove in Antigonish Harbour, or further down the harbour at Cribbons Point.

The Northumberland Strait, thus, offers boaters a wide range of scenic destinations—along with historical and cultural attractions—for those wishing to experience the true flavour of the Maritimes.

Charlevoix - Québec

With its majestic "seascapes" and "mountainscapes," Charlevoix will leave you spellbound. Feast your eyes upon the region's splendours: steep cliffs, exceptional parks, charming villages nestled against mountain slopes and the stately manoir. This enchanting spot has long inspired painters, poets, writers and musicians. Imagine the joy of heading out under an endless sky that extends from the waters of the St. Lawrence to discover the gastronomic delights to be found along the Route des saveurs (flavour trail). Enjoy whale-watching, take in a game of golf overlooking the river, visit art galleries or try your luck at the casino! This magical region, home to Canada's earliest holiday resorts, is renowned for its hospitality and its numerous friendly inns.

Courtesy of BonjourQuebec.com

Lake Erie and Area - Ontario

Lake Erie is Ontario’s southernmost waterway and is the fourth largest Great Lake with a length of 387 kilometres and width of 91 kilometers. It covers an area of more than 7,934 square kilometers and is fed by Lake St. Clair via the Detroit River and drains to the east into the Niagara River. Lake Erie is also the shallowest of the Great Lakes at 62 feet, making it the only major body of water in Ontario to have a bottom completely above sea level.

A large portion of Erie is located on the 42nd parallel, approximately the same latitude as northern California. This mixture of warm climate and fertile shores blend together to provide a wide variety of plants and natural habitat of wildlife, including many species found nowhere else in Canada. In the spring and fall, hundreds of species of birds and butterflies migrate across Lake Erie on their annual migrations. The best place to see this is at Point Pelee National Park, situated approximately 48 kilometers southeast of Windsor.

Point Pelee is located at the southernmost tip of land on mainland Canada and is home to more than 70 species of trees. It’s the only area in the country that has more variety of reptiles (27), amphibians (20) plus spiders and insects (50). But there’s more to this area than its natural wildlife. In the summer, Point Pelee is an active community offering a unique and exciting experience. Extensive sandy beaches line its east shoreline, providing excellent swimming and a place to enjoy time with the family. Along with its several amenities and scenic anchorages, this is a summer paradise that’s worth exploring many times.

The community of Leamington is situated just west of Long Point and named the Tomato Capital of Canada. Standing true to its name, Leamington has a huge tomato as its official town information booth. Boaters can easily access its busy townsite from its municipal marina, which offers a length capacity of 120 feet plus overnight dockage, pump out facilities, a launch ramp, fuel and shorepower. Simply moor there for the night to enjoy great shopping and dining or check out the Leamington Arts Centre in the old Post Office/Customs building.

Off the tip of the point is Pelee Island, which is famous for its award-winning and world-class wineries. It’s actually located on the same latitude as the prestigious wine regions of the world, including Napa Valley, California, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. The island has an area of about 11,000 acres, much of it devoted to grape production for excellent Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Rieslings. Around the perimeter of the island is a main road offering excellent bicycle/walking trails, plus views of the lake and vineyards.

To the east of Pelee is Rondeau Provincial Park boasting the globe’s most fascinating sand spits. Centuries of wave action shaped unique sand ridges and sloughs. These sand dunes continue underwater, providing homes for an array of fish. You can wet a line here to catch trophy-size bass, walleye and rainbow trout. Nearby is the town of Erieau, where you can take advantage of the full-service marina offering fuel, transient docking, a restaurant and a launch ramp. The town site is a short distance away and has a wide variety of convenient services.

Head a little further east to historic Port Stanley, which features more transient docks and a restaurant. Railroad buffs will be happy to learn the Port Stanley Terminal Rail operates over a scenic, seven-mile portion of the former London and Port Stanley Railway line, between Port Stanley and St. Thomas, Ontario. This historic section of line was built in the mid-1800s and is fully restored with two historic stations.

A great family destination on Lake Erie’s north shore is Long Point, a natural marvel with its enormous sand spit that juts more than 32 kilometers into the lake. In fact, it was designated as a United Nations Biosphere Reserve and is known for its lush Carolinian vegetation and shoreline marshes. Long Point Provincial Park protects much of this natural area from development, preserving it for everyone’s enjoyment. The fun continues at adjacent Turkey Point with its superb beaches and another large provincial park of the same name. It’s the only provincial park in Ontario with a golf course and is a naturalist’s paradise with a diverse ecosystem that includes marshes, bluffs and oak savanna. Hiking trails lead to a fish hatchery and magnificent, panoramic views of Lake Erie – so be sure to bring your camera.

