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Health benefits of backcountry camping 14 MUST-SEE ONTARIO TRAILS HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENT ROPE BURNS
OUTDOOR CLUBS to join this summer
COOL GEAR HOT STUFF
READ IT. BOOK IT. LIVE IT.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR NEW CAR CAMPERS
Paddling into the sunset along the Madawaska River in the Ottawa Valley. For more paddling routes in the Ottawa Valley, visit OttawaValley.travel/paddle
ADVENTURE INCITY
Check out Dows Lake Pavilion for paddling fun
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After 16 years we’re happy to be working with Parks Canada, Mountain Equipment, and several outdoor adventure bloggers to bring social-media articles to you in “print”. Yup, instead of scrolling through to only see terrific articles very briefly, our new format combines our writers, bloggers and experts altogether to bring you loads of interesting articles. We know you’ll enjoy it. Be sure to check out the other departments from outdoor clubs, events, beers, and much more, all aimed at giving you bite-sized content to enjoy. In this issue check out the table of contents for articles on hydration; the benefits of backcountry camping; how to deal with rope burns; forest bathing; the healthy benefits of plotting uniting clean-up with exercise; fishing articles; paddling tips; loads of info on nearby hiking trails and so much more! With our ability to now be sharing these feeds and articles you’ll be able to read and refer to it here over and over again. If you have any categories or themed article pieces you’d like to see, please let us know. Don’t forget as well, to signup to get the digital version of the magazine as it will have slideshows and videos to further enhance your experience. From all of us at OTTAWA OUTDOORS, stay hydrated and enjoy the warm weather for the months ahead.
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Ottawa Outdoors is distributed FREE and picked up at more than a 100 locations around the region and into Québec and Ontario. | © Copyright 2018 | All rights reserved. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index ISSN No. 1204-69556. PRINTED IN CANADA editor@ottawaoutdoors.ca 02 | OTTAWAOUTDOORSMONTHLY
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Backpacking Basics MORE THAN HIKING, BUT ANYONE CAN DO IT IF THEY’RE PREPARED
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COOLGEAR HOT STUFF
IN THIS ISSUE
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LET’S GO BLOGGING
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Publisher’s Letter Table of contents Health benefits of backcountry camping How to hydrate this summer How to treat rope burn Get your kids mountain biking Forest bathing Let’s go plogging! Food Bites Kayak close to fish How to launch a kayak from the dock Outdoor Clubs 14 must-see Ontario trails Top 10 tips for new car campers 10 reasons to sail Explore Dows Lake Pavilion Cool Gear Hot Clothing Golf tips Canoe seats for sitting? Adventure business spotlight Hotel feature spotlight Travel feature spotlight Spirits & Beer Book Nook Running tips Backpacking basics
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| 03
HEALTH & FITNESS
Health benefits of backcountry camping BY SARAH MCMICHAEL BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING is known for being a way to experience beautiful, serene landscapes. But a backcountry trip also provides an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally. The combination of paddling, portaging, and hiking through the backcountry is a great all-over workout. Plus, you will experience a ton of health benefits simply by being outdoors. Hit the backcountry for a killer total-body workout this summer. Let’s do this! Your backcountry workout starts with portaging. Portaging can be very challenging physically, but just as rewarding. Between canoes, backpacks, and food barrels, you could easily be carrying over 45 kg of gear on your own each time you portage. Portaging will work your lower body as you maneuver through rocky, potentially uneven trails while carrying your gear to make it to your next paddling spot. Balancing canoes and other heavy items over rugged terrain will improve your balance as well. Your arms and shoulders will get a workout too, as you lift heavy gear over your head and onto your shoulders. If you are someone who is not very active in the winter, make sure you prepare for your first trip of the year by doing some exercises before heading out.
04 | OTTAWAOUTDOORSMONTHLY
You can easily wear yourself out if you’re not in proper shape. Try going for short jogs, lifting weights, and doing pushups and sit ups. Because of the long distances of backcountry trips, you end up paddling quite a bit. Luckily, paddling is good for your body in a lot of ways. Paddling is a full upper-body workout. You’ll increase muscle strength in your back, arms, shoulders, and chest from moving the paddle against the natural resistance of the water. You’ll also increase your core strength every time you paddle forward, and use those muscles to stay steady in your canoe. Paddling is a low-impact activity, which reduces the risk of wear and tear on joints compared to many other activities. Paddling is also a great exercise to elevate the heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. During your backcountry trip, you’ll also experience a myriad of brain and body health benefits just by simply being outdoors. Camping in nature takes us away from common daily stresses like traffic, work, and noise pollution. Instead, we are exposed to relaxing landscapes and stress-reducing sounds like waves, rushing rivers and bird songs. We’ve always known that fresh air is good for us, and what better way to get your dose of fresh air than on a backcountry trip? Spending more time in nature means breathing in more oxygen and less pollution. Your body functions with less strain when there’s plenty of oxygen. The extra oxygen also causes your body to release serotonin, which is considered a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness. Don’t forget to soak up the sun! Research has shown that Vitamin D may help protect against multiple diseases, is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, and may even help ward off some forms of cancer. Pair your under-thesun time with skin protection, like hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Lastly, you can catch some major Zs while in the backcountry. Sleeping away from artificial light and waking up with natural sunlight can reset your circadian rhythm, which will help you feel refreshed after a better night’s sleep. Backcountry camping is a challenging adventure, but with this exciting experience comes a whole range of important precautions to keep you safe and healthy during your trip. You’ll definitely work up an appetite from all of the portaging and paddling. Pack enough food to keep your energy levels up throughout your trip. You also
need to make sure you have enough water to keep you hydrated. Make sure you are prepared for all of the possible hazards and emergencies that can occur in the backcountry. Pack maps, compass, PFDs, and a First Aid kit. If you’re prepared for trip, you can better keep yourself and your fellow campers safe in the backcountry. At the end of the day, nothing is more rewarding than putting your body to the test to reach unbelievably beautiful landscapes in the backcountry. ~ Sarah McMichael, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator. See more blogs here: ontarioparks.com/parksblog.
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How to hydrate this summer
TRAINING
FOR TRIATHLON TRAINING AND ALL OUTDOOR SPORTS BY GEORDIE MCCONNELL EXERCISING when you’re dehydrated is like trying to swim in mud. While the mud might be great for your complexion, it will frustrate your attempts at making forward progress. Our blood acts like the fuel line for our body, keeping the machine working. Since water is the main component of blood, dehydration results in lower blood volume. With less blood available to carry nutrients to the working tissues, your heart has to work harder and harder to maintain performance, and your body struggles to control its core temperature. Sooner or later, it’s a losing battle. Why? Sweating out even two per cent of your body weight can really hurt performance. Scientific studies show that losing four per cent can cause a drop of 30 per cent in your performance level. As a very unscientific example, imagine you run a half marathon and expect to finish in two hours, but due to dehydration, you stagger across in 2:40. Here’s the single most important tip to remember regarding hydration: don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Thirst is a signal that you are already dehydrated. You want to avoid reaching this state, partly because it’s dangerous. What’s the key? Approach exercise sensibly. If you are paddling for two hours on a summer day or doing a hard spin class, your body will lose fluid through perspiration. You must drink to replace it. And perspiration isn’t the only way to lose fluid; you’ll also lose water just by breathing. That’s right! Remember seeing clouds of condensation from breathing on a cold day last winter? Moisture leaves your body whenever you exhale, warm weather or cold. Sip water regularly. That’s the first step to staying properly hydrated. When physical activity levels increase, so should your sipping frequency. By sipping, you keep a regular flow to the digestive tract from where the water is easily absorbed. If you gulp too much water at a time, it will slosh around in your stomach causing discomfort. In extreme situations, it might even overwhelm your body, causing shock. Whether you sip water or a fluid replacement drink (FRD) in the early stages of exercise is up to you. Some individuals don’t mind the extra calories, and find the flavour helps to ensure they consume enough. There does come a point though where you do need more than water. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are lost through sweat, and too much loss can negatively affect several body functions. That’s why you should consider using an FRD when you know your exercise will go beyond one hour. As spring ushers in warmer temperatures, make the most of your outdoors workout by hydrating properly. Remember to drink enough fluid for the duration of your outing, sip regularly, and don’t go swimming in mud.
