Tag Archives: Ontario

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Ontario’s 7 Most Surreal Waterfalls

Kakabeka Falls

In addition to being absolutely exquisite to look at, many also believe that waterfalls release huge amounts of negative ions, which the human body soaks up as positive energy. Whether or not this may be true, there is no denying that certain waterfalls can definitely leave you feeling a sense of peace, calmness and joy.

If you live in or near Ontario, or happen to be visiting this Canadian province some time in the future, you’re in luck – Ontario is famed for being home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of Canada.

Want to see some of them for yourself?

Here are seven that you won’t want to miss out on…

Horseshoe Falls

Aerial view of Horseshoe Falls in Canada

Let’s begin with the most iconic waterfall in Canada, if not the entire world. Standing at 188 feet high and 2600 feet wide, the Niagara Falls are actually made up of three individual waterfalls; two of them located in the USA. The waterfall on the Canadian side of the border is known as Horseshoe Falls, and is the largest of the three.

The Best Way to See the Horseshoe Falls

The Horseshoe Falls are easily accessible, meaning that you have numerous options when it comes to viewing them.

The most popular is Table Rock, a large rock shelf that juts out over the top of the falls. This gives you an incredible view from above, while taking you close enough to the water to feel the mist on your face.

If you want to check out the falls from the other end, there are boat tours available that will take you right into the basin of the waterfall, giving you the opportunity to see the water roaring down from above.

Things to Do Nearby

If you still want more waterfall action, take a walk along the Niagara Pathway, making your way to Rainbow Bridge. This bridge connects Canada to the USA, and you can cross it for a small fee to experience Horseshoe Falls from a different perspective. If you think you may want to do this, don’t forget to bring your passport!

Many don’t realize that while Niagara Falls is the name of the famous waterfall, it also refers to the city that sits by the falls. This means that there is plenty to do in the area, such as:

  • Tour some of the city’s many museums, from the Niagara History Museum to the Niagara Falls Art Gallery to the Niagara Military Museum
  • Spend the day at one of the city’s water parks, with the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark being perfect no matter the weather
  • Enjoy a meal at the top of the rotating Skylon Tower
  • Try your luck at one of the city’s casinos
  • Explore the Niagara Botanic Gardens

Devil’s Punch Bowl

Devil's Punch Bowl waterfall

Located in Hamilton, the Devil’s Punch Bowl is an incredible natural feature that was actually created at the end of the last Ice Age by powerful melt-water rivers carving a punch bowl-shaped hole into the rock. While the 33.8 meter ribbon waterfall itself is a magnificent sight, being able to see those multiple layers of rock really adds so much more to the experience.

The Best Way to See the Devil’s Punch Bowl

The best views to be had can be found at the Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area. From here, there is a short trail that will take you down to the base of the waterfall, giving you a spectacular view.

Things to Do Nearby

If you enjoy hiking, then you will be happy to find a few different trails snaking away from the base of the Devil’s Punch Bowl. The Dofasco 2000 Trail will take you 11.5km through Stoney Creek, including a boardwalk section through the Vinemount Swamp Forest, while the 890km Bruce Trail follows along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment.

If you would like to Venture into Stoney Creek, you will find:

  • Museums and art galleries
  • Wineries
  • Hiking trails and conservation areas

Crystal Falls

Hiawatha Falls

The Crystal Falls may be one of Ontario’s lesser-known waterfalls, but they are just as stunning as the rest. They can be found in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, in the Hiawatha Highlands Park, and stand at around 18 meters high. Although only a medium-sized waterfall, the Crystal Falls are incredibly scenic, and you likely won’t have to deal with loud crowds when you visit.

The Best Way to See the Crystal Falls

The Crystal Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls on this list, since the park that they are in is located in the city. A sturdy boardwalk has been built to take people close to the falls, and you will also find wooden staircases dotted around the rock, making it so easy to explore the landscape.

Don’t worry, even though these man-made items have been added into the scenery, they truly don’t distract from the beauty of the falls themselves.

Things to Do Nearby

If you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls yet, there are a couple of falls located nearby that you could also visit:

  • Batchawana Falls – provides a pretty view, although the road to get here can be quite rough
  • Chippewa Falls – a complex waterfall with several different drops

Of course, the city of Sault Ste. Marie has numerous attractions too, such as:

  • The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
  • Boat tours of the Sault Locks, which connect the lower Great Lakes with Lake Superior
  • Museums and art galleries
  • Whitefish Island, which is a National Historic Site

Eugenia Falls

Aerial view of Eugenia Falls in autumn

The Eugenia Falls Conservation area consists of 23 hectares of the Niagara Escarpment, along with forests and river valleys. This waterfall stands at 30 meters tall, and is best visited in the spring or the fall, since the flow can die down quite a bit during the summer months.

