BY WILD NORTHERNER STAFF
Summer brings a time to expand horizons and make the most of the warm, sunny days. In northern Ontario, the people who love to get wild have an endless resource of fun waiting for them at their disposal. There are some must-do things to get done each year. Here are some of our favourite things to check off the list each summer.
1- Sleep under the stars
This is easily accomplished in late August when the number of biting bugs have been drastically reduced. Forget the tent, throw up a hammock or spread out a tarp if you get a good, clear night and enjoy the stars in your sights and thoughts as you fall asleep. Sounds simple, but it is epic.
2- Canoe trip
To us at the WNM, summer means canoe in our language, LOL! Even if it is just for a weekend, packing gear up and paddling down a river or across a bunch of lakes in a loop, is one of the ultimate rights of passages for outdoors lovers in our region.
3- Get up close with nature/wildlife and enjoy it
We have amazing and majestic wildlife and scenery which can’t be topped anywhere in the world. Taking time to watch a moose enjoy a breakfast in a marsh or loons dive for fish and rivet our spirits with their calls are moments that stay etched in your soul.
4- Catch a fish
It doesn’t or never has to be a trophy fish. Any fish will do. Bending a rod and hauling in a fish is an experience that is second to none. Bass, pike and walleye are the best bets to target in the summer. Bass are one of the best for fighting, teaching kids and having the most fun.
5- Jump off a big rock into a lake
This was one of the favourite things WNM owner Scott Haddow enjoyed doing growing up. His folks had a camp on the French River. There was a series of cliffs he and other family members jumped off in the summer time. The rush from free-falling 50-feet into the water isn’t easily replicated.
6- Find a sight you have never seen before
We are curious creatures. Feed that side of your nature and get out and explore. Pictures do no beautiful landscape true justice. Northern Ontario is vast and varied with scenery nowhere else on the planet. Pick a trail or paddling route and see something new and awesome. It could change you for the better.
7- Challenge yourself to try something new
This is a lot like No. 6, but different in it’s more personal. We can all learn new skills that will help us outdoors. It could be fire-making or shelter building. It could be finding out new edible wild plants. WNM owner is going to try fly fishing for the first time.
8- Hike a fire tower route
These wooden and steel towers are underrated icons of the region. Who knows when or if they will all be taken down, so it makes sense to go check out one of these interesting structures if you can. Do so with the utmost respect and focus on safety. Sometimes, the trails leading to these towers is a rewarding experience in itself.
9- Sit around a camp fire with family and friends
Summer can get hectic. Taking time at night and getting the gang around a camp fire is an easy way to relax. Stories, songs, roasting marshmallows and watching the flames flicker is always a good time.
10- Road trip
The summer does call out loud each year for a road trip and will not be ignored. Whether it’s a group of buddies or the family, packing a bunch of people into a vehicle and driving somewhere usually results in terrific memories. It doesn’t have to be a crazy adventure that takes 20 days. Even a day road trip to get fish and chips in a town two hours away can be full of adventure. It’s how you make the most of it.