HOW TO TREAT ROPE BURN
the rope burn. You may also use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to deal with pain and inflammation; 4. COVER THE WOUND with a clean gauze bandage and be sure to allow circulation to help heal the burn. If you’re in the wild and don’t have the medical supplies handy use any clean clothing you have at the ready; 5. KEEP THE WOUND CLEAN and dry as possible in the days ahead.
Nobody likes getting burned, and a rope burn can really, really hurt. Two quick tips to minimizing the damage are to keep the wound clean as tetanus bacteria may infect it, and to use clean water, antibiotic cream and a sterile gauze to protect it afterwards. TREATMENT 1. ASSESS THE WOUND, if it’s larger than three TIPS inches (8cm) in diameter or deeper than your • nothing beats a first-aid kit in your pack or upper layers of skin, it’s recommended to visit automobile (creams, gauze, bandages, pain a hospital and clean and cover the injury in the meds, etc.) interim; • keep clean water in a bottle for wounds and 2. CLEAN THE ROPE BURN with water (not potential eye injuries hydrogen peroxide) as rinsing the wound will • avoid rope burns by wearing appropriate gloves, remove small particles of rope, bacteria and dirt; long sleeves and pants when you might be at risk 3. VISIT YOUR PHARMACY for topical antibiotic of a rope burn cream or lotion and apply it to the surface area of • never grab a rapidly moving rope WWW.OTTAWAOUTDOORS.CA
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CYCLING
Get your kids mountain biking…if just for the lingo! BY DAVE BROWN “Man, I was doing a grinder on a half-track vegetable tunnel when a bear trap gave me a shark bite. So I superman to a soil sample, my sneakers potato chip, and bam! it’s a yard sale everywhere. It was awesome!” [translation] “Friend, I was riding a difficult and long uphill climb on an a very narrow dirt track through some heavily overgrown foliage when my foot slipped off, caused the pedal to crack into my shin, and chain grease to leave a mark on my calf. I then flew over the handlebars of my bicycle, did a face plant into the dirt, and my tire got severely bent causing my gear to be scattered everywhere. It was awesome!” Mountain biking. This is a sport all right . . . and most certainly one just perfect for your kids. Get them that mountain bike they’ve always wanted, hit the trails around the region, and encouraging them to start practising their mtb lingo. Yes, the world of cycling has evolved over the years from the neighbourhood streets we rode for hours on end to today’s numerous dirt trails. Mountain biking is a hugely popular sport with a great community feeling. Here are some tips to ease your children into it and get them hooked for life: STARTING OUT Let’s assume your child has experience riding around the neighbourhood and is now keen to take it up a notch. As a responsible parent, the right equipment and the right approach go hand in hand. This means you’ll want to get your child involved in the entire process from picking the bike to the gear.
For off-roading, get the biggest wheels they can handle and ensure the frame is properly sized. Next, depending on your budget, get quality components such as quick-release skewers, shifters and brakes. By visiting any of the specialty bike stores in the region they’ll ensure they’re properly geared-up. Generally though, if the kids are under the age of 10 keep them out of clipless pedals, it’s too scary. Instead, focus on investing in a good lightweight bike either new or second-hand.
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Parade with us downtown on the Ottawa River. Boat or no boat, we’ll have space for everyone! All watercrafts welcome! Bring your costumes, smiles, friends and family. Hosted by Organisé par
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Begin with your child practising on grass at nearby parks, ideally with some rolling hills, and have fun. From there, move to a nearby school or church parking lot to practise turns around cones set about four metres apart. You can even throw down some 2x4s so they can work on hitting bumps while turning and pedalling.
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NEXT STEPS Now it’s time for you both to hit the trails. Ottawa has them all over, so depending on which part of the city you live you’ll want to choose something flat, easy and wide. As your children are new to mountain biking, let them lead and encourage them to take rests when you think it’s needed. Always, always praise them, and never push them beyond their abilities. You’re the instructor, so teach them the basics. Get them to stand on level pedals off the seat when riding through a difficult patch. They’re to keep the head-up; eyes looking where they’re going; keep pedalling, and remind them their knees and elbows make a natural suspension system. TIPS • In the beginning, teach children to apply both brakes evenly when stopping. Too much rear brake pressure causes skids; easier wipe outs, and wreaks havoc on the trails. • Later they’ll learn to use the front brakes more often (about 70 per cent of the time), to keep their butt over the back tire; pedals at the 9 and 3 o’clock position, and two fingers ready to brake always. • “Stretch a skipping rope across a path and have your children stop at the rope,” says Dominique Larocque, owner of LaRoccaXC Mountain Bike School. “This drill is great for practising 70 per cent front-brake stopping in the ready position.” • Once your child has gained experience on novice dirt tracks they can advance to more difficult and rewarding trails found in the region. • Mountain biking may not be for everyone, but if the kids are up for this fun and challenging activity, they’re sure to grow to love it. . . if just for the lingo. • Don’t be a Fred or a Barney, fix your wild pigs, hammer hard, don’t bonk, and Ride On! ~ Originally published in Dave’s Outdoor column in the Ottawa Citizen.
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Healing in the forest: a guide to forest bathing LET’S TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS. With no specific destination in mind, we will wander, observe and immerse ourselves in nature. Allow our senses to guide us. When was the last time you walked into the woods with no plans? No final destination? Without a species to ID, hill to climb, or lookout to conquer? This is exactly the experience offered by a forest bathing session. WHAT IS FOREST BATHING? Forest bathing, forest therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, was developed in Japan in the 1980s. There is a large amount of scientific evidence surrounding the health benefits of spending time in nature. Because of this, forest bathing became an integral part of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. The idea is that when humans spend time in a natural setting, especially under the canopy of a forest, they experience rejuvenating benefits to the mind, body and spirit. This is not a novel concept. Traditionally people sought the restorative benefits of the forest as part of their everyday life. However, with the increase of industry and modern civilization, we moved away from the forest and into the hustle and bustle of the city. We lost touch with nature.
Trees release oils into the air, called phytoncides, and inhaling these natural essences can actually help to boost your immune system. Spending time in nature and experiencing reduced stress levels allows you to think more clearly and creatively. It can also increase your mood, focus, and energy. HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN FOREST THERAPY It’s simple! To start, find a forest near you. It could be a forested area in your neighbourhood, a local conservation area, or a nearby provincial park. Follow a trail into the forest. Once you are completely surrounded by nature stop, close your eyes, and engage your senses. Notice the smell of the earth, the sound of the birds, and the air moving across your skin. If navigating your way through a forest bathing experience on your own seems a little overwhelming, there are many organizations that offer guided experiences. Check out the Association of Forest and Nature Therapy to find a program or guided opportunity near you. ~ See more blogs here: ontarioparks.com/parksblog.