The Best Way to See the Eugenia Falls

Since the Eugenia Falls can be found in the small village of Eugenia, it isn’t too hard to access. There is a parking area specifically for visitors to the falls, with the actual waterfall being located just a short walk from here.

Once you get to the falls, you will find a convenient overlook at the top that provides an amazing viewpoint.

Although entry into the waterfall basin is prohibited, there are trails that you can follow that will take you through some trees and offer up additional viewpoints of the waterfall.

Things to Do Nearby

The village of Eugenia is small, but boasts some challenging hiking trails, along with backroads that offer a scenic drive or bike ride. Lake Eugenia, along with the Beaver River, are also popular recreation spots, where you can swim, fish, canoe or kayak.

If you would like to travel a little further afield, the city of Barrie is a short drive away. Here, you will find:

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

The legendary Bridal Veil Falls can be found in the Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, just east of the city of Chilliwack. This 60 meter-tall waterfall cascades over surprisingly smooth rocks, giving the water a veil-like effect, while also giving the waterfall and park their names.

The Best Way to See the Bridal Veil Falls

The Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is easy to get to, with the parking lot being located just a short walk away from the falls. There are actually two trails that you can follow from the parking lot to the falls, but these both connect to each other at the falls itself, meaning that you can do the trails as a loop.

At the falls, there is a wooden viewpoint, and this is where you will find the very best views. Just like with some of the other falls on this list, Bridal Veil Falls is best viewed during the rainier months, as opposed to during a dry summer. However, keep in mind that during icy winters, the park is often closed, as the base of the falls can become quite hazardous.

Things to Do Nearby

The nearest community to the Bridal Veil Falls is Bridal Falls, but this is mostly a highway services community.

Fortunately, Chilliwack is only a few miles away, with this city offering:

  • Nature, bird-watching, cycling, horse riding and hiking trails
  • Museums, historical societies and cultural centers
  • Craft breweries
  • The awe-inspiring Jasper National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Mountains, nature reserves and regional parks

Kakabeka Falls

Kakabeka Falls in summer

The second highest waterfall in Ontario, the Kakabeka Falls stands at 40 meters high and is a spectacular waterfall no matter the time of year you visit. Nicknamed the Niagara of the North, the gorge here is home to some of the oldest fossils in the world, making a visit to this area even more meaningful.

The Best Way to See the Kakabeka Falls

The Kakabeka Falls are situated in the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. They are near the park’s entrance, as well as the parking lot, and the half mile Boardwalk Trail will take you straight to the waterfall, rewarding you with viewing platforms on both sides of the falls.

When looking into the waterfall’s base, keep an eye out for the endangered Lake Sturgeon spawn, which can often be seen here.

Things to Do Nearby

For those who love outdoor recreation, the numerous hiking and nature trails around the falls will please you. These are kept well-maintained in the summer months, and then turned into groomed cross country skiing trails during the winter. Fossil hunting is another popular activity here, with the fossils at the base of the falls estimated to be around 1.6 million years old.

The town of Kakabeka Falls is pretty small, so, if you are looking for more action, head to the nearby city of Thunder Bay, where you will find:

  • Craft microbreweries
  • Historical parks and heritage centers
  • A marina park complete with public art, fountains and a skate park
  • Art galleries and museums
  • Restaurants that focus on fresh, farm-to-table dishes

Belfountain Falls

Bridge going over Belfountain Falls

Belfountain Falls is so incredibly scenic that it may surprise you to learn that this is a man-made waterfall, whose creation began in 1908. This medium-sized cascading waterfall is located in the Belfountain Conservation Area, making it easy to spend the whole day exploring these lush surroundings.

The Best Way to See the Belfountain Falls

Parking isn’t easy in the Belfountain Falls Conservation Area, but you will see a small hill that makes for the perfect place to stop, as the waterfall is just a few minutes walk from here.

Immediately downstream of the waterfall, there is a suspension bridge that crosses over the gorge, giving you a thrilling viewing experience, and one that kids especially love.

Things to Do Nearby

The park itself offers up some great activities, such as:

  • Swimming
  • Fishing for trout (although you will need an Ontario Fishing Licence)
  • Hiking
  • Scenic picnic sites
  • Flower gardens

Not too far away is the town of Caledon, a quickly-developing urban area that is home to:

  • Spas and wellness centers
  • Museums
  • A pick-your-own orchard and regular farmers markets
  • Art centers, galleries and museums
  • An award-winning cidery
  • Botanical gardens

Home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Canada, Ontario is definitely the place to go for those seeking out some of nature’s most beautiful wonders. Many of these waterfalls are easily accessible too, treating you to an oasis of calm without taking you too far away from major roads and cities.

