Travel Blog

Laughing our way to NB

Feb 26, 2022 - Heading to Fredericton, New Brunswick

Kilometers to next geocache: 582

It’s off to Fredericton we go! On our way to the New Brunswick capital, we’ll be passing through some interesting places, including St-Louis-de-Ha!Ha!. This small community in Québec began as the site of a Roman Catholic mission in 1860 and entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2018 with the distinction of being the only town in the world with two exclamation marks!

Haha is an archaic French word for an unexpected obstacle, which probably refers to Lac Temiscouata where early canoe travelers were forced to begin an 80 km overland portage to Notre Dame de Portage on the St Lawrence.

Edmundston, N.B.

New Brunswick Botanical Garden

The New Brunswick Botanical Garden is a provincial park that sits on 8 hectares of land along the Madawaska River and has the largest arboretum east of Montreal.

Opened in 1993, the Garden has more than 80,000 plants, and includes 12 thematic gardens (e.g. rose, annual, perennial), displays that vary from year to year (e.g. Butterflies of the World, Birds and Colours, Tulips), and impressive mosaicultures (sculptures using plants). There is also an herbalist shop, the popular Café Flora, and a gift shop with amazing local crafts.

There is also an antique automobile museum on the same grounds, and the Trans Canada Trail passes beside the park.

(Photo credit: Daniel Aucoin, photographe. - Daniel Aucoin, CC BY-SA 4.0, httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid=6810462)

Grand Falls, N.B.

Grand Falls Waterfall and Gorge

Grand Falls is the largest waterfall east of Niagara Falls, dropping from a height of 23 meters (75 feet) into a sheer faced gorge. The gorge is over 1.5 km in length. There’s a 1.6 km trail that explores the gorge before connecting to viewing platforms overseeing the waterfall that flows into the St. John River.

In the spring of 2008 a freshet (the flood of a river from heavy rain or snow) mesmerized New Brunswick by temporally converting the waterfall into powerful rapids. The gorge was filled with water rushing through removing any visual of the falls.

Grand Falls: waterfallsnewbrunswick.ca/waterfalls-of-new-brunswick-blog-archive-grand-falls/

Hartland Covered Bridge

Heartland Covered Bridge

First built in 1901 and covered in 1922, the Hartland Covered Bridge is the world’s longest covered bridge at 1,282 (391m) long. It crosses the Saint John River from Hartland to Somerville.

In 1907, a fire burnt some of the structure, and in 1920, two spans of the bridge collapsed due to river ice. The bridge was declared a National Historic Site in 1980 and a Provincial Historic Site in 1999.

Wikipedia contributors. "Hartland Covered Bridge." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 1 Mar. 2022. Web. 4 Mar. 2022.

Welcome to the Chutes

February 24, 2022 - Kilo-marker: 924

GEOCACHE #2 Chutes de la Chaudière

We’ve reached our second geocache located in the beautiful city of Lévis, Québec!

First Nations and prehistoric peoples were settled in the area of Lévis for thousands of years because of its ideal location where the Chaudière and St. Lawrence rivers meet. Archeological sites revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to 10,000 years ago.

Today, Lévis is home to several large employers, including Frito-Lay, and Davie Shipbuilding. The Desjardins Group are also headquartered in the city. Its founders, Alphonse Desjardins and wife Dorimene, ran the first Caisse Populaire from their home in Lévis.

Wikipedia contributors. "Lévis, Quebec." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 15 Jan. 2022.

The St. Lawrence River

The St. Lawrence River flows from Lake Ontario to the North Atlantic Ocean and is the primary drainage outflow of the Great Lakes Basin. It passes through or along the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, as well as the U.S. state of New York (serving as an international boundary between Canada and the United States.)

Bordering many indigenous homelands, the river was always and remains to this day a primary thoroughfare for many people and industries.

Originally known by a variety of names by local First Nations, the St. Lawrence became known in French as le fleuve Saint-Laurens in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain. However, today the river is still known amongst indigenous nations by a number of distinct names, including: Magtogoek (Walking Path) by the Algonquins; Micta sipi (Huge River) by the Atikamekw of Nitaskinan; Wepistukujaw Sipo by the Innu-aimun in the Nitassinan language; and Kahnawá’kye (Big Water Current) by the Tuscarora.

GEOCACHE - Chutes de la Chaudière

The 35-metre-high falls are spectacular! Visitors can view the breathtaking falls from a 113-metre-long suspension bridge or from several other lookouts accessed by walking and hiking trails, and a cycle path that’s also part of the Trans-Canada Trail.

