Conservation Area Camping in Southern Ontario

Camping is one of the most popular weekend or vacation activities in Southern Ontario. Campers grab any opportunity to get out of the city and back to nature. For many this means a trip to one of Ontario’s fantastic Provincial Parks, but wise campers don’t stop their search for a great outdoor experience there.

I don’t know about you but spending hours traveling on overcrowded highways, dodging kamikaze truck drivers, and playing referee to bored kids in the back seat just isn’t my idea of a relaxing start and finish to a weekend getaway.

Did you know that many of Southern Ontario’s best camping facilities can be found within a short drive of our major urban centers? Did you know that you can enjoy a true back-to-nature experience just outside, or sometimes even within, the boundaries of a major city?

Many of our major conservation authorities, like the Grand River Conservation Authority, Upper Thames Conservation Authority and Hamilton Conservation Authority manage campgrounds throughout their regions. Services include everything you would expect to find at any premiere public campground.

I still remember one of my first experiences with a conservation campground. It took place at Elora Gorge, a campground managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority. I chose that location because it was to be a father / son weekend and I wanted to spend time at the campground and not on the road. Being only a half hour drive from home it would also allow me to make a hasty retreat if the weather decided not to cooperate with my plans. But we had always camped at Provincial campgrounds and I just wasn’t sure what to expect from this new camping experience.

I was blown away by the quality of the campsites, the size and cleanliness of the washroom facilities, and the professionalism of the park staff. The park also provided a unique outdoor experience that rivaled anything I had experienced in the past, with the added advantage of being only a short hike, or a five minute drive, to the town of Elora.

So when you’re planning your Southern Ontario camping getaways don’t overlook our abundant and often underutilized Conservation Area Campgrounds. You can find more information about Southern Ontario’s conservation areas at http://www.sooutdoors.ca/where_to_camp.html.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Toronto Sportsmen's Show Moving to New Digs

It hit me like a hammer; the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show is moving! That’s right folks after 63 years at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) grounds Southern Ontario’s largest outdoors show, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, is moving to the Toronto Convention Centre.

I’m going to give this a while to sink in before wading in with my personal opinions of the move but I’m sure there will not be many fence sitters when it comes to the new venue. For those in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) the Convention Centre is very accessible and convenient for those that use public transit. For those of us coming from out of town it’s nothing more than a logistical nightmare. Oh well, decisions are made and this was likely not a knee-jerk reaction.

For now let’s take a trip down memory lane.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has been a part of my life for just about as long as I can remember, so that means that I’m only a few years shy of having been there from the beginning. My grandparents lived in the east end of Toronto when I was growing up so events like the Sportsmen’s Show provided a great, low cost way for my parents to keep us kids amused for a few hours when we made the trip from Wingham to the big city.

Up until a few years ago the Toronto Sportsman’s Show occupied the Coliseum building at the CNE. Although the larger venue provided by the Direct Energy Building was greatly needed, it did in my opinion, loose all of its character and became just another show when the move took place.

Some of my fondest memories are of jostling crowds, the smell of hay in the arena, creaking floorboards, and a multitude of stairways and hidden corridors. And then there was the ever present smell of pipe smoke. Those were the days when Brigham pipes used to sell their factory seconds for a very cheap price and were set up right across the aisle from a tobacco vendor. No, I’m not a smoker and certainly don’t advocate smoking, but that was a different era and like everyone else I became a pipe smoker for a day. To this day the smell of pipe smoke conjures up images of camping supplies, fishing tackle, and creaking floors.

I remember buying my first upscale fishing rod there; it was a Berkley Bionix and when you bought one you got a Berkley Lightning Rod for free. I never did care for the Bionix, but the Lightning Rod has accompanied me on every fishing trip since the mid 70’s and has landed – and lost – tons of fish.

Over the years we have bought tents, backpacks, fishing tackle, and every new gadget on the market. You know, now that I think of it the move to the Convention Centre may not be that much of a stretch. The move from the Coliseum for me was like loosing an old, albeit smoky, friend.

