S’Mores – Campfire Treat

S'Mores - a Campfire Treat - toasting marshmallow on open fire and s'more

A second marshmallow toasting on the flames and an open s’more ready for its addition.

Anyone who has grown up in Canada – camping, going to the cottage, or in the Scout or Girl Guide movements – knows all about s’mores. Short for “some more” they are so good, it’s what you have to say, “s’more please!” Note that Americans claim to have invented this treat but I believe they may have been the first to write down what Canadians had been doing for generations. Continue reading

Finding our Muskoka Soul

Group of women watching sunset over the lake

The sun sets over Lake Muskoka

On this sunny, unseasonably warm day in a Muskoka forest, I have my eyes peeled for mushrooms. We’re having a Scavenger Hunt and all the items on our list can be found in this lovely stretch of woodland near Muskoka Soul‘s Cliff Bay House.  A maple leaf is another challenge in this forest of oak and pine, but we find one. It’s a cooperative effort and I find myself revelling in the fresh forest scents. Continue reading

End of the Line on the Underground Railroad – Chatham, Ontario

Quilt with underground railroad symbols

Gwen Robinson points out the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad stitched on this quilt, on display at the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society

The little town of Chatham, Ontario is the terminus of a very important railroad – one without tracks or engines. The Underground Railroad brought escaping slaves to Canada, and many found refuge in Chatham, which became known as the ‘Black Mecca’. Continue reading

Canoe – Canada’s Transportation

Canoe-Canada's Transportation

Canoeing in Algonquin Park – an Ontario tradition.

Without the canoe, Canada’s history might have been very different.

Designed by Canada’s First Nations, the canoe allowed early explorers, fur traders, missionaries and colonists to travel across the North American continent, eventually finding a route right to the Pacific Ocean. Continue reading

Bonhomme Carnaval

Bonnehomme

Arriving at the airport in Quebec City, I can’t resist a photo with a familiar character.

Bonhomme Fun Facts

To most Canadians, Bonhomme is as familiar as Santa Claus and he’s immediately linked with Carnaval, Quebec’s unbeatable way to warm up the winter.  But did you know these little known Bonhomme facts? Continue reading