James Bay Frontier

Adventure Race lookback

2007-04-05T09:04:00.000-04:00

We are in the midst of a late winter snowstorm throughout James Bay Frontier, but it’s not long before we enjoy a quick spring and then summer. A reminder of that was posted on the You Tube website recently. It has a music and photo presentation there of the National Adventure Racing Championships held last May. The 400 kilometre endurance race was based in Timmins but covered a huge part of our region. More than 20 professional teams took part. It was a tough race; so tough that even Survivorman Les Stroud had to quit. Check out the video on You Tube.

Have Your Say on Northern Ontario Tourism

2007-04-04T10:01:00.001-04:00

There is a new initiative underway to create a multi-year marketing strategy for Northern Ontario. It's called Connexion-North. One part of the plan is to gather input from the public and tourism industry players. If you have something to say about tourism in Northern Ontario, now is your chance. Your opinion is important. A series of public meetings is to be held across the North. Check out the website and find out when you can have your say.

ATV Season approaching...

2007-04-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

I was in a shopping centre parking lot on the weekend and noticed that there were plenty of pick up trucks. That’s normal for Timmins.. The difference is that ATVs are fast replacing snowmobiles as the most common cargo in the box. It’s that time of year when ATV riders are getting ready to hit the bush trails. Plenty of out-of-town riders like to visit James Bay Frontier to explore the wilderness and experience an ATV adventure. There is a dedicated ATV Adventure website worth seeing. Check it out. Ride safely. Ride with respect.

Spring in James Bay Frontier

2007-03-20T15:27:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of Spring. It’s determined by the position of Earth in relation to the sun and occurs on the vernal equinox, which is the day when the length of daylight is equal to the length of night. This is the Mattagami River in Timmins at Noon.

Snow Trails TV in James Bay Frontier

2007-03-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

“Video Mike” is in Northeastern Ontario today. Mike Grant of Snow Trails TV arrived in Timmins last night and will be traveling to Kapuskasing and Cochrane this week to showcase the great snowmobiling in our area. Mike’s riding partner this week is well known tourism writer Shaun Fogg(left), from Sault Ste. Marie.

Trophy Pike

2007-03-19T11:21:00.000-04:00

Anthony Plut of Alban, Ontario was all smiles Saturday after pulling this 24 inch Northern Pike out of Porcupine Lake. It's not the biggest pike in the north, but it was big enough to win $15,000 at the CTV Ice Fishing Derby. More than 200 anglers spent the afternoon on the lake trying their luck.

Come Play In The Snow

2007-03-15T22:46:00.000-04:00

I met up with Bryan Pacello today, one of the better known adventure tour organizers in Northern Ontario. Bryan is the owner of Come Play in The Snow Inc, and he was bringing a huge group of American sledders back from the James Bay shores at Moosonee. Once the sleds were parked at the Howard Johnsons in Timmins the riders suddenly got “thirsty” and couldn’t hang around for a photo. Bryan says the season was a bit shorter than expected but all the riders he brought to Northern Ontario still had a great time.

Ice Fishing is Great!

2007-03-07T14:34:00.000-05:00

Go Ice Fishing. It’s one of the best parts of winter. I like fishing anytime, but I have to say that fish caught in winter just taste better. I don’t know why…but they do. There are so many places to fish in James Bay Frontier this time of year. For something fun and different you might even try the CTV Ice Fishing Derbies where you can win money! There is one coming up this week in Kapuskasing and there is another one next week in Timmins.

Miner's Monument

2007-03-06T15:05:00.000-05:00

The Kirkland Lake Miner’s Monument is one of my favorites. I find the bronze statues are lifelike and animated. It seems that even the snows of winter won’t stop this jackleg miner from getting his gold bonus. Drop by and see the monument when you get a chance. It's right beside the Hockey Heritage North centre.

Riding the wires?

2007-03-05T09:41:00.000-05:00

At first glance it looks like this snowmobile racer is riding the wires. But it just shows how high some of them were on the jumps at the weekend snow-cross racing evening in Kirkland Lake. Hundreds of racers and race fans poured into town for the Northeren Tel Mobility three day event. There was lots of snow, the weather was mild and the action was hot.

Woohoo! More Snow!

2007-03-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

Wow, we’ve got a nice storm blowing through the region today. Sledders are gonna love this! I grabbed this shot at lunchtime today and old Mac headframe was almost invisible because of the blowing snow. It will sure be welcomed in Kirkland Lake this weekend which is hosting an official CSRA snow cross racing event. Wow, it’s gonna be a great weekend.

Winter Fitness

2007-02-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

Some guys have all the luck. This fellow was cool enough to grab his skates and stick and spend some time at the outdoor rink in Timmins at lunchtime. It’s hard to think of a better way to get some exercise on a beautiful winter day in James Bay Frontier.

Happy Trails

2007-02-28T11:27:00.000-05:00

The last day of February and the snowmobile season is still in high gear throughout most of James Bay Frontier. Thanks to the untiring efforts of volunteers, the trails continue to be among the best in Eastern Canada. Conditions are still limited in our southern parts of James Bay Frontier, but they’re excellent in the northerly regions especially in OFSC District 15. Keep ridin’ -- keep smilin’.

Good Ice eh.

2007-02-27T15:42:00.000-05:00

It was fun at lunch to drop by Gillies Lake to see the ice being cleaned. Most of us are used to seeing the zamboni machines at an indoor arena. This one keeps the ice in perfect shape on the popular skating oval in the centre of Timmins.

Celebrate Winter

2007-02-23T15:10:00.000-05:00

Youngsters in Timmins enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air and frosty temperatures today with a snow day... literally. Today was the kickoff for the winterfest weekend and hundreds of school kids enjoyed themselves at the Gillies Lake Conservation Area.
They didn't seem to mind the minus 25 windchill! One little guy zoomed along the ice, lost in dreams of someday skating as fast as Bobby Hull... (boy that sure ages me eh) .

Snowy Gogama

2007-02-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

Drove south along Highway 144 on the weekend. The snowmobile trail conditions are improving greatly. The Watershed junction is pretty well the cutoff point. Trails north of the watershed are in good shape, but trails south of there are in less-than-good shape. There's lots of snow in the bush, more is on the way this week and the weather continues to be cold -- so it should be fine for sledding.

