Do More on the Shore Ezine

An Ezine Produced by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust

CIBC* COIPThe waterfront municipalities of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, conservation authorities and community groupsThe Eastern Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Waterfront Working Group* MapArt* DunmapOntario Ministry of Health Promotion Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee* St. Lawrence Cement* Tilley Endurables

September 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:

Great Waterfront Trail Adventure
Featured Route - Cornwall
Trail Tale - by Chad Fraser
Featured Attraction – Thickson Woods
Featured Activity – Kayaking
Bicycle Touring Atlas

GREAT WATERFRONT TRAIL ADVENTURE

The first annual Great Waterfront Trail Adventure ended in July with a magical energy, sense of accomplishment, and newfound camaraderie. Participants began their journey weary of the 8 day, 706 km ride, but when the last 46 km began from Cornwall to the Quebec border, the riders weren’t ready for it to end. Every cyclist on this Adventure learnt something new about themselves, the diversity and hospitality of the communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, and the beauty that exists along the shoreline. Kate Harries and Antonio Siracusa logged their experience of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure in their blogs:
http://www.kateharries.blogspot.com/
http://www.squeezelife.ca/waterfronttrail/

The second annual Great Waterfront Trail Adventure will be taking place from July 4th to 11th, 2009 and we hope you will join us to experience this fun, unique, and magical event first hand. There are options and activities for people of all ages and abilities, cyclists, beginner riders, and non-cyclists. Check out www.waterfronttrail.org for more information.

FEATURED ROUTE – Cornwall

One of the many surprises that Great Waterfront Trail Adventurers claimed to have experienced is the beautiful off road section of the Waterfront Trail that leads in to Cornwall. The 45 kms from Upper Canada Village to downtown Cornwall takes riders, roller bladders, walkers, and joggers through the stunning Long Sault Parkway, where more often than not deer are spotted. The Trail meanders through treed sections, greenways, and the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River that reflects the sun’s rays on a bright day.

Participants in the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure will be in Cornwall for the Lift-Off Festival where rides can be taken in hot air balloons, or their beauty can be admired from the water’s edge. Maps of this section of trail can be found at:
http://www.waterfronttrail.org/maps/wt-7_04.pdf
http://www.waterfronttrail.org/maps/wt-7_05.pdf

TRAIL TALE – by Chad Fraser

“Staring at a map some months ago, I guessed at the distance between my home in downtown Toronto and that of my in-laws, near the gates of Presqu'ile Provincial Park in Brighton. I figured that, because this was a 165-kilometre run down the 401, the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, which runs even more directly down the shoreline, would be even shorter. I decided that I would set out to prove that this distance was bikeable. And not only that, but that it could be done in one day. There was no other reason for doing it. Only, in the words of legendary Everest climber George Mallory, "because it's there." (Notably, Mallory was later killed on Everest.) For fun, I decided to drag my wife Amy along… The bikes were tuned and ready for the excursion. We took along lots of water, snacks, even a pannier full of spare clothes (and a cell phone). No amateur adventurers were we.

“The first leg of the trail proceeds down the very civilized (and paved) Martin Goodman Recreation Trail before crossing into the scruffy urban heart of Scarborough. From there, it was on to the suburban cities of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa, all of which have surprisingly lovely waterfronts consisting of kilometres of paved trail and interlinked parks and marinas. We were making great time. Be in Brighton in time for the hockey game tonight, I thought. Once we finally cleared the GTA, the trail got really interesting. At times, it was no more than a tire-wide dirt path weaving through the bush. We were astonished by some of the beautiful vistas of the lake that could be seen from the most unlikely of places. Like behind the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant, for example. There were small cottage communities accessible only by dirt roads and the odd private residential development, blocked off to public access and snuggled in between the shoreline and a vast no-man's land of weeds and shrubs -- with no neighbourhood, store, or Starbucks in sight.”

After 12 hours of riding, which saw Chad and Amy arrive in Port Hope, only to discover there was no vacancy to be had at any of the accommodations, they journeyed on to discover the best milkshake west of Toronto, that after riding to their limit the only thing left to do is release a stream of obscenities, and that the Waterfront Trail does not run straight and parallel to the 401; only one question remains – did they make it to Brighton? Find out at:
http://toleeward.blogspot.com/2008/05/because-its-there.html

FEATURED ATTRACTION – Thickson Woods

Thickson's Woods is the last remnant of old-growth white pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Once reserved for masts of sailing ships of the British Royal Navy, the towering pines provide a vital resting place for countless migrating songbirds each spring and fall. Guarding the entrance to Thickson's Woods is one of the oldest hop hornbeams in southern Ontario. Its other name, ironwood, comes from the dense, extremely heavy wood of this slow-growing deciduous tree. Migrating sapsuckers drilling holes in its bark in late April reveal the other reason for calling it "ironwood"—the oozing sap turns a rusty orange.

Thickson’s Woods is a natural gem along the Waterfront Trail providing a home to plants and animals, as well as telling their story to visitors of all ages through hands-on activities, events, and self-guided tours. Find out more at:
http://www.thicksonswoods.com/index.html

FEATURED ACTIVITY – Kayaking

The 1000 Islands area is an integral part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, a member of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and part of the Waterfront Trail in and around Gananoque. Kayaking the 1000 Islands offers a unique view of the St. Lawrence River’s historic charm, hidden scenery, and life size museum of islands and architecture intimately up close. For more information on kayaking along the Waterfront Trail log on to:
http://www.1000islandskayakingco.com/

BICYCLE TOURING ATLAS
Bike On Tours has created the Ontario Bicycle Atlas. The routes are selected for use by road and hybrid bicycles and include mostly paved secondary roads, paved bike paths where available and unpaved bike paths where suitable.

There are long distance linear routes across the province and loop routes, suitable for day trips or weekends. You will find useful information on towns, attractions, bicycle repair shops and libraries for internet access while you are traveling plus a selection of the most convenient and best bed and breakfasts, inns, motels, camping and restaurants. There is information on wineries, theater, festivals, beaches, natural areas, historical sites, Mennonite and Native Canadian communities.

To find out more log on to:

http://www.bikeontours.on.ca/atlas.htm

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to this Ezine, please contact David at:

da@wrtrust.com
416-943-8080
372 Richmond Street West, Suite 308
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1X6

WARNING: The information and suggestions in this newsletter have been developed to assist Trail users in planning both their recreational and commuting trips along the Waterfront Trail. It mentions signed routes of the Trail, as well as possible routes and connections in areas where routes have not yet been designated as part of the Waterfront Trail. The possible routes and connections have been identified in consultation with the municipalities and Conservation Authorities of Lake Ontario and from Trail users. Some of these possible routes and connections may not be ideal for cycling, in-line skating, or hiking. They may be unsuitable for some Trail users because of the close proximity to vehicular traffic or unsuitable trail surface. Whenever possible, indicators have been placed on the maps to warn of caution areas. However, be prepared to make your own evaluation of traffic, trail and road conditions, and plan routes appropriate to your riding, in line skating, and hiking skills and your comfort level. This newsletter is not intended as a guide for children.