Category: Ontario Vacations

Single Older Woman – Canadian Beaches – Sandbanks – Beach #8 Accomplished

July 14, 2023

Another glorious day, hot and blue skies! Not that I really like the heat, but as long as I’ve got an abundance of bottled water, a/c in the car and a pool or lake nearby, I’m good!

As I’ve done on my other summer beach road trips, I chose a local motel in Napanee #FoxMotorInn for my stay. The motel boasted a lovely small kidney shaped outdoor pool in the back and a local family owned restaurant across the street. With only 4 days taken for this short beach vacation, I had a lot of driving to do and a lot of exploring and walking to do…LOL..

With my Ontario Parks Daily Vehicle Permit pass already in the car and with my parking spotty guaranteed, off I went in search of sun, sand and beach. This beach – #SandbanksProvincialPark is VERY VERY busy in the summer. By the time I had arrived, the entrance to the park was 100 cars deep.

I unloaded my stuff from the car and hauled it all, first to the restroom to get changed and then to the beach to get settled. The place was packed! I settled in for a bit and then made my way out to the water. Having accepted that not all beach shorelines are created equal and that Wasaga Beach is one of the few, where one does not have to navigate and tip toe over thousands of tiny stones before one can enter the water, I donned my water shoes and headed in……Glorious!!! to say the least.

I swam for a bit to get a feel for the water and to cool off, most definitely!

I returned to my chair to grab my phone and waterproof phone case and now went in search of someone or a group of swimmers, willing to record my swim.

I came across a group of 5 women, frolicking in the water and who clearly were all best friends. I introduced myself, told them my story and asked for their help.

They were more than happy to oblige. Here we go!!

Sandbanks Beach now complete!

I thanked these lovely ladies and made my way back to my chair. It was now mid afternoon, the sun was blazing, and with not a cloud in the sky, I was feeling the heat. Plus my phone battery was low and I still had to drive back to Napanee, I worried too that having my phone in a dark hot duffle bag, may affect its systems.

I bid adieu to the ladies and made my way to the car. I kept my swimsuit on, with a t-shirt overtop and drove back to the motel.

Once I got changed and freshened up, I went for a drive through town and found a local Tim Horton’s and indulged in a coffee while sitting inside enjoying the view outside.

Tomorrow – a few additional Ontario Parks to explore.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Canadian Vacations- paused- March 2024

March 25, 2024

Wow – It’s disheartening for me to see that I have not written in my blog since July 2023. Yet many of you are still reading! You can’t imagine how thrilled and grateful I am to still see so many visitors to my Site. Thank you!

Life must have really gotten the best of me, these last 8 months.

One day turns into the next, another week goes by, months and seasons whiz by on the calendar and next thing you know, your next vacation is coming up in a few months.

Our family too struggled with some parental health issues and the passing of our step mother in Sept 2023.

With spring here, longer days of sunlight and blue skies, my emotional health is lifting. Maybe too, I experienced some depression or seasonal affective disorder. I have not been diagnosed, but I certainly felt the effects of either. More time in bed, less time outside, not as much reading or colouring or crafting as I was prone to do. No blogging either…..

As I type this, I’m sitting at my local library branch, waiting for an hour, until I can head to our local pool for a swim. The best place to be to put words and thoughts to “paper” is inside a HUGE ROOM filled with books and words!

My next post, will detail how I accomplished Sandbanks Provincial Park Beach and my attempt to swim at Tobermory’s Singing Sands Beach. You’ll understand what I mean, when you read that post.

In July, I head to Vancouver, British Columbia, where I will swim at Long Beach, Tofino, on Vancouver Island.

Alas that will be my final Canadian Beach, as well as my last long journey with Via Rail. Yes, I’m travelling for 4 days on the train. I’m feeling rather melancholy about this trip, but I can also look forward to feeling the joy and sense of accomplishment of completing my 10 Canadian Beaches swims! Yahoo!

Thank you for reading.

Stay tuned.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Canadian Vacation- Road Trip July 2023

July 2023

Last years whirlwind vacation was hectic to say, none the least, with the planning, re-arranging, potential Via Rail strike, delays, cancellations, fires, etc.

So this year’s planned 4 day road trip, seemed rather, well, anti-climatic. This trip would only involve driving, eating, walking and swimming. I was only required to drive there, tour around, swim and drive home…. However, the accomplishment of swimming at Sandbanks Beach, in Picton Ontario, took me almost 4 years to complete.

