Our First Family RV Trip - Road Trip From Toronto to the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island

With COVID putting a halt to big travel plans this summer, many have turned to staying local. And what is more local than renting an RV and hitting the open road to explore your own backyard? Check out our first family RV trip, where we explored the Northern Bruce Peninsula, Manitoulin Island and Earl Rowe Provincial Park in southern Ontario. 

Earlier this summer, we decided to switch things up and rented an RV. While my parents have had a pull trailer for a number of years, and its become the new norm for our family camping adventures, renting an RV (you know, one that you drive) was a first for my husband, two daughters and I. 

We love tent camping. But travelling in an RV opened up a whole new world to us. We were able to go at our own pace, be on our own schedule, while enjoying the comforts of home that you may not experience tent camping.

Read on to learn where our first family RV adventure took us.

We picked up the RV from Canadream, located in Brampton, ON - one of the only major RV rental centres in the Greater Toronto Area. It may be out of the way for most, but luckily it was right by Highway 410, the highway we would take to get us to the northern Bruce Peninsula.

As renting an RV was a new experience to us, we did learn a lot. BUT, I will keep that for another post.

After we were loaded into our RV, we hit the road, or Highway 410, and drove north. Our first destination was my family’s cottage on the Lake Huron side of northern Bruce Peninsula. We didn’t get a chance to visit last summer - I really couldn’t tell you why - so we were long overdue. With social distancing in effect, we had the entire place to ourselves for two nights. 

This place has a special spot in my heart. My mom’s parents built it in the 70s, and I have been visiting since I was 3 weeks old. That’s almost 35 years. So to be able to share it with our girls, who are the 5th generation to visit, is extremely special. Luckily, they love it just as much as I do.

Some rain and grey weather did not stop the girls from swimming in the lake. Either did the record water level - the highest we’ve seen in many, many years. The lake front at the cottage is not sandy, but rocky. So to access it, many many years ago, my Poppa built stairs into the rock. Sadly, the water level has caused a lot of his hard work to wash away. Water shoes and steady feet are now required to navigate the slippery rocks. 

We had the best couple of days, relaxing, swimming and waking up to the sound of the waves on the shore. But, come Tuesday morning, it was time to pack up early and hit Highway 6, driving 20(ish) more minute north to the end of the road at Tobermory.

Usually a trip to the cottage involves an afternoon in Tobermory - lunch at The Fish & Chips Place, ice cream at The Sweet Shop, beers at Tobermory Brewing Company, checking out the boats. If we’re lucky, maybe we even take the glass bottom boat to Flower Pot Island, or dive the wrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park. But, not this time. This trip, we were boarding the MS Chi-Cheemaun and heading across Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island. Something I haven’t done in at least two decades, and a first for Steve and the girls. 

The 1.5 hour ferry ride took us from Tobermory to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed sitting out on the top deck, taking in the beauty of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay surrounding us on either side.

I should also mention, despite COVID, we felt extremely safe the entire trip to and from on the ferry. Owen Sound Transportation Company (the company that runs the MS Chi-Cheemaun) has numerous protocols in place for the health and safety of their crew and passengers. Prior to lining your vehicle up to board, they screen everyone in the vehicle with the typical COVID screening questions and ask to see masks for every person. Once you board, you are required to where your mask for the entire trip, something that I thought would be a lot more difficult to enforce during the 1.5 hours with a 2 and 4 year old. Social distancing is in effect inside the ship, from limited seating and directional signage to washroom capacity and no access to the gift shop or cafeteria. There are also a lot of staff on hand, continuously sanitizing the cabin. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend you visit their website to see all COVID safety protocols in place.

From South Baymouth we drove to Gore Bay, on the north west part of the island, to grab some beers from Split Rail Brewing Co and have lunch along the beautiful harbour. This place was something out of a postcard, and we easily could have stayed there for longer. But, out next stop called so it was back in the RV. We had every intention to stop for a swim at the very popular Bridal Veil Falls, but when we got there we discovered the stair access was closed for safety reasons AND, even if we chose to walk in, it was a little too busy for our comfort. So, we kept driving to our destination on the island - Batman’s Cottages and Campground, where we would spend the night. 