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French Cultural Influence in Ontario

Celebration in Ontario

ValeStock / Shutterstock.com

It was just over 400 years ago when French explorer Samuel de Champlain explored the wilderness of Ontario, bringing with him the first wave of French culture and heritage. Over the years, French-Ontarians have had to fight hard to keep their culture alive, but have managed to do in a spectacular way, and it is still easy to see the many French cultural influences all around Ontario.

The Arts
The arts are always an important link when it comes to language and identity, and French art is greatly supported throughout Ontario. The Ontario Arts Council have a program that is specially dedicated to Francophone Arts, and this supports everything from new French-language films to visual art groups and craft projects.

Franco-Ontarian Festival
The Franco-Ontarian Festival is held each June in Ottawa, at Major’s Hill Park, and is believed to be the largest Francophones and Francophiles celebration in the whole of Canada. The festival has been running for over 40 years now, each one bigger and better than the last, complete with special musical events and plenty of family entertainment.

Monument de la Francophonie d’Ottawa
The Monument de la Francophonie d’Ottawa was opened in 2006, and features a Franco-Ontarian flag at the center. Around the flagpole is a granite monument that tells the story of French education in Ottawa over time. The monument was so greatly appreciated that the committee that created the park built five more monuments the following year.

Cinefranco
Held each year in Toronto, Cinefranco is a week-long French film festival that showcases both Canadian and French-language films. Launched in 1997, the film festival this year will be held from the 27th of October to the 1st of November, and gives the audience the opportunity to appreciate French films that would not otherwise have been distributed among a Canadian audience. For those of you who cannot make it for Cinefranco this year, keep an eye out for some of the many other film-related events and activities that Cinefranco hosts in Toronto throughout the year, all of which can be found on their social media accounts.

French Food
With such a strong sense of French culture all over Ontario, it is no surprise that there are countless French restaurants to be found. Just like everywhere else in the world, there are a few that really stand out from the crowd, such as Le Select Bistro in Toronto, which first opened its doors in 1977, and whose menu features a delicious array of Parisian classics. Another popular French eatery in Toronto is Coquine, which has won numerous awards for their authentic French cuisine. For those of you in Ottawa, give the modern Black Cat Bistro a try, or, for a truly cutting edge menu, head to Restaurant 18.

French culture is deeply ingrained into life in Ontario, and it brings a certain unique charm to the region. From the authentic French cuisine of Toronto to the lively French festival in Ottawa, Ontario is clearly, and rightfully, proud of its French heritage, and will hopefully be able to retain that for years to come.

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Get Outdoors Festival

Held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of August this year, Ontario’s Get Outdoors Festival takes place at Wye Marsh, the largest wetlands in Ontario. From interactive workshops to wildlife identification sessions, this festival is a way to experience the best of what the great outdoors has to offer.

Guided Canoe and Kayak Tours
Wye Marsh is home to a large amount of wildlife, from the Midland Painted Turtles to the River Otters to the Trumpeter Swans, and taking a ride out onto the water is one of the best ways to experience all of this. These guided tours take place on voyageur canoes, with each one led by a Wye Marsh naturalist.

Cycling

Cycling
With over 25km of cycle trails, renting a bike is a great way to explore Wye Marsh. The festival will have bikes available for rent, although if you do not feel like biking, you can easily walk the trails too. One of the highlights of the trails is the 490-foot floating boardwalk, which takes you out over the water and rewards you with a stunning panoramic view.

Live Animal Demonstrations
While it is always exciting to view wildlife in their natural habitat, experiencing them close-up will help you to learn so much more about them. This is the aim of the live animal demonstrations at the Get Outdoors Festival, where guests will be able to meet animals such as the snapping turtle, fox snake and red-tailed hawk, learning about these unique creatures and the role they play in our ecosystem. The Wye Marsh bee-keeper will also be putting on a talk and demonstration each day of the event, showcasing his gorgeous honeybees and explaining exactly why they are so vital to life on this planet.

Bird watching

Basics of Birding
At the festival, a Wye Marsh naturalist will be on hand to teach visitors the basics of birding. From discovering how to recognize the different bird calls that are constantly sung around Wye Marsh, to learning about the natural environments of these specific birds, these sessions are always a big hit with both adults and children.

Paddle Carving Seminar
New to the festival this year is the Paddle Carving Seminar, which will be held by Roger Foster, who is an instructor at the Carlisle Canoe Co. Visitors will learn all about how to use a century-old tool to carve a paddle from a solid piece of local wood, and are guaranteed to leave the seminar with a beautifully finished paddle, as well as skills that they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The Get Outdoors Festival aims to provide people with a new way in which to experience the outdoors, showing them the many different benefits that spending time in nature can have. With the average North American spending 95% of their day indoors, the Get Outdoors Festival is something that everybody should embrace, as you will be able to discover new passions that will encourage you to spend plenty more time outdoors in the future.

