Flying Northern Ontario with Thunder Airlines

One of the benefits of having a pilot as a boyfriend is that I can be flown by someone I love and trust. My boyfriend Corey who works for Thunder Airlines based in Timmins, Ontario flew me all over northern Ontario from Timmins to Moosonee to Fort Albany to Kashechewan to Attawapiskat and back to Timmins. This is an opportunity few get. Being flown all over northern Ontario by my boyfriend is a dream; it’s hard to believe that I have my own personal pilot. Flying from one small northern Canadian community in a King Air 100 to another is an experience everyone should have, especially Canadians.

Wild Exodus Adventure Travel

Wild Exodus put together the best of what they offer (adventure travel in northern Ontario) in a jam packed full day tour in the northern wild. When I think of a great Canadian outdoor adventure, Wild Exodus must have been reading my mind because they created the ultimate outdoor adventure. My full day Wild Exodus tour had me cruising lake Kenogamissi on a pontoon boat, stopping for a homemade feast at Post 392, visiting a trappers cabin in the woods, exploring Exodus’ glamping site, and driving an ATV through northern Ontario’s bush to High Falls. I couldn’t have designed a better outdoor exploration myself. Leave it to Wild Exodus to create the extreme outdoor escape for any outdoor enthusiast.

Summer Wildlife Tour Brought to Life

Winter:

Northern Ontario, Ca

The last time I went on Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa‘s northern wildlife tour was during the middle of winter, when Canada’s harsh temperatures were at their worst, especially in northern Ontario. Bundled up in a Canada Goose parka and wool blanket, I attempted to engage with the animals the best I could amidst the freezing temperatures. Feeding the animals with my bare hand felt like jack frost was nipping at my finger tips every second I had them out of my warm alpaca wool mittens (although, the animals were worth it). I did my best to snap photos (using both a GoPro and Canon Rebel T3) of the northern rarities with my frozen frigid fingers. The highlight of my winter wonderland wildlife tour was seeing a mighty majestic moose up close for the first time. Taking Cedar Meadows Wildlife Tour during the summer gave me a whole new perspective of the active northern wildlife who were curious and wide eyed during the warm, mosquito laden season.

Cedar Meadows Chalet Staycation

Growing up I always went camping with my family. My mom told me that my first camping experience was when I was only a few weeks old. Even through my teen years and early adulthood I enjoyed camping with friends and family and did so as often as I could. When I refer to camping I am talking about tenting in a wooded lot, while cooking on the fire. There is nothing like the fresh outdoors and smores on the camp fire. The last time I was camping was when I went white water rafting with my boyfriend in Maine 11 months ago. There are very few things that will stop me from tenting–not even the intense heat, rain, wind, cold, or bugs will slow me down.

My First Facial Taught Me to Be Thankful

Two years ago my boyfriend gave me a gift certificate to an amazing natural spa for Christmas as one of my presents. He told me that I don’t often take the time to pamper myself and he wanted to do something for me that I rarely do for myself. It was a nice treat to enjoy an Aveda lemon mint martini manicure at one of my favorite urban spas-Nakai. Since then, I’ve indulged in at home manicures and pedicures that I have done myself aside from the rare professional treatment that I have done with a friend (buy one, get one free of course). It is not often that I find the time to go to the spa or can justify spending the money on a luxury for me. Yet, it is so nice to relax while enjoying a spa treatment every now and then.

Northern Spirit Voyageur Canoe Adventure

Northern Spirit Adventures took me on an expedition to the far corners of northern Ontario to see historical landmarks, unprecidented natural wonders, and provided me a one of a kind true Canadian experience. My journey with Northern Spirit Adventures is the furthest north I have ever traveled by land in Ontario. After driving to Smooth Rock Falls, approximately one and a half hours north of Timmins, my voyageur canoe trek began.

Staycation at Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa

Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa organized the perfect two days to give me a taste of the vacation destination in Timmins during the summer. I first visited the resort and spa during the dead of northern Ontario’s harsh winter when I dined, dipped in the Nordic baths (which was much needed during the freezing temperatures), and snuggled under a blanket on the winter wonderland wildlife tour. This time, I got to visit Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa with my boyfriend during the sunny and warm bird chirping season.

Sampling the Best of JustNatural Holistic Spa

Chrislynn from JustNatural Holistic Spa took me through a sensory experience of the many spa treatments at her at-home spa in Timmins, Ontario. Chrislynn’s one-on-one spa care and unique personal touches adds to the serenity and relaxation at the spa. I have been to many spas, but never to an at-home spa and I can say that JustNatural Holistic Spa Spa holds the same standards, if not higher than any other spa. As a natural and holistic spa, Chrislynn uses only all natural and organic products (which I too believe in) to promote health and wellness.

Summer Versus Winter View

Photo of the week- McIntyre Mine, Timmins, Ontario

You probably recognize this place because I took a picture of the iconic spot, the McIntyre Mine in Timmins 6 months ago, but during the middle of winter. I was able to snag a shot at the same location, but during the summer. I bet you didn’t realize there was a calm lake hiding beneath the snow. Some prefer a summer view, while others prefer the more majestic and magical view during the dead of winter.

Which you do you prefer, the summer or winter view?

Three Great Summer Events

It just so happened that I was in Timmins, Ontario, CA during three great summer festivals: Dream Acres Alpacas open house, the 12th annual Ribfest, and Aboriginal Day in Hollinger Park. I’m always up for experiencing new things, but I especially love festivals! I got lucky to be able to experience three within one week.