Beauty of Lake Superior

We enjoyed a small vacation along the shores of Lake Superior home of clear cold water, forests that are so vast and geology that makes the shoreline a maze of textures, angles and rock types. We also tried panning for gold but found none, so not independently wealthy yet.

On a small island with a glacial pothole

We camped in Lake Superior Provincial Park Agawa Bay on a lot just seperated from a beautiful beach by a small camping road. As Ontario alone is so vast it takes some time to get up to the northern shore of Lake Superior so you need to plan your route and places to stay - it is about 9 hours from Toronto but worth the trip to take in the sights and attractions of Northern Ontario.

This is channel cut out of the rock by glacier water flow, the black rock eroded easier than the Canadian Shield rocks

Looking towards Agawa Rock Pictographs

So glad we brought the kayaks to explore the edges of the great lake, especially around Lake Superior Provincial Park and the Agawa Rock Pictographs. You can see the giant rock faces rise sharply above the lake, rocks that seem to change every twenty feet, going in different directions and crisscrossed with seams of other rocks, some which eroded faster that others showing signs of glacial flows pushing boulders around like nothing and rounding them into smaller rocks and pebbles and eventually down to the familiar granite sand. The water is so clean and with colours of green and blue that are startling beautiful.

A small storm swept through the area, rained bit, blew some stuff around, then had a few lightning bolts that started a in the park. It took them a couple of weeks to get the fire under control.

The smoke made more dramatic sunsets and turned the day's sun orange through the smoke

Looking up the geology of the area I was fascinated to find that the north shore was part of a continental rift that started to split up the North American continent, poured lava from volcanos, then felt the impact of the glaciers scraping the surface, then eroding areas with massive volumes of glacial melt. The ground is still rising every year from the missing weight of the glaciers.

art on the beach

An earlier sunset before the smoke

Snowbirds fly into the Canadian Warplane Museum

It was a special day in Hamilton as the Canadian military acrobatic jet team met up with a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and did a number of flyovers before landing at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum for a meet and greet. The weather on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 was a little suspect but it remained clear enough for the B-25 to take off and meet the jet team after their recent appearance at the Barrie Air Show. The heritage flight did a pass over the museum before heading to Niagara Falls and later over Toronto for the flyovers, returning to land at the airport. 

The clouds were angry around the museum

The grounded Lancaster

The Snowbird's old CT-114 Tutor aircraft are being retired from the team in 2026. The last scheduled performances will be in October will be in the States, otherwise there are a number of events in September - including over Toronto during the Canadian International Air Show. It is anticipated that the new planes will be propeller driven, Swiss-made CT-157 Sisken II aircraft which may take until the 2030's to be used by the team. These aircraft are also to be used for early pilot training in the Canadian military. This is season 55 for Canada's jet team.

Snowbirds rolling in towards the museum

The B-25 and Snowbird heritage flight

B-25 bomber heading taxiing out to meet the Snowbirds

Firing up the twin-engine bomber

Lancaster out with the Snowbird jets during a pilot meeting

Snowbird team meeting around one of the jets wing

During initial planning the Avro Lancaster was proposed for the heritage flight, however a brake problem grounded the historic bomber and a B-25 Mitchell bomber was fired up as the Lancaster's replacement. The Snowbird team was anticipated in Hamilton around 2:30pm but first a single Snowbird did some maneuvers over the airport before landing to setup the landing area. As the balance of the Snowbirds flew south, the B-25 took off to meet up with the other eight jets to begin the heritage flyovers.

See more photos from the museum after the jump.

Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham 2026 tickets now on sale

When one track closes, another opens. Ticket sales have started for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham race, coming soon to a town near you, especially if you live in the GTA. You can now buy 2-Day Reserved Grandstand or General Admission along with pit and paddock access tickets for the August 14-16 racing event. Free Fan Friday returns for the Markham race with entrance courtesy of a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish Canada and sponsored by the Ontario Honda Dealers Association.

“It’s an exciting day to be opening up public ticket sales for the inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham," said Jeff Atkinson, president of the event. “This new venue in Downtown Markham will offer expanded sightlines across multiple grandstand locations around the 12-turn track. Some great general admission vantage points are also in store for fans. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to this new festival site on August 14th!”

The temporary street course is a 12-turn, 3.52km winding through the downtown streets of Markham. The race festival also comes with food trucks, displays, activities and other attractions. Eight races will take place during Race weekend from a number of race series, including NASCAR Canada Series, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire, the USF2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tire, and the Emzone Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin.

There are four grandstand locations along with a number of general admission areas, perfect for viewing the new home for the only Canadian race "for the world’s fastest race car drivers from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES".