Near the east end of Erie, at the southern terminus of the Welland Canal, is Port Colborne, a community full of excitement with well-groomed golf courses, dining, shopping, and miles of sandy beaches, including nearby Sherkston Shores, with more than one mile of white, sandy beachfront. Several events are held each summer including Canal Days, the Showboat Theatre and the popular Canal Fest - Antique Car & Craft Show.

Close to the entrance of the Welland Canal is Lock Eight, one of the longest locks worldwide. The annual Canal Days Festival is a community-wide celebration of Port Colborne’s marine heritage and each year, hundreds of people attend this waterfront family festival for its tall ship cruises, fireworks, multicultural food, kids’ zone and heritage displays.

Between Port Colborne and the eastern tip of the lake is Fort Erie. Rich in heritage and tradition, Fort Erie blends history with modern city services and is home to two marinas and miles of sandy, white beaches.

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why so many people describe Lake Erie as the greatest of the Great Lakes.

Muskoka and the Haliburton Highlands - Ontario

A trip to the Muskokas and the Haliburton Highlands can transform an ordinary holiday into the experience of a lifetime. Whether you want to admire glorious sunsets, cruise crystal clear waters, or dine and dance at any number of its active communities, this region is a boater’s dream for all ages and tastes. Located two hours north of Toronto, the area attracts thousands of visitors each year looking for an exciting, relaxing vacation.

Situated just off Highway 11 is Huntsville, one of the most popular communities with countless inland lakes, sparkling rivers and cascading waterfalls. Adding more excitement are the several activities, services and events that are hosted there each season. Every year the popular Summer Arts Festival takes place – an eclectic mix of musical theatrical, dance and visual arts performances from local, national and international performers. The new Algonquin Theatre, a 408-seat venue, opened its doors last May and regularly presents live concerts, musicals, and ballets. The Muskoka River Bathtub Derby and the Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show are other popular attractions. But no matter what your interests are, excellent shopping, exquisite fine dining and challenging manicured golf courses await transient boaters.

History abounds and one attraction to attest to this claim is the Muskoka Heritage Place, home to Pioneer Village and the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Railway. Worth checking out are the blacksmith shop, sawmill plus a steam and marine museum – a 90-acre heritage site featuring the Portage Flyer, a fully operational 1928 steam train that transports riders along the Muskoka River.

Among many accommodations offered in Huntsville is the acclaimed Deerhurst Resort, globally acclaimed for its excellent cuisine, luxurious accommodations and amenities. A popular 18-hole golf course and even a private airstrip are other exclusive amenities.

Just to the east of Huntsville is Peninsula Lake, along with three other lakes – including the second largest, Lake of Bays. It offers more than 550 kilometers of sandy shoreline, and undisturbed beauty at its finest – a perfect place to trailer your boat and enjoy special times with family.

The Township Lake of Bays consists of three communities: Dwight, Dorset, Baysville and Hillside. Numerous lodges, cottages and resorts provide excellent accommodations. There’s no need to worry about services either. The area provides a series of marinas, plus an array of stores and eateries.

Heading north of Huntsville on Highway 60 leads to the canoe-building community of Dwight and scenic Algonquin Park. Algonquin’s lakes and rivers are mainly restricted to canoes and kayaks, but enthusiasts with their boat in tow can take the Highway 35 exit (via Highway 117) to Baysville and enjoy the eastern side of Lake of Bays. The highway also leads to Dorset and the famous Dorset Ontario Observation Tower. A few miles east is Kawagama Lake, reputed to be the cleanest lake in the province.

HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS

Venturing north past Lindsay on Highway 35 will take you to Minden, a 138-year-old community and the county seat for the municipalities of Haliburton County. It’s also known as the Haliburton Highlands. The route south to Minden, on Highway 121, leads to Kinmount, which is provincially recognized as the heritage site of an 1874 Icelandic settlement and the fabulous inland lakes surrounding Buckhorn.

The Haliburton Highlands provide the oppourtunity for many activities including golfing, wakeboarding and kayaking. It also extends westward to Bancroft, the Mineral Capital of Canada. In August, the community hosts its popular annual Rockhound Gemboree, the largest event of its kind that displays the region’s array of gems and minerals, many of which grace museums and private collections around the world.

