CHATHAM, ONTARIO – Andria Dyer is standing at the edge of a fire in a pretty glade of deep green trees at TJ Stables, singing a song about giving thanks to the creator. I don’t understand the words as she’s singing in Ojibwe, but I know the word “Miigwech” means “thank you,” so I can at least pick that up. In fact, the precise words don’t seem to matter. Dyer, who is Ojibwe from Chippewa of the Thames First Nation and whose indigenous name is Running Deer, is clearly pouring her heart and soul into the song. Her voice rises Read more
Lake Erie
It seems many Canadians plan on staying close to home again next summer. With that in mind, here’s a look at seven top places to explore in Canada’s most populous province. MUSKOKA Muskoka has been Ontario’s top summer playground for decades now, with sparkling lakes and rocky shores dotted with deciduous trees and sweet-smelling pines. There’s even more reason to go in 2023, as the historic RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Segwun (built in 1866) should be ready to sail again after a three-year hiatus. The Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst is open year-round and is definitely worth checking out. The Read more
An excerpt from my new book about places to visit in Ontario includes Port Dover and Lake Erie, plus some great wineries. I also take a look at the fabulous Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate company, which makes truly incredible treats in Hawaii. My New Ontario Escapes Book: Excerpt Here This is an excerpt from my new book, “Ontario Escapes: 19 Great Places to Visit Right Now.” It’s available for $4.99 from Apple Books at this link. Thanks for taking a look. This chapter includes a visit to the fun and funky town of Port Dover and the north shore of Read more
CHATHAM-KENT, ONTARIO – A beach town with charm to spare. A vital link to Ontario’s black history. And a positively wondrous hotel in a town that will definitely surprise you. I had stopped in the town of Erieau a couple years ago on a trip along the Lake Erie shoreline (sometimes called Canada’s forgotten coast). It was only a brief drive-by, but I was charmed by the low-key yet vibrant nature of the town and beguiled by the beach and the cute waterfront homes. This time, with the help of the folks at Ontario’s Southwest I managed to squeeze in Read more
PELEE ISLAND, LAKE ERIE – I’ve only been in the Anchor and Wheel Inn restaurant for two minutes and I’m already in love. There are pirate flags and colourful, wooden fish and bright orange buoys hanging on the walls. There’s reggae music and Jimmy Buffett tunes floating over the speakers. Owner and head chef Mark Emrich walks by and I compliment him on the décor and the music. “Welcome to the Canadian Keys,” he says with a grin. Emrich loads my plate with two huge pieces of blackened pickerel, as well as steamed green beans done just right and a Read more
