Explore the Bruce Adventure Pass

When it comes to travel I always try to find the positive in every unexpected turn of events and take it as an adventure not a horrible experience...so this review was not the easiest to write.

Weather in Bruce County changes quite fast -
 this torrential rain lasted 15 min

10 years ago the +ExploretheBruce started as a school project and it promises to take any participant on a County wide scavenger hunt in search of 12 different attraction points. The Passport is supposed to provide directions to 12 "passport points" where a clue is located. figuring out the clue gets you to a box in which a hole puncher is placed. Each point has a different shaped hole punch to prevent cheating and each year the attractions are changed.

In theory it sound like a great thing, especially when you add the fact that the completion of the passport (7 or more locations) qualify you to a draw for different prizes. Unfortunately, this years adventure came with quite a few issues.

There are a few ways to get a copy of the passport. You can get one from any point on the map, from past or present sponsors, from visitor information areas or print one from your computer. 

After looking over this year's Passport Stops I decided that we can hit at least one before reaching Tobermory (which is where the first stopt is located), so I tried to print the passport out...this turned into a huge frustration.

The PDF is not sized to a regular sheet of paper and this causes huge problems when printing (if you use Windows), you either end up with a portion of the page or a small rectangular image going from the top of the page to the bottom (too small to read and no way it can be hole-punched). So, on to option two, find an Explore the Bruce box and get the needed copies from there. I did download a copy of the passport onto my phone (just in case)

With the exception of Point # 3 there are no actual directions to any of the points, just a general location. The maps that are attached are also very general not providing the exact spot of the clues. Ok, so we all use GPSs these days so why not just enter the coordinates provided and get to the clues...but to me this is the first missed opportunity. This could be a perfect opportunity to teach kids to read a map and follow directions...and keep them from asking the beloved question " Are we there yet?". 

You could enter the coordinates in your computer and write down your own directions or print out a google map with directions for the kids to follow from the back seat (we will try that for the rest of the stops next time).

The directions to stop #3 (Skinners Bluff) are provided from Wiarton, however if you are on your way to Tobermory from Toronto the GPS will take you on a different road, DO NOT listen to your GPS (wow that is the first time I ever said that), you want to make sure that you enter Colpoy's Range Road from Concession 24 and not from the other side, which is the way we did. The GPS took us on a scenic road from Owen Sound using Gray Road 1 then Coles Side Road and finally Colpoy's Range Road. 

This is when the puddles started with the first of the big puddles
in the distance (once the road got worst taking photos was the last
thing on my mind)

When you enter Colpoy's Range Road from Coles Side Rd you will notice a sign warning you that this is an unmaintained road, this did not mean much to us because we used unmaintained roads in the area before and they were just gravel roads, which is what the first 500m of this road looked like, however this road should have said "if you drive a sedan turn around NOW". The road itself is only wide for one car so if there is any incoming traffic there is nowhere to go, and this is not even the scary part.

After 500m we found the first puddle, and then another...and another,and..you get the idea...the road started to climb a bit and the puddles got wider and longer. Learned a new thing, how to gage the depth of a body of water. When the puddles got wider then the car and longer the half of the car length my husband started getting out in front of every one and tossing a stone in the middle, this told him the approximate depth of the water (cool trick to know). The last puddle was the entire width of the road and longer then our sedan, the water was deep enough to make a wave when we drove into it and for a moment I was certain the engine would choke, but we got out. I was just starting to be enjoy the dry road when we saw that the road suddenly became very rough and to top it off it was climbing again. We drove 3km on this road and had 800m left to get to the clue the only thing between us and the end of this nightmare was a 300m 15degree incline, if you are in a SUV or a truck this is no problem, but if you drive a sedan this is not something you want to try for fun. We are lucky, my husband is a good driver with extensive car knowledge, so if it is technically possible he can drive thru/over it, but even he was extremely reluctant and if it would not have been for the 3km of road full of puddles including the last huge one. So, up and over we went. It was the most terrifying part of the road with a cliff on one side and a huge drop on the other, a 15 degree incline and no cell signal...perfect.

Once we got over that "hill" the road got better, no more inclines or puddles. We were very happy to have made it an now all we wanted to see is that parking lot the pamphlet mentioned. We drove all the way to Centre Road and found no clue, no yellow marker.

