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‘Voyageur Past and Present’ – French River – Hwy. 69

A Different Northern Ontario by Back Roads Bill As you cross the largest snowmobile bridge in the world on the French River, consider the magnificent view. At one time if history would have become reality you might be looking at ocean going freighters! (Or you may be walking or snowshoeing to the scenic Recollet Falls just west of the interpretative centre.) In the history of humankind, it is difficult to pin point events that changed the course of the history. Generally many series of events lead to momentous circumstances. Never mind Northern Ontario, Canada would be a different place if the Georgian Bay Ship Canal became a reality. Ships the length of two football fields using the French River and Lake Nipissing laden with grain from the prairies? This vision at one time almost became a reality. Highway 69 may not have become a reality. The proposed Georgian Bay Ship Canal was promoted as a project with the magnitude of a Panama Canal. This waterway would have allowed Great...

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‘Alvar’ – Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Rocks and its Interesting Alvars Helping and Finally Understanding Walkerton by Back Roads Bill A destination can be unusual because it is interesting or different.   We can learn much from these anomalies. Manitoulin Island is blessed with incredible natural beauty mainly because of the rocks. Its rocks are oddities. Follow this through. It is the 172nd largest island in the world and is the 31st largest in Canada . Known as the “Spirit Island” itself has 108 freshwater lakes, some of which have their own islands; in turn several of these “islands within islands” have their own ponds. Lake Manitou is the largest lake in a freshwater island in the world and Treasure Island in Lake Mindemoya is the largest island in a lake on an island in a lake in the world. These facts alone give the island an atypical introduction. It is about 130 km long and 50 km wide and its intriguing landscape resulted from the action of ancient rivers and glaciers that altered the...

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‘The Crack’ – Killarney

Art Detectives – Sleuthing for the Group of Seven by Back Roads Bill The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew are detectives. They are sleuths motivated to solve crimes. We appreciate Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, for the astute logical reasoning used to unravel difficult cases. ‘Following in the Footsteps of the Group of Seven’ is not fiction it celebrates the inspiration of others and why we have favourite panoramic views. This coffee table book traces the work of Jim and Sue Waddington who have a passion for locating the actual sketching sites for artworks by members of the Group of Seven, the renowned group of landscape painters. Fall Colours and Art Come September we made that transition back to school. Now fall is approaching and you’re almost ready for winter, well almost ready for the snow and the mid-terms. Nevermind that let’s go for a hike and see the fall colours. Those hardworking trees are getting ready. When leaves...

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‘Dolmen Stones’ – White River and Ignace

A Mystery with Various Answers by Back Roads Bill A common proverb says, “Truth is in the eye of the beholder.” There are many examples of rather significant known truths now known to be wrong. For instance, the earth was once believed to be the center of the universe. There are many mysteries off of the back roads. There are mystery stone configurations around the world like Stonhenge, Britain’s greatest prehistoric monument. Stonehenge remains a mystery as scientists ask: was it a health spa, or a cemetery? Dolmen Mystery Stones There are dolmen stones in northern Ontario.   A dolmen usually consists of three or more upright stones supporting a larger stone. It remains unclear when, why, and by whom the earliest dolmens were made. The oldest known dolmens are in Western Europe, where they were set in place around 7000 years ago. Archaeologists still do not know who erected these dolmens, which makes it difficult to know why they did it. They are generally all regarded as tombs or...

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French River – Hwy. 69 (south of Sudbury; north of Parry Sound)

French River – What you can see and Envision View of Canada’s Natural and Cultural Heritage by Back Roads Bill Whether you have a fear of heights or not this view is worth it, so walk out on to the bridge and have a look. It is what you can’t see below you and can only envision is the value of this vantage point. One of the longest and highest snowmobile bridges in the world affords more than a vista it represents most of our natural and cultural heritage.   Crossing the river on Highway 69 the 158 metre long and 40 metre high bridge provides a majestic view of one of Canada’s most historic rivers, it is affectionately known as “The French.” Steve Hayward is a long-time resident of nearby Byng Inlet and one of the original producers of SnoTrax Television.   “This location really made for a special snowmobile program,” said Mr. Hayward. “It is truly an epic view; it represents Canada’s highway of heritage values.” The French flows...

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Stormy Lake – Restoule/Commanda (SW of North Bay-Hwy. 69)

A Lookout Worth Looking For… by Back Roads Bill One of the best views in the North Bay area is the Stormy Lake lookout situated within Restoule Provincial Park. It is a worthwhile jaunt to the lookout at any time of the year but the spring/summer, fall and the winter make for a wonderful contrast of colours.   It is one of those places you want to return to experience the transitions. The Park is usually closed early in the fall and winter and there is an easier access to experience this panorama. Access You will have to find the Village of Restoule, which is south of North Bay and west of Powassan or Trout Creek. You can journey to Restoule from both of these Highway 11 south communities. The lookout trail, part of the Grawbarger Trail, is located within Restoule Provincial Park but you do no enter the park entrance. Take Highway #534 to Restoule, which is located on Commanda Lake. There is a variety store, a restaurant and...

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