NordicFest Draw for Passes Now Closed
January 27th 2012It’s just gone noon on Fri. Jan. 27, so the draw for free passes to NordicFest is now closed. We’ll be contacting the winners. Josh gets the individual passes, and because we had two entrants for the family pass, the winner was decided by the flip of a coin: Christine.
Time for lunch and a walk in the snowy wonderland!
Free Passes To NordicFest 2012!
January 22nd 2012We are giving away passes to NordicFest Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Festival to be held in Collingwood on Feb. 4, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a full day of fun in the snow at Scenic Caves Nordic Centre at the base of the Niagara Escarpment at Collingwood/Town of Blue Mountains. Latest-model skis and snowshoes will be available to try out. There will be fun contests and free apple cider and hot chocolate to warm up with by the fire in a chalet if you want a break.
Yesterday when we were there for the charity event Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer, the sky was blue, the trees glittered with ice and the snow was good. Lovely.
We have two free individual passes to give away, and one free family pass. To win, just leave a comment and tell us which passes you want. If you win the draw, we’ll get back to you. This offer closes Fri. Jan. 27 at noon.
These tickets are thanks to the generosity of our friends at Get Out There magazine.
Winter Events at Mountsberg
January 02nd 2012Looking for things to do this winter? Mountsberg Raptor Centre near Campbellville suggests these events & activities:
The Mountsberg Raptor Centre is thrilled to host the Royal Ontario Museum’s spectacular Northern Owls exhibit from January 1 through to February 23, 2012. This educational and beautiful display will teach park visitors all about Ontario’s diverse owl species, some of which are live residents of our educational centre for non-releasable birds of prey.
The Northern Owls Exhibit will be open at the Mountsberg Raptor Centre for self-guided exploration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It will also be a featured part of the popular evening Owl Prowl programs which are available for both families (January 14 and 28) and nature-minded adults (January 13 and 27).
During special weekends in January and February, Raptor Centre staff will be available from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. to guide park visitors through the exhibit at no extra charge, and allow them an up-close and ‘nose-to-beak’ visit with one of Mountsberg’s live owl residents. Don’t miss this fascinating and educational family experience, free with gate admission on the following weekends: January 7 and 8, January 21 and 22, February 4 and 5, February 11 and 12 as well as February 18 and 19. Conservation Halton Annual Passholders only need to show their pass for park admission.
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides at Mountsberg
You can enjoy a wagon or sleigh ride through the fields and forests of Mountsberg on a crisp, clear, cold and sunny winter day on weekends and Family Day (February 20) until February 20, 2012. Wagon rides will depart on those days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wagon ride tickets are Adults $3, Children $2 and can be purchased at the Discovery Centre.
About Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, 5 km west of Campbellville, ON, between Highway 6 South and the Guelph Line. For more information on this event and all the other happenings at Conservation Halton Parks visit www.conservationhalton.ca and click on the Events Calendar.
Wild Waterworks Christmas Sale
December 20th 2011Desperate for a last-minute gift? Here’s one that looks forward to warm weather returning, from our friends at Hamilton Conservation:
Wild Waterworks is proud to announce that for the first time ever, families can take advantage of significant savings by purchasing a 2012 Family Pass for four!
The pass — good for the entire 2012 summer season — is available now, just in time for Christmas. The pass allows a family of four to take advantage of our lowest price ever offered; just $55.99 per person, or $223.96 for the family! The rate applies to families of four only. Additional family members can receive passes for $55.99 each. All listed prices are before HST.
Solo season’s passes are also available for individual purchasers at $69.99. Regular general admission for 2012 remains at $20.80. All listed prices are before HST.
The Family Pass allows each member access to Wild Waterworks all summer long. Ride the four tube slides and two six-storey body slides and surf the waves at one of Canada’s largest outdoor wave pools. Toddlers will love Little Squirt Works, a fun wading pool with sprays, mists and fountains. Wild Waterworks is located in Confederation Park, which is an 83-hectare package of fun and adventure located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Hamilton.
With Christmas just around the corner, add a splash to your shopping list and get the gift that continues to give, while enjoying family time in the summer at Wild Waterworks!
Expect to save even more when you visit next season: there will be free parking at Confederation Park, home of Wild Waterworks.
If you’re looking for a great way to save this Christmas, get your season’s passes at Wild Waterworks to enjoy all the summer fun. Purchase your tickets online at www.wild-waterworks.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WildWW . You can also contact us by phone at 905-547-6141, ext 5301.
Egg Nog Jog 2011
December 15th 2011
They’re off! Start of Egg Nog Jog at Terra Cotta CA. All photos by Mike Davis.