The area is great for picnics and fishing. The site was exploited from the beginning of the 20^th century for its hydroelectric potential. The current dam, rebuilt in 1999, supplies a small power plant. As well, there is an Interpretation Center in the reception building where you can learn about the remains of Amerindian camps discovered during archaeological digs that testify to the passage of nomadic groups in the area around 8000 years ago.

“Chutes-De-La-Chaudière Park.” Parcsnaturelsquebec.org

“Parc des Chutes-De-La-Chaudière.” Bonjourquebec.com

Looking for Lévis!

Feb. 11, 2022 - Heading to Lévis, Québec

We’re on the road again, heading toward our next destination, Lévis, Québec. To get there, we continue to follow the Ottawa River.

This river runs along much of the border between Ontario and Quebec, and is a major tributary (river that flows into a larger river) of the St. Lawrence River. Over 1200 kms long, the Ottawa River was a major trade route of Eastern Canada and played a vital role in the life of the Algonquin people who lived throughout its watershed. The river is called Kichisìpi (meaning “Great River”) in the Algonquin language. The Algonquin defined themselves in terms of their position on the river, referring to themselves as the Omàmiwinini, 'down-river people'. Although a majority of the Algonquin First Nation lives in Quebec, the entire Ottawa Valley is Algonquin traditional territory.

We pass by other interesting places as well:

Gatineau, Québec

Canadian Museum of History

Just across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s most-visited museum and one of the oldest cultural institutions in North America.

The museum originated from one stablished by the Geological Survey of Canada in 1856. It has gone through many name and place changes, but relocated to its present location in 1989. In 2013, the museum adopted its current name and modified its mandate to further emphasize Canadian identity and history.

The museum contains over three million artifacts and documents with some on permanent display while also hosting temporary, travelling, and online exhibitions.

“Canadian Museum of History.” Ottawa Tourism.

Wikipedia contributors. "Canadian Museum of History." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 17 Jan. 2022.

Montréal, Québec

Old Montreal (Historic district)

Old Montreal (or Vieux-Montréal) is a historic neighbourhood within the municipality of Montreal.

Founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie, the area gradually became known as Montréal (referring to the mountain Mont-Royal) in the early 18^th century. During the Depression, the relocation of port facilities further east left the area barren and by the mid-20^th century plans to get rid of the old infrastructure was being proposed. However, thanks in large part to the work of urban planner Daniel van Ginkel, most of Old Montreal was declared a historic district in 1964, protecting the many structures that date back to the era of New France. Now, the historical legacy of Old Montreal is a major asset to the municipality and is the leading tourist destination in Montreal.

Wikipedia contributors. "Old Montreal." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 30 Aug. 2021.

Drummondville, Québec

Village Québécois d’Antan

Located in Drummondville, and established in 1977, the Village Québécois d’Antan is a historical village and living museum depicting life in Québec during the 19^th century.

The village is comprised of 70 authentic buildings, including a school, a general store, a doctor’s house, and a cabane à sucre (sugar shack). There are also 18 economuseums (workshops that highlight traditional skills and craftsmanship) and actors in period costumes reproducing the activities of artisans.

The village has annual events for certain major holidays, like Le Village Hanté in October, Le Village Illuminé Desjardins at Christmas, and Village Sucré in the spring during maple syrup season.

Wikipedia contributors. "Village Québécois d'Antan." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 11 Dec. 2020.

Welcome to Ottawa!

February 3, 2022 - Kilo-marker: 486

GEOCACHE #1 The Centennial Flame

We made it to our first geocache, located in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa!

Founded in 1826 as Bytown, and incorporated as Ottawa in 1855, the name Ottawa was chosen in reference to the Ottawa River, a name derived from the Algonquin word Odawa, meaning "to trade."

In 2019, the city surpassed a population of one million. Besides being our nation’s seat of Parliament, Ottawa is home to a number of colleges and universities, research and cultural institutions, including the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Canada, and numerous national museums.

Parliament Hill

Colloquially known as The Hill, Parliament Hill is a Gothic revival suite of buildings that is the home of the Parliament of Canada. The Hill attracts about three million visitors each year.

Originally the site of a military base in the 18th and early 19th centuries, development of the area into a governmental precinct began in 1859, after Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada. Following several extensions to the parliament and departmental buildings and a fire in 1916 that destroyed the Centre Block, Parliament Hill took on its present form with the completion of the Peace Tower in 1927. Since 2002, an extensive $3 billion renovation and rehabilitation project has been underway throughout all the precinct's buildings; work is not expected to be complete until after 2028.

Wikipedia contributors. "Parliament Hill." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 25 Sep. 2021.

GEOCACHE - The Centennial Flame

The Centennial Flame is a monument on Parliament Hill commemorating the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. The flame was first lit in 1967 in the presence of then prime minister Lester B. Pearson. The Flame is fuelled by natural gas and surrounded by a fountain whose ledge contains the shields of Canada's 13 provinces and territories (the plaque for Nunavut was added in 2017).