The great outdoors is still very much alive in Southern Ontario and the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, regardless of the venue, will always be a memorable part of it.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Toronto Sportsmen's Show - Camping

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases family fun for any budget

TORONTO – February 10, 2009 – With many feeling the economic pinch, families are looking for ways to bond on a budget. Whatever the season enjoying the outdoors is a great way for families to spend time together. To help plan your open air adventure The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, taking place March 18th to 22nd, offers an abundance of great ideas for outdoor family fun. Whether you are interested in camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing or boating, the show offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Discover Camping

Camping isn’t just for boy scouts exploring the rugged wilderness. Today’s camper can enjoy a broad range of comforts ranging from comfortable mattresses, compact chairs and solar powered satellite phones. The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases the latest in camping equipment, maps, facilities and destinations. Experts will be on-hand to lead even the most novice campers towards the sweet smell of ‘smores. For those who have taken the trail before, the show will offer new, off the beaten path ideas for creating the ultimate wilderness experience.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show runs from March 18 to March 22, 2009 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. For complete show information visit www.sportsmensshows.com/Toronto

What: The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show

When: Wednesday, March 18th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 19th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday, March 20th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21st, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 22nd, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.



Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Details: Adults: $17.00

Juniors: $10.00 (ages 6-15)

Seniors: $10.00 (age 65+)

Children: Free when accompanied by an adult (under six years)

Family pass: $40.00 (two adults & two juniors)

Get the kids off the couch and head to the Toronto Sportsmen's Show to start planning your spring and summer camping trips.

See you there...Lloyd

Southern Ontario's Top Outdoors Show

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases family fun for any budget

TORONTO – February 10, 2009 – With many feeling the economic pinch, families are looking for ways to bond on a budget. Whatever the season enjoying the outdoors is a great way for families to spend time together. To help plan your open air adventure The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, taking place March 18th to 22nd, offers an abundance of great ideas for outdoor family fun. Whether you are interested in camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing or boating, the show offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Discover Camping
Camping isn’t just for boy scouts exploring the rugged wilderness. Today’s camper can enjoy a broad range of comforts ranging from comfortable mattresses, compact chairs and solar powered satellite phones. The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases the latest in camping equipment, maps, facilities and destinations. Experts will be on-hand to lead even the most novice campers towards the sweet smell of ‘smores. For those who have taken the trail before, the show will offer new, off the beaten path ideas for creating the ultimate wilderness experience.

Go Fish
If the family thinks “go fish” is only a card game, then it’s time to get them outside to cast a real reel! The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has everything you need to get you started on your fishing expedition – from rods and nets to boats and paddles. If you are eager to start casting right away, be sure to check out the $75,000 Toronto Sun Casting Pond or the Fly Fishing Demo Area. Already an avid fisherman? Seek out some expert advice from fishing gurus at the Toyota/Fish TV Pro Fishing Seminars.

Man’s Best Friend
When considering quality time with the family, one can’t forget the trusty family dog and this year’s show is filled with “all things dog”. Leading the charge is the popular Purina Pro Plan All Star Dog Show featuring the famous McCann dogs. Watch these amazing animals as they go through their paces in the agility trials. Other professionals, Dogs with Jobs, will showcase their canine prowess taking down criminals and simulating Search and Rescue missions. Audiences will marvel at the gravity defying Big Air Dog Show and for those looking to gain a new best friend, the Rare Breed Dog Show showcases some of the world’s most exotic dogs. No matter your interest, the show is a one-stop destination for all the dog lovers in your family.

Don’t have a bird…
If you are still searching for inspiration on the outdoors, the best place to look is up. As always, birds are front and centre at The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. The majestic birds of prey exhibit showcases some of North America's endangered species up close and personal including the Peregrine Falcon, Eastern North American Barn Owls and Bald Eagles. Family favourites the North American Great Horned Owls and Red-tailed Hawks will also be on hand.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show runs from March 18 to March 22, 2009 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. For complete show information visit www.sportsmensshows.com/Toronto


What: The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show

When: Wednesday, March 18th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 19th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 20th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 21st, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 22nd, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Details: Adults: $17.00
Juniors: $10.00 (ages 6-15)
Seniors: $10.00 (age 65+)
Children: Free when accompanied by an adult (under six years)
Family pass: $40.00 (two adults & two juniors)

Get out and enjoy the great Southern Ontario outdoors, indoors.