The Road to Good Snowmobiling

2007-02-15T09:33:00.000-05:00

Winter in some parts of Northeastern Ontario has been less-than-seasonal. Some areas have been left without enough snow to support a half-decent trail ride. On the other hand, the more northerly parts of James Bay Frontier continue to enjoy lots of good cold weather and enough snow to support good riding. So follow the signs to good sledding… Highway 11 Northbound will take you there.

Ice Fishing

2007-02-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

The ice huts are scattered by the hundreds throughout James Bay Frontier this month as avid anglers try their hand at ice fishing. This is Porcupine Lake in Timmins. There are thousands of lakes in this region giving up trout, pike, walleye and whitefish for those patient enough to sit by the hole in the ice waiting for the right fish to come along. It's actually more fun than it sounds and I know I've spent many days sitting on the ice doing just that. It's one of the things that makes winter in Ontario so enjoyable.

Winter carnival in a convertible

2007-02-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

Winter carnivals are one of the favorite pastimes in several communities across James Bay Frontier. And even with the windchill at minus 35 degrees, the mayor found time to ride around in an open convertible on Saturday.

We're in Harrisburg!

2007-02-02T14:03:00.000-05:00

James Bay Frontier is bringing the good news of Ontario's outdoor adventure opportunities to the world's largest hunting, fishing, outdoors and boating show. It's called the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It attracts thousands of adventure seekers from all over the northeastern United States and many of them visit Canada. James Bay Frontier is there to let the tourists know that we have so much to offer. Drop by the Ontario Travel booth in the fishing and boating hall to find out more.

Temiskaming Shores Snowfest

2007-02-01T10:14:00.000-05:00

Snowfest is on this weekend in Temiskaming Shores. This is an annual event to celebrate all the great things winter has to offer – snowmobiling, pond hockey, skiing, snow sculpture, skating. You can even enjoy ice fishing on Lake Temiskaming. Wherever you live in James Bay Frontier, a visit to Temiskaming Shores is an excellent getaway destination for a couple of days of fun and relaxation.

Winter Photography

2007-01-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

I find that winter presents some great opportunities for nature photography in James Bay Frontier. Despite all the snow, there are some cool colors going on out there. The only problem is that when it's too cold the batteries in your camera wear down faster. If you have some older cameras ( like I do) there's also the danger of your film breaking inside the camera due to the extreme cold in this region. I did some photo work in the Eastern Arctic and found that some cameras will just freeze up. Luckily I was using a classic Nikon F2a that had special lubricants for Arctic weather.

Winter Getaway Contest

2007-01-29T15:38:00.000-05:00

Tourism Ontario is hosting a pretty nice contest where you can win a winter getaway vacation at a deluxe resort in Huntsville. To enter the contest, you have to sign up at the Ontario Travel website. That's it. Sign up and enter. You might win. Tell ya one thing for sure ... if you don't sign up, you can't win. So check out the Winter In Ontario website. The contest draw is on February 20th, 2007.

Snowshoeing in James Bay Frontier

2007-01-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature has finally come around with some great winter weather. There are those who like to huddle with a blanket, a book and a pot of tea. But this sort of weather also brings out the adventurous spirit in so many Northerners. I was able to trek about five kilometres Sunday. It was cold but the sunshine was glorious. The great thing about the northern bush is that it sure seems big enough for everyone. We saw moose tracks, snowmobile tracks and even cross country ski tracks.

Snow on the trails...

2007-01-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's going to be a good week on the snowmobile trails in James Bay Frontier. We had lots of cold and snow on the weekend and the forecast calls for more of that kind of weather for several days ahead. Local riders have been out checking their favorite trails. Some long-distance sledders have also been arriving in town. Before you go, it's always best to check trail conditions through the OFSC website. If you need more detailed information, you can always call the James Bay Frontier office at 1-800-461-3766, toll free from anywhere in North America.

Passport rules...

2007-01-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

Just back in from the fishing show in Detroit. It was nice to meet so many Americans seeking an outdoor adventure vacation in Northern Ontario. The passport issue was being talked about a lot. This is a matter of concern to tourist operators who rely heavily on American visitors. Those Americans will need a passport, not necessarily to get into Canada, but more importantly to get back home into the United States. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable. This will be amended in 2008 to require passports for all persons who enter the U.S. by any means; land, water or air. ( source:US State Dept. website). On the other hand, if you are a US citizen entering Canada from the United States, you need two pieces of identification. One should be a photo ID; the other should be a birth certificate. If you are a citizen of another country, you will need a passport. Full details are available at the Passport Canada website at: http://www.pptc.gc.ca/

JBF in Detroit

2007-01-13T10:16:00.000-05:00

We are at the Ultimate Fishing Show in Novi, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, this weekend. We are meeting with lots of potential tourists who are seeking outdoor adventure in Canada. The Americans always have nice things to say about Canada. They like the fishing, the fresh air and the friendly people.

SnowTrax Television back in the North!

2007-01-08T09:28:00.000-05:00

The Kapuskasing-Moonbeam area is living up to its reputation as being the first to open and the last to close when it comes to great snowmobiling. That message wasn’t lost to veteran snowmobile broadcaster John Massingberd (second from left) this weekend who took the SnowTrax Television crew to James Bay Frontier. The group is spending a few days in the region to videotape some new episodes. Producer-host Debbie Burke was there too. I met them for brunch Sunday at the Moonbeam Snowmobile clubhouse. They had been out riding and exploring trails for three hours. Not all trails are open however. Be sure to check the OFSC website for updates.

Snow and Cold!

2006-12-29T10:01:00.000-05:00

Winter is here. Finally. I was out walking in the bush yesterday and noticed there is fresh snow everywhere -- even on the boughs of the spruce trees. It all looks very nice and pretty. But we need a couple of more weeks of intense cold and snow to bring our snowmobile trails up to standard. Weather forecast says the cold will continue and three days of snow in the next week.

First Day of Winter

2006-12-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first day of Winter. Winter is no stranger to this part of Canada. But it is indeed odd to see the lack of heavy snowfalls. I was out for a hike in the bush near Timmins Thursday. There is snow in the bush, but not enough to support snowmobiling this week. We are keeping an eye on the weather and drinking a toast to the snow gods.

