The wreck of the Lambton

Today’s post comes from Kenton Otterbein, Discovery Program leader at Killbear Provincial Park.

In a time before instant communication, accurate weather forecasts, or GPS, the navigation lights and lighthouses on the Great Lakes helped guide ships to safe harbour through dangerous shoals and stormy seas.

Just over 100 years ago, one ship met its early demise travelling a route which included the shores of Killbear Provincial Park.

This is the tragic story of the Lambton.

Continue reading The wreck of the Lambton

Travel back in time to the Bon Echo Inn

Today’s post comes from Lisa Roach, chief park naturalist at Bon Echo Provincial Park.

Did you know some of your favourite provincial parks like Bon Echo, Sandbanks, Presqu’ile, and Algonquin have hosted the summer vacations of nature-lovers since the turn of the century?

By the end of the 1800s, pioneer society was changing. Increased prosperity led to a growing interest in summer resorts and leisure activities. People in Ontario were using their own wilderness for recreation, just like we do today.

Resorts became the popular hangout for the well-to-do, like Lakeshore Lodge (Sandbanks) or Bartlett Lodge (Algonquin).

Over 100 years ago Bon Echo Provincial Park became home to the ultimate summer recreation destination: the Bon Echo Inn.

Continue reading Travel back in time to the Bon Echo Inn

The family treasures of Sibbald Point

Today’s post comes from Laura McClintock, senior park naturalist at Sibbald Point Provincial Park.

Moving to an unfamiliar area can be a daunting process.

Think of the last time you moved. What family treasures did you take with you? What made the move easy or challenging?

In this blog, we’re going back almost 200 years to the move that gave Sibbald Point Provincial Park its name. Continue reading The family treasures of Sibbald Point

Explore Ontario’s history on the North of Algonquin Route

Planning a cross-province adventure? Check out the Ontario Parks Driving Routes.

This route will take you to a few of the hidden gems of the Ontario Parks system. You’ll stop in parks containing some of the richest history that Ontario has to offer.

Continue reading Explore Ontario’s history on the North of Algonquin Route

Neys’ relics from the past

Today’s post comes from Katherine Muzyliwsky, a Natural Heritage Education Student at Neys Provincial Park.

Before Neys became a provincial park, it was known as Neys Camp 100. Instead of happy campers on vacation, the park held German prisoners of war during World War II.

After operating as a prisoner of war camp from 1941-1946, the buildings were dismantled in 1953. Since then, artifacts have showed up from discoveries in the park and from generous donations.

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