I’m normally one for lots of trees and privacy when camping, but for one night, this was the perfect spot. We had a site directly across the street from the beach access, which is where we hung out for the rest of the day. The waters of Georgian Bay were cold, as they always are, but that didn’t stop the girls from going in. Before we tucked in for our first night in the RV, we walked around and explored the rest of the campground, checking out the other sites (it’s fun to see other people’s camping setups), the second beach (which is basically non-existent due to high water levels) and fed the ducks. Marshmallows were roasted around the fire, and we called it a night. It had been a long day.

After a successful night in the RV, we had an early start the next morning, heading back to South Baymouth to catch the return ferry to Tobermory.

Knowing we had to return the RV early on Friday morning, we decided to make the most of the last two nights and book a campsite closer to home. Earl Rowe Provincial Park, located in Alliston, ON, fit the bill. From what we could see, it was an hour from the drop off location and had a beach for the girls. 

Well when we we got there, turns out, the beach was closed because of high bacteria levels. (Cue dramatic sigh.) The big fail on our part was that we were really banking on spending the day at the beach, so we didn’t really have any back up plans. Luckily, we were able to fill the time with walks to explore the park (scavenger hunts and ‘I Spy’ have become recent favourites), playing on the slide and swings, ice cream at the park store and inventing our own games that involved pool noodles, buckets and pinecones. 

When it comes to COVID, we felt pretty safe at Earl Rowe. The park was not busy at all, which gave it a peaceful quiet feeling. Something that is definitely welcomed once you’ve been to places like the Pinery and Algonquin at their peak busiest. Showers were closed, but the play structure was open, making sure to go at times when there weren’t any other kids playing. 

*Side note: I have heard from others that Earl Rowe may have been the exception to a quiet Ontario Park, as others such as Pinery, Algonquin, Awenda, Sandbanks and Bon Echo have been just as busy as they normally are during the summer, with very limited social distancing happening. 

After two successful nights camping at Earl Rowe (seriously, RV or not, there’ just something about sleeping in ‘the wilderness’), it was time to head back to Canadream to drop off the RV, pick up our car and head home.

Drop off was very easy, but again, I’ll save those details for another post. 

In all, it was a very successful 5 days exploring southern Ontario in our RV. I could definitely get used to this way of travel. The only question is, where to next?!

There are so many perks to “living the RV life” on vacation. From planning your own schedule, being able to bring the pets, bringing all of the comforts of home and beyond, I can definitely see why people prefer it.

Long story short, it was an amazing trip and we are already planning another one for next summer. This time, it will be a bit longer and a bit further, hopefully exploring a region of Canada we’ve never seen before.

Have you travelled in an RV before? Share your favourite RV destinations. I’d love to hear!

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DIY Indoor Water Table for Baby

Who else is going a little stir crazy with this weather? One day it's sunny and we're out for a walk, the next it's freezing rain and we're stuck inside.

When we can't get outside, I often find myself scrambling to come up with stimulating indoor activities for the girls. It's always good to have some in your back pocket. 

And because you asked (thanks to an IG story poll), over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing my back pocket indoor activities for both babies and toddlers/preschoolers, starting with this DIY Indoor Water Table for Baby!

One of my favourite indoor play ideas for the littlest in our family is this DIY indoor water table. I'm a water lover, and have thankfully also passed that on to my girls. Morley often tells me she would like to be a mermaid, that's how much she loves the water. This indoor water table was an activity I often pulled out when she was little, so I figured I'd give it a go again for her water-loving little sister.

It's a super simple idea to have in your back pocket when the weather isn't ideal to get outside (or when it is, and you're just looking for something fun) and it can be recreated with materials you very likely already have lying around.