The initial plan was to complete this beach in 2020, after Lake Manitou and Devonshire in 2019. But, we all suffered through the worst pandemic in our lifetime and we were all encouraged to stay home.

Here we are though! I did it! This road trip would not be complete without exploring a few more Ontario Parks – #Lakeonthemountain, #Presqu’ile, #CharlestonLake and #Sandbanks (of course).

With driving anxiety still something I struggle with and as this trip would take me from Mississauga all the east past Kingston, ON, I opted to travel on the toll highway 407 – its quicker, quieter, cleaner, well maintained and not all the trucks, transports, buses, motorcycles that clog up the 401.

Once on the 407, I engaged the cruise control at 105 km and enjoyed my coffee and the scenery.

I arrived in Brockville for my first vacation excursion – the Brockville Railway Tunnel.

Entrance to Brockville Railway Tunnel

After close to 4 hours of driving, I desperately needed to stretch my legs and this would be just the place for me!

The walk from one end to the other and then back too no more than 30 minutes but oh so interesting! I snapped a few photos about the history and the construction aspect, as I knew my dad would enjoy those.

I made my way to their local Tim’s for a coffee and got back into the car. Time to head back west and check into my hotel in Napanee #FoxMotorInn.

I finally arrived at the hotel just after 530 pm – I’d been on the road since 10 am this morning! Time for a sit down meal and a swim.

I had the benefit of a local family type restaurant #tammyscountrykitchen across the street and made my way there.

After dinner, I hauled the suitcase, the bags and the cooler out of the car. My room was right there – very convenient when one’s feet are tired…..lol…

I donned my suit, grabbed a towel and walked around to the back of the property and went for a quick dip…….ah SO REFRESHING and much needed.

Time to call it a night. Tata!!

Tomorrow: Sandbanks and one more beach off the list. Forecast is 27 degrees and sunny. Perfect weather for a beach stroll and a swim.

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Life’s Passion – Canadian Beaches – Sandbanks, Singing Sands and Long Beach

July 2023

With 4 weeks of vacation available to me each year, by the time 2022 wrapped up, I was already planning how and when to complete my final 3 beaches on my list – Sandbanks in Prince Edward County, Singing Sands in Tobermory and Long Beach, on the Pacific Rim, in British Columbia.

The trip to BC would start with Via Rail, a 4 1/2 day trip from Toronto to Vancouver. This vacation would require at least 10 days away from work.

Sandbanks and Tobermory could be done as a long weekend road trip.

My 2022 whirlwind 2 1/2 week East Coast vacation together with the river cruise, put quite a dent in my budget, so a little less extravagance would be necessary in 2023.

At the end of 2022, my boss announced she would be retiring in October 2023 and herself had 4-5 weeks of vacation time to use up. So respectfully I had to alter my desired plans to accommodate her weeks away.

With that being said, next week I head out east to swim at Sandbanks Beach. I’ll embark on a 5 day solo road trip and will do some local sightseeing as well, Brockville Rail Tunnel, Presqu’ile Park ( Ontario Parks), Long Sault Parkway and a few other touristy spots.

In August, I’ll embark on a 4 day road trip to Singing Sands Beach in Tobermory, but with one of my dearest friends along for the ride.

In the summer of 2024, I will head to BC to swim at Long Beach. With that beach complete, my Canadian Beach experiences will come to an end. More on how I feel about this later.

In the fall of 2024, I plan to river cruise along the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland with a return by train to the Netherlands to visit with family.

Thank you for reading.

Stay tuned!

Joye

Single Older Woman – Canadian Vacations – Victoria Park, NS – Outings # 16

July 26, 2022

Today was my final full day in Truro and I would play the local tourist.

I was blessed with another bright sunny warm day – the perfect temps for a stroll through the city’s renowned Victoria Park.

I packed up the car with a small cooler, filled with fruit, water, sandwiches and snacks and made my way to the Park.

The park boasted quite a few interesting tree shapes and hills and a very high set of stairs known as “Jacob’s Ladder”. I did not attempt to make the trek up this staircase….sorry. .No park walk would be complete, at least for me, without some sort of visit to a waterfall or a pond or pool. This locale did not disappoint.

I made my way to the picnic area and enjoyed a lunch outside near the creeks.

After my lunch and water break, I exited the park grounds and headed to a local cafe for a quick afternoon snack, a raspberry and orange danish and a Chai Latte.