THE HEALING BENEFITS It is well known that spending time in nature is good for your health, but what kind of benefits do we actually see? People who spend time in the forest experience decreased cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which can help relieve high blood pressure, heart conditions, skin conditions, and asthma. High stress levels can compromise your immune system. By reducing these levels your body’s natural defense system is able to work its magic. WWW.OTTAWAOUTDOORS.CA
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ENVIRONMENT
Let’s go plogging! BY SARAH MCMICHAEL As the snow melts in the spring, you can often spot leftover trash along our roads, sidewalks, and trails. How many times have you walked past this trash while out for a walk, run, or jog? Did you pick it up, or leave it on the ground? A new environmentally friendly workout trend is encouraging you to stop and pick up litter during your outdoor exercises. It’s called plogging, and it’s an amazing way to keep our environment and our bodies healthy at the same time.
What is plogging?
It may have a funny name, but the concept of plogging is simple. Eco-friendly folks head out for a jog, and bring an empty garbage bag to pick up trash along the way. During your jog, you are prepared to pause, and pick up litter as you see it.
All you need is:
• An empty bag (try using a reusable bag!)
• Gloves (again, reusable is best) • Running shoes
Did you know:
• Plogging can be done on your own or as a group. Either way, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can fill up a bag of trash during a short jog! • Plogging started as a fitness trend in Sweden in 2016. It spread from country to country, and now people all over the world are taking up plogging as a way to get their workout in while taking care of our environment. • The movement of bending over to pick things up works new muscle groups in your body. • For an even better workout, avid ploggers can add in lunges or squats. If you combine this with the cardio exercise of a jog, you’re looking at a great way to stay fit. • Taking your workout outdoors has a myriad of health benefits on its own! • Nature has been proven to be good for our minds and bodies. The Healthy Parks Healthy People
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movement celebrates the positive effect nature has on our health. • Exercise in nature has a more positive effective on blood pressure and mood than exercise in a gym. Contact with nature has also been found to strengthen the immune system, help mitigate disease, and reduce stress levels. • And don’t forget about the mental benefits! Memory performance and attention span also improve 20% after spending just an hour interacting with nature. • Plogging is about something bigger than just getting a workout in. It’s about doing your part to protect our
natural environment. • Picking up trash is your way to turn an everyday jog into an interactive opportunity to give back to these valuable ecosystems. Cleaning up garbage also keeps it away from our wildlife, preventing dangerous repercussions for them. • Make sure you document your plogging efforts online with #plogging! Happy trails! Look for more great articles and blogs here: ontarioparks.com
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FISHING
Take your kayak close to the fish SUMMER FISHING NEARBY BY TIM ALLARD
K
ayak fishing is one of angling’s fastest growing pleasures. Kayaks are relatively cheap, easy to operate when the water is calm, and they let you into confined or shallow waters that are off limits to larger boats. For kayak fishing, all you need is a boat, a paddle, regular safety equipment, a rod and some tackle – simple. And there are plenty of spots worth exploring, rod on board, with a kayak in the Ottawa area. Here are a few:
OTTAWA RIVER
This long stretch of river has plenty of put-in spots near the cities and towns bordering its shores. Ottawa-area residents should consider the Shirleys Bay launch off Rifle Road in the west end, or Petrie Island off Trim Road east of town. Both are close to several islands and bays.
RIDEAU RIVER
The Rideau is a popular waterway for anglers and recreational boaters alike. Stretching south from Ottawa, the river and the Rideau Lakes system eventually run to Kingston. Here’s a link with access points and paddling information along the whole route: www. rideau-info.com/canal.
THOUSAND ISLANDS
This St. Lawrence River area is a paddler’s paradise. Filled with bays, shoals and islands (estimates of the actual number run from about 1,150 to 1,800), there are plenty of spots to tuck away from the main channel’s boat traffic and enjoy the sights while wetting a line. You’ll find many access points around Gananoque and along the Thousand Islands Parkway. For details go to www.1000islandsgananoque.ca.
Connecting a slew of lakes along its course, there’s no shortage of boat launches and put-in spots. For information on the river near its outflow, go to Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak: www.ovck.com.
FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK
If you’re hoping to combine fishing with camping, Frontenac Provincial Park is a great place to consider. Because of restrictions on powerboats on its interior lakes, the fishing can be fantastic. Visit www.ontarioparks.com for information on the park. Frontenac Outfitters (www.frontenac-outfitters.com) rents and sells canoe, SUP and kayaks. It’s just a short drive from the park entrance.
GATINEAU PARK
Close to home, Gatineau Park offers lots of paddling areas with Meech Lake, Lac Phillippe, and Lac la Pêche being the most popular spots. You’ll find more information at ncc-ccn.gc.ca
LAKE “X” AND RIVER “Y”
This last category represents those small, secluded waters that all paddling anglers keep to themselves. It’s always fun to explore and find new secret spots to add to your own list. Check out Backroad Mapbooks www.backroadmapbooks.com for Ontario and Quebec.
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MISSISSIPPI RIVER
From the border of Bon Echo Provincial Park to the Ottawa River near Arnprior, the Mississippi River is a great paddling route full of fishing opportunities.
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hawthorne@a1mini.com 3105 Hawthorne Rd.,Ottawa K1G 3V8
How to launch from a dock GETTING in and out of your kayak from a dock can be a bit more challenging, especially if you have to step down a distance. The trick is to keep your weight on the supporting structure while at the same time keeping your weight centered over the kayak so it doesn’t go shooting out from underneath you. At first, it is wise to get your sprayskirt secure while you still have the dock close at hand. Then pick your paddle up and you are ready to go.
1
2
3
4
1. Slip your feet into the cockpit, centering your weight over the kayak. 2. Turn your body so that it faces the supporting structure. 3. Lower yourself straight down into the cockpit. Depending on the length of your legs and the cockpit opening size, you may have to sit on the back deck temporarily before slipping inside the cockpit. 4. Slide down into the cockpit, maintaining your grip on the dock so you don’t float away leaving your paddle behind! At this point, you have to use both hands to get the sprayskirt on. But the dock is there for support if you need it.
PADDLE YOUR OWN KAYAK These excerpts are from this wonderful book by Gary & Joanie McGuffin. Distributed by Firefly books.
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Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUBS
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14 must-see Ontario trails WHETHER YOU’RE conquering a rocky scramble or taking a leisurely stroll across a boardwalk, we’ve got the perfect trail for you. How many of these must-see trails from around the province have you explored?
RONDEAU PROVINCIAL PARK
NEYS PROVINCIAL PARK
Island Overlook Trail Hike up this rustic roadbed to the pagoda and enjoy a spectacular iconic view of Lake Superior. Stand in the place where Lawren Harris of the Group of Seven captured and immortalized Pic Island in his sketches and paintings. Capture your moment, then sit next to the artist’s easel (interpretive panel) and read more about the Group of Seven. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the top and show it to staff at the visitor centre to receive your “I hiked to Pic Island Overlook” button! Distance: 4.5 km one way, 9 km return Difficulty: intermediate/advanced (due to steep steady climb uphill)
Tulip Tree Trail This barrier-free trail provides a close up look at Rondeau’s beautiful old growth Carolinian forest. Hikers will be awed by the towering Tulip Trees and be surrounded by rare southern species like Sassafras and Shagbark Hickory trees. This trail consists of many boardwalks where you can stop to get a great look at the sloughs and the wildlife that inhabit them. Birdwatchers flock to this trail in May to enjoy the songbird migration and hope to catch a rare glimpse of the endangered Prothonotary Warbler in its prime breeding habitat. During the summer months, it’s not uncommon to see a bright blue flash as a Common Five-lined Skink dashes across the trail. Distance: 1.2 km | Difficulty: easy (and barrier-free!)
