Adventures in Algoma! Agawa Canyon,and Wilderness Island…

A week-long Road trip to Sault Ste.Marie and Errington’s Lodge was so exciting that kids mesmerise it almost every day.

We started our trip from downtown Toronto on Friday morning, July 12th, 2013…and in three hours we were in Sudbury. In Sudbury we had a chance to meet my old friend, famous Canadian photographer, Tony Galic in his “Candid Studios Photography” office.

After having lunch together, Tony guided us to Dynamic Earth site, to take a photo with Big Nickel.

 

Then we visited Science North. This centre is full of interactive activities and hands-on workshops. Kids enjoyed polishing stones, creating surprise gift necklases for mom, then flying on Bush Plane simulator, than being on Weather TV Network program, announcing local weather forecast, watching 4D movie about forests fires, touching beautiful butterflies in conservatory, watching interactive science presentations…to name a few. WELL DONE!!! All interactive displays are modern, well maintained. Now we know, when we go next time to Sudbury, we have to spare at least two days, one in Science North, and the other full day in Dynamic Earth.

That night we stayed in Travelodge Hotel, which is conveniently located in downtown area, as well close to Science North. It is family friendly hotel, with great swimming pool (with warm water) for kids to enjoy, and hot tub, for adults to relax, after a long day.

The swimming pool and jaccuzi in Travelodge were so inviting and relaxing, that we spent the rest of the evening playing in The water.
Next day early morning we drove couple of hours on HWY to Sault Ste. Marie. This is another cute town in Ontario.

After visiting Ermatinger/Clergue Heritage site, the oldest stone building northwest of Toronto dating back to the war of 1812.

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC).

This 25,000 square foot Museum was voted the “Best Indoor Attraction” in Canada by Attractions Canada. It was exciting to have a chance to seat in cockpits of many airplanes on displays in Bushplane Museum. The flight simulator was great! Memorabilia from Dr.Roberta Bondar’s Space Mission aboard the shuttle Discovery brought to us lots of discussions about Space Exploration.

Than we visited the local Art Gallery of Algoma. There was an interesting Exhibit of Native Art.

Water Tower Inn Hotel, Sault Ste.Marie
Then we checked into Water Tower Inn Hotel. Kids had a blast there. The swimming area with three pools, waterfall, sauna, and outdoor jaccuzi/hot tub was the hit! Modern change room with warm showers, soaps and lockers were neat.

After hours splashing in water, we visited Casey’s restaurant, which located on main floor of the hotel. The food was good and well presented., especially we liked the design of the restaurant., and live music in the evening in the Pub area.

Agawa Canyon Tourist Train
Next morning , 8am we were at the train Station, all excited waiting for our Agawa Canyon Train trip. Views from the train, with rugged wilderness of Algoma Country, were unforgettable.

Agawa Canyon is a real gem of Nature.

My photo skills couldn’t show the beauty of the place. After couple hours in Agawa Canyon we took next train going to North to Wabatongushi Lake, Chapleu Game Preserve to Errington’s Wilderness Island Lodge

Errington’s Wilderness Island

Al, the owner, personally greeted us at the railway station, and with his pontoon boat transfered us to the lodge. Such a treat! Our log cabins were brightly lit and rustic. Tranquility of the lake and surroundings were inviting to stay for a longer period… After hearty dinner with steak and potatoes with mushrooms, we headed to go fishing on a boat with Al.

Back to the Passenger train Southbound to Sault Ste.Marie to our lovely Water Tower Inn.

Next morning we started with Tree Top Adventures. They located before the Joseph’s Homestead barn, 20 min drive North of Sault Ste.Marie in the community of Goulais River (www.treetopadventures.ca).
Tree Top Adventures

Boys started with Paintball game, and then the Real Adventures.

After safety briefing, they climbed all sorts of climbing obstacles.

That evening we stayed in nearby Voyager’s Lodge, conveniently located on Lake Superior three mile long white sand beach.

After enjoying warm waters and clean sand of Batchawana Bay on Lake Superior, we started our way back. In less than three hours we reached Red Lodge Resort on Lake Manitou.

Red Lodge Resort on Lake Manitou, Manitoulin Island

After having dinner at Red Lodge, we splashed in clean and warm waters of Lake Manitou. The sunset that night was gorgeous. Next day, after breakfast in Red Lodge, we drove to the ferry, to take us to Bruce Peninsula.
Ferry to Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula

Engineering marvel, double deck car ferry Chi Cheemaun

Windmills near Orangeville