The Towns and Cities of Northern Ontario
- Algoma Country
"A Diamond in the Rough�
Be it summer or winter, offers a multitude of activities geared to the avid outdoorsman or the weekend family camper.
Approaching , I realize that this is a special place. Whether I am traveling west from the Sault, or East from Thunder Bay/Nipigon, I witness breathtaking scenery - the vast openness of Lake Superior and the enveloping closeness of the woodland forest.
Whenever I have to travel now, I make sure that I have my camera and field glasses and that I stop at one of the many roadside rest areas along the way. I may be lucky and spy a �salty� on its way to the Lakehead or making its way back east, laden with grain. Occasionally I will just sit and take in the grandeur of the largest freshwater lake in the world.
One of the things I still find amazing is the abundance of wildlife sightings: moose, bears, a lone wolf and one that I will never forget, a doe with her fawn crossing Highway 17. And of course, I have photos of my kids posed beside one of Canada�s most famous roadside attractions, a 2 tonne, 28 foot high Canada goose welcoming people to .
A few years ago, I spent some time in one of the area�s campground sites. As is the custom in campgrounds, one gets to meet and talk to a wide variety of people. It is amazing the things one can learn around a campfire! The reasons these people gave for being in the region were as varied as they were.
A couple told me about their canoe trips along the Lake Superior Park coastline. A few mentioned the hiking trails, especially the Magpie Trail that follows the Magpie River to Scenic High Falls ending at Silver Falls. Others related tales of fishing holidays and �the one that got away�. Some spoke of the quiet, peaceful �return to nature� atmosphere found in the area.
Some spoke of seeing traditional dancing at the annual Native Gathering while others lauded the talent showcased at the Summer Musicfest.
One couple I happen to meet were going to try their luck (again!) at the annual Salmon Derby (�$20,000 in cash and prizes!�) And if that wasn�t enough, these same fisher-people were looking forward to the Lake Trout Ice Fishing Derby (�Over $80,000 in cash and prizes including a pick up truck, snowmobile, trailers!�).
I remember one night, sitting around the campfire with some of our new friends, listening to stories of snowmobile treks. Apparently our campfire-mates participate in something they call the �Superior Snow Challenge Loop� that can take them from to Dubreuilville, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge, Marathon and White River. (These people call this a holiday? I still get shivers!)
(Ojibway for �Wild Goose�) is a recreational haven, no matter the taste � truly �A Diamond in the Rough�.