Winter is almost here

2006-12-19T14:01:00.000-05:00

Supertrax: "white gold"

2006-12-18T14:11:00.000-05:00

There is a flattering story in the latest issue of Supertrax Magazine, one of the best known international snowmobiling publications. The story refers to the snowmobiling in James Bay Frontier as 'white gold', thanks to the efforts of veteran sledder and writer John Arkwright, who tours this region every winter. Here is the full article: - - Story & Photo by John Arkwright “Welcome my friends to where the snow never ends. We’re so glad you could attend. Come and ride, come and ride.” Just a little ditty I came up with (a little help from Emerson, Lake and Palmer) while riding in Ontario’s James Bay Region in the winter of 1998 on the Gold Rush Tour. The JBF Region is truly a snowmobiler’s paradise offering some of the finest snowmobiling in North America. Over 5,000 kms (3,000 miles) of trails are groomed and maintained smoother than most highways and by the way they, boast the longest grooming season in Ontario. I first rode in this region during the winter of 1996 and since then the Gold Rush Tour, introduced in the fall of 1998, has turned out to be a Grand Slam! Now ten years later, it’s still going strong and is an absolute gem of a tour! This region has some newly discovered gems to enhance the touring snowmobiler’s holiday. In Kirkland Lake there’s the new Hockey Heritage North Museum with many of the same features as the NHL’s Hockey Hall of Fame! In Cochrane, get ready to add another half day because the new Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village will require some extra time. Plus, there’s a snowmobile museum as well. Gerry Miller, our village tour guide who owns most of the artifacts here will take you back in time to relive history as you could never imagine. Another must do when you are in Cochrane is a day trip to the Abitibi Canyons. The trip there features powder snow riding and short, steep pulls at sea level. Two great places to visit in Timmins are Cedar Meadows Resort Wildlife Preserve and the Shania Twain Centre. At the Wildlife Reserve you’ll get to observe moose, deer, buffalo and elk up close and personal. Ever fed a moose? We did. The Shania Twain Centre facility will take you from Shania’s early days in Timmins to her present day fame. Nearly forgot to mention we had five days of incredible snowmobiling. We may have sacrificed some miles of riding by taking in these attractions but it was worth it. Do something a little different. Trust me you’ll be glad you did. The JBF Region stretches from the town of Latchford through to Hearst, Ontario. On this trip we only rode the eastern portion of this region and there’s another four days of world class riding through Smooth Rock Falls, Kapuskasing and Hearst.

Weather is crazy!

2006-12-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

The December weather in our region is wacky. There seems to be no other good word for it. We've had above freezing temperatures for nearly a week and the snow is melting! Environment Canada says it's a spin off from El Nino with all kinds of talk of warm fronts overtaking jet steams and yada yada yada. Cross country skiing competitions planned for this weekend in Timmins have been cancelled. Environment Canada says its won't last however. It says January will be cold and snowy. Well, let's hope so. We will keep you posted.

Saddle-bagging

2006-12-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

Saddlebag sledding is one of the most popular forms of snowmobile touring. You pack up your clothes and other essentials in a couple of saddlebags, strap them onto the back of your sled and ride with the wind. Canada’s Intrepid Snowmobiler, Craig Nicholson, took a tour of Northeastern Ontario and James Bay Frontier last winter. His news article gives great details and great advice for rookie and veteran riders alike. Check out the latest issue of Snow Goer Magazine, or drop by their website to learn more. By the way, he had a great time!

Visit Canada eh!

2006-12-07T14:57:00.000-05:00

Visiting Canada is a good thing. Check out one of the newest websites to encourage people from other countries to come here. If you live here... you know how good it is. Or do you? Maybe it's time you check it out. : )

Win The Ride!

2006-12-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Hey sledders here’s your chance to win a big ride in Ontario’s Snowmobile Paradise. You can enter the Win The Ride contest. It’s open to residents of Canada and the United States who want to experience the best snowmobiling you can imagine. Check out the website and enter ... you may find yourself having the ride of a lifetime. Enter now. Deadline is December 31st.

Steam Loco

2006-11-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

As in most of Canada, the railroad played a big part in the history of Northern Ontario. I always admire old steam engines. This is loco 701 of the old Temiskaming & Northern Ontario railway, sitting in Englehart. It's a CLC 4-6-2. That means it was built by the Canadian Locomotive Company, with 4 leading wheels, 6 driver wheels and 2 trailing wheels. This model was built in 1921. The T&NO (affectionately called Time is No Object) led to the discovery of silver in Cobalt and followed with the great gold rushes in Kirkland Lake and Timmins.

Snow wonder...

2006-11-10T14:16:00.000-05:00

David Phillips, Canada’s weather guru has offered some good news for our region. Speaking about weather trends on CBC Radio today, Phillips mentioned that Northeastern Ontario can always count on having lots of deep snow. That’s one of the reasons why this part of Ontario is known as Snowmobile Paradise.

The Prospector

2006-11-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

Northern Ontario is known for having plenty of roadside monuments. You know… those big statues of wolves, geese, bison and moose. I noticed one in Schumacher today that I never photographed before. It’s The Prospector. It celebrates the exuberance and excitement of the first discovery of gold in this region. Interestingly, The famous Klondike gold rush lasted about five years. The average life of a gold mine in North America is about ten years. The mines in Timmins and Kirkland Lake have been producing gold for a hundred years… and they’re still going strong. Oh by the way, I know a few prospectors. There are still plenty of them around the North. They're nice interesting people. And yes, a couple of them are very, very, very rich.

A wee bit of snow...

2006-10-31T10:55:00.000-05:00

We got a little snow on the weekend; just enough to remind us that snowmobile season is now about 6 or 7 weeks away. I don’t think this bit of snow will last, but soon enough we will have a solid frost in the ground and the big snows will come. It’s a good time to remember to buy your OFSC snowmobile permit. The price is still the same this year. Only $180 Cdn for the season, IF you buy before Dec. 1. After that the price goes up to $230. Still something of a bargain when you consider you can ride anywhere in Ontario for the whole winter. And in this neck of the woods, that’s a lot of great sledding! By the way, this is a nice picture of Pearl Lake and the headframe of the world famous McIntyre Gold Mine in he heart of James Bay Frontier.

More Snow...