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Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

Fall is a stunning time of the year, with the foliage transforming green landscapes into fiery, vibrant shades. Take a look at OROGOLD’s picks of the most beautiful fall destinations to give you some inspiration when it comes to planning your own fall vacation.

Tuscany, Italy.

Tuscany, Italy
While there is no arguing that Tuscany has some beautiful fall foliage, one of the best reasons to visit Tuscany this season is because this is harvest time, and the locals take their harvest extremely seriously. When it comes to traditional Italian gastronomy, Tuscany is at the heart of this, making it an ideal fall destination for any foodies out there. Festivals celebrating each harvest, from grapes to mushrooms to polenta to pumpkin, are held throughout the region, giving you the opportunity to taste some of the best, and freshest, food that the area has to offer. While there, OROGOLD recommends going truffle hunting in the Tuscan forests before eating your findings in a delicious pasta dish, or going on an olive tasting tour if you are in Tuscany later on in the season.

Ontario, Canada.

Ontario, Canada
One of OROGOLD’s favorite things to do in the fall in Ontario is to take a drive along the Niagara Parkway, the road that Winston Churchill said was “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world”. Canada’s Ontario province has some of the most spectacular fall foliage that we have seen, and a great place to take this all in is the Algonquin Provincial Park. With almost 8000 square km of lush forests, twisting rivers and peaceful lakes, the beauty all around you is absolutely breathtaking. OROGOLD recommends going for a paddle in a canoe to best enjoy the display from the maple and red oak trees.

Huangshan Mountain

Huangshan Mountain, China
Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a mountain range in the east of China, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peaks of the mountains are all lined with trees, and when these begin to transform into their fall colors, the sight is simply incredible, with the wispy clouds around them making the scene seems slightly magical. The spectacle attracts visitors from all over China, so be prepared for crowds. To see the foliage at its most beautiful, OROGOLD recommends going out at sunrise, as the colors from the sun complement the foliage in an ethereal way. For when you aren’t taking in the fall beauty, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied, from visiting the many hot springs in the region, to tasting the area’s famous Chinese teas, to learning more about Huangshan’s rich history.

OROGOLD loves to travel in the fall, taking in the beautiful foliage from all over the world, as well as experiencing the fall traditions that different countries have. From a sunrise walk through the Yellow Mountains in China to helping to harvest olives in Tuscany, these amazing fall destinations will make you appreciate the season in a completely different way.

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Top Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest

Although it may have originated in Germany, Oktoberfest is now celebrated all over the world. No matter which continent you may be on, you can be sure that there will be a Bavarian bash hosted near you. Here are OROGOLD’s picks of the top Oktoberfest celebrations around the world.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany, making it the second largest in the world. Attracting around a million visitors each year, the festivities last for nine days, with the most popular feature being the Oktoberfest parade on Canadian Thanksgiving. The region has strong German roots, with Kitchener’s former name being Berlin, and not only do many of the residents have a German heritage, but they also speak the language. This all contributes towards the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest being truly authentic. With cultural attractions and a whole host of entertainment options, as well as plenty of German beer and food, this is an Oktoberfest celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Hong Kong, China
Home to the largest and most exciting Oktoberfest celebrations in Asia, Hong Kong has been holding their own festivities for over twenty years. Unlike the majority of Oktoberfest celebrations, the ones in Hong Kong stretch all the way into November, so you are bound to be able to find the time to attend one. Their oldest celebration is the Marco Polo German Bierfest, with the beer, including a special Oktoberfest version, being provided by Erdinger. With a German band, endless options of German cuisine, and a view overlooking the harbour, the Marco Polo German Bierfest is definitely one of OROGOLD’s favorite Oktoberfest events in Hong Kong. However, the city has a whole lot more to offer, with many other Oktoberfest celebrations. From Oktoberfest at the Happy Valley Racecourse to Beertopia to the quieter festivities at the Regal Airport Hotel, you will no doubt be spoiled for choice when deciding where to go.

Munich, Germany
No Oktoberfest list would be complete without mentioning the grandest, most popular celebration of all – the original Bavarian Oktoberfest. Held each year in Munich, over 6 million people attend the celebrations each year, making the most of the 17 days of beer-filled fun. The attractions seem almost endless, with great options for the whole family, from fairground rides to sideshows to games and competitions. The massive beer tents, all serving up Oktoberfest beers that have been brewed within the city limits of Munich, welcome thousands at a time, while the traditional food served up, from the sausages to the roast pork to the potato pancakes, will be some of the best German cuisine that you will ever try.

Oktoberfest is a significant part of Bavarian culture, with celebrations dating all the way back to 1810. For those of you that have never attended an Oktoberfest celebration, it is something that OROGOLD highly recommends, not only for the fun that you will have, but also for an authentic taste of German culture and tradition.