As happy I was when I saw the paved road I was just as angry at the time waisted with no result...but we were all in one piece and the car did not suffer any damages (just looked like she rolled in mud). 

We decided to stop in Wiarton to stretch our legs and relax a bit before trying any more of this...adventure.  We parked near the visitor centre and while my son ran for the playground followed closely by my husband, my daughter and I decided to try to see if Willy the groundhog is out in his little observation area. Even with the hot summer day he was not interested in all the curious faces waiting for him outside, but if you wonder inside there is pakedermy of the previous Willy standing proud in a case on the corner of the counter. The good news was that between the information pamphlets on the wall next to him we found copies of the Explore the Bruce passport. 

Giant kites being launched on the Wiarton beach

After my daughter took a photo next to the Wiarton Willy's statue we reunited with the boys and while we enjoyed the country music the kids played in the pirate ship shaped playground. Because it was 1st of July there was a concert going on and different food vendors as well as arts and crafts stalls. We wondered around a bit when the kids got bored and came across a stall that was selling popcorn ( Prancing Pachyderms Kettle Corn Co) and got a bag of maple popcorn for only $7. Delicious!

It was getting close to lunch time so we took off for Tobermory and Passport Stop #1.

We parked the car across from the Princess Hotel since the parking lot by the dock was full and we were walking back to the dock when my daughter spotter the Explore the Bruce box (we never did go to see the clue since we spotted the box first). After this mornings disappointment we were glad to find this one so easy. For those that are planning to do this scavenger hunt I will not divulge the exact location, but I will say that it is by a landmark.

For lunch we decided to try the Crowsnest Pub, they have the best view of the dock. and a nice patio that can be enjoyed on sunny days. We opted for a booth inside since it would be easier to handle our 3 year old son. The pub was packed as we arrived at the end of the Argentinian game and there were plenty of fans glued to the big screens. A booth became available next to a big group of fans and we were able to sit down and ordered. 

local art

historic images of the area are displayed as you go up to the pub

kids meal

There is one dish that you can not go wrong with in Tobermory and that is Fish and Chips...and that is exactly what we had, white fish and chips. 

I know that not everyone is a soccer fan but we are and there is something contagious and exiting about watching a good game side by side with fans of the winning team. By the time our food arrived the game was over and the fans paid and left. The food was very good (4.5 stars). If I had one complaint or suggestion for this place would be for them to invest in a few high chairs with seatbelts. 

After lunch we left in search of Stop #4 Fen, Oliphant. Now, Oliphant is a town between Lion's Head and Sauble Falls, the direction to the next clue simply says "located at northern entrance to the Fen" there is no mention if this Fen is a town, a street...or what?...Turns out what we were actually looking for is a wetland area boardwalk called "The Fen". We only figured this one out because some locals pointed us in the right direction. The clue itself is easy on this one so I will not give it out at all.

Stop #5 Sauble Sand Dune was selfexplenatory once we actually found it but, because we are not from the area we took a few wrong turns. The directions simply said "located in the parking area" so we drove to Sauble Beach and looked around the Sauble Beach sign, we showed the pamphlet to a few locals, that sent us to the parking lot where the public washrooms are, then to a different Sauble Beach Dunes which is a few km away. I was getting frustrated when a local pointed out that the photo on the pamphlet is of the sand dunes next to the highway. So back we went towards Oliphant and found the huge dune that we drove by on the way to Sauble Beach and for the first time noticed what they called the parking lot. The clue sent us up to the top...I did mention this as the climb to the top starts as fun and by the time you are half way up you realize it is not as easy as it looks (unless you are in shape) and if it is a hot sunny day it may not be such a bad idea to take your water bottle with you.

On the positive note, in 11 years of driving by this dune we never considered to climb...we did it now.

With so much time waisted on looking in the wrong spots we decided it is time to return home and return on a different day.

Since we had to fill up on gas we ended up in Mildmay where the gas attendant told me that we were only 2 blocks away from the Artesian Well (Stop #9). I convinced my husband to drive up to it with the excuse of needing water and why buy when we are just a skip away from "the most delicious water in the County". The well was not hard to find, but when it comes to the clue I will tell you only that you do not need get back in the car.