ESKER LAKES PROVINCIAL PARK
Lonesome Bog Trail Esker Lakes is on the largest esker/moraine in Ontario. The trail circles a small, scenic boreal forest lake, crossing a treed bog at one end. Interpretive panels along the trail tell the story of the lake and bog, and point out some of the other features like glacial erratics moved by glacial ice from the far north. The mix of forest and wetland habitat are a magnet for birds – the boreal forest is known as the “songbird nursery.” Distance: 1.5 km loop | Difficulty: easy
ARROWHEAD PROVINCIAL PARK
Stubb’s Falls Trail Who doesn’t love waterfalls? At Stubb’s Falls, the Little East River rushes down a rock chute. In spring, enjoy truly spectacular blankets of trilliums. In fall, this trail is great for leafy colours. Distance: 2 km | Difficulty: easy
RENÉ BRUNELLE PROVINCIAL PARK
La Vigilance Trail The path follows the shoreline of Remi Lake through the boreal forest, with views out across the lake. One shoreline opening looks out at Airplane Island, home of a 1920s floatplane base for firespotting aircraft. Forest fire-fighting was in its infancy in the 1920s, and airplanes has only been around for a couple of decades, but the deadly Matheson Fire of 1916 caused Ontario to create a fire-fighting organisation. “La Vigilance” refers to being on the lookout for forest fires. Distance: 5 km | Difficulty: easy
SAUBLE FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK
Sauble Trail The Sauble Trail travels through a mixed forest of hardwoods and red pine plantation. An interpretive leaflet, with marked stops along the trail, explains current and historic forest management practices in the area. This trail also travels through an area of ancient sand dunes so for their protection, is for hiking only, no bicycles allowed. Distance: 2.5 km loop | Difficulty: easy
BONNECHERE PROVINCIAL PARK
MURPHYS POINT PROVINCIAL PARK
Silver Queen Mine Trail From the Lally Homestead, the Silver Queen Mine Trail leads to the restored, early-1900s, partially open pit mica mine. Take in heritage displays and check out the rebuilt miners’ bunkhouse. Access into the mine and the bunkhouse is available during mine tours only. Distance: 2 km partial loop | Difficulty: easy
Footprints in Time (FIT) Trail The trail follows the meandering Bonnechere River. The trail features very innovative posts or “museumson-a-stick.” It’s a great way for kids to explore while learning more about traditional Indigenous knowledge and park history. Some of the signposts feature instructions for on the spot activities and sensory games. Distance: 2 km loop | Difficulty: easy WWW.OTTAWAOUTDOORS.CA
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BLUE LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Spruce Fen Trail A “fen” is a fascinating world where land floats on water, plants eat animals and creatures of the water can fly. Spruce Fen Trail takes you through a black spruce fen and beaver pond environment. The trail is boardwalk-ed to protect the fen, and is also wheelchair accessible. Distance: 1 km loop | Difficulty: easy (barrier-free)
ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK
Logging Museum Trail This trail is like a walking outdoor museum, interactive and great for kids (they like to climb on train and the “Alligator” steam-powered tugboat). This trail is also wheelchair and stroller friendly. Distance: 1.3 km | Difficulty: easy (barrier-free)
RESTOULE PROVINCIAL PARK
Fire Tower Trail This scenic trail passes through a variety of deciduous forest habitats, past streams and ponds, eventually climbing to the top of “The Bluff” above Stormy Lake (Bald Eagles have been seen flying past the edge of the 100 m cliff). Gaze out over the surrounding lakes and forests (breathtaking in the fall). An historic still-standing fire tower sits atop the hill, once used to spot forest fires. Distance: 7 km loop Difficulty: moderate (several steep rocky climbs)
SHARBOT LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Discovery Trail Follow this trail along the ridge of land that divides Black Lake and Sharbot Lake. Hike through stands of maple, oak and birch and see a dramatic change in topography. From the top of the ridge, you can see both lakes. Distance: 1.2 km loop | Difficulty: moderate
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QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK
Pines Hiking Trail An extension of the Whiskey Jack Trail, Pines Trail takes in a sandy beach guarded by a stand of majestic old-growth Red and White Pine. Enjoy the solitude of the walk, picnic on the beaches of Pickerel Lake, or venture into the interior. The trail includes moderate to steep climbs. Distance: 10 km | Difficulty: moderate
KILLARNEY PROVINCIAL PARK
Lake of the Woods Trail A great alternate to some of the better-known Killarney trails, this one circles tiny Lake of the Woods in Killarney’s east end. For the best route, take the trail to the right as it forks, and climb up above Lake of the Woods, along rocky heights on its west side, with views of Silver Peak in the La Cloche Mountains off in the distance. After the route down, a boardwalk extends the trail to a small island in the lake. Distance: 3.5 km | Difficulty: moderate to difficult A FEW SAFETY TIPS • Plan ahead and share your itinerary with a family member or friend • Always carry a map, compass and flashlight • Get all necessary park permits before heading out • Bring enough water, ensure you’ve eaten well and pack snacks • Bank on getting your feet wet crossing creek beds • Get an early start. Trail sections often take longer than planned • Wait a day or two for trails to dry after heavy rain • Wear proper footwear • Consider hiking poles for steep climbs • Bring rain gear, regardless of weather forecast • Give yourself enough time to complete the trail before dark • Follow your feet to Ontario Parks Look for more great articles and blogs here: ontarioparks.com
CAMPING
Top 10 tips for new car campers Our Learn to Camp leaders offer some great advice to new or inexperienced campers, from successful packing to professional marshmallow handling. Read their top 10 tips: Hello, we’re Grace and Jamieson! We’re Learn to Camp leaders at Bronte Creek Provincial Park and, between us, we have 39 years of camping experience. If you are new to camping or have just gone a few times, check out our top 10 camping tips: 1. If this is your first time camping, it is better to bring more than it is less. Be prepared and bring a lot so that you’ll learn what you need and don’t need for future trips. 2. Plan out your site before you begin setting up. Things to remember: put your tent on high ground so that water doesn’t run off into it, check above your site for dead branches, and make sure you don’t set up anything close to the fire. 3. Hammer your pegs into the ground at a 45-degree angle away from your tent or shelter because it takes a lot less work and is sturdier. 4. Don’t overfill your mattress because you don’t want it to leak. After filling your mattress you should be able to kneel on it with one knee and have your knee sink about halfway down to the ground. Another neat trick is putting your knee on your mattress as you fill it up and then stopping when your knee is lifted up halfway.
5. Check your equipment before using it for the first time or for the first time in a while this way you’ll know how to use your equipment and be able to make sure it is working and you can set it up quickly. It will also make life easier if when you are setting up it is raining or on really sunny days. 6. It is always nice to have a kitchen bin where you store everything you need to cook, eat, and clean with. 7. Animal-proof your site by throwing out your garbage and putting away any food back into your car this way you won’t have any unwanted visitors. 8. Make sure you use quality products for your camping experience. 9. Don’t shake your marshmallows if they catch of fire. Instead, calmly blow them out. If you shake them, they can fly off and land on someone you like (and they may not like you as much after that!). Also, if you don’t like burnt marshmallows and you burned yours, you can always let it cool, then peel the blackened part off and reveal the gooey marvel inside. 10. Have fun! Remember that teamwork leads to dream work and everything is easier if you do it with your friends or family members.