The sold-out 29th annual Egg Nog Jog, claimed to be “the prettiest and most challenging road race in Ontario,” took place on Dec. 11 starting at Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Organized by the Georgetown Runners, there were 609 entrants taking part in 10.8-km course that followed roads up and down the Niagara Escarpment hills in the area. Darryl Bank of Toronto was the fastest runner, finishing in 37 minutes, 28 seconds. Our friend and advertiser Brad Mailloux of downtown Georgetown’s Feet in Motion was the first Georgetown Runner across the finish line. Mike was there taking plenty of photos. Do you see yourself in the crowd?
A special One Mile Smile race was held for kids 12 and under.
Runner with bib # 60 is in the lead at the start.
Not in the very first group, but near the front of the pack.
The One Mile Smile race for kids starts here with parents behind them.
Kids are picking up speed here.
Here's the winner of the One Mile Smile heading for the finish line.
Did you run this race? How did you do? What was it like?
Caledon Details Niagara Escarpment
November 14th 2011Mike recently picked up a brochure from the Town of Caledon, called Explore Caledon’s Trails and Bikeways. It has a useful map of Caledon, showing the locations of trails and features of interest. It includes this description of the Niagara Escarpment:
“Where visible, the Escarpment is a massive forested ridge that extends 1,100 km from western New York to Niagara Falls, across southern Ontario, up the Bruce Peninsula, under the waters of Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island, and down the western shore of Lake Michigan. The process that created the Escarpment began more than 400 million years ago when the limestone and sandstone formed. These geological events are responsible for a myriad of specialized habitats where diverse plants and animals thrive. Recognized as one of Canada’s more significant land formations, the Escarpment was designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1990.”
Well done, Caledon, for this complete information!
The brochure also promotes Caledon’s portions of the Trans Canada Trail, Caledon Trailway, The Bruce Trail and Humber Valley Heritage Trail. All these trails make sense of the brochure’s title. There’s plenty to explore in Caledon.
Fall into Nature at Conservation Halton
October 11th 2011Here’s what’s happening at Conservation Halton this weekend:
Conservation Halton’s Fall into Nature offers activities at six different Halton Parks. The festival celebrates the spectacular landscapes and fall colours of the Niagara Escarpment.
Fall into Nature is on the weekend of October 15 and 16, at Mountsberg, Crawford Lake, Kelso, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls and Mount Nemo Conservation Areas.
See what our parks have to offer:
Fall into Nature is a wonderful opportunity to see all of the parks in their fall splendour. A detailed schedule of events is available online at www.fallintonature.ca. Visitors will enjoy a variety of unique outdoor experiences including:
*Chairlift rides to the top of the escarpment with spectacular views
*Self-guided and interpreter led tours through our many trails and landscapes
*Tractor-drawn wagon rides through the parks
*Educational and interactive programs (visit an Iroquoian Village, learn about the science of nature)
*Live performances (music, First Nations dancers)
*Demonstrations (Bird of Prey shows, reptile shows, mountain biking)*Various other activities (children’s activities, BBQs, family campfires, and more)
On Saturday, October 15, Conservation Halton will hold its inaugural Forest Festival at Rattlesnake Point. Come out and celebrate the International Year of Forests and learn about the importance of trees and forests in our region. Enjoy interactive displays on the use of forest products, logging demonstrations and more fun activities.
During Fall into Nature visitors will also be able to enjoy the regular activities and programs available at Conservation Halton parks. Be sure to check out the amazing Birds of Prey demonstrations at Mountsberg or travel back in time to the Iroquoian Village at Crawford Lake.
Conservation Halton parks have some of the best places in our area to enjoy the amazing fall colours, the vistas from Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point are particularly incredible.
Park visitors who purchase a one-day park entry during the festival will receive a Fall into Nature passport valid for one full day’s admission to all six parks. Show your passport on subsequent days and receive a discount on your entry.
Take a ride on the Fall Bus Tour and lunch is on us! You can sit back and enjoy the ride as we take you on a guided tour of Fall into Nature on October 15 and 16. The tour will take you to three distinctive parks, Kelso, Crawford Lake and Mountsberg where you will learn about the areas natural and cultural history, while enjoying a variety of special events.
Your full-day bus tour includes:
*Chairlift ride at Kelso to enjoy autumn views along the escarpment, with a guided walk to learn about the landscape from spectacular vantage points
*BBQ lunch
*Stop at Crawford Lake for a feature presentation with Iroquoian Dancers and an opportunity to tour the village
*Birds of Prey Demonstration and Wildlife Walkway at Mountsberg
The Fall Bus Tour is $30.00 per person (including taxes) and will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., departing from Kelso. Book online through the Fall into Nature website (www.fallintonature.ca) or call 905-854-2276.
