In the Beginning – Before the Trails! by Back Roads Bill Take your camera! When you are riding the snowmobile trails, to these three expansive lookouts, you are discovering more than just a Northeastern Ontario legend. There are reasons for it beyond the good days you are having within the Mattawa-Bonfield area. One of the most difficult eras in history to comprehend, are the millions and billions of years that preceded the arrival of humankind on Earth. As you ride the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club trails throughout Northeastern Ontario, enjoying the outdoors and natural resources, the first remark made is often related to the scenery that confronts you....
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...
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...
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...
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...
Align your tourism assets with a digital strategy. Visitors are looking for “value-added” experiences to be part of your package. There are many “gems” in our backyards and we have to get visitors into our communities and beyond to see the beauty of Northern Ontario in all four seasons. We are looking for those unique vistas, trails, waterfalls, rock formations; those natural and cultural features that need a “boost.” Your trails and access points are important parts of the “minute and a bit” video with Back Roads Bill. Also, you will want a sighting of the Northern One-Horned Sasquatch in your area! First step. Send Back Roads Bill a story or destination...
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...