2006-10-24T09:08:00.000-04:00

It snowed again across the North overnight. It won't last of course, but it sure gets everyone thinking about the coming sled season. And the good snow will be coming soon enough. I figure the first big snow will arrive in about a month. If you haven't received your copy of our Winter Perfected 2007 Vacation Guide, send us an email to info@jamesbayfrontier.com

2006-10-14T09:36:00.000-04:00

Our booth at the state snowmobile show in Pennsylvania. We are meeting lots of riders who have been to Canada and want to come back. We are meeting more riders who have heard about our great snowmobile trails and want to try the trip of a lifetime. It's all good.

Snowmobiling Soon eh

2006-10-10T15:13:00.000-04:00

Hello York, Pennsylvania. Be sure to get out to the PSSA Snowmobile Show this week. Here’s a nice shot of some cool sledding from last winter. We’re gonna be in York to tell you why Ontario is your Snowmobile Paradise! Check us out at Booth 600…. You won’t be able to miss us.

Early morning walk

2006-10-07T13:22:00.000-04:00

The Gillies Lake promenade is a popular walk in Timmins. I like early mornings. That's when the scenery seems to be best. And fresh air. I am a nut for clean, fresh air. There's no smog in James Bay Frontier.

Snowmobile Info

2006-10-04T09:52:00.000-04:00

Wow, you can sure tell October is here. Got into the office Monday and the email inbox is loaded with inquiries from sledders wanting information. The other good thing is that our first shipment of the Winter Perfected vacation guides arrived Monday night. And the inquiries inbox keeps filling up. It helps when the big snowmobile magazines are writing about the great sledding in James Bay Frontier. It’s all good, so we are doing our best to get the info in the mail and out to the sledders quickly.

Painter's Paradise

2006-09-26T09:13:00.001-04:00

The days are getting cooler but the forests are spectacular across James Bay Frontier with fall colors. Little wonder this is a favorite time for painters and sketch artists who like to capture the best of nature. I cheated. I took this photo by the Onaping River Sunday and used a photo-edit program to make it look like a painting. It's at the southwestern limit of James Bay Frontier. Click on the picture for the larger version.

Fall is here!

2006-09-25T09:11:00.000-04:00

Fall officially arrived on the weekend. I was too busy enjoying the fall colors to really notice the calendar. But I did hear the honking of Canada Geese overhead when I was out in the bush near Shining Tree on Sunday. I grabbed this photo on the fly. The honking will be a familiar sound in the next few weeks at these big birds set off on their southward migration from James Bay Frontier.

Canoeing still great...

2006-09-21T15:06:00.000-04:00

The weather is a bit cooler this month, but it's still excellent weather for canoeing. I have been out and about in the bush this week and the fall colors are a treat in James Bay Frontier. Many paddlers tell me that the rivers are running a bit low lately, but they say there is still excellent paddling on northern lakes. I also found a geat website for paddlers looking for info on their northern rivers. It's called Canadian Canoe Routes and you can even search for your favorite places.

Our newest book

2006-09-18T15:42:00.000-04:00

We're just getting the final print work done on our newest Vacation Guide. It has scores of stories, photographs and features on great winter adventures in Northeastern Ontario. The photo was shot at an ice fishing derby on Porcupine Lake. The windchill was minus 35, but these folks were having fun. Look for the book, free at tourist information centres across Ontario and also at the outdoor adventure shows in the Northeastern United States. Or click on the e-mail tab in my profile over there on the right, and we'll be happy to mail one to your door.

Walleye fishing

2006-09-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

Walleye fishing continues to be one of the favorite for avid anglers in James Bay Frontier. There was a fishing tournament in Timmins this weekend, one of several that occur each summer across the James Bay Frontier region. This was just one of the dozens of nice catches on Lake Kenogamissi. You'll likely read about in the Ontario Out of Doors Magazine sometime soon. We invited outdoors writer James Smedley to spend a weekend catching some nice walleye. We call 'em pickerel in this area, although walleye is indeed the correct name. I just know that they sure taste great.

Snowmobile news

2006-09-08T10:52:00.000-04:00

Good news for avid snowmobilers! The cost of the annual trail pass has not increased. Once again, the rate is set at $180 if you purchase the pass before December 1st. After that the rate is $230 for the season. The rates are set by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. There is a slight increase in the weekly permit, which is now $120. There is no more daily permit. There is however a 3-day permit for $90. Not bad for enjoying some of the best snowmobile trails in North America. Happy sledding!

Westree Dawn

2006-09-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

Deschênes Lake at Westree Village, early on Labour Day morning. I wasn't up early enough to catch a photo of the mist rising off the water. But it was still calm with a warm breeze coming in off the water. This is one of the THOUSANDS of quiet lakes throughout James Bay Frontier. Westree is a tiny community off Highway 560 close to Shining Tree where there is fresh air and great fishing.

Last Polar Bear ...

2006-09-01T23:19:00.000-04:00

I was in Cochrane early this morning to catch a photo of the Polar Bear Express heading north for Moosonee. This was the last excursion train of the season, and it was packed with tourists. There were people from Germany, Switzerland and the US, among others. The PBX will be back next summer, but travelers who want to head north can still ride the rails. There is a regular train service between Cochrane and Moosonee. It's the Little Bear train, which runs all year. I also had a chance to have lunch with the travel writers from the United Kingdom, who wrapped up their week long tour of the North today and flew home. It was nice to spend time with them.

Black Fly Song

2006-08-31T09:10:00.000-04:00

The Blackfly song 1949

Summer of 2006 will soon be over. But this was a rough one for black flies in James Bay Frontier. Enjoy the video. (push the audio slider bar to the right >>> )

Happy (belated) Birthday... almost forgot.

2006-08-30T09:52:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention a birthday. I was indeed busy this week, but did manage to drop by the Shania Twain Centre on Sunday for a quick visit. I was a day early for the yearly celebration of Eilleen Twain's birthday. Shania turned 41 on August 28th.
The smiling people in the photo are a group of media people from England and Scotland, currently touring James Bay Frontier to find out what this region has to offer in the way of tourism. They dropped in at the Shania Centre on Sunday, before experiencing a visit to Tim's for coffee, and then a stroll by Gillies Lake. They are, from left, Brian, Fidelma, Rey, Becky, Katy and Minnie. Roger is the tall fellow in the back. They look amazingly cheerful for a group of people who had left London some 14 hours previously that day.