The fall colours in Halton Region are accentuated with our region’s many country roads, rolling terrain, and of course the Niagara Escarpment. As you travel through Escarpment Country during Fall into Nature, there are many other great attractions in our area, such as shops, local artisans, and numerous farms with fresh produce.
You can find everything you need to know at www.fallintonature.ca or www.conservationhalton.ca. Residents and visitors alike are invited to join us in celebrating autumn at this fun filled festival, great for people of all ages!
Fall into Nature is made possible in part through the generous support of the Government of Ontario Celebrate Ontario Program. Conservation Halton launched its first Fall into Nature festival in 2009 and over 28,000 people attended, last year over 45,000 people attended.
Desjardins Le Tour de Terra Cotta
July 25th 2011
Le Tour de Terra Cotta, 2010. Photo by Mike Davis
Here’s a guest post about an Escarpment bike race day. Escarpment Views will be in the vendor expo area giving out free copies!
Ontario’s Largest Non O-Cup Road Race – Exciting new additions this year!
The 7th Annual Le Tour de Terra Cotta rides August 1, 2011. 600 riders are expected over five events and throngs of spectators will line the course making the day feel like a stage of a prestigious European road race.
New this year is the second largest guaranteed cash purse for a road race in Canada for the 104km signature race designed for elite riders, overall individual top prize of $1000, male and female equivalents. Cash prizes three deep by age category, ten deep overall. Additional events include youth race & time trial, adult 26km &, and a brand new 52km distance for resolute riders looking to complete 6 laps.
Event features full road closure – no yellow line rule, the safest course by far and coveted by cyclists, mechanical, medical support, race kits, technical T-shirts for early registrants, escort vehicles, electronic timing, feed station & lunch for adult registrants. pectator will enjoy the concession, licensed patio, kid’s activities, vendor expo area and prize draws. Photos and event videos are planned to be available in the weeks following the event.
Desjardins Financial Security (DFS) is Platinum Sponsor. Gold Sponsor, Dimpflmeier Bakery. Silver Sponsor, James Dick Construction. Bronze sponsor, Cavalier Transportation of Bolton.
Visit www.letourdeterracotta.com for technical guide & info. Contact Info@letourdeterracotta.com Registration opens at 7 a.m. – space limited, plan to arrive early for ease of parking. Road closures in effect race day. On-line registration available at www.ontariocycling.org.
Things to do near Blue Mountain this Summer
June 10th 2011
Leisa Way giving a taste of Dolly Parton
Enjoy Leisa Way sing her heart out as Dolly Parton in Rhinestone Cowgirl at Theatre Collingwood July 25 to 30.
Dan Needles talking about the idea behind Fair Play
Take in the premiere of Dan Needles’ Fair Play at Theatre Collingwood August 18 to 27.
The Gondola at The Village at Blue Mountain
Enjoy a gentle gondola ride past the treetops to the top of the Niagara Escarpment at Blue Mountain.
The slow ascent up the Niagara Escarpment by the Ridge Runner
Dare to take a thrill ride up and then DOWN! the Niagara Escarpment on Blue Mountain’s new attraction, Ridge Runner, Ontario’s first Alpine coaster.
Stairs to Standing Rock and caves
Refresh yourself in the cool crevices at Scenic Caves. For much more about one of the exciting elements at Scenic Caves, see our Summer issue feature on Standing Rock.
One of the pools and waterfalls at Scandinave Spa
Heat up, cool down and relax completely at Scandinave Spa.
Photos by Mike Davis except the last one, courtesy of Scandinave Spa.
Have you tried any of these destinations and experiences? What did you think? If you haven’t yet, would you like to?
24th Annual Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart
June 06th 2011Here’s a post by Mike about what he did on the weekend:
Ride for Heart
I was out and about on June 5 on the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner in Toronto and ran into some of our Escarpment-area residents and other notable people.
Sheryl Gill, Survivor
Hon. Kathleen Wynne rode in the event. She also happens to be the Ontario Minister of Transportation. How appropriate!
Hon. Kathleen Wynne
Erin local resident James Moore pedalled in the event with an electric bike.
James Moore
The “Rude Riders” were out in force in tribute to Doug who passed away a few weeks ago from a heart problem. I can’t repeat why they are rude!
Rude Riders
I found one of our advertisers riding with the Rude Riders, Angelo De Medicis, from Milton Home Hardware Building Centre.
Angelo De Medicis
Niagara EMS “Pedal Angels"
Finally, the Niagara EMS rode as “Pedal Angels” wearing wings and halos. They collected $23,500 for defibrillators.
According to CTV morning news today (Monday), 13,000 cyclists took part and a record-breaking $3.9 million was raised.