So how did little B like it? Of course, it was a hit. Big sis was also loving it, showing B how to splash and grab the toys.

Benefits of Water Play for Baby:

This water play activity is not only fun, but it gives many opportunities to develop fine and gross motor skills (think hand-eye coordination). It's also an amazing sensory experience introducing them to textures and even temperatures. Plus, it's a great way to help get your babe more comfortable around the water (yes, they will get wet) AND to sneak in a little tummy time without them putting up too much of a fuss. 

Important note: While I say that this water play activity is good for baby, I recommend only doing it for those that are strong enough to push up on their arms and hold their head up while on their bellies. 

DIY Indoor Water Table for Baby

What You Need:

• Large, clean cookie sheet
• Clean, warm water
• Towel
• Baby-safe and water-safe toys (i.e. bath toys, utensils, cups, etc.)

What To Do:

1. Place the towel flat on the floor. Put the cookie sheet on top of the towel.
2. Add enough warm water (not too hot) to cover the bottom of the cookie sheet. (You don't want to to add too much water, it may not stay in the cookie sheet.)
3. Add baby-safe and water-safe items to the water. 
4. Place your babe on their tummy, with their arms in the water (so the edge of the cookie sheet is essentially in their armpits).
5. Have fun watching them splash in the water.

Important note: Remember to NEVER leave them unattended!

Stay tuned for more back pocket indoor activity ideas for babies and preschoolers, coming soon to Instagram and the blog!

What are some of your favourite DIY indoor activities? I'd love to hear!

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Diving with Sharks at Ripley's Aquarium

Thanks to my love of the water, scuba diving with sharks has always been on the top of my bucket list. Call me crazy, but I've always wanted to know what the adrenaline rush feels like when you come face to face with the king of the ocean. 

Recently, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to find out, without having to jump on a plane or even leave Toronto. 

DIVING WITH SHARKS AT RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM OF CANADA

Earlier this summer, I participated in the new Discovery Dive program at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto, Ontario. Led by experienced Education and Husbandry/Animal Care staff, this two-hour experience begins with a behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium. If you've ever wondered how an Aquarium maintains the tanks, where the food is prepped and even how they move large animals to and fro, this behind the scenes tour will answer all of your questions and more. After the tour, you'll don your wetsuit, do a safety briefing and equipment check, and then, it’s dive time!

The 30 minute guided dive takes place in the Dangerous Lagoon, a 2.9 million litre tank that gives you the chance to see the Aquarium's green sea turtles, green sawfish, stingrays, moray eels and numerous of species of tropical fish. And you can’t forget about the stars of the show, the sharks. The Dangerous Lagoon is home to 17 sharks, representing three species - sand tiger, sand bar and nurse. Some even measure up to 13 feet long! Talk about feeling like a small fish. 

Now I know what you’re thinking, sharks are scary! But, no need to worry about the sharks on this dive (or even in the wild for that matter), they’re just looking to go about their own business. The trained Divers that are guiding you through the water work with these animals every day. They know exactly what behaviours to look for, how to tell the sharks to move along and are very good at communicating with the guests about when to stop, when to keep your eyes open and most importantly, when to relax and enjoy the scenery.

So, what’s the verdict?

Well, even though the experience took place in a contained environment,  and not in the middle of the ocean like I’ve always dreamed, the opportunity to dive with the sharks at Toronto's newest attraction was just as exhilarating. To be honest, I didn’t find it scary at all. Being under the water, surrounded by fish, is such a calming experience. And despite the busy summer crowds staring at me from the other side of the tank, this underwater adventure was something I will be talking about for a long time.

If you are a certified SCUBA diver, over the age of 16, find yourself in Toronto and are looking for an afternoon adrenaline rush, make sure to check out this unique experience at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. You'll be 'tank'ful you did! 