Niagara Renaissance Faire

Niagara gets the ball rolling for the Central and Southern Ontario 2026 Renaissance Faire season with their Faire running Saturday to Sunday, May 16 to 17 in Fireman's Park. It is a big park and there is plenty of parking spread throughout the grounds (mostly on grass), a building with bathrooms and vendors as well as vendors through out the Faire area. Additionally there was entertainment, battle (both mounted and dismounted) and quite a few food trucks to keep everyone fed.

Many of the attending guests ($25 adult tickets at the event) also dressed up in various periods and style, such as pirates, medieval, fantasy and even a family of mice. There were also a few leashed dogs on site so it was very pet friendly.

From the Faire's Facebook site, "Welcome, good gentles all, to the Niagara Renaissance Faire!
Pray, gather with us and partake in the revels of the Renaissance, where valiant Knights and their noble Coursers clash in feats of sword and skill, where thou may’st test thy mettle in “Fight the Knight,” and behold stirring contests upon horseback! Try thy hand at Archery and the throwing of the axe; marvel at the Birds of Prey in flight; witness the forge aflame in the Blacksmith’s art; and wander the living Medieval Encampment!

Be entertained by wondrous spectacles and merry minstrels: the conjurations of Zoltan the Adequate, the lofty feats of Aerialist Kai in Wonderland, sweet airs upon the lute by MacLeod the Bard, the gentle strings of Harpist Carol Farrar, and lively bands such as Thunder Glove and Whiskey Business! Peruse the wares of merchants, crafters, readers, and skilled artisans! Feast upon roast pig, mighty turkey legs, and a bounty of victuals fit for lord and commoner alike! Come forth to eat, to drink, and to be merry!
A faire welcoming all ages and families fair and true, with a Pub Night reserved for those of nineteen years and more."

NASCAR Canada Series 2026 Schedule back in Canadian Indy Race

NASCAR is down one province and up 2 more races from the 2025 to the 2026 schedule and they are back in to the upcoming 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy on the Streets of Markham race weekend, where the last time with Indy was 2023. The stockcar series is run on ovals, roads and street circuits and starts with the May Victoria Day holiday weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.

From Nascar Canada Series “The 2026 schedule reflects our continued commitment to offering a balanced and competitive season for our teams and our fans,” said Alan Labrosse, General Manager of the NASCAR Canada Series. “With a variety of track types and strategic event spacing, we believe this calendar provides a strong foundation for both sporting and operational success.”

"The 2026 season includes three doubleheaders at Autodrome Chaudière, Autodrome Montmagny and Edmonton International Raceway, with events spanning across Québec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta. The calendar features five oval tracks, along with three road course venues, including a return to Calabogie Motorsports Park following a successful first appearance last year.

The schedule also features two street circuits. The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R), a pillar of Canadian motorsport tradition, once again delivers its unmistakable urban challenge. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy returns to the calendar as well, now hosted on the streets of Markham, reviving one of Canada’s most celebrated motorsport weekends."

Two photos by Fresh Joe from the time of CASCAR before it became the NASCAR Series

2026 NASCAR Canada Schedule

1) May 16-17: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (ON)

2) June 6: Autodrome Chaudière (QC) *Double header

3) June 27: Riverside International Speedway (NS)

4) July 4: Autodrome Montmagny (QC) *Double header

5) July 18–19: Calabogie Motorsports Park (ON)

6) July 25: Edmonton International Raceway (AB) *Double header

7) August 8-9: Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (QC) Street Circuit

8) August 14-15: Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham (ON) Street Circuit

9) August 29: Complexe ICAR (QC)

10) September 5-6: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (ON)

11) September 12: Delaware Speedway (ON)

Ontario Renaissance, Pirates and Medieval Faires 2026

Time to sharpen those swords and axes, it's almost time for a battle royale on the field of honour - as long as your squire holds the horse for you and provides the little step thingy to stand on. Listen knave, here come the remaining days of your life so check out these Renaissance Faires around Central and Southwestern Ontario.

Niagara Renaissance Faire, Niagara Falls around May 16-17.
Wentworth Medieval Faire, Ancaster May 22-24.

Glengarry Renaissance Festival, Maxville May 30-31.
Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival, Elmira June 5-6. 

Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek Dundurn Historic Site, Hamilton June 6-7? 

Grey Highlands Renaissance Festival, Owen Sound June TBD. Might be pushed out to 2026?

Essa North Renaissance Faire, Barrie June ?

Black Creek Renaissance Faire, Toronto June 19-24.

Maidens of the Mist Renaissance Faire, West Niagara, July 4-5.

Great Lakes advertising at the Niagara Renaissance Festival

Great Lakes Medieval Tournament and Faire July 10-12.
The Fergus Medieval Faire July 25.