Interesting People

2006-08-29T13:47:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of meeting some interesting people this week. Gerry MIller is the man behind the success of the Heritage Village at Cochrane's Polar Bear Habitat attraction. Gerry is a retired train conductor and farmer, whose passion is collecting and restoring old cars, farm equipment and antiques. This man is a treasure of knowledge. I consider myself lucky to have met him and learned a little about the importance of days gone by.

Later in the day I met Rolly & Melissa Lessard who run the Abitibi River House boats Expeditions north of Cochrane. Their hospitality was fantastic. We had a fun time cruising the river, enjoying lunch and seeing wildlife. It was all part of a trip involving a group of travel writers from England and Scotland who are visiting James Bay Frontier this week. More about that soon.

Young Loons

2006-08-24T13:33:00.000-04:00

There are at least two young loons left on Gillies Lake in Timmins. I have been watching them for weeks. I finally got close enough today to get a half decent photo. They will not get their full traditional plumage for at least two years. Loons are migratory birds and the parents have already left the nest and the lake. That’s so the younger birds will have more food. It was fun to watch them dive and swim. This little guy was about ten feet offshore as I watched him and I almost had to run to keep up with him as he swam underwater. But the picture was worth it. (click the pic for full size)

JBF Sledding. Best ... on the planet!

2006-08-23T13:33:00.000-04:00

Woohoo! Yeehaw! And all those other good words... good news today from Snow Tech Magazine, one of the most popular snowmobile publications in print. The first issue of the new season is hot off the press. I got my copy this morning. On page 6 there is a review of the Snowmobile Paradise Ontario ride held in March. Snow Tech managing editor Kevin Beilke rode the trails northeast of Kirkland Lake in the heart of James Bay Frontier, for three days. He complimented the Temiskaming Abitibi Trail Association for providing "some of the best snowmobiling on the planet". Here's a photo of the riders taking a break. Kevin is the tall fellow on the right. I shot this photo on March 28th. Yeppers... at the end of March! Look at all the sunshine! Look at all the snow! Are ya jealous or what?

Kids & Polar Bears

2006-08-18T22:43:00.000-04:00

The Polar Bear Habitat in Cochrane, ON continues to be a popular attraction for tourists. I dropped by today to see youngsters playing in the pool beside the "bear pool". It's fun to watch. But there was no way I was gonna jump in the water and let that bear get any ideas for dinner. The habitat is open year round and is certainly worth a visit at any time. > This note added on August 30th. THERE IS INDEED A SHEET OF SPECIAL GLASS BETWEEN THE BEAR AND THE PEOPLE.

Snowmobiling Northern Ontario

2006-08-16T16:19:00.000-04:00

No kidding! It's only a matter of a few months before the snow flies and the sledders arrive. We are just wrapping up work on publishing our newest James Bay Frontier winter adventure vacation guide. It's the book we bring to all the big snowmobile shows and distribute across Ontario and the northeastern United States. The book will include info on where to ride, where to stay, where to get everything you need for a great winter vacation. You can get your copy by emailing us here or calling our toll free number at 1-800-461-3766. The books go to press in September. Call us then. By the way, we're already getting great reviews on riding in this region. Check out the Supertrax website. By the way, the guy behind the goggles is veteran adventure journalist John Arkwright doing what he loves best ... riding the trails.

Wildflowers

2006-08-14T14:33:00.000-04:00

Even on those gray overcast days, flowers stand out in the forest. Wildflowers are everywhere in James Bay Frontier. Come and Visit.

Shania Twain Fan Club

2006-08-11T09:14:00.000-04:00

Fans are indeed loyal. The annual Shania Twain Fan Club convention is on again in Timmins, ON. There are scores on fans in Timmins and more will be arriving today. Last night I met one from Holland. Several had gathered at the Shania Twain Centre. For the next three days they will be touring the centre, meeting each other, and touring several parts of Timmins where Shania worked and lived. They will even be visiting Mattagami First Nation, which was the home reserve for Shania and her dad, Jerry Twain.

Summer Adventure

2006-08-08T15:55:00.000-04:00

Ivanhoe Lake, Foleyet, ON. Fly-In Adventure is popular throughout James Bay Frontier.

I saw a wolf.

2006-08-07T21:49:00.000-04:00

I think it was a wolf. He was all black. This is only the second time I have seen one in the wild. This was on Highway 101 east of Chapleau, Ontario, this afternoon. This fella wasn’t huge but was big enough. As I slowed down the truck, he turned and headed for the bush. I was able to stick the camera out the window and snap this picture. He crossed the road, went to the bush, then turned back to look at me. When I stopped the truck to get out, he scooted away. I have never seen an all black wolf before. Seeing wildlife is one of the benefits of travel in James Bay Frontier.

Rare Documents on Display

2006-08-04T12:14:00.000-04:00

Visitors to the Timmins Public Library are getting to see some rare documents this week. National Archives Canada has allowed public viewing of the The James Bay Treaty, also known as Treaty No. 9. This is in honour of the 100th anniversary of the treaty. It is the agreement between the Crown and the Nishnabwe Aski Nation. The treaty was signed over a one year period between August of 1905 and 1906 in the various Aboriginal communities across our region. It these days of computers and electronic data storage, it was a pleasure to see such an important handwritten document. It was also interesting to note that several of the signatures included the well known Cree syllabic symbols, still being used in Cree communities.

No Smog Here

2006-08-01T22:13:00.000-04:00

The Ontario Medical Association reports more and more citizens will be visiting emergency rooms for smog related illnesses in the next 20 years. That's unfortunate. What is good is that there is no smog in James Bay Frontier. This is based on Ontario government monitoring stations, which produce the Air Quality Index. There is nothing more refreshing that inhaling clean fresh northern air.

Summer images

2006-07-31T09:45:00.000-04:00

James Bay Frontier is a delight for outdoors photographers.

Hitchhiker on my canoe. . .

2006-07-30T17:46:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon on the Mattagami River in Timmins, ON. This ugly little critter hitched a ride for about five minutes on the rope on the front of my canoe.

Who killed Harry?

2006-07-30T11:57:00.000-04:00

Sir Harry Oakes, once considered Canada's richest person, was murdered in July ... July 1943 at the height of World War II. Harry used to live in Kirkland Lake, but he he hung out in the Bahamas with the likes of Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor. Harry was a multi millionaire mining magnate, but some people obviously didn't like him. So it's still a mystery. Visitors still drop by the old Chateau in Kirkland Lake, which is now the Museum of Northern History, to learn more about it. Someday we may find out who killed Harry.

