Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS COME FIND YOUR WANDERING SPIRIT BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET O ver a billion years ago, the forested hills of Ontario's Highlands were mountains higher than Canada's Rockies. Following four glaciations, the rugged Canadian Shield has now become an ex- plorer's wonderland of geological deposits, fossils, and sparkling lakes and rivers. Wherever you roam, you'll encounter friendly people and delight in hands-on experiences, whether you're sampling syrup at a maple shack, carving your own paddle or rock-hounding for gems. Ontario's Highlands, between Toronto and Ottawa, are the heartland of the province. PADDLE ANCIENT BYWAYS Long ago, explorers traversed these water- ways by canoe. Today, you can delve into the canoe's heritage along the Canadian Canoe Route (www.thecanadiancanoeroute.ca). From Toronto, drive to The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough to appreci- ate its collection of vintage watercraft (www.canoemuseum.ca ). Then unwind with farm-to-table gourmet meals at Elmhirst's Resort and a voyageur paddling trip on Rice Lake, or take the Free Spirit Adventures "Day in the Wilderness" Canadian Signature Experience - CSE (www.elmhirst.ca ). Signature Experiences, certifi ed by national and provincial organizations, are unique adventures found only in Canada or a particular province. In Barry's Bay, enjoy a wide range of paddle sports at Madawaska Kanu Centre (www.mkc.ca ), a new CSE. Choose activities ranging from a two-hour introduc- tory fl atwater or moving water course, to a fi ve-day program at the centre's rustic lodge. Next, explore the centuries-long relation- ship between Canada's Native peoples and the birchbark canoe at the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre ( www.thealgonquinway.ca ). Drive through unspoiled highlands to OWL Rafting, another new CSE (www. owlrafting.com ). There, brave the rapids of the Ottawa River on a guided whitewa- ter rafting tour, or take a gentler excursion followed by a pontoon boat cruise and a barbecue. Camp under the stars or stay in a private cabin, then awake to birdsong and the sizzle of bacon. The fi nishing touch is a stop at Aboriginal Experiences in Ottawa ( www.aboriginal experiences.com ). Paddle a voyageur-style canoe to Victoria Island, where Aboriginal ambassadors will greet you with powwow- style dances. LanarK CoUntY • SiMon LUnn CaLaBoGie PeaKS reSort ONTARIO