TAKE A DESERVING BREAK... ON AND OFF THE WATER

It’s easy to be captivated with the Muskokas. The region extends along Highway 11 to several lakes and rivers that are easily accessible from Kilworthy at the region’s southern boundary. Highway 11 also leads to Bracebridge, located on a hill overlooking roaring waterfalls and both branches of the Muskoka River. In fact, Bracebridge is known as the waterfall capital of Canada with its 22 cascades along the town’s roads and trails. Every May, the community hosts the Festival of the Falls to celebrate its nature-bestowed heritage.

In addition to old homes and churches, there’s an impressive series of modern accommodations, restaurants plus an exciting nightlife. For those seeking a little more action, there’s the amusement park featuring a repertoire of rides, go-carts, an in-line skating track, and mountain biking.

To the south is Gravenhurst, another vital access point to Muskoka’s historical and globally prominent tri-lake interior. It’s acclaimed for being the first town in Muskoka and is a cultural capital with live theatre, museums and artisan colonies plus a 1901 opera house.

One of the most popular areas are Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph. Properties vary from grand resorts from The Clevelands House, The Sherwood Inn and Windermere House on Lake Rosseau, to magnificent summer retreats and many turn-of-the-century boathouses.

But stargazing there isn’t limited to stellar sights that light up the summer sky. On any given day, you may bump into celebrities such as Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn or Martin Short, who own local summer residences.

The Hub of the Lakes is Port Carling, the centre of commerce for the Muskokas with locks connecting all three lakes. Like Milford Bay, Torrance, Port Sandfield, Windermere and Rosseau, Port Carling is abundant with activity and is a historical haven for boaters. Full service marinas (that offer boat rentals), fine dining and lodging can be found throughout this holiday destination, from Gordon Bay and MacTier in the southwest corner of Lake Joseph to Bala and Torrance, located on Lake Muskoka.

Outdoor enthusiasts can canoe, sail or motor throughout the area’s interconnected waterways, or golf, swim and hike to their hearts’ content.

Trent-Severn Waterway – Gamebridge and Kawarthas - Ontario

The famed Trent-Severn waterway is the perfect northern getaway. You can spend idle, relaxing days anchored in solitude, while being never too far away from marinas and scenic, shore-side towns offering several services.

It’s possible to cruise the entire 386-kilometre system from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay in a week or so, but you’ll want to take as much time as you can to enjoy everything the waterway has to offer.

Trenton to Gamebridge

Access to the Trent system is via the Trent River that flows into Lake Ontario just off the Bay of Quinte at Trenton. Located half way between Kingston and Toronto, Trenton is a great place to stop or stay overnight with its marina services, transient slips, local restaurants, pubs and cafes. The shopping is also excellent. For shore-side comfort, hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts are just minutes away from the water.

Heading north along the waterway, the first lock is called the Greenhorn, for obvious reason. Friendly and capable staff are ready to help novice boaters. If it’s your first time, or you’re not sure of the procedure be sure to tell them. They are more than willing to give you all the help you need. There are 18 more locks from here to Rice Lake, so it’s best to get started on the right foot.

Lock two is under the Highway 401 bridge. Now the landscape transforms to wide-open, scenic farmland and forests. Cruising towards Stirling, you’ll go through two more locks where the original homes of the first lock masters still stand.

Approaching the community of Frankford, don’t be surprised to see wild turkeys along the banks. The town is considered the wild turkey capital of Ontario. The fishing is good, too for bass, muskellunge and walleye.

The excellent fishing continues through Percy Reach, situated just downstream from lock eight, if you feel like stretching your legs, you can walk the Centennial Hiking Trail, from lock eight to nine. It’s an easy trail - less than three kilometers and a “birder’s” delight. The trail goes through Murray Marsh, which is known for its excellent bird watching – so take your binoculars, and your reference guide.

The scenery along the Trent waterway is like a good book. Going around every bend is like turning a page to find something new and interesting.

The cruise to Campbellford is no exception…old stone walls and grazing cattle take you back in time 100 years but as you approach Campbellford and Old Mill Park, the facilities are right up to date. The transient slips are downtown and complete with shorepower, washrooms and laundromats. It’s also the ideal place to stock up on supplies or check out the area’s restaurants and shopping.

Back on the water, if you forgot to top up your water supply in Cambellford nearby is lock 13 with a fresh water pump. At locks 16 and 17 - the flight locks at Healey Falls - you’ll be lifted 55 feet. This is a great place for the family in the summer the waterfall’s cooling mist is only a 15-minute walk from the locks - an ideal place to cool off on hot summer days. Following Healy Falls is Lock 18 at Hastings. This is where you’ll be lifted nine feet. It’s also the last lock until you reach Peterborough.

