A visit to the Thunder Bay area along Lake Superior, Ontario, is not complete without a visit to The Sleeping Giant. We had the opportunity to see the giant’s profile from Marina Park back in 2021 and I have been thinking about it ever since. Famous primarily for one of the most iconic trails in Ontario, the Sleeping Giant was the main reason we returned here.
Fisherman’s Trail is praised for its dramatic coastal scenery, with paths that provide access to secret beaches and fishing spots. Some sections may be challenging because of the dunes and sandy beaches or the detours around cliffs; however, this is a trail that anyone might want to see at least once in their lifetime.
The Fishermen’s Trail, with a total of 226,5 km, is actually part of a larger hiking system, Rota Vicentina. This single-track trail can be done exclusively on foot. It is rated as moderate, but can become quite difficult in some sections due to the varied coastal landscape, strong winds and scorching sun, and, in a way, the lack of signage or rather intuitive in places. It can be done in 13 one-day stages, you can find more information here. Each section of the trail is representative for this spectacular area as a whole. From fossilized dunes, to hidden coves and fine sandy beaches, all the colourful rocks and cliffs and biodiversity are a blast for the eyes and soul.
Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, is located at the very end of the Sintra Mountains, and is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in Portugal.
Peterborough County is located in Southern Ontario, 2 hours northeast of Toronto, which, together with the Kawarthas, make a favorite area for vacationers and cottagers. This region doesn’t have high elevations, but it still has some wonderful trails thanks to the varied landscape in certain areas.
Home to 12 species at risk, 3 lakes and 2 mountains, Heaven’s Gate Nature Preserve stretches out along the northern shore of the North Channel, bridging the gap between La Cloche Provincial Reserve and Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario.
“Long ago, Nenabozhoo was down south taunting some Mohawks. The angered Mohawks chased him north up the Zaagiing (Bruce) Peninsula. Luckily, his grandma awaited him on the shore with a canoe. They paddled hard across the water to Mnidoo Mnis (Manitoulin Island), the Mohawks close behind. Once on the Island, Nenabozhoo kept running, carrying his grandma on his back. Too tired and scratched up, he threw her off, promising to return for her. She landed in the middle of Mindimoowenh Zaag’igan (Lake Mindemoya), where she still rests today as Treasure Island. Nenabozhoo then ran, through M’Chigeeng and arrived here where you stand. He transformed into a giant and began readying his spearhead and handle. But as the Mohawks caught up to him, he suddenly lost his helve. He dropped his disassembled spear and ran off. Nenabozhoo’s giant spearhead and handle remain here to this day. The lower, smaller bluff is the spearhead, and the higher, longer bluff forms the spear handle”
~ based on a story told by late Johnny Debassige of M’Chigeeng.
Considered The Heart and Spirit of the Great Lakes of Canada by the Native Anishinaabe people, Manitoulin Island is a sacred land, home of many legends, and stories.
Known as the largest freshwater island in the world, an island with over a hundred inland lakes itself, Manitoulin Island is a very popular destination for Ontarians. We have been familiar with it since 2017, when we took a road trip around Lake Huron, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. This is our third visit to the island, coming specifically to hike the Cup and Saucer Trail.
Gazing at the expanse of a blue sky and undulating clouds, I started to feel relaxed and excited at the same time. After a quick debate and reshape of our road trip (when we had to completely change our original plans to go to the Adirondacks due to some unforeseeable rain), we were on the road in the opposite direction, with a trip around Georgian Bay in mind.
Nicknamed the “Dragon’s Tail”, the easternmost tip of Madeira is one of the most curious and unique parts of the island.
After hiking the highest peaks of the island, and one of the greenest paths in the middle of laurissilva forest, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço just seemed to us out of this world. Famous for its rugged coastlines and geological features, this peninsula was bound to impress us right from the start.
Located in the municipality of Santana, on the northern coast of the island of Madeira, the Queimadas Forest park is one of the best places to observe Laurissilva Forest. Home to the typical flora of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, we found this park very peaceful, especially PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirao Verde the perfect place to have a relaxing walk, and admire nature, especially after a demanding hike on the previous day, Pico to Pico.
1000 Places and Memories 