Canadian Road Trip - the beginning

It feels like such a long time ago we hauled out Askari in Oxford as we've done so much, however it's only been a week. Askari was hauled out at 8am and we were packed up and on the road by 2pm and made it as far north as Williamsport, PA that night. We picked the town by random, after a beautiful drive along wide rivers and ravines. We were totally surprised to find a modern university town with a real buzz about it. We picked out a pizza restaurant in the centre of town and to our delight there was an open mike music event happening in the lovely courtyard. What a great first night away from the boat.

Great night out in Williamsport

Day two was super exciting as we drove to Canada! We crossed the border at Buffalo, NY and were welcomed 'Bonjour'. It was super quick and easy, although the customs officer did ask us a few more questions than the Canadian car in front.

Crossing the border

We headed straight to Niagra Falls. I hadn't seen the falls before and it was really impressive, even though the area around is a bit like a theme park. We walked the river front and then headed out to Niagra on the Lake for lunch.

Selfie at the falls

This was much more our sort of place. We stayed at the lovely Jourdan Valley Campground for our first couple of nights under canvas. We were told about the quality of the wine in this area and wow we were so impressed by the Pinot Noir we tried during some wine tasting and a favourite was definite Flat Rock. The trip onwards was delayed a England was playing in the world cup soccer so we found a pub in the village that agreed to put it on for us.

Flat Rock Vineyard

Not sure what George Bernard Shaw was doing in Niagra on the Lake

Old English Pub in Niagra on the Lake - dates back to 1789

 We had planned to spend Canada Day (1st July) in Toronto, however much of the celebrations were out of town when we looked into it. So we changed our points reservation at the Hyatt to just one night and spent a lovely hot day in the City a few days before, keen to push on West for more adventure in the parks.

Hot Day in Toronto

St Lawrence Market - dates back to 1845 and really is fantastic produce right in the city 

Mexican on a hot Friday night  fun!

Great Lakes beckoned early the next morning and we made our way across Ontario to Pancake Bay Provincial Park. Where we found lakeside camping right on the beach and clear water - how bizarre...

Beach - Lake Superior

Beer time on Lake Superior

The weather was so hot and stormy so we used the next day to drive on and get further west, stopping for a few opportunities for sight seeing along the way.

Pinguisbi - just a short hike off the main road

Wawa Falls

Miserable cloud on the road - should have been spectacular

Canada Day we arrived at the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and I think due to the weather a few people hadn't turned up so we snagged a camp right on the lake front. The sunsets were stunning. We spent a couple of days here and did a lovely hike out to see the Giant. Andrew had pulled an ankle so we were keen to test it gently before we get to BC and this was perfect.