June 12, 2022

Immersing Ourselves in Nature and Giveaway

nature hikes
We are excited the weather is finally warming up and school is coming to an end. Due to the pandemic we didn’t take risks venturing too far from home during the past couple of years. This summer, we plan on travelling within Ontario and discovering some hidden gems. As we plan on making some memorable travel experiences this summer we read three inspiring books: Nature Hikes, Waterfalls of Ontario, and 125 Nature Hot Spots in Ontario. We also plan to visit some unique Ontario Parks by taking advantage of their annual pass.
nature hikes ontario
Nature Hikes by Janet Eagleson is a unique guide written as a narrative. It includes the author's personal experience during her adventures to 39 Conservation Areas in the Toronto region. It has information about flora to fauna to geology and history with full-colour maps. This causal, easy and fun to read book is organized by geographic regions - east, west, north, south, and central locations in and around Toronto using simple practical terms. The informative sidebars throughout the book is interesting it includes some fun information such as Why do birds sing?; Plant Invaders; Wonderful Wetlands; How To See Wildlife, and more. The photographs by Rosemary Hasner showcases some beautiful areas. For each area the author includes
  • Highlights, Difficulty, Trails, Markers, Surface, Type, Open, Entry Fee, Directions, Activities, Dogs Allowed 
  • Description of the site, history or points of interest and tips on what to do and see 
  • Map of the Conservation Area indicating roads, watercourse, trails, entrance, parking, natural features such as forest, wetland, and birdwatching or fishing spot
We are happy that the author reminds readers to admire the nature's beauty from a distance without touching. This is important so we can all enjoy green spaces, and keep it clean for nature to thrive and flourish for generations to come. Being surrounded by nature has lots of pros and this rejuvenating experience is good for everyone, which is why it is important when we go on hikes to respect everyone around and enjoy the sites quietly by keeping pets on leashes and young children close and quiet. 

Nature Hikes is a must-have guide for groups and individuals who love wild places and the special creatures that live there. Perfectly sized for car side pockets.

nature hikes waterfalls ontario

125 Nature Hot Spots in Ontario: The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places by Chris Earley and Tracy C. Read is a reader-friendly guide that explores the remarkable diversity of Ontario's wild lands from its soaring clifftops, subterranean caves and thundering waterfalls to the province's tallest white pine, the oldest rocks on Earth and the warbler capital of North America. 

The guide is organized by region; Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario South, Niagara, Eastern Ontario, Central Ontario North, Northern Ontario. Each destination includes a descriptive profile illustrated with colour photographs, map, at-a-glance information about special features and contact details.

bonnechere caves
Our wonderful experience at Bonnechere Caves while we camped at Bonnechere Provincial Park and visited the Bonnechere Falls

Some of the fascinating places in this book includes Ontario parks such as Long point, Pinery, Wheatley, Forks of the Credit, Bon Echo, Rondeau Provincial Park, and many more. Did you know Rondeau Provincial Park is the best place to spot warbler in Canada and other at-risk species? 


Each Ontario Park is unique and there is always something fascinating, to learn, explore, and discover. We have visited quite a few during the past years, and have a made a list of some we want to check out this year using the Ontario Park Pass. The Seasonal Day Use Permits can be easily purchased online, and it makes it convenient to visit different parks all across the province.

arrowhead provincial park
During our quiet hike at Arrowhead Provincial Park we spotted a deer

Some of these hot spots are surprisingly close to towns and cities, some are hidden urban treasures, and many are ideal for a day trip. These family-friendly destinations will appeal to naturalists, budding botanists and biologists, photographers, hikers, campers and paddlers. We love that this author too reminds the readers to "always remember that you're a guest in a place inhabited by other creatures do your best not to disturb their world."

black beaver falls

Black Beaver Falls in Algoma at the Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park when we visited the Soo

Waterfalls of Ontario by Mark Harris is the definitive guide to enjoying and exploring the province's most beautiful waterfalls. The full-page colour photographs by George Fischer in this fourth edition features over 150 waterfalls.