Salty Dogs Pirate Festival, Goderich TBD - hopes to be back in 2026.

Ontario Pirate Festival, Guelph August 1-3.

Rustic Renaissance Faire, September 6-7 at Andrews Scenic Acres, Milton.

Kings Town Renaissance Faire, Kingston September 11-13.
Royal Medieval Faire, Waterloo (cash only) September 19?

Oxford Renaissance Festival, near London September 25-27.

Plus you can join a pirate ship at Pirate Life Toronto and sail the high seas of Lake Ontario from May to October, or chow down while watching knights battle at Medieval Times in Exhibition Place.

Also check out the beauty and pageantry of Indigenous Pow Wows in Ontario as listed at this site.

Fall Colours at the Bluffs and Guild Park Scarborough

It's the perfect one-two punch destination along the water's edge in Toronto's east end, first Bluffer's Park and the Scarborough Bluffs then second, the art in Guild Park and Gardens further to the east. Add in the beautiful fall colours along the vertical parkland and boom, what a visit.

One of the floating walkways has flipped in the water control area using a multi-cell system 

Now the bluffs aren't made of low-eroding Canadian Shield rocks, they are made from the deposits of sand and clay deposited from the advancing and retreating glaciers between the colden days (combo of old and cold!) of 70,000 to 12,000 years ago. This stuff erodes on a daily basis and you can compare pictures over the years and see the changing face of the bluffs and note the piles of materials that fall to the ground. There are relatively few piles of the gray soils at the base of the cliffs because they keep getting washed away by the currents of Lake Ontario, taken toward the Toronto Islands which were formed by the deposit of soils far from the bluffs.

A lone abandoned sailboat, the Genetic Drifter, sits along the rocky western beach of Bluffer's Park, pounded by the waves. 

Toronto has eleven parks along a 15km stretch of Scarborough Bluffs starting from the Eastern Beaches and proceeding east to East Point Park. The pull of gravity combined with wind and water have created the exposed cliffs which are fascinating and make a great backdrop for exploring the areas. Bluffer's Park has parking (free during weekdays prior to 5pm), bathrooms, beaches and pathways along with a marina (with real live-in house boats). Summer weekends can get a little crowded and often results in traffic restrictions and Brimley Road is a little more vertical than pedestrians or bicyclists would like, especially with narrow roads lacking in pathways. The park itself was built in the 1970s and 80s with about 2.6 million cubic metres of fill poured into the lake.

Then just a quick 20 minutes away to the east you can find Guild Park and Gardens which is a sculpture and architectural component sanctuary in a large park running along the bluffs along with an inn and lots of history. Lately the park has been upgraded and banquet facilities have been bookended to the inn and it really has become home and support for the artist community.

Built in 1914 the Guild Inn was a mansion for a war hero before being purchased and turned into a residence and centre for arts and artists. Then it was taken over for a number of years during World War II by the Canadian Government before returned to the owners in 1947. The art continued to expand after the war but was split from the property and made into a City Park in 1978, while the hotel continued in operation until finally closing in 2002.

Now the park is open for exploring and special events as well as the annual art festival "Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival" as well as the Guild Festival Theatre operating in the Greek Theatre (the one with all the columns) during the summer.

The outdoor stage Greek Theatre

Mono Cliffs Park in Fall

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is full of beautiful forests, ponds and trails, including part of the famous Bruce Trail, and with fall colours it really pops.  You can walk along the cliff top or take a stairs and a boardwalk through breaks in the cliffs. The park is open year round and requires a day use parking pass.

Parking entrance is through an automated gate which scans a bar code which you need to buy online, preferably before you get to the park because cars can stack up waiting to buy online at the park and there is not much of a driveway while you wait. The pass can be bought up to five days in advance and you have to pick your time, four hour blocks ($8.50) or an all day pass ($18.00).

Mono Cliffs is just over an hour north-west of Toronto, just past Orangeville.

Take the stairs on the north-west side of the cliff top/Bruce Trail to go down into the cracks and crevices of the escarpment cliffs

The park map

See more photos of the park after the jump.

Ontario Fall Fairs 2025

As the foliage starts to change colours the fun of fall fairs return as destinations that help to unite communities and get the stuffed toy and goldfish in a bowl distribution system going into high gear. While the Canadian National Exhibition has finished for the 2025 the local, small town fairs are putting in stakes and setting up rides even as we speak.

Of course the bookmark of the season is Toronto's Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Royal Horse Show which also takes place in Exhibition Place November 7-16, 2025.

You can look up local Ontario Fairs at a few sites including the following.

Destination Ontario

Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies

To Do Ontario