Immersing Ourselves in Nature and Giveaway

We are excited the weather is finally warming up and school is coming to an end. Due to the pandemic we didn’t take risks venturing too far from home during the past couple of years. This summer, we plan on travelling within Ontario and discovering some hidden gems. As we plan on making some memorable travel experiences this summer we read three inspiring books: Nature Hikes, Waterfalls of Ontario, and 125 Nature Hot Spots in Ontario. We also plan to visit some unique Ontario Parks by taking advantage of their annual pass.

Nature Hikes by Janet Eagleson is a unique guide written as a narrative. It includes the author's personal experience during her adventures to 39 Conservation Areas in the Toronto region. It has information about flora to fauna to geology and history with full-colour maps. This causal, easy and fun to read book is organized by geographic regions - east, west, north, south, and central locations in and around Toronto using simple practical terms. The informative sidebars throughout the book is interesting it includes some fun information such as Why do birds sing?; Plant Invaders; Wonderful Wetlands; How To See Wildlife, and more. The photographs by Rosemary Hasner showcases some beautiful areas. For each area the author includes

• Highlights, Difficulty, Trails, Markers, Surface, Type, Open, Entry Fee, Directions, Activities, Dogs Allowed 
• Description of the site, history or points of interest and tips on what to do and see 
• Map of the Conservation Area indicating roads, watercourse, trails, entrance, parking, natural features such as forest, wetland, and birdwatching or fishing spot

We are happy that the author reminds readers to admire the nature's beauty from a distance without touching. This is important so we can all enjoy green spaces, and keep it clean for nature to thrive and flourish for generations to come. Being surrounded by nature has lots of pros and this rejuvenating experience is good for everyone, which is why it is important when we go on hikes to respect everyone around and enjoy the sites quietly by keeping pets on leashes and young children close and quiet. 

Nature Hikes is a must-have guide for groups and individuals who love wild places and the special creatures that live there. Perfectly sized for car side pockets.

125 Nature Hot Spots in Ontario: The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places by Chris Earley and Tracy C. Read is a reader-friendly guide that explores the remarkable diversity of Ontario's wild lands from its soaring clifftops, subterranean caves and thundering waterfalls to the province's tallest white pine, the oldest rocks on Earth and the warbler capital of North America. 

The guide is organized by region; Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario South, Niagara, Eastern Ontario, Central Ontario North, Northern Ontario. Each destination includes a descriptive profile illustrated with colour photographs, map, at-a-glance information about special features and contact details.

Our wonderful experience at Bonnechere Caves while we camped at Bonnechere Provincial Park and visited the Bonnechere Falls

Some of the fascinating places in this book includes Ontario parks such as Long point, Pinery, Wheatley, Forks of the Credit, Bon Echo, Rondeau Provincial Park, and many more. Did you know Rondeau Provincial Park is the best place to spot warbler in Canada and other at-risk species? 

Each Ontario Park is unique and there is always something fascinating, to learn, explore, and discover. We have visited quite a few during the past years, and have a made a list of some we want to check out this year using the Ontario Park Pass. The Seasonal Day Use Permits can be easily purchased online, and it makes it convenient to visit different parks all across the province.

During our quiet hike at Arrowhead Provincial Park we spotted a deer

Some of these hot spots are surprisingly close to towns and cities, some are hidden urban treasures, and many are ideal for a day trip. These family-friendly destinations will appeal to naturalists, budding botanists and biologists, photographers, hikers, campers and paddlers. We love that this author too reminds the readers to "always remember that you're a guest in a place inhabited by other creatures do your best not to disturb their world."

Black Beaver Falls in Algoma at the Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park when we visited the Soo

Waterfalls of Ontario by Mark Harris is the definitive guide to enjoying and exploring the province's most beautiful waterfalls. The full-page colour photographs by George Fischer in this fourth edition features over 150 waterfalls.

During our adventures we have gone to see waterfalls and visited a few in different parts of Ontario. The author shares hidden gems like Paradise Lagoon, Webwood Falls, Old Man River Falls, and more. The book covers waterfalls in the following regions: Algoma; Cottage Country; Eastern Ontario; Greater Toronto; Hamilton; Lake Huron; Northeastern Ontario; and Northwestern Ontario. 

There are pictures and text describing the characteristics, history and geography of the falls. Accurate driving directions and GPS coordinates make finding each falls easy, and sidebars feature handy information, such as the nearest settlements, walk time, trail conditions and the height of the waterfall. 

We enjoyed learning about the rocks, water, different waterfall types, features, how it is important for the society, what to know before visiting waterfalls, safety, responsible waterfalling, if you are into photographing waterfalls there are tips included in this book.

Some of these interesting waterfalls can be seen when visiting different Ontario Parks. There are some wonderful suggestions such as camping at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park when going to see the Rainbow Falls and travelling between regions. This attractive reference book and is a beautiful regional travel guide for all types of travellers - weekend explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to visit waterfalls in Ontario, check out this book and this website by Mark Harris waterfallsofontario.com. Remember when visiting waterfalls do so with respect, the author mentioned that due to the pandemic there were many people who overused and misused the places, which caused some waterfalls to close and others to have new restrictions. 

Our visit to Bridal Veil Falls in Manitoulin Island

Giveaway:

Want to win a copy of 125 Nature Hot Spots in Ontario and Waterfalls of Ontario enter the giveaway using the giveaway tool below before June 30th. This giveaway is open to everyone in Canada. Please leave comments and follow my social media networks to be eligible to win.

Update: The winner is Piroska

Entry-Form

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