St. Lawrence Parks ~ “The jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system” ~ 1000 Island Parkway

The jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system ~ 1000 Island Parkway

Ontario Visited ~ Judi McWilliams
enjoying the dock at Brown's Bay

During our travels this summer, it occurred to Gary & I that there is still so much to do, see, experience and enjoy throughout the St. Lawrence Parks. Part of the adventure is “getting there”. While travelling to Fort Henry in Kingston then on to Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, we enjoyed the St. Lawrence Parks as we drove along the heart of the majestic Thousand Islands and at the foot of the towering Ivy Lea Suspension Bridge. This jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system offers 150 campsites and four cabins set amid the granite and greenery of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. It was so calm and relaxing we had a hard time continuing on, but excitement ahead spurred us on.

Brown's Bay Park ~ Part way along the 1000 Island Parkway, lies the Brown's Bay Park area. It's amazing that I had never noticed it before. I had passed it several times during our numerous journeys along the Parkway. Fortunately this trip we did notice it and ventured in for a look. We are glad that we did and have earmarked it as a place to visit again and to spend much more time there (with perhaps a picnic lunch!) To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!

Upper Canada Village ~ August Must See’s ~ “Food Lovers Field Day” & “Horse Lovers Weekend”

Don't Miss Out ~ Upper Canada Village

Horse Lovers Weekend ~ Upper Canada Village

Upper Canada Village ~ August Must See’s ~ “Food Lovers Field Day” & “Horse Lovers Weekend”

Our visit to Upper Canada Village and The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was outstanding! We were surprised to discover their “Discovery Centre”. It is interactive, informative, and fun! It is so unique and we feel all “kids” young and old will really enjoy! Don’t forget to join in at Upper Canada Village for their “Food Lovers Field Day” weekend August 17-18. “Food lovers will have a “field day” sampling and shopping in an outdoor farmers’ market, all located in the fairground field found in the heart of Upper Canada Village!  Also at the end of August is Upper Canada Village “Horse Lovers Weekend”, August 31 – September 31. Enjoy the many heavy horses and light driving horses which are being showcased by their owners throughout the weekend.  Marvel at the traditional horse-related skills demonstrated by Village staff and the ingenious ways horses were used in the 19^th century”. Stay tuned for articles, photos and interviews to come with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey to these wonderful destinations! To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!

The NEW Fort Henry Experience ~ Kingston

The New Fort Henry Experience ~ Kingston

St. Lawrence Parks Commission's Director of Corporate Marketing & Development, Bryan Mercer & Ontario Visited Gary McWilliams

Sunset Ceremony Mascot

The NEW Fort Henry Experience ~ Ontario Visited was fortunate to travel back to Fort Henry to meet the St. Lawrence Parks Commission's Director of Corporate Marketing & Development, Bryan Mercer. We were at the Fort to learn more about the great changes that had been made. This was our first experience of Fort Henry’s new “TRADE SQUARE”. All the artisans "displaying" in the Trade Square were extremely talented and were quite willing to share their knowledge and experiences with us. Of course, we needed sustenance, and we were serenaded by Tourism of Kingston’s Rob Carnegie, Director of Tourism Marketing & Development while we enjoyed a delicious BBQ on the patio at the Fort. As quoted by Bryan Mercer … “Put Fort Henry on your plate… 200 seat patio with a million dollar view”. After a fabulous diner, we were treated new "SUNSET CEREMONY". I must say that the new version is quite spectacular! There is still time to enjoy the amazing Sunset Ceremony at Fort Henry in Kingston … it is definitely a “must see”! You will be completely amazed by the 3D video wall projection during the “drills” of the soldiers. It really takes your breath away, moves your heart and soul.

Battle of Crysler's Farm ~ we had stayed overnight in Brockville and travelled the next morning to Morrisburg and Upper Canada Village. It was time for the Battle of Crysler's Farm! Our visit to Upper Canada Village and The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was outstanding! We were surprised to discover their new “Discovery Centre”. It is interactive, informative, and fun! It is so unique and we feel all that “kids” young and old will really enjoy! The battle re-enactment was amazing! Hundreds of re-enactors portrayed what happened at one of the many skirmishes that place of the farm between the British and Canadians and the Americans. This year's re-enactment included one of the Tall Ships. More about the battle, with photos, will be posted soon. To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!