It’s now late afternoon and I’ve arrived at the local Enterprise Car Rental office to return my vehicle. Drop off inspection complete and the staff have driven me back to the hotel.

The evening was spent packing and making sure the remainder of fruit, snacks, sandwiches and etc will be consumed. There won’t be any space in my luggage to bring this stuff on the train tomorrow. Obviously I don’t have a cooler with me either.

Tomorrow I board the Via Rail train for the trip back to Ontario. I’ll be disembarking in Ottawa for the last adventure of this wonderful trip – a 6 night cruise along the St. Lawrence River aboard the Canadian Empress.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Cdn vacation- East Coast 2022 travel planning – Part 1

March 2022

With the River Cruise booked and budgeted for, it was time to source hotels in Nova Scotia and PEI, as well rental cars, activities, excursions, train schedules and ferry crossings.

First I booked my hotel in Truro, NS – the #WillowBendMotel. I had seen their ad previously and knew this was the hotel to stay at. Locally owned and operated, 10 min taxi ride from the Via Rail station and 10 minutes away from the local rental car agency. Plus they offered a complimentary breakfast as well as an outdoor heated pool just steps from my room.

For my stay in PEI – I decided I would visit only the Eastern portion of PEI – Eastern Coastal shore. Again, I found a locally owned and family operated motel in #Souris, #Lighthouseandbeachmotel. Perfect! Their nightly rates were reasonable and they also offered complimentary breakfast as well as a beach a 5 minute drive away.

Next- book the Ferry trips from Caribou,NS to Wood Islands, PEI and then back again.

I had called #Northumberlandferries in March and was told to check back in June, as Transport Canada had not yet approved their sailing schedule. Oh dear! I worried – making these bookings a month before my travel dates. What if they didn’t have any more space on the ferry for me and my car?? I would discover later, these ferries are MASSIVE!! You’ll see for yourself in my later posts about the mammoth “ships”.

Next – book my train travel – I planned to book in late April or early May to optimize any discounts and savings offered. Keeping in mind, all the train trips had to connect with one another- Toronto Union Station to Montreal Central Station in economy class, then disembark and wait for the next leg – Montreal to Truro, NS in a sleeper car.

However, already in early March, cabins were already being booked and I no longer had too many options available to me. Keeping in mind, I had to plan all this travel around my booked river cruise sailing dates – depart from Ottawa on Thursday July 28 at 5 pm with arrival in Kingston on Tues. Aug. 3.

So, by mid March, all the train travel was booked. There were no single person staterooms available, so I had to book a cabin for 2. At least I would have some more space and an extra bunk to keep my personal items on/under.

The return train trip was now also booked – departure from Truro, NS on Wed July 27 and arrive (just in time) in Ottawa on Thurs. July 28 at 2:30 pm. Perfect!

Stay tuned, as I share how I went about planning and sourcing all the places I wanted to see and visit, including Martinique Beach in Nova Scotia.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Life’s Passion – Vacation Ideas 2022, River Cruising

Oct 2021

This is about the time of year when I start to consider and budget for, my vacation for the following year.

Initially the plan was to do another road trip through Ontario, so that I can complete my last 2 Ontario beaches – Singing Sands in Tobermory and Sandbanks in Prince Edward County. This would allow me additional vacation time to do my European River Cruise in the Fall 2022, taking me from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland and then the train north back to the Netherlands.

Well, one weekend, sitting at home, I’m flipping through my current CAA Membership Magazine and I come across an ad for the St. Lawrence River Cruise Line. This is a Canadian River Cruise that sails along the mighty and popular St. Lawrence River, from Kingston to points east – Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec.

Home

The idea began to form – maybe I should consider doing a cruise like this, on Canadian waters and close to home, before I embark on a river cruise in Europe. I’ve never been on a river cruise, save for the ferry that took us to Centre Island in Toronto when I was a teenager.

Now the idea for a new vacation adventure, started to take shape. I would take the VIA rail train from Toronto Union Station to Kingston ON. I would sail from Kingston to Quebec City and then get on the train for my journey to Truro, NS. Then a week or so in NS and PEI and return home on the train.

Perfect! All train, boat, ferry and rental car – no flying involved.

Fast forward to mid November 2021 and I’m having lunch at work. I decide to call St. Lawrence Cruise Lines and inquire about availability for July 2022. I was shocked to learn they were almost booked for all of July – already! Quick – I asked the agent – what dates and routes were still available? She advised only Ottawa to Kingston from July 28 – Aug. 3. Well then, right away I gave her all my contact info and advised a cheque would be in the mail for the $350 deposit.

