Lighthouse

A quick guide to visiting a lesser-known tourist attraction: Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site

| Christie

Located on the shores of St. Lawrence River, 11 km from Rimouski, Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Site in 1974. The treacherous shore enveloped in a dense mist was a sufficient proof for us that the lighthouses were much-needed at the mouth of the river, and along Route 132 of Gaspé Peninsula.

Our drive around Beautiful Gaspesié did not include originally this visit, but the grey and rainy morning we woke up with in Rimouski made us change our plans quickly, and here we are, learning about local history, and the dangers of the waterway.

Pointe-au-Père lighthouse, Rimouski
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CA, Ontario: Fun at The Beach – Providence Bay

| Christie

Considered by the locals The Beach, Providence Bay is famous for an obvious reason.

About 6 hours north from Toronto, located on a picturesque, southern side of Manitoulin Island, Providence Bay is the perfect place for a getaway. Looking upon Huron Lake, one of the Great Lakes of North America, the bay offers one of the longest sandy beaches I’ve ever seen in Ontario. Early natives, Ojibwe people called the place Bebikodawangog, which translates as ‘where the sands curve around the bay’.

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CA, Ontario: Manitoulin Island, In search of lost lighthouses

| Christie

First time we visited Manitoulin Island was back in 2017, when we did a road trip around Huron Lake, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. This time we decided to take more time and do a road trip around Manitoulin Island itself, searching for the island lighthouses.

Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island, and it is considered by natives The Heart and Spirit of the Great Lakes of Canada. Home to three distinct cultures – First Nations, Francophone and Anglophone – this region has a diverse culture and a rich history. The island itself is considered sacred by the Native Anishinaabe people, who identify themselves as the People of the Three Fires. 

With fond memories of our first visit to Manitoulin Island still fresh in our mind, we were not so lucky this time to book a reservation with MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry Service, as due to Covid-19 restrictions, the passenger capacity could not exceed 50% of the vessel’s certified capacity hence we could not find spots available for our August trip.

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US, Michigan: Best of UP – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Lake Superior’s Graveyard and Au Sable Light Station

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Best of UP, Part 4 – Lake Superior’s Graveyard and Au Sable Light Station

20 km West of Grand Marais, Au Sable Light Station can be visited following the 2.5 km trail that start at the Hurricane River mouth, where the big red food storage box is located. The trail goes through the forest for a while, until the path splits in two and one way goes toward the beach. Along the shoreline lays some of the coastal graveyard, where we saw several parts of the old wrecks that washed ashore. You probably guessed which way we took, since both ways were heading to the light station.

Hurricane River
Hurricane River

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US, Michigan: Best of UP – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Pictured Rocks Cruise

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Best of UP, Part 3 – Pictured Rocks Cruise

After about 10 km in the Beaver Basin, we headed straight to the Munising Marina, hoping for happy winds and a tranquil evening. Wish granted, we happily purchased our new tickets and headed to the boarding line. We couldn’t stop noticing everyone’s excitement, while a sailor was asking people where they were from.

Staying in line with another 50 excited people

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CA, Ontario: Manitoulin Island by Chi-Cheemaun; Wikwemikong – Manitowaning

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Manitoulin Island by Chi-Cheemaun; Wikwemikong – Manitowaning

Chi-Cheemaun is not only a ferry. It is the Big Canoe (as it means in Obijwe language) that connects Tobermory in Bruce Peninsula with South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island, but also connects people, stories and spirits.

Tobermory shore and Big Tub Harbour
Tobermory shore and Big Tub Harbour, as seen from the ferry, before departing.

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CA, Ontario: Bruce Peninsula – Tobermory – Flowerpot Island – Grotto

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Bruce Peninsula – Tobermory – Flowerpot Island – Grotto

After four hours of driving north of Toronto, getting to Tobermory was like a great relief. Tobermory is located at the top of Bruce peninsula, where Huron Lake meets Georgian Bay. Small town but full of life, this is a destination for everyone.

Tobermory

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