During our adventures we have gone to see waterfalls and visited a few in different parts of Ontario. The author shares hidden gems like Paradise Lagoon, Webwood Falls, Old Man River Falls, and more. The book covers waterfalls in the following regions: Algoma; Cottage Country; Eastern Ontario; Greater Toronto; Hamilton; Lake Huron; Northeastern Ontario; and Northwestern Ontario. 


There are pictures and text describing the characteristics, history and geography of the falls. Accurate driving directions and GPS coordinates make finding each falls easy, and sidebars feature handy information, such as the nearest settlements, walk time, trail conditions and the height of the waterfall. 


We enjoyed learning about the rocks, water, different waterfall types, features, how it is important for the society, what to know before visiting waterfalls, safety, responsible waterfalling, if you are into photographing waterfalls there are tips included in this book.


Some of these interesting waterfalls can be seen when visiting different Ontario Parks. There are some wonderful suggestions such as camping at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park when going to see the Rainbow Falls and travelling between regions. This attractive reference book and is a beautiful regional travel guide for all types of travellers - weekend explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to visit waterfalls in Ontario, check out this book and this website by Mark Harris waterfallsofontario.comRemember when visiting waterfalls do so with respect, the author mentioned that due to the pandemic there were many people who overused and misused the places, which caused some waterfalls to close and others to have new restrictions. 

bridal veil falls
Our visit to Bridal Veil Falls in Manitoulin Island

Giveaway:

Want to win a copy of 125 Nature Hot Spots in Ontario and Waterfalls of Ontario enter the giveaway using the giveaway tool below before June 30th. This giveaway is open to everyone in Canada. Please leave comments and follow my social media networks to be eligible to win.

Update: The winner is Piroska

Disclosure: Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2022. Please Ask First

21 comments:

  1. I want to win these books for ideas of places to explore with my family and friends.

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  2. We live in beautiful Eastern Ontario and are enthusiastic about camping in different parts of our beautiful province. We love to travel and explore all the Provincial Parks. One of my favorite places to visit is along the St. Lawrence Seaway but I would be super excited to visit the Rainbow Falls Provincial Park and to discover other fabulous places mentioned too like Beaver Falls. Wow! This is so breathtaking and would be such an epic prize to win for sure. I would also love to take pictures of all these memorable places and make an album of my own.

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  3. We traveled on the Agawa train ride in Sault St. Marie where we saw some wonderful untouched wilderness and natural falls with breathtaking views of nature. I loved it and cherish those memories!

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  4. We love exploring Ontario and our favourite spot is Algonquin Park, it is amazing in Summer and Winter

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  5. Can’t wait to go hiking this summer and fall, Canada has such lush and diverse forests :)

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  6. My favourite region in Canada is northern Ontario, I haven’t been able to venture too far yet I hope to add more provinces to the favourites list soon!

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  7. I love the sudbury and niagara areas
    I would love to learn more about the rest of Ontario

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  8. I would love to win these beautiful nature books to enjoy with my hubby & grandson.
    The Niagara region is my favourite region in Ontario.

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  9. After two years of doing nothing, this is the "Year of Experiences". We have plans to visit Algonquin Park this summer. Thanks for giving. Besos Sarah.

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  10. I'd love to win the books so that I can plan some trips in the future.

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  11. The books look fantastic. I love to dream a little, about where I'd like to go, and what to see.

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  12. It would be amazing to explore the province I have been living in my whole life. I love the Algonquin park area.

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  13. I would love to read win these books as it would give me an idea of places to take my grandsons this summer.

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  14. We would like to visit all those places and stay in Ontario this summer.

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  15. I would love to win the books and travel to Ontario. We have only traveled west to Alberta and BC so it would be fun to explore somewhere different.

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  16. Love to explore Ontario! Fav is the Niagara region

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  17. I love all the parks and trails we have right here in Toronto

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  18. I love the Mattawa area. I would love to win these books because I am interested in exploring more of Northern Ontario (and I love a hike with a waterfall)

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  19. I would love to do a trip of visiting waterfalls.

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  20. We live in Eastern Ontario and I love the Niagara Region as well. I love to hike and explore new places to visit & would really enjoy these books.

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  21. I would love to win so that I know of all the beautiful hotspots of our country. Some of these pictures look gorgeous.

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Thank you for commenting :)