10 REASONS TO GIVE SAILING A TRY 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Lifelong learning with new challenges and thrills. Good excuse to leave work early on race nights. It’s cheap on gas. A movable “cottage in the city” and no grass to cut. New friends who become old friends. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum. Sunsets at your favourite anchorage. Amazing harbours, beaches and nightlife. Salty south sea spray instead of salty roads up north. Where else do you get to be called Captain?
LOOK INTO ANY OF THESE GROUPS • Britannia Yacht Club • Advantage Boating • Ottawa New Edinburgh Club • Nepean Sailing Club • Kanata Sailing Club • Rockcliffe Yacht Club • Lac Deschênes Sailing Club • Bytown Brigantine Tall Ships Adventure
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B u c ke t l i st A d v e n t u re s . c a
See the lakes and rivers like you’ve never seen them before! From a see-through transparent kayak or scuba mask!
Own this kayak. See below. Adventure awaits! Contact us! 1-877-611-6877 www.BucketlistAdventures.ca 16 | OTTAWAOUTDOORSMONTHLY
PADDLING
DOWS LAKE PAVILION
Seven great reasons to visit this adventure location all summer 1. Lakeside escape in the heart of the city Don’t have a cottage, or the time to drive all the way out of town? No problem! Located at the base of Preston Street and minutes from downtown, Dows Lake offers an “urban hinterland” retreat in the centre of Canada’s Capital. 2. Fun on the water Try out a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), a kayak, canoe, or pedal boat, all available for rent at the Pavilion. 3. Experimental Farm Make a day of it! Bring the family and friends and after a nice paddle on the Lake, take
the quick walk over to the Central Experimental Farm and enjoy one of the many programs and attractions on offer. 4. Arboretum Paddle along or stroll through the 26 acres of diverse flora. 5. Paths and trails Jogging, walking, biking, or rollerblading, there’s hardly a nicer setting in Ottawa than the paths running along Dows Lake and snaking through the arboretum. 6. Stay fit! Whether you’re on the water itself or taking advantage of one of the surrounding areas, all activities in the vicinity offer varying degrees of physical challenge that are bound to get the blood flowing and keep you smiling. 7. Three fantastic restaurants After it’s all said and done, take some time to relax; no matter if you’re looking for Tex-Mex, pub style fare, or casual fine dining. Dows lake has it all!
Finally a mask and kayak that adds a new perspective to your outdoor adventures! YUP, LOOK DOWN AND SEE A MAGNIFIED, CLEAR VIEW OF THE WATER BELOW
Durable LIGHTWEIGHT Construction, this clear kayak is made from for 100% UVresistant polycobonate sheeting and features marine grade corrosion-resistant hardware. Its dimensions (11’x3’) supports two persons, with an included two seats and paddles. The seats are adjustable and removable giving you the option to make this a one or two person kayak. Further, it has two bright orange flotation items to help the bow and stern stand out. Also enjoy a complimentary life Jacket and transportation cart to make it easy to transport. As a bonus –– if you have to portage –– you’ll be able to see where you’re going. WHEN YOU’RE DONE paddling, enjoy this panoramic full-face mask, which offers superior views over a standard diving mask. The 180° view is beautiful for underwater adventures. It is also equipped with a movable GoPro camera stand so you can capture every amazing moment in the water and share it with your friends and family. Deep, easy breaths allow you to take in undersea sights with a unique design that lets you breathe without holding a snorkel in your mouth. It’s easier than ever so you can breathe naturally through your mouth or nose while you are snorkeling. These two products will change your outdoor water experiences. Find out more at www.BucketlistAdventures.ca.
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Amish-built Sheds Garden Sheds Cabin-style sheds Gazebos and more!
Cabin-Style Sheds from $2300 (10x10) Garden Sheds from $1750 (8x8) Gazebos from $3000 (delivered/set-up) Adirondack Chairs from $150 * each shed comes with a colour metal roof, one door and a solid plywood floor * includes free delivery & set-up around region * many sizes available (up to 10x24s) * options: stain, windows, extra door, ramp
Contact Mike: (613) 229-6080 – mike@jandmharvey.com or – mikesharvey59@gmail.com www.jandmharvey.com 6044 Perth St., Richmond, ON * Prices subject to change based on U.S. dollar
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“We are thrilled with this gazebo. My husband got it all leveled easily and he is quite impressed with the quality and service. Thank you for your help and a wonderful addition to our home. “ ~ Glenda Bidwell, Renfrew ON
COOLGEAR HOT STUFF
TOMMY ARMOUR IMPACT SERIES PUTTER—$129.95 Elevate your performance on the green with the Tommy Armour Impact Series No. 3 Alignment Putter. Suited for golfers with a straight back, straight through stroke type, this high MOI mallet putter features a face balanced design and perimeter weighting for unmatched control. A multi-compound insert combines high grade 6061 aluminum with elastomer backing for outstanding feel and feedback. Precision milling across the entire face ensures consistent contact and roll on impacts across the face. Look for it at GolfWorksCanada on Industrial.
FULL FACE SNORKEL ADULT MASK W/GO PRO MOUNT–ANTI-FOG & ANTI-LEAK DESIGN | $40 – 180 ° Panoramic Viewing (Camera not Included)- (Blue) – Comfortable Fun in any body of water – Dual airflow technology; eliminates condensation – No choking or biting down on the mouth guard. The air hole will be closed when the snorkel tube immersed in water and will provide several minutes for you from the air in the mask, and the air hole will open again once the snorkel tube is in surface of water Easy to Breathe + Anti-Fog: Double air-flow channels, separate inhaling and exhaling channels structure (high volume air-flow structure allows 20%-50% more than other mask) avoids air mixture and fogging issues, more relax exploring the undersea world. Look for it at www. BucketListAdventures.com or on their Amazon page https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07D41R7ZT
DYSON V7 CAR+BOAT VACUUM | $349.99 The Dyson V7 Car+Boat vacuum takes the strain out of vehicle and boat cleaning with its powerful yet compact design and additional tools that easily tackle dirt and debris, even in the most difficult spots. It also contains a standard 12V accessory socket for charging on-the-go. Other key features include: • Dyson Digital Motor - powered by the patented Dyson digital motor V7, it spins at up to 110,000 rpm to create a powerful suction. • 2-Tier Radial™ cyclones - 15 small cyclones create strong centrifugal forces, to capture dirt and debris. • Lightweight and maneuverable - the power dense motor sits in the hand so the centre of gravity is close to the wrist. At only 3.8 lbs., cleaning footwells, the dashboard and storage spaces requires little effort • Up to 30 minutes of fade-free suction • Car charger – connects to a standard 12V accessory socket for charging on the move. Look for it at DysonCanada.ca
CLEAR, TRANSPARENT KAYAK | $2700 See the water in an entirely new way. By Bucket List Adventures, it comes with a trolley, life-jacket, two seats and two paddles. This ocean kayak is made from 100% virgin important GE Lexan Materia 6mm solid polycarbonate sheet with UV resistant functional layer and features marine grade corrosion-resistant Hardware,Anodized Aluminum frame. It is 11ft (L) X 32.2in (W) with a depth of 12in. Seats are adjustable and removable giving you the option to make this a one or two person kayak. The two bright orange flotations at the bow and stern are for viewability. *PORTABLE : LIGHT WEIGHT: 20.9 kilograms *RECOMMENDED:Maximum Weight Capacity is 425lbs. Look for it at www.BucketListAdventures.com or find it on their Amazon page.