Passport rules changing...

2006-07-27T10:10:00.000-04:00

The change comes in the new year. If you're travelling by air to the United States from Canada anytime after December 31, 2006, you will need a valid passport. This applies to everyone, even Americans, who are returning home from a visit to Canada. The rule will be expanded on Dec. 31st, 2007 to include everyone entering the US at land border crossings. Again this will apply to Americans returning home from a visit to Canada. These changes are part of the US The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. On the other hand, if you are a US citizen entering Canada from the United States, you need two pieces of identification. One should be a photo ID. the other should be a birth certificate. If you are a citizen of another country, you will need a passport. For detailed info, check out the Passport Canada website.

New Highway

2006-07-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

There's a new highway entrance to Timmins. Highway 101 East has been rebuilt near Porcupine to accommodate the PJV Goldcorp mining operations. More gold was discovered under the old section of Highway 101 and part of Three Nations Lake. So the highway and part of the lake are being "moved" so a new pit can be blasted. Life in a gold mining town is always interesting eh. The new section of highway is excellent, but there will be construction delays for a few weeks. Drive safely.

Elk Lake Museum

2006-07-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

Many smaller communities in James Bay Frontier have interesting little museums that depict their local heritage and history. One of the nicer ones I have visited is the Elk Lake Museum, located in an old church. It's like stepping back in a time machine. The artifacts and antiques are nothing short of amazing. If you get a chance to drop by Elk Lake, do take advantage.

Staying Cool

2006-07-14T11:57:00.000-04:00

We've been enjoying some hotter than normal weather these past few days. All across James Bay Frontier, the temperatures have been in the low 30s! That's hot. One must do whatever it takes to keep cool. I enjoy canoeing on the local lakes and rivers. The summer breezes are the best. Others take to the air. One lucky person was enjoying cooler temps in his Challenger float plane last night. Now that's cool!

Flea Market

2006-07-13T09:15:00.000-04:00

Small towns across James Bay Frontier usually feature at least one Flea Market. They're great places to find little treasurers and old things you're grandmother might have used. I asked a friend once the difference between flea markets and antique stores. He said if you pay a big price, it's an antique. If you get it at a bargain, it's a flea market. This market is beside the Northland Motel on Highway 11 in Latchford, open on Thursdays, Sundays and Monday.

Summer sights and sounds...

2006-07-12T13:55:00.000-04:00

It's a great time of year. Summer means different things to different people. For me one of the best things of summer is dropping by a small town dock in Northeastern Ontario. It just hums. People are busy. The sun is shining. The breezes swish through the leaves on the trees. Outfitters are getting a canoe trip organized. The float plane rumbles as it taxis up to the dock. People talk and laugh. Boat motors whine in the distance. Even the ravens are noisy. It's all good.

Swastika... was there first.

2006-07-12T08:51:00.000-04:00

Swastika is the name of a rail junction town in Northeastern Ontario, just west of Kirkland Lake. It sure raises eyebrows for travelers sitting on the Northlander Train when it stops outside the Swastika station. But the town has an interesting history in that it was named after the Swastika gold mine in 1908. Some years later when the Nazi’s rose to power, they adopted the ancient Sanskrit swastika symbol as their own and it became forever tainted. During World War II, there was a push to have the name changed, but the local townspeople refused, saying theirs was an honourable little town that had been around long before the Nazis and would indeed survive long after.

Kap is happening.

2006-07-11T11:22:00.000-04:00

Kapuskasing is a fun place to be this time of year. The riverboat tours are up and running again on the Kap river. The big excitement right now is the preparation for the annual Lumberj ack Festival, which occurs on July 28th -30th. This is where local competitors pit themselves against the guys on the professional lumberjack show circuit. It amazing to see the log rolling, axe throwing and tree climbing events. It’s also a time when the whole town comes out to party and enjoy one of the best events of summer in Northern Ontario. If you're looking for a good time in a friendly northern town, treat yourself to a visit to Kap.

Canada Day

2006-07-04T11:45:00.000-04:00

Canada Day was sure interesting. James Bay Frontier was represented at the Canada Day Show in Mackinaw City, Michigan. It was nice to have the RCMP drop by the booth for a photo. For two days we all met with thousands of Americans who dropped by to find out what sort of vacations they could enjoy north of the border. It was a great way to spend the holiday. And yes, I enjoyed some Mackinaw fudge! Half a pound of fudge! Woohoo, it was so good. By the way, I would guess the two most photographed people in Mackinaw on the weekend were the two RCMP officers from the Sault Ste. Marie detachment. Everywhere they went, tourists were stopping to ask them to pose for photos. It's all kinda cool. The RCMP have become the symbol of Canada's stability and goodwill around the world ~ Something nice to think about on Canada Day.

Summerfest

2006-07-04T11:42:00.000-04:00

Summerfest in Temiskaming Shores was a hit for another year. Thousands of tourists and motorcycle riders headed north to take in the Biker’s Reunion and tons of fun. The weather was nice. The people were nicer. It was cool to see how many riders are making the return trip each year to spend time with friends and family. This couple traveled more than 600 kilometres and said it’s one trip they now plan on every year.

Welcome Wasaya

2006-06-28T16:25:00.000-04:00

The newest airline service in James Bay Frontier is Wasaya Airways LP, which now has a base in Timmins. The company celebrated an open house for the business community on Tuesday. Wasaya has been around for quite awhile in Northwestern Ontario with it's main base in Thunder Bay. The company offers a wide range of charter services along with a full network of scheduled flights. For the outdoor adventurers, this is the newest provider of air charter services for those looking for fly-in adventures for hunting, fishing or photo expeditions to the far north. Wasaya also provides air freight service. This is a photo of one of their 748's on the ramp in Timmins last winter.

Rockhounds take note. Cobalt rocks.