This would change my travel plans slightly but I knew I could make it work…..

This vacation would also stretch my budget quite extensively and the 2 1/2 weeks away from my felines, would take their toll – both on me, my neighbours and the cats…

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Canadian Beaches-Sauble Beach – Beach #6- Accomplished

July 2021

For all of us that call this part of Ontario home with Georgian Bay to the north, London to the west, Kingston to the East and Niagara Falls to the south, we are very blessed to have Lake Ontario, Lake Huron. Lake Erie in our backyard.

We also have 4 of the Best Beaches of Canada on our doorstep and a 2 hour drive from home. There is Sandbanks in Prince Edward County, Wasaga Beach in Collingwood, Singing Sands Beach in Tobermory and Sauble Beach in Owen Sound.

As a warm slightly overcast day as today is, the roads leading to Sauble Beach were packed with families, teenagers, friends etc all descending on Lake Huron to enjoy this beach and all of its amenities. We all were just “itching” to get back to normal. I was one of those people too. As I scoured the roads along the beach path, looking for a place to park, I had some concerns and anxiety that maybe I would not be able to accomplish my goal. Everyone in Ontario was here, it seemed!

Finally, I found a spot on the road. I parked my car and purchased a 2 hour digital parking pass. I grabbed my bag and searched out a place to change into my swim suit.

I had to pack light, as there would be no one watching my things while I went into the water. So only the bare minimum…..

I spread out my beach towel and perused the sandy beach looking for someone or a family, that I could approach to help me with my task.

I found such a family and after a few minutes chatting, the mom and I headed out to the water.

My phone was safely stored inside a waterproof phone case and we got ready to film…..In I went!

After a few circles and dunks underneath and some waves out to my photographer, I walked out of the water. Another beach done! I thanked my volunteer and wished her and her family a pleasant day.

I changed back into my driving clothes and gave up my parking spot to someone else eager to enjoy Sauble Beach for the day.

Next stop – Sauble Falls another #ontarioparks location.

I headed home on Tuesday July 20. Once I reached home, I checked the odometer and was surprised to see that I had driven over 1450 kilometres on this 6 day road trip through southwestern Ontario.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Stay tuned as I plan for 2 more Canadian beaches in 2022 – Singing Sands in Tobermory and Sandbanks in Prince Edward County.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Ont Road Trips – Outings #12- Harrison Park, Inglis Falls

July 19, 2021

My final full day in Owen Sound and it would be filled with park exploration, water fall sights and lake swims.

As has been my habit for most of my life, I was awake and up early. This would bode well for me today, as I had lots to do – lots of driving, lots of walking, sightseeing and swimming to get done.

I packed some nutritous snacks, stopped in at Tim’s for my favourite breakfast sandwich and coffee and headed to Harrison Park – a recommendation from the owner of my motel.

I discovered within this park a dedication to the Black History of Owen Sound:

After short snack break, I left the park and made my way to #InglisFalls, one of the waterfalls from #waterfallsofontario.

Now time to head to Sauble Beach, to conquer another location from my list!

Lo and behold, as I drove along the road to the Beach, look what I found! I had to stop in of course…..

I bought a coffee and a sandwich, some dutch licorice and mentos, and made my way to Sauble Beach.

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and letting me share.

Joye

Single Older Woman – Ontario Road Trips, Outings #11- July 2021

July 18, 2021

This is travel day to Owen Sound.

After stopping in to see the Liberation Monument, in Goderich, I made my way south back towards Grand Bend. I was blessed with another bright, sunny and blue sky day and wanted to soak in as much of the warm weather as possible. I stopped into a small town bakery near Clinton, then drove to the Village of Bayfield for a stroll along their picturesque Main Street.

Back on the road and an opportunity to add another #ontariopark to my list of accomplished sites – this one #macgregorpointprovpark.

The park was very busy – lots of families gathered on the beach. I couldn’t find a quiet spot for myself, so I did a quick walk and headed back to my car.

I stopped into a local tim’s for coffee and some lunch, then onto destination #owensound and my hotel #innon6th.

A quick dip was just what I needed. No one else in the water and I could revel in the quietness and the sounds all around.

Tomorrow I swim at Sauble Beach! Another one off my list.

Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading and for letting me share.

Joye