THE ULTIMATE CAMPFIRE GRILL | $89.99 (w/Free carrying bag and Ottawa delivery) Invented right here in Ottawa by Mallory Lloyd, The Ultimate Campfire Grill is an outdoor and multi-level grill ideal for all your outdoor excursions and cooking needs. It gives you the freedom to get creative with your outdoor cooking, thrive in the wilderness and cook on a SAFE surface. Made out of 100% stainless steel this grill uses NO chemicals, paints or coatings that are unsafe to cook food directly on. • 100% stainless steel, and environmentally-friendly • 22.6” x 15” bottom grill cooking area and 11” in length for top cooking grill • When folded the grill is only 2.5” in height and weighs just 5lbs • It’s made in Canada, and has a strong and sturdy structure • Allows for multi-level and temperature cooking; top grill locks into four different positions to meet your cooking needs and will not collapse while cooking • Lightweight and portable, and easy to use • Buy once with no additional costs in the future (unlike camp stoves that require repeat purchases of gas canisters). Find out more at getoutstayout.ca WWW.OTTAWAOUTDOORS.CA
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GOLF TIP
PITCHING FROM THE ROUGH BY GORD PERCY LEFT – This shot is often required to get the ball out of, or over, trouble such as rough, sand, or water. The ball is placed closer to the middle of your stance and your weight should be 50/50 to start with. Hold down
on the club a bit for control. This setup and shot are just mini-versions of your normal full swing. MIDDLE – The backswing should not be as long as a full swing. You want to control distance by how far back you take the club. You should feel some wrist hinge and your weight should shift to your back foot, just as you should in a full swing. If you are in trouble on the course, use this technique to get yourself back safely to the fairway.
RIGHT – You should feel some ground contact as you come forward to the ball. Accelerating past the ball is a must to ensure you get the ball up into the air and the club through the rough. Your follow-through should at least match the length of your backswing and you should finish with most of your weight on the front foot.
Helping businesses get Ready for the Workday®
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PADDLING
Why canoe seats are not (always) for sitting on. BY PAUL MASON On a perfect day, with the minimum of canoeing knowledge and a well-balanced (trimmed) canoe, the canoe seats work well for sitting. However, on a windy day with a canoe that is not correctly trimmed, sitting on the canoe seats is an invitation to swim. A scenario. Let’s say dad –– who is the big guy who naturally knows how to canoe because he is Canadian –– arrives at the dock with his young child. Dad unloads the lightweight prospector canoe, the child gets in the front (bow), and sits on the aforementioned “seat”. Dad tosses the snacks and fishing gear in the back (stern) where he’ll be sitting for their paddle. He climbs in, sits on the seat with his knees up, feet firmly planted on the bottom of the canoe, and let’s go of the dock. Splash! Hopefully they have a change of clothes and maybe some hot chocolate, because right now they’re all wet, and dry clothes and a hot drink would be much appreciated.
How could this have been avoided? Explanation. The stern seat is closer to the end of the canoe than the bow seat, so even if paddlers are the same weight, the stern will sink lower into the water. Compound this with an adult being heavier than a child, the canoe being very light and the prospector shape having very narrow ends, and you get the perfect storm. The result is the bow is now in the air (Fig.1), and the wide centre area of the canoe is now out of the water. Dad is now trying to balance on a very small narrow part of the canoe (Fig.2). The slightest gust of wind (possible), or sudden movement of the child (inevitable) and we roll the dice to see if they stay upright. How can we avoid using up all our hot chocolate while still near the dock? Begin each trip by putting the extra gear up in front of the child to balance the trim of the canoe (Fig.3). Altneratively, turn the canoe around so the bigger person is kneeling against the bow seat, facing the stern. A child won’t mind sitting on the stern seat, facing the
stern either. This ensures the centre area’s widest part of the canoe is in contact with the water (Fig.4). Remeber to be sure to let the smaller person in first and kneel with their bum on the edge of the seat. Knees should be wide apart on the bottom, or pushing against the sides of the canoe if legs are not long enough to kneel. Bigger person then gets in, kneels on the bottom of the canoe, bum resting on the seat. Then holding the midpoint of their paddle and putting the blade in the water, they let go of the dock and grab the top grip of their paddle. Ta-da, hot chocolate can be saved until later.
~ Paul Mason is a Paddle Canada canoe instructor and patron. He shares his love of canoeing through his canoe courses and website: canoeinstruction.co
• HIGH-DEF TVs and PROJECTOR SCREEN for sports! • HOT DISHES & COLD BEER! • GREAT SPORTS & LIVE MUSIC
• THREE PUBS IN ONE! Distinct rooms provide something for everyone. Call to book! • MINGLE with friends • LIVE MUSIC Fridays & Saturdays
BOOK OUR PARTY ROOMS.
TEAM SPONSORSHIPS.
ONE GREAT LOCATION!
3320 McCarthy Rd. Ottawa, ON 613.680.4411
www.moosemcguires.com • Moose McGuire’s is a popular family-owned neighbourhood pub in Ottawa South. • Serving the freshest and tastiest pub fare in the city. An alwaysdelicious and reasonably-priced 5-star experience. 22 | OTTAWAOUTDOORSMONTHLY
Get away from it all
ADVENTURE SPOTLIGHT
GUIDED OFF ROAD ADVENTURES Take the road less traveled.
• GET AWAY from the daily grind and visit places most people will never have the opportunity to see after your easy and comprehensive safety orientation • EXPLORE with your guide deep into the beautiful Madawaska Valley around Barry's Bay • ENJOY peaceful secluded forests, muddy water crossings, climbing to the top of the Canadian shield, and never-ending breathtaking views • COOL OFF with a swim at some of the most stunning and remote lakes in the area. Your lake, all alone • CREATE memories and friendships that will last a life time! We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal experience for everyone Your tour will make regular stops to enjoy the scenery, take pictures, or have a snack and some refreshments. We always have a chance of spotting local wild life, including deer, moose, bob cats, owls, eagles, bears, wolves, & many other inhabitants of the Valley. You will discover something different around every corner as every guided ATV tour offers something new and exciting.
BOOK TODAY AND GET AWAY FROM IT ALL!
CONTACT US – 613-697-4195 valleyadventuretours@gmail.com
ValleyAdventureTours.com
5 STAR REVIEWS! “Met them at the outdoor show in Ottawa, very nice people, love their business and will definitely get my vacation with their ATV tours!” Jean-Sébastien “Great host! Thoroughly enjoyed our private tour of the trails. Steve was very layed back and let us go at our own pace. Stopped at beautiful look outs. He knows the ways inside and out! We’ve done many tours of this sort in various counties and this was by far our favourite! Will definitely be back.” Kelley “Steve and Chris took us out for our first ever ATV experience and it was great! They took their time, showed us how to use the ATV and made sure we were comfortable with the terrain . . . tackling the rough terrain was AMAZING! We would love to come back with friends.” Amy
BOOK ACCOMMODATION WITH OUR PARTNERS! • Deacon Escarpment • Four Seasons Algonquin Cabins • Adventure Lodge • Couples Resort & Spa • Spectacle Lake Lodge • Sands On Golden Lake • Sunny Hill Resort • The Ash Grove Inn
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Visit the new Hotel X Toronto AN ESCAPE WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection is the newest luxury hotel in one of the most vibrant cities in North America. The 404-room downtown urban oasis, located at Exhibition Place on Toronto’s lakeshore, has a wealth of amenities unrivalled by any downtown hotel, including four indoor tennis courts, a fullservice spa, two year-round heated swimming pools and TEN X TORONTO—a 90,000 square foot athletic centre with its own children’s area. Hotel X Toronto is set to become a Toronto landmark destination on the waterfront as it welcomes visitors to its restaurants, art gallery, cinemas, event spaces, historical exhibits, beer garden and its three-storey rooftop SkyBar. ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES
The Pond: Indoor/outdoor heated, 50-foot pool with year-round access on the 28th floor of the main building, overlooking Lake Ontario. The Cinema: 243 stadium-style seats, 11,500 square feet, double height. Screening Room: 56 seats. New Fort Hall: Archaeological interpretation centre commemorating the history of the New Fort since its construction in the 1840s. Kandy Gallery Toronto: Art gallery showcasing the work of Canadian photographer Neil Dankoff.