With our passports stamped and fresh water...and a few mosquito bites we were finally on our way home.

So with mixed feelings we finished this adventure only to contemplate how will we complete the remainder or stops.

Until next time 

happy travels

Nottawasaga Inn Resort - planning for a wedding

I keep on telling my husband that the simplest thing we did was get married....no fuss, no stress, just a quick drive to the city hall with our closest friends and family and a few hours in a restaurant before we ran off for our 10 day vacation in Bruce County, Ontario.

We decided a few years ago that we will renew our vows for our 10th anniversary and have a "real" wedding...never did I imagine all the implications and adventures that decision will bring.

It was this winter when after changing from a destination wedding to a local one, and a very frustrating email exchange with a local (inclusive) resort I came across the  Nottawasaga Inn Resort ( +Nottawasaga Inn Resort Golf Club) . After spending a few hours on their website, Facebook and different review sites I decided to send them an email with what questions I had and could not find answers for.

After wasting more then a week with the other resort and not getting one straight answer to any of my questions and being redirected to their website that had none of the information I needed and being provided with 2 list of pricing for groups that were not in range of guests I expected; I must have been at the end of my rope and had 0 expectation for a timely response and even less for a valid one.....so imagine how surprised I was the next morning when I received an email from Sarah, the special events coordinator from the Nottawasaga Inn resort.

The email sent by Sarah, not only that it came in a very timely manner it was also very professional and courteous, but what impressed me the most was that she used a technique that I find very efficient in responding a longer list of questions. Using a different colour font she wrote the reply under each one of my question. I was impressed. (and no there was no mention in my email of my unpleasant experience with a different resort...I did not consider that it was relevant for them to know)

We reviewed the wedding package information that we received via email from Sarah and went over her email. It took us almost no time to book a meeting to view and pick a room. While the day that worked for us was a day that Sarah could not meet us in person we were happy to meet any of her co-workers and get the process started.

Our first trip to the resort was still in the winter and the entire property was covered by a thick blanket of snow so we could not see much of the property. We were met by one of Sarah's co-workers that deals with non-wedding event (we were told that in advance and it was our decision to start the process and meet with Sarah at a later date). We were shown a room that would fit the number of guests and we agreed it was OK...she then proceeded to show us a hotel room from the category that we would receive complementary as part of the package we picked, and a room from the category that our guest would be booking (unless they decided to upgrade). 

The moment the door to the first room opened my travel background just kicked in and I quickly and discretely inspected the room (did the same with both)....the rooms are clean and modern. Viewing the rooms also gave me a chance to see the size of the property. However the one thing that impressed me the most when we set down to go over some of the details was how she handled the questions that she had no immediate answer for: she took a note of each, apologized for not being able to answer, and advised us that she will pass on the question to Sarah.  See, I would rather be told to wait for the correct answer then to be told something completely irrelevant or be provided with wrong information. I have a lot more respect for someone that honestly tells me...I am sorry, I do not have the answer to your question, but I will find out and get back to you ....much better then: it's on-line here is the link..no?(especially if the info is not even there)

Today we headed up to the resort again for our tasting. Sarah informed us that they preferred to have the tasting done during the week as to give a chance for the chef to sit down and talk to us at the end. 

We got lucky and got a 6pm reservation, so we decided to make it a date night....ones kids come along we must use every opportunity we have for a little time alone.

Getting out of Toronto at 4-5pm is not that much fun so we decided to leave before the rush our and spend some time in Alliston before dinner. This also gave us a chance to see the Wedding Garden and the rest of the property, something that so far we only saw in photos. 

The more time we spent on the property the happier I was that I came across this wonderful resort. The grounds are clean, the garden is impeccable, and every staff that we met was friendly and professional.....now the biggest test: the food. 

Because, I do not want to ruin the surprise for our guests I decided not to include photos of the property or tell you our menu (I will after the wedding)

Our reservation was in the Mahogany Room. The dark walls and huge chandeliers gave this room a classic, elegant and romantic mood. While on any other day I would have preferred the luxurious booths I was very happy to receive one of the 3 window tables that provided not only a partial view of the resort but also sufficient natural light which becomes important when "judging" a plate. 

