4 UNESCO Wonders in Ontario

Courtesy of Destination Ontario

Safely Discover Ontario: Always travel safe and do your part by following public health advice. It’s always important to practice physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a non-medical face-covering where required or where physical distancing is a challenge. It’s also advisable to check for modified operating hours of parks or local businesses before your departure. For current information on where and when it is safe to travel please visit www.covid-19.ontario.ca.

Outside of the Golden Horseshoe’s commerce and industry are some of the most scenic and natural attractions in Ontario, if not Canada. For RVers, they make for excellent day trips or multi-week getaways that are far from the crowds, but always nearby to many services and welcoming RV parks.

To be more specific, four significant Ontario regions are now recognized with the prestigious World Biosphere Reserve by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designation and are part of Canada’s Amazing Places Project.  

In addition to recognizing protected natural spaces with unique land and water ecosystems, a UNESCO designation is devised to provide a balance between the environment and human contact, preserve at-risk species, and contain important Indigenous/ heritage sites with a focus on eco-education. These ecological aspects are rare considering there are less than 700 UNESCO sites worldwide.

While there are many places to discover in Ontario, these UNESCO sites make for great destinations from as early as April to as late as October, allowing the chance to experience a variety of natural attractions in varying seasons.  

GEORGIAN BAY (AKA 30,000 ISLANDS)

This is the biggest freshwater archipelago in the world and where you’ll discover a mass group of islands, bays, and inlets that span more than 13,000 sq km (about 5,000 mi) on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. This unique region supports forest and wetlands and is where you’ll discover unbeatable, stunning scenery by boat, kayak, and RV.

Highlights of this Area: There are many striking places in this region, but Killarney will capture your interest. You’ll want to embark across the suspension bridge stretching over the French River to admire the breathtaking views of the rock-walled gorge or bring along the canoe to coast silently along the routes in Point Grondine Park. The park also has a great hike amongst old-growth pine forests to Wemtagoosh Falls. If you’re a serious angler, the French River is famous for its active fisheries. Rig your line for muskie, sturgeon, or northern pike in the summer and fall or visit in the late spring/early summer when bass season kicks-off.

Accommodations: With several places to stay in the area – from rustic cabins to five-star resorts – RV parks are abundant and can accommodate every type of rig, budget, activities, and outdoor needs.

LONG POINT

Long Point is a diverse region consisting of dunes, woodlands, marshes, meadows, bluffs, and beaches, which are all formed around a giant sandspit deposit extending 40 km (25 mi) into Lake Erie. This is the largest formation of its kind in the Great Lakes and abounds with flora and fauna, which, as a result, attracts 350 species of birds, making the area a significant migratory birding area.

Highlights of this Area: Be sure to bring hiking boots (or appropriate footwear) and your bike as the marshlands in Big Creek National Wildlife Area are a big draw among outdoor enthusiasts. Of special note is the Black Bridge Waterford Heritage Trail that offers amazing views from the 166 m (545 ft) bridge that’s part of the Trans Canada Trail System.

Accommodations: Within the confines of this designated World Biosphere Reserve is Long Point Provincial Park that has 1.5 km (about 1 mi) of sand beaches, boat access to enjoy Lake Erie pickerel fishing, and four campgrounds including Monarch’s Rest, Firefly, Turtle Dunes, and Cottonwood. All combine to offer a range of services, pull-through sites, and more. Also, the Long Point Eco Adventures offers a variety of glamping options, from rustic camping pods to luxury wilderness suites complete with outdoor showers.

NIAGARA ESCARPMENT

There’s always an experience to be enjoyed along the Niagara Escarpment considering it extends more than 700 km (435 mi) from Queenston in Niagara all the way north to Tobermory on the south shore of Georgian Bay.

Highlights of the Area: Due to its expanse, it’s best to plan a trip according to your preferences and outdoor interests. But there’s a lot to enjoy and experience – from spectacular limestone ribbons of a forest, and deep wilderness to towering cliffs and lush wetlands.

Accommodations: RV parks can be found throughout this region. For a unique experience, try the glamping sites at Alabaster Acres Farm near Caledon Village, ON, to get in touch with nature without sacrificing any creature comforts of your RV or home.

FRONTENAC ARCH

Connecting the Canadian Shield in the north from Algonquin Park to the Adirondack Mountains in the south, The Frontenac Arch spans approximately 2,700 sq km (about 1,400 mi) through southeastern Ontario, including the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands. So, if you have ever travelled east on Highway 401 (or other east/westbound byways) in this part of the province, you probably have already experienced this UNESCO site.

Highlights of the Area: Located within the bordering communities of Westport, Brockville, Gananoque, and Sydenham, this scenic, rugged region provides a variety of fantastic destinations for RVers. There are several conservation areas and provincial parks, including Frontenac Provincial Park, approximately 40 km (about 25 mi) north of Kingston. Some other attractions include the Silver Queen Mine Trail about 20 minutes southwest from Perth and Westport where you can admire expansive views from Spy Rock in Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Countless outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and kayaking can also be enjoyed throughout this region. 

Accommodations: Full and semi-service campgrounds and RV parks are found throughout the Frontenac Arch. Remember, it’s best to book early as sites fill up fast during peak season.  

Visit ontariotravel.net to discover many more amazing destinations for outdoor adventures and natural wonders in Ontario.