RESTAURANTS, BARS AND LOUNGES
Petros 82: A 10,000 square-foot Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, located on the garden level and accessible from the hotel lobby, which includes two private dining rooms with a 15-person capacity each, plus seasonal outdoor seating. Petros 82 is a high-end culinary experience that embraces Hotel X Toronto’s passion for flavourful, natural and sustainable food. Maxx’s Social Kitchen: Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the 2,500 square-foot restaurant is located on the second floor, with a 1,350 square-foot outdoor terrace. Bits and Bytes: A fresh self-service market and casual dining area located on the second floor. Library Club Lounge: The private 2,200 square-foot third-floor VIP lounge is reserved for hotel guests only. Falcon SkyBar: The 10,000 square-foot, three storey
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rooftop bar and lounge consists of three spaces: “The View,” “The Perch,” and “The Nest.” “The Pond” at Falcon SkyBar is a 50-foot pool reserved for use by hotel guests and club members only. TEN X TORONTO: Includes a members’ lounge and café with a large window overlooking the tennis courts, a Starbucks with a lounge and outdoor patio, and a Nutrition and Juice Bar stocked by Schinoussa™ and featuring Daniel Nestor products. Stanley Gardens: A beer garden located around the historic Stanley Barracks.
TEN X TORONTO
• An inspired athletic facility featuring 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space including: • Four Deco Turf indoor tennis courts surfaced by Tennex, with 50-foot ceilings and extraordinary views. • Nine glass back squash courts constructed by McWIL Squash, Inc., including seven International singles courts and two American doubles courts. • 25-metre FINA approved roopop pool for lane swimming, relaxation and aquafit classes • Fitness centre lined with over 50 machines from Technogym’s Arts collection, ranging from cardio and strength to functionality equipment. • Hot yoga studio. • Pilates studio with reformers and Cadillac systems • Spinning studio launching Technogym’s new spinning concept called Group Cycle
• Spacious fitness studio for group classes, cardio blast, circuit training, Zumba and more. • 6,000 square-foot full-service spa with ten treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites, plus pre- and post-treatment lounges overlooking the lake. • State-of-the-art golf simulator with 90+ course options. • 3,000 square-foot Children’s Play Centre, run by highly trained caregivers. • 3,000 square-foot ProShop/Lifestyle Centre offering select merchandise.
STATS
Storeys: 30 (the Hotel Tower), 4 (TEN X TORONTO), 2 (the Stanley Barracks) Lobby: A triple height (30-foot) entrance located in the main hotel tower, with a fireplace, garden access, bar, restaurant, VIP private check-in lounge, concierge desk, sundry shop, art gallery, and a dedicated departure lounge with boarding pass printing facilities and views of take-offs and landings at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The New Fort Hall archaeological interpretation centre will commemorate the history of the New Fort since its construction in the 1840s. Guest Rooms: 404 rooms – 39 of which are suites. Presidential Suites: Two Presidential Suites are
available. One Presidential Suite offers a two-storey living room, fireplace and the option to include up to three bedrooms. The other Presidential Suite is a singlelevel luxury penthouse with up to two bedrooms, both with extraordinary views of the city and Lake Ontario. Parking: An underground parking garage for 411 vehicles with both valet and self-parking available, plus 14 dedicated charging stalls for electric vehicles—eight Tesla stations and six universal stations. Shuttle Service: Complimentary car/shuttle service is available to transport hotel guests to Union Station and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
MEETING AND EVENT SPACE
Hotel X Toronto’s meeting and event facilities bring an unrivalled multifunctional venue to Toronto, significantly enhancing and expanding the meeting, event and conference opportunities available at Exhibition Place. Over 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space is located between the ground and fourth floors of the main building and includes two ballrooms, 11 meeting rooms, a 243-seat cinema and 56-seat screening room, and two outdoor event spaces able to accommodate up to 4,500 guests.
Library Hotel Collection
The innovative and much-acclaimed Library Hotel Collection includes seven properties, including Hotel X Toronto. Each hotel has its own distinct style and personality, but what they all share is their commitment to providing timeless beauty, unpretentious service, exceptional value and an outstanding travel experience for every guest. The collection’s New York City properties include the book-lovers’ paradise, the Library Hotel, on 41st and Madison Avenue; the country French-style Hotel Elysée on East 54th and Madison Avenue; the relaxed, contemporary Hotel Giraffe on 26th and Park Avenue South; and the cozy Moroccan-motif Casablanca Hotel in Times Square. And in 2015, the Library Hotel Collection opened a new music-inspired hotel, the Aria Hotel Budapest. The sister hotel to the Aria Hotel Prague, which the Library Hotel Collection launched in 2003. Aria Hotel Budapest was recently named the “Number One Hotel in the World, 2017” by TripAdvisor members.
When visiting, make Hotel X Toronto your preferred stay.
111 Princes’ Boulevard | 647 943 9300 stay@hotelxtoronto.com
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TRAVEL
Going to New York? Love Italian food? Check out Tony's after a Yankee's game and stay at any of the Library Hotel Collection’s suite of hotels.
STAY IN ANY OF THESE TOP-RATED SUITE OF HOTELS
The Library Hotel Collection is commited to providing timeless beauty, unpretentious service, exceptional value and an outstanding travel experience for every guest. A stay at the LIBRARY HOTEL is the perfect way to say “I Love You” to the booklover in your life! They’ve teamed up with two New York City literary icons to create the ultimate book lover’s “guilty pleasure”. Enjoy the rooftop bar, which serves literary inspired cocktails. Located at 41st and Madison Avenue. HOTEL ELYSÉE is just steps from the offices in Midtown Manhattan. Upon arrival you will find a dozen red roses, strawberries and a fourpiece box of Leonidas chocolates. Located at East 54th and Madison Avenue. HOTEL GIRAFFE is the country French-style stay where romance flourishes. Located at 26th and Park Avenue South. CASABLANCA HOTEL allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of New York City from the 69th floor as you relax in this cozy Moroccan-motif. Located at Times Square.
PHOTOS: NEW YORK YANKEES
Nothing says New York like visiting a Yankees game. See you there! Visit www.Yankees.com to book your tickets to enjoy the game with family and friends. Visit Yankee Stadium and tour the legendary history of the greats past and present.
www.Yankees.com 26 | OTTAWAOUTDOORSMONTHLY
OutdOOr Getaway
OutdOOr Getaway Only a shOrt drive frOm Ottawa, Only a shOrt drive beautiful Quebec frOm Ottawa, city awaits yOu. beautiful Quebec city awaits yOu.