Lloyd

Southern Ontario Winter Camping Yurt Style

Warning…this post is not for the feint of heart, and I must admit that winter camping in Southern Ontario has never been an item on my “bucket list”. However, winter camping is becoming a bit more civilized with the addition of “yurt” rentals in some Ontario Provincial Parks.

So just what is a “yurt”? Well the concept comes from a semi portable round tent that was designed to house an entire family on the Mongolian steps of Russia and the Ukraine. Yurts of a slightly different flavor, but none the less rugged and unique can be rented for a day, weekend, or longer and provide a natural experience without the need to drag along, and setup a tent.

Southern Ontario Parks that offer yurt rentals for winter camping:

• MacGregor Point near Port Elgin on Lake Huron.
• Pinery Provincial Parkbetween Goderich and Sarnia on Lake Huron.
• Silent Lake Provincial Parknear Bancroft.

Yurts do come with a few basic amenities like table and chairs, bunks, barbeque, fire pit, etc. Some are provided with electricity but you can expect the bare necessities. Check the links above to see what is included at the various locations.

This looks like it may be a great compromise between the tent and renting a cottage, with the added bonus of being able to x-country ski, or snowshoe right from your front door. What a great way to enjoy the long Southern Ontario winter.

Writing this post has certainly peaked my interest; who knows; maybe you’ll find this warm weather camper at a yurt near you.

Note: the photo shows a real yurt and is larger than yurts in provincial parks. This photo was taken at the Luna Project between Cambridge and Brantford.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Seasons Greetings from Southern Ontario Outdoors

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my camping friends. Thanks to all who are following this blog; your comments and suggestions will help me provide you with even better items throughout 2009

The tents, trailers, and RVs are cleaned and stored for the winter, and except for the fortunate few that have joined the geese and headed south, all we have are the memories of 2008 to help us while away the long winter days until the parks open once again.

But alas, not all is lost. I’ve always found that planning is almost as good as being there, especially sitting around the fireplace on a cold wintery day, sipping a wee dram of scotch. Within the next month I will have added a large interactive database to http://www.sooutdoors.ca that will make it very easy for you to zoom in on specific destination and campground related information.

Pull out the camping guides and start planning your strategy for next summer. And, just in case you can’t wait that long remember that there are 25 Provincial Parks in Ontario that are open year round and offer winter camping.

“Peace on earth; good will towards men.”

Lloyd

The Essential Kitchen Shelter

This might seem like an odd time of year to suggest adding camping equipment, but remember that Christmas is just around the corner and what better time to think about camping supplies for next season than when you’re making out your Christmas wish list.

One item that has served our family well over the years is the addition of a kitchen shelter. Because we started our camping experiences at a time when counting pennies was essential we came to the realization that a relatively small sleeping tent would suffice if we could have enough room to eat and lounge comfortably outside the sleeping tent.

We used awnings and tarps for awhile but were constantly driven into the tent to escape the bugs or just to get warm. Then we realized that investing a bit of extra cash for the purchase of a kitchen shelter would give us exactly what we needed, without breaking the bank.

There are many makes, models, and designs of kitchen shelters on the market but there are a few essentials you should consider before you begin your search.

1. Look for a shelter that is screened on all four sides.
2. The shelter should have entrances on two sides.
3. The screened sections should have a waterproof cover that can be rolled up, or down, completely or partially.
4. There should be no floor in the shelter, but it should have a 6” to 8” “lip” inside the tent. You can place heavy items or rocks along this lip to help keep animals out.
5. Be sure it is large enough to put a picnic table inside.

For those of us that like to camp on the ground the shelter will quickly become an essential piece of equipment because:

1. The screens will keep the bugs out.
2. The waterproof covers will ensure that you and your equipment are dry when the rain falls.
3. Your camp stove, or even a lantern, will provide enough warmth to keep the chill off for those evening card games.
4. Strategically closing the covers on one or two sides will give you will have greater privacy when you’re eating or lounging.

Get that shelter on your Christmas list and be ready for dry, bug free camping trips next summer.

Lloyd