2006-06-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

Cobalt Rocks is more than a statement of fact. It’s the name of an exciting summer event that is just a month away in the tiny northern town of Cobalt, Ontario. Most Northerners are familiar with the Cobalt story, which led to an amazing silver rush at the turn of the last century. It was followed the fabulous gold rushes in Kirkland Lake and Timmins.
The real attraction for Cobalt these days is the wealth of minerals and mineral collections. That’s one of the reasons for the Cobalt Rocks celebration which includes a huge gem and mineral show. Rockhounds will go wild once they see the northern wilderness and the wealth of rock samples to be found everywhere. James Bay Frontier is smack in the middle of the Canadian Sheild. The show is on for July 29th and 30th.

Rider's Reunion

2006-06-26T09:20:00.000-04:00

You know summer is in full swing when you hear the throaty grumble of the big motorcycles around town. The popularity of motorcycles is becoming more and more obvious throughout James Bay Frontier. A good example is the annual Summerfest & Biker's Reunion coming up this weekend in Temsikaming Shores. It's been going for several years now and is getting more popular all the time. Part of the fun is a charity ride with money being raised for medical research. Last year, more than 12-hundred riders showed up. Northerners love to have a great time. But they love showing off their hospitality even more. It's a great mix when local riders team up with out-of-town riders to have a good time. Whether you're a rider or not, you should find some time to get over to Temiskaming Shores on the long weekend.

Kirkland Lake Reunion.

2006-06-23T09:29:00.000-04:00

One of the best little towns in Northern Ontario is gearing up for a massive celebration next week. It's the big reunion for Kirkland Lake Collegiate and Vocational Institute. It seems everywhere I travel I always manage to meet somebody from Kirkland Lake. I have been lucky to have met so many. The homecoming party starts on Saturday July 1st and will last for the whole week. One of the big events will be a concert featuring legendary rock-blues artist Jeff Healey, on Friday July 7th. One of the highlights for many of students coming home will be a chance to visit the new Hockey Heritage North attraction. If you're a hockey fan you will be amazed at the size and scope of this attraction. Once and for all this clinches KL as the Hockey Capital of Northern Ontario.

Aboriginal Day Event

2006-06-22T09:15:00.000-04:00

It was a good day at the Hollinger Park in Timmins Wednesday. Aboriginal Day was celebrated. Here is a picture of Charlie Kioke and some friends.

Happy Summer

2006-06-21T09:25:00.000-04:00

Summer arrived in Northeastern Ontario to sunny skies and soft breezes this morning. I enjoyed a nice walk by Gillies Lake and then went over to Tim's for a cup of coffee and a tea biscuit. From radio reports, it seems that it was nice weather all over the North. This is not merely the Summer Solstice. It is also National Aboriginal Day in Canada. It will be nice to see the various celebrations throughout the region. Happy day everyone.

Cool Summer Fun

2006-06-19T10:40:00.000-04:00

Pine Street North was a cool place to be, despite the hot weather Saturday. It's where dozens of local youngsters took part in the annual soap box derby. I have to admit I was jealous. It sure looked like a fun thing to do. Like other adults I was able to remember back to my own childhood when we would build our own "krash karts" out of bits of old lumber, plywood and baby buggy wheels! That was just as much fun I'm sure.

Forest Trails

2006-06-18T10:48:00.000-04:00

Hiking in the forest is one of the perks of living in Northern Ontario. The forest is all around us and the trails are excellent. A summer morning is the perfect time to walk and witness the best of the nature. Stress becomes just another word is some big city dictionary. This butterfly settled just long enough for a quick portrait. I've seen them before, but had no idea they were called the Tiger Swallowtail, a species that is common to the boreal forest.

Ride to the end of steel.

2006-06-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

In about two weeks, one of the most popular train rides anywhere, begins service for another season. The Polar Bear Express will begin it's summer run on Friday June 30th. The train runs out of Cochrane Station and travels nearly 200 miles north to the tidewater communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory. It's a trip that offers something for everyone, but if you're like me and just enjoy a good old fashioned train ride, then treat yourself. It's one of two popular train excursions in James Bay Frontier. The other is Algoma Central Railway's Tour of the Line.

Canada Geese on the wing

2006-06-13T14:02:00.000-04:00

It's not that easy to see, but if you click on the picture to enlarge it, you will notice what I saw the other morning -- A massive flock of Canada Geese on the wing. I estimate at least 200 birds in this shot. It snapped the picture "on the fly" as I was driving down Highway 11 around 6:15 Saturday morning. It's not the best picture, but it's dramatic enough.

Flying Beavers!

2006-06-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

This is a favorite time of year for me. I love getting back into the wilderness where everything is so peaceful and quiet. I was out on a lake Sunday when I heard a fabulous sound… okay, I heard a loon too… but I really enjoy hearing the sound of a bushplane overhead. I looked up and there was it was. A DHC2. The incredible de Havilland Beaver is as much a part of the Canadian landscape as the animal of the same name. This is the ultimate bush plane. It first hit the drawing board in 1946! That’s 60 years ago. These planes are still flying all over the world. If you get the chance to have a fly-in adventure in Northern Ontario, take it! You will never forget it.

Endurance!

2006-06-01T00:27:00.000-04:00

It's one of those words that is so appropriate at times. I have nothing but admiration for the incredible endurance shown by the participants in the Canadian Adventure Racing Championships. I met some of them today in Timmins after they were forced to quit the race. These people are not "quitters" by any means. They were forced to stop racing only after they had pushed themselves, and pushed themselves and then pushed till their was nothing left to give. They endured cold rainy nights, sweltering heat and hordes of flesh-biting blackflies that no one could imagine. I saw their injuries and blistered and swollen feet, hands and faces. You can follow the event on the race website. Nearly half of the teams have withdrawn after trying to conquer the Northern Ontario wilderness. Mother Nature is a tough opponent. The race continues.

The race is on!

2006-05-29T13:21:00.000-04:00

The adventure race is on! And teams from across Canada are finding out why the James Bay Frontier region is an outdoor adventurers dream. The race began Sunday morning and will continue at least until Wenesday as the racers struggle over 400 kilometres of the toughest terrain you can imagine. Among the racers is Les Stroud, better known to some TV viewers as Survivorman. The racers have already run rapids on the Makami River and will soon be heading for the Ishpatina Ridge, the highest point of land in Ontario. Here's a great link for race updates. Check in out. http://www.sleepmonsters.ca/racereport.php?race_id=2475#

Adventure Racing!