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In the heart of Quebec City lies Frontenac. In the heartChâteau of Quebec City lies Château Frontenac.
elcome to Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Standing on a bluffLe overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is not merely a hotel located elcomehigh to Fairmont Château Frontenac. in the heart of Old Québec – it is the heart of Old Québec. Standing high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is not merely a hotel located Offering exquisite dining opportunities, superior meeting facilities and a distinctive European charm, this stately hotel stands above in the heart of Old Québec – it is the heart of Old Québec. historic Old Québec, a United Nations World Heritage Site. • A stay at the château permits you easy walking access to all of the Offering exquisite dining opportunities, superior meeting facilities and a distinctive European charm, this stately hotel stands above wonderful sites and facinating historical areas that Old Québec has to offer. • A visit at this restored heritage hotel will guarantee you a historic Old Québec, a United Nations World Heritage Site. • A stay at the château permits you easy walking access to all of the memorable and inspiring experience in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. wonderful sites and facinating historical areas that Old Québec has to offer. • A visit at this restored heritage hotel will guarantee you a To book your escape, please visit telephone memorable and weekend inspiring experience in one ofwww.Fairmont.com, the most beautiful cities in the1(800) world. 441-1414, or email ChateauFrontenac@Fairmont.com.
To book your weekend escape, please visit www.Fairmont.com, telephone 1(800) 441-1414, or email ChateauFrontenac@Fairmont.com.
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RUNNING TIPS BY JOHN STANTON
QUESTION: I took a break from running over the winter and as I tried to get back into it this spring, I began getting a stitch in my right side, in the same place at the same time during each run. I’ve found that if I stop and stretch during this time, the stitch works itself out but then it returns. I’ve tried breathing differently, holding my arm above my head when I feel it coming on, massaging the area that hurts and nothing seems to be working. Any suggestions? ANSWER: You are doing some of the things that will usually help alleviate what’s commonly called “runner’s stitch.” The truth of the matter is, sports medicine professionals do not agree about what causes this discomfort. Here’s what I’ve learned while working with runners; start very slowly and gradually build up the intensity of the run. Many runners have found that the sudden start of a run and their laboured breathing during the first 10 minutes causes the discomfort.
Another thing to concentrate on is “belly breathing.” Concentrate on breathing deep in your diaphragm, versus high in your chest. Pursing your lips as you breathe out also helps in fully exhaling and relaxing the diaphragm. Try to really focus on staying as calm as possible. And keep your breathing relaxed and controlled. All of us have a tendency to start our runs with too much intensity, rather than gradually building up the intensity. MOTIVATIONAL RUNNING TIPS: 1. Plan and schedule your daily workouts. 2. Be flexible within your schedule. Just commit to completing the workout. 3. Be creative when planning your workouts. Use normal down/ waiting time to get in that run, stretch session, or cross-training session. 4. Read, listen to or watch something humourous. A good laugh gets rid of most stress. The thought of my good friend Nick Lees running a marathon in a tutu usually does the trick for me.
RUNNING
5. Vary your workouts. Running the same distance or course every day can soon lead to boredom. A little speed or some hill repeats will put spring back into your stride. 6. Run with a friend. You can motivate each other. 7. Imagine yourself in a race leading the pack that is 25 metres behind you. Push just a little. 8. In a safe area, put on headphones and listen to some music, a motivational tape or a comedy tape. 9. Mix it up. Change the time of day you normally run; run in a different direction; run a new workout; or read a great new running book like Running Start To Finish. 10. Best yet, run past a hospital to remind yourself how fortunate you are to have your good health. It’s a fragile gift you must look after. 11. Savour each run as it is special in its own way.
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BACKPACKING
Backpacking basics MORE THAN HIKING, BUT ANYONE CAN DO IT IF THEY’RE PREPARED BY SHANNON PEDDELL
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HEN SOME PEOPLE hear the term “backpacking” they think of extreme nature enthusiasts or mountain climbers, and it’s no wonder. This recreation has been distorted by misunderstandings and myths, so here’s an effort to clear things up. BACKPACKING OR HIKING Hiking is a relatively unencumbered walk, in nature, away from housing, roads, stores and the like. It lasts up to a few hours. Backpacking is in the same setting, but lasts more than one day, and you carry camping gear, a lot heavier than a day pack. You’ll be far from society in the woods, so map and compass navigation is necessary and a GPS or cellphone are good ideas too. Beginners should stick to a well-marked trails. FITNESS FOR THE TRAIL Just because you are hiking multiple days, those days don’t have to be long. If your one-day limit is five kilometres, then hike the five and set up camp. That said, anytime you strap on a loaded backpack, the intensity goes up, so train before your first overnighter (you could find a tall office building and climb its stairs repeatedly). Then research your chosen trail. If you can’t find out enough about it, pick another that suits your level. New backpackers need short practice hikes with a backpack to learn about balance and adjustment and how the body reacts to extra weight.
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COSTS Ultra-lightweight backpacking gear can be expensive, so look for clearance items and don’t spend a fortune. But spend where it really counts. Don’t skimp on boots – they need to be durable and comfortable, waterproof and more stiff and supportive than light hiking boots or shoes. Before you go on long hike, wear new boots around the house and on short hikes to make sure they fit and are broken in. Outdoor clothing can be pricey, but it generally lasts a long time and can be the difference between a cold body and a warm one, a ventilated body and one soaked with sweat. Look for breathability and wicking, that special fabric trick that gets moisture away from your skin. Backpacks are costly and come in many sizes and types, so get fitted by someone who knows what they are doing – if they don’t add weights and stuffing to your pack while trying it on, ask someone else. WILDLIFE Wildlife encounters are scarce, but animals warrant a cautious approach. Bears (a few in some backpacking areas), coyotes (lots of them, everywhere), wolves (rare) most often avoid people. They become a problem only if careless people teach them that humans are food suppliers. So … • Keep food away from your tent (and scented toiletries too). • Store food in a bear canister to keep it safe, but hanging food off the ground works too. But don’t
hang a canister! The rope becomes a handle for a bear to carry it away. • Make yourself heard. A bear will hear you long before you hear it. Bells work well, but even talking or whistling is good. • Cook and clean up well before dark and away from your camp area. NAVIGATION Learn how to use a map and compass and/or a GPS. If you have never hiked the area, contact the trail association or park office for guidance and estimates of hiking times. Two to three kilometres per hour hiking time is standard, but if you’re new at it, make that two km/hr. This gives extra time to handle difficult terrain and enjoy the scenery. Set aside time for rest and food breaks. Set a morning departure time and stick to it, and get to your next campsite before dark – so you have to know sunset times. Know too that things get darker soon in the bush. STAYING FIT You may end up with a few blisters or hot spots even with properly fitted boots that you broke it ahead of time. Put moleskin on hotspots or blister points before they damage your feet. Same deal with a backpack: get one that fits properly and learn how to adjust it and weight-balance it. POOPING IN THE WOODS If you’re squeamish, get over it. Dig a “cat hole” and cover it up, and stay away from any water source. There are actually YouTube videos with tips for doing doo in the woods.
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8 Convenient Locations Across Ottawa
• Coventry Road • Prince of Wales at Hunt Club • South Keys • Walkley at Heron • Orléans • Kanata Centrum • Carling at the Queensway • Greenbank at Hunt Club
Coming soon!
• Lincoln Fields • Clyde at Baseline • Ottawa Train Yards • Barrhaven
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THIS SUMMER!
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