From Hastings, the Trent River begins to widen and leads into Rice Lake. Boats with deeper draft should stay in the channel through this lake. It’s shallow and there are stone cribs remaining from an old railway bridge… but don’t make the mistake of just passing through. Look around.

Some say Rice Lake is the province’s most prolific lake. The fishing is superb and is home to many popular tournaments. Just upstream on the Indian River is the village of Keene, one of the closest spots to Lang’s Pioneer Village - a living museum with festivals and scheduled demonstrations of early European settlers.

The lake is also where you find Serpent Mounds Provincial Park, honouring the First Nations people who settled there more than 2,000 years ago. In fact, near a stand of ancient oaks on a hilltop are nine burial mounds that give the park its name. Eight mounds make up the traditional oval but the ninth is a snake-like zigzag stretching nearly 200 feet long and 30 feet wide.

Leading from Rice Lake is the Otonabee River, taking you to Peterborough. You’ll want to stop as it offers several transient slips and many amenities including antique stores, museums, theatres, cinemas and countless restaurants. Every Wednesday and Saturday, plan to stay overnight and enjoy the free live concerts downtown at Little Lake. You may also want to participate in the regular boat parade that rounds out with fireworks.

One of the highlights of the system is lock 21 and its 65-foot hydraulic lift lock, the largest lock of its type in the world and this year marks its 101st anniversary.

Heading from Little Lake to Nassau Mills, the Otonabee and the Trent Canal separate for a few miles as you continue to head north, lock by lock. At Nassau Mills is a manual lock, which explains the length of the approach walls of the lock-side park. The steep journey to Lakefield is a scenic one and leads into the Kawartha Lakes.

This is the area where Catharine Parr Traill and her sister Susanna Moodie lived and wrote about early pioneer life. Many Upper Canadian frame houses still stand there. This area is so scenic you could spend your entire vacation in its surroundings. The shoreline encompasses old log cabins, boathouses and gothic frame cottages. You can fish or drop anchor in an isolated cove. On land is just as exciting, thanks to several golf courses, museums, art galleries, and of course, shopping.

The last lift is at Lock 35 in Rosedale, which will take you into Balsam Lake and the highest elevation on the system. Coboconk is nearby if you need fuel, supplies, or a relaxing break from the helm.

Once you hit Kirkfield and its lift lock, you begin the downhill journey into Georgian Bay. The second largest lift lock in North America is Lock 36 as it takes you nearly 50 feet down from Balsam Lake back into the Trent Canal system.

The final five locks are in close succession (all within four miles) on the Talbot River, before you arrive on Lake Simcoe. Lock 37 is Bolsover and its the deepest manual lock on the Trent at 22 feet - the total drop from here to Lake Simcoe is 75 feet - just imagine the rush of the rapids down this slope before the dams went in.

Another manual lock is at Gamebridge. It was built 100 years ago in 1906 and the original construction still stands. Locking takes approximately 20 minutes, providing enough time to ask the lock hands about the weather on Simcoe, which is the largest lake until you reach to Georgian Bay.

Mighty Fraser Country, BC

The Mighty Fraser River, the longest in BC, rises in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The river’s turbulent waters widen and flow south through fertile valleys until they curve west and empty into the Straight of Georgia. Named after explorer Simon Fraser, the first European to navigate its waters, the Fraser River holds many historic memories and continues to create awe in those who travel its magnificent route through the province.

Visiting boaters will enjoy participating in the abundance of activities on the Fraser River from cruising the river, joining a river safari, embarking on a white water adventure, to fantastic fishing. In Lytton, “The Rafting Capital of Canada,” the Fraser and Thompson rivers meet, generating spectacular whitewater rapids. The Fraser River is also known for its sturgeon and salmon fishing. With over 60% of the salmon migration passing through Mission, lucky anglers from around the world can fulfill their dream of catching either a salmon or a sturgeon in the Mighty Fraser River.

Make sure to visit in 2008 for celebrations commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Simon Fraser’s explorations! Communities along the river will be hosting special events, and there will be many opportunities to “ride the river” and explore the First Nations cultures along the way.

Courtesy of Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region. Visit ExploreOurBoating.com for more information on boating in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains.

Howe Sound - British Columbia

*article source discoverboating.ca