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS:

When: Wednesdays at 3:00pm (maximum 2 participants per time slot; booked first come, first serve)

Cost: $250* plus tax (annual pass holders save 10%)

*Price includes admission to the Aquarium for the participant, behind the scenes tour, dive experience, souvenir items and USB flash drive with photos from the experience. All gear is supplied, however, guests are welcome to bring their own mask if they wish.

And if diving with the sharks isn't for you, or you'd just like to keep your head above water, check out the Stingray Experience - your chance to get up close and personal with the cownose and southern stingrays in another feature tank, Ray Bay.

For more information on this experience, including how to book, visit Ripley's Aquarium of Canada's website here.

Do you scuba dive? Have you ever dove with sharks? Is this experience something you would do?

*I received this experience free of charge, however, all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada for the incredible photos and memories!

Plunging into the Deep of Fathom Five National Marine Park

Below the surface of the crystal clear waters of Lake Huron, in an area of Ontario known to many as "the Bruce", lies the Fathom Five National Marine Park. Canada's first National Marine Conservation Area seeks to protect and display 20 islands, 22 shipwrecks and several historic lighthouses, and conserve one of the most pristine freshwater ecosystems in the Great Lakes. 

Let's dip below, and go on an underwater journey of one of my favourite places on Earth, Fathom Five National Marine Park. 

The 130-square-kilometre, triangular-shaped park protects the continuation of the Niagara Escarpment as it drops underwater at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, or “the Bruce”. Think caves, cliffs and overhangs galore to explore. 

Most of the wrecks located in the park are schooners, barges and steamers, and are amongst the oldest and best-preserved wrecks in Canada, dating back to the mid-1800s – before area lighthouses were erected. The presence of these wrecks offers some of the best freshwater scuba diving opportunities in the world. The deep clear water and the numerous shipwrecks attract over 8,000 divers from around the world each year, giving it the name of “Scuba Diving Capital of Canada”. Everyone, from the novice snorkeler to the most advanced diving enthusiast, can find lots to explore and enjoy within the park.

One of the things that I love about scuba diving is being able to explore new places. The unique aquatic ecosystem and topography of Fathom Five makes exploring the park one of my favourite diving adventures. Having good diving buddies, like your sister and dad, also make the experience that much more enjoyable. 

Please note, all divers planning to dive in Fathom Five, need to first obtain their dive tag by registering at the Park Visitor Centre. For more information on diver registration, click here. It is considered cold water diving, so appropriate gear, such as a hood and gloves, must be worn to stay comfortable.

Do you scuba dive? Where is your favourite place to dive?

Tips for Sea Sickness

Everyone has experienced it at least once in their life. And if you haven't you're either super lucky, or just need to get out more. 

Motion sickness is such a horrible feeling, especially when you're on a boat, miles from shore. It is my absolute fear.

Why does motion sickness happen? To talk science, our body’s primary motion-sensors include the inner-ear, our eyes and deeper tissues of the body surface. The inner-ear sensors detect changes in acceleration rather than motion, such as the movement a boat makes when bobbing on top of waves in the ocean. When our body’s internal instruments sense these acceleration changes, and those changes aren’t confirmed by other sensory inputs, such as visual feedback from our eyes, the conflict in the sets of data they deliver to the brain can trigger motion sickness. Scientists aren’t sure what causes the nausea that comes with motion sickness, but the most popular idea is that the conflicting data from multiple sensors causes the brain to assume that toxins have been ingested, and the body’s automatic response is to internally induce vomiting. Gross.

Our trip out on Kachemak Bay was, at times, a bit of a rocky one.  But luckily, by following the tips for sea sickness below, I didn't end up feeding the fishes and was one happy camper, or boater in this case.

Keep hydrated

Continue to drink plenty of fluids while on board. This will help keep your stomach more full and will help your body metabolize food and process everything else better.

Eat

A meal before you board is highly important. For most people, an empty stomach is more sensitive to being irritated, so filling it with food 45-60 minutes before leaving shore is smart. Load up on carbohydrates at breakfast and avoid acidic and greasy foods, as they may contribute to motion sickness.