It is hard not to talk about the dishes themselves because they were each exquisite...I promise I will in August after the wedding....and if you can not wait please make your way down for dinner. After we finished our dinner we were joined by Chef James Day, a wonderful award winning chef.

Being a big fan of Chef Gordon Ramsay, I have a certain expectation when it comes to restaurants and Chef James exceeded my expectations. The food was delicious, cooked to perfection and amazingly balanced. 

When we sat down at the table I was ready to take note and write down my concerns/changes/complaints....by the end of dinner I had only 2 things and none were a complaint...one was a add on to the dessert which I was happy to hear that it can easily be accommodated and has been requested in the past by others as well, the second was requesting to have an ingredient removed (chocolate syrup) because of my daughters allergy. Not only that he was happy remove the ingredient he also provided us with a number of other syrups that could be used instead.

Every person we encountered in this planning process reminded us that this will be our day and they are here to ensure everything will be on our liking....and Chef James had the same pleasant warm approach, it was truly a pleasure to have met him and we will definitely head back for dinner (not just at our wedding)...it is worth the hour drive out of Toronto, and if you have a drink or two you can always get a room in the resort and enjoy the property.

....Can't wait to head back for our wedding...

Happy Travels

Niagara with grandma

The sun is finally out and the weather is finally warm enough for a spring day trip...even if the trees are not in bloom, after a winter like the one that just passed I had no more patience before taking off.

This years first destination: Niagara Falls.

View from Skylon tower

A short drive away from Toronto (abt 1.5 hours) this World Natural Wonder is the most visited attraction in Ontario, so when we tried to decide where should we first take my grandmother (visiting from Europe) this was a no-brainer.

When we decided that we would only visit attractions that we can all enjoy, from my 3 year old son to my grandmother, I never quite realize how much of what is available that one decision eliminated.

Cliffton Hill is a block full of attractions for all ages...well, more correctly would be that there are attractions that cater to different age groups, from children to elderly, but finding one attraction that caters to all age groups is not an easy task.

in front of Hershey's store

Any of the scary attractions are not a good fit for very young kids, and then there are the kids attractions like Bronto's Adventure Playground that are not really appealing for elderly.

After we went down the list off we could have done there was only the Wax Museum, and the SkyWheel...and even them got eliminated...so we ended up doing what I would have liked to do in the first place...see the Falls.

We walked down Cliffton Hills to the popular sidewalk leading to the falls stopping and taking photos of the falls from different points (like all tourists). This was a perfect time to tell my daughter and my grandmother the names of the different falls and many interesting facts regarding them.

One attraction that we all enjoyed was the Skylon Tower. On clear days, like today, it offered a perfect view of the fall and the area around. My daughter had a blast naming the different attractions while walking around on the viewing platform.

If you are visiting the Skylon Tower with kids this is a perfect spot for an "I spy" game, and a bit of educational facts since Skylon Tower is also the perfect spot to view Goat Island, part of the first State Park.

We continued walking to Outback Steakhouse, across from the Embassy Suites Hotel.

Outback is one of our favorite restaurant chains and when we are in an are where there is one we rarely dine somewhere else. Unfortunately, there are only a very few left in Canada and for good reason. While the menu is identical in all Outbacks (it is a chain after all) the prices on the Canadian side are much more expensive, for example a blooming onion in Erie, PA is $7.99 and the same dish in Niagara is $11.99, and a New York strip is  $22.99 versus $32.99. This price difference may have bin understandable many years ago when the difference between the American and Canadian dollar where much more then the 7 cents that is now....but the Canadian economy and regulations will never allow the prices to be the same (and offer the same profit for the company)....this sadly was the main reason why there are no more Outbacks in Toronto.

Our next stop was Bird Kingdom, a wonderful aviary with many exotic birds walking and flying around freely in a huge room designed to mirror the natural habitat of these birds. There are a few places to sit down and observe all the different species. There are 2 major rooms one with small birds and one with larger ones. No matter in which room you are the initial it feels that there is not much to see...but, just like in nature, if you stop and you start paying attentions and really listen and look around you will be overwhelmed by the number of birds and how close they are to you. This is also a perfect place to observe the birds behaviour.

We took a scenic route though Niagara-on-the-Lake thwarts home, promising the kids to return there in the fall.

Until next time
Happy Travels