This Flame was erected as a temporary monument, but due to great public support it still stands today. Any money thrown into it serves as a donation for people with disabilities, some of whom have received over $5,000. Because of the fire that burns above the water, the fountain does not freeze, even in the middle of the winter.

Wikipedia contributors. "Centennial Flame." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 3 Jan. 2022.

We're off!

January 18, 2022 - Kilo-marker: 0

Marymount Academy, Sudbury, Ontario

As we leave the City of Greater Sudbury and head east toward our first destination, Ottawa, we pass through several noteworthy communities.

NORTH BAY (Birthplace of the Dionne Quintuplets)

Five girls -—Émilie, Yvonne, Cécile, Marie, and Annette—were born prematurely on May 28, 1934, near Corbeil, Ontario (just outside of North Bay).

In 1935, Ontario made the quintuplets wards of the government. A hospital was built for them to live in which became known as “Quintland.” The quintuplets became international celebrities during their early years—making films, endorsing products, and attracting hordes of tourists to northern Ontario.

Their father regained custody in 1941; in 1998 the sisters successfully sued the government for separating them from their parents.

The “quints” were remarkable in being the first medically and genetically documented set to survive more than a few days. The Dionne set had a sixth member that aborted during the third month of pregnancy. Extensive studies conducted by the University of Toronto established that the set originated from one fertilized egg. The Dionne quintuplets arose through repeated twinning of the early single embryo; therefore, six embryos were produced, and the five infants surviving birth inherited the same genetic material.

Today, the two surviving quints, Annette and Cecile, and will turn 88 in 2022.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Dionne quintuplets". Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dionne-quintuplets.

MATTAWA (Geographically Significant)

Mattawa is a bilingual town in northeastern Ontario, just across the river from the province of Québec. It sits on traditional Algonquin Nation territory – if fact, Mattawa’s name means “Meeting of the Waters” in the Algonquin language. The town is located at the confluence of the Ottawa and Mattawa rivers and is the oldest settlement in the Nipissing District. A geographic hub, Mattawa has an extensive network of historic canoe and portage trails, as well as roads and railroads. Mattawa is also home to Antoine Mountain, a ski hill that includes a 2.9 km run, the longest in Ontario.

“Mattawa.” https://www.tfcg.ca/history-of-mattawa.

https://www.planetware.com/canada/top-rated-ski-resorts-in-ontario-cdn-1-205.htm

DEEP RIVER / CHALK RIVER (Home of Chalk River Laboratories)

Chalk River Laboratories is a Canadian nuclear research facility in Deep River near Chalk River, about 180 km from Ottawa.

The facility began in 1942 as a collaboration between British and Canadian nuclear researchers. By 1945 the facility saw the first nuclear reactor outside of the United States become operational.

The Laboratories produce about one-third of the world's medical isotopes, and about half of the North American supply. Despite the declaration of peaceful use, from 1955 to 1985, Chalk River facilities supplied plutonium, in the form of spent reactor fuel, to the U.S. Department of Energy to be used in the production of nuclear weapons.

CRL is a site of major research and development to support and advance nuclear technology. It has expertise in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology, and engineering, and hosts unique research facilities.

Wikipedia contributors. "Chalk River Laboratories." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 22 Dec. 2021. Web.

Canadian Forces Base PETAWAWA

Occupying over 30,000 hectares along the Ottawa and Petawawa rivers, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa was officially opened in 1905 as an eastern Ontario summer-training militia camp. Built along historic fur-trading routes, it had roles in both world wars as a major military staging and training base, especially for the artillery and engineers, and as an internment centre.

In December 1914 a Prisoner of War (POW) Internment Camp opened at Camp Petawawa, called Camp 33, housing 750 German, Austrian and Italian POWs. It closed in May 1916.

Following the outbreak of WW II, Camp 33 was re-opened and at one point housed 718 German, Italian, and Japanese civilian internees. In 1942 all civilian internees were transferred to other camps. German officers and other ranks were interned at Petawawa until Camp 33 closed in 1946.

Renamed CFB Petawawa in 1968, the base is a major centre for combat troops of the Canadian Army and its soldiers participate in combat and peacekeeping missions around the world and are available for emergency response missions in Canada.

Haycock, Ronald G.. "Canadian Forces Base Petawawa". The Canadian Encyclopedia, 04 March 2015, Historica Canada. www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-forces-base-petawawa.

Dianne MacKinnon. “Canadian Internment Camps.” Petawawa Heritage Village, August 2011.

https://www.petawawaheritagevillage.com/history/canadian-internment-camps

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