Keep your mind clear

Even a mild hangover can easily turn into motion sickness. Likewise, fatigue also predisposes you to motion sickness.

Position yourself in the centre

Brace yourself at the centre of the boat where the rocking and rolling is less amplified. Standing in different locations on the boat’s deck will result in different amounts of acceleration being transferred to your body.  

Apply pressure

For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has included acupuncture or acupressure on the inside of the wrist, at a spot called P6, as a way to suppress the nausea associated with motion sickness. You can find simple pressure bands like Sea-Band and Acuband at your local drug store, usually right beside anti-nausea medicines. These are bracelets with dots that, when worn correctly, touch acupressure points on your wrist. They have never been proven effective, but some people swear by them.

Prescription meds

One of the most widely recommended remedies is Transderm Scop, a scopolamine patch applied behind the ear at least eight hours before exposure, with effectiveness for up to three days. Available only by prescription, the Scop is only preventive, not a treatment, and acts by reducing activity of nerve fibres in your inner ear. 

Over-the-counter meds

Meds like Dramamine, Bonine and even antihistamines like Benadryl can help quell motion sickness by blocking sensory-nerve transmission, which is a fancy way of saying they interrupt the flow of information from various places like the inner ear to the brain. One common side effect with these medicines is sleepiness, so be weary if driving the boat. Whatever medicine you chose, make sure to take it at least 30 minutes before you board for best effects. After you feel queasy, it may be too late for pills to help. 

Note: Dramamine is my favourite prevention method. I have not been able to find it in Canada, so I always load up when I'm in the States. I go for the non-drowsy version.

Watch the horizon

At the most basic level, motion sickness is a matter of sensory mismatch. When you're sitting on a boat that's rolling on the water, the body, inner ear and eyes all send different signals to the brain. Your brain gets confused and you get queasy. Stop tinkering with your computer and equipment and look out on the horizon, which usually appears very stable. Avoid visually focusing on things that are close-by, and most especially, avoid reading for more than a few seconds at a time. Also, face the direction the boat is traveling.Your peripheral vision will see the ocean swells that you feel. The whole picture will make more sense to your brain.

Distract yourself

Relax. Anxiety contributes to motion sickness. Those who are frightened by the ocean and the movement of the boat, are more likely to become motion sick. Instead think about the fun activities planned, or the beautiful sights around you.

Make the best of it

Ya, it blows that your head may be hanging over the edge, feeding the fishes. But, let's face it, you're on a boat, in the water, and chances are probably some place pretty incredible. So why not make the best of it?


Can't forget to add my husband's 'unofficial' tip for sea sickness: Before you head out on the water, take a shot of hard alcohol. You won't know if the feeling is the buzz or sea sickness. This doubles as a cheers to the Captain. (Please note, this has not been scientifically proven, only SW tested and approved.)

Do you have any tips for combatting sea sickness?

H20

I grew up on the shore of Lake Huron and spent every free second in or around water. Ever since I can remember, I was drawn to the water. This love paved the road I've taken in life, and today, I couldn't imagine my life without water.

Today is World Water Day. So in honour of a resource we could never ever live without, here are some interesting water facts...

• Waters covers 70% of the Earth's surface.
• 80% of the Earth's water is surface water, the other 20% is either ground water or atmospheric water vapour.
  
• Only 3% of the Earth's water is freshwater, the other 97% is salt water.
• Water found at the Earth’s surface in lakes, rivers, etc. makes up only 0.3% of the world’s fresh water; 68.7% of fresh water is trapped in glaciers; 30% of fresh water is in the ground.
• Canada holds 20% of the world's fresh water.
• A gallon (3.8 L) of water weighs 8.34 pounds.
• Water makes up between 55-78% of a human’s body weight.

Water is life. All living things depend on water to support life functions. So, whether you are drawn to it like me, or absolutely terrified of it, please take a moment today to appreciate water.

What does water mean to you?