2006-05-24T14:37:00.000-04:00

Timmins and James Bay Frontier will be in the spotlight in the coming week as the National Adventure Racing Championships come this way. Nearly 20 teams will be cycling, running and canoeing through some of the most difficult terrain in North America in a four day struggle to the finish line. I have seen the race course (shhhh...it's a secret!) and it creates a whole new meaning for the word Challenge! Interestingly, Les Stroud, the fellow known as "Survivorman" has entered the race as well. Timmins will be the home base for race organizers, but the race itself will be spread out over a vast area of the northern boreal forest. I was out in the bush last night and the mosquitoes and black flies were getting into tiny little fist fights over who had the rights to chew on my arms, legs, neck and ears! (just kidding there). Keep checking back to the Racing Website for updated information on the race. It's going to be outdoor adventure at its best.

Visit Kapuskasing

2006-05-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

I was on the road this week and had a chance to stop in Kapuskasing. It's home to the north's newest Tourist Welcome Centre. The centre is located in the old Kap train station, which is still a fabulous old building, just ooozing character and warmth. The most striking part of the new facility is the sculpture located in front of the building. It depicts the history of the town, its people and its industry. Very much worth a stop for a coffee or a picnic. By the way, there is a Tims located right across the road.

Multi Cultural Festival soon!

2006-05-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

One of the nicest things about this land is the amazing diversity of culture. People have come here from around the world to make James Bay Frontier their home. They've joined the people of our First Nations in making this one of the best parts of Canada. It's something we like to celebrate. You can do that too. Imagine exploring the world in one afternoon. Drop in to the Timmins Multi Cultural Festival, Sunday June 4th, 12:30 PM, at the McIntyre Arena. Enjoy the folk music and dances. Experience a wide variety of delicious cuisines. Learn more about different languages and customs. Donations can be made at the door.

Dam....It's huge.

2006-05-08T15:07:00.000-04:00

Okay forget the silly play on words. I was walking in forest near my house last night when I noticed part of the trail was washed out. (northern trail at MacLean crossing) As i kept going I noticed something I hadn't seen before... and that's because it wasn't there. Since the snow melted about four weeks ago, the beavers have managed to create a whole new dam on the little creek near the trail. And it's not just one dam... it's a series of four dams! Each one a little higher than the other. I was amazed. These little animals have created an engineering marvel. This section is about sixty feet across. I huddled quietly for awhile hoping to get a photo. But this is black bear country too, so I didn't want to sit too quietly for too long. I grabbed a photo and headed home for a hot pot of tea.

Loons are back!

2006-05-05T09:38:00.000-04:00

It's such a cool Northern Ontario thing. Early in the mornings, you can hear the loons calling with their unique warble. The Common Loon is Ontario's official bird. There are a pair on Gillies Lake in Timmins. I think they arrived last week. I got this picture two days ago.

Spring is springing...

2006-04-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

This is a great time of year. The days are indeed getting warmer. The air just seems to smell a bit fresher. Everything is turning from white, to a muddy brown, to a fresh green. I was on the road this week and was able to drop in at Kap Kig Iwan provincial park, near Englehart. The gate was locked. But I enjoyed a nice 3K hike through the park and was able to check out the spectacular High Falls. The water was running fast and high. I was about 100 metres away for this picture, and I could still feel the cold mist on my face. (pic info 135 mm / F8 at 1/125th nikon D50 sRGB format) When I got back to the truck, I was happy to see that two other groups had set out hiking as well.

Black Flies, little black flies....

2006-04-19T14:33:00.000-04:00

We are enjoying fabulous weather these days in Northeastern Ontario. The sun shines. The snow melts. The ice is breaking up on the lakes. The rivers are running high. It's a great time of year. It's also approaching the peak season for Simulium Venustum, The Black Fly! Now before you run screaming for shelter, you have to admit, they're not THAT bad. They're a something of a nuisance. So get used to them. If you're going to spend any amount of time in the bush, say longer than an hour, be sure to bring some insect repellent to keep the little buggers away. Wearing long sleeves helps too. Some years ago, I hosted a group of southerners who didn't know there was a song dedicated to the black fly. It was written and sung by famous Canadian folkie Wade Hemsworth, almost 60 years ago. It's a great little tune and I sing it often when I am in the forest.
--------
'Twas early in the spring when I decide to goFor to work up in the woods of North Ontario. The unemployment office said they'd send me through ~ To the Little Abitibi with the survey crew

Chorus:
And the black flies, the little black flies
Always the black fly no matter where you go,
I'll die with the black fly a Pickin' my bones,
In North Ontar-i-o-i-o, In North Ontar-i-o

~~ The man Black Tobey was the captain of the crew ~ He said, I'm gonna tell you boys, what we're gonna do ~ They want to build a power dam; we must find a wayFor to make the Little Ab flow around the other way
Chorus
So we survey the east, survey to the west.We couldn't make our minds up how to do it best~Little Ab, Little Ab, what shall I do? I'm all but goin' crazy on the survey crew.
Chorus
'Twas blackfly, blackfly, everywhereA-crawlin' in your whiskers, a-crawlin' in your hair ~ A-swimmin' in the soup and a-swimmin' in the tea ~ The devil take the blackfly and let me be.
Chorus
Black Tobey fell to swearin'; the work went slow~The state of our morale was a-gettin' pretty low~The flies swarmed heavy; it was hard to catch a breath~As you staggered up and down the trail talkin' to yourself
Chorus
The bull cook's name was Blind River Joe ~ If it hadn't been for him we'd 've never pulled through ~ He bound up our bruises and he kidded us for fun ~ And he lathered us with bacon grease and balsam gum
Chorus
At last the job was over, Black Tobey said, we're through ~ With the Little Abitibi and the survey crew! ~ 'Twas a wonderful experience and this I know;I'll never go again to North Ontar-i-o

Trade Shows

2006-04-04T14:00:00.000-04:00

Nice to be back home in Timmins today. We've been on the road a lot this winter and spring, taking part in the trade show circuit. It's one of the ways we spread the good word about the outdoor adventures available in the James Bay Frontier. Our travels take us all over Ontario, Quebec and the northern United States. It's always nice to meet the people who drop by to find out about our region, or better yet, to tell us what a great time they had on their last visit. I am always amazed at how people remember the names of the hundreds of lakes and rivers and parks and trails. So I am back home clearing up my backlog of emails and getting ready for yet a few more shows.