Marvel at Niagara, 'chill' in Muskoka, go snowshoeing in Hastings, and climb sand dunes in Sandbank PP

After an intense time in Toronto, our brains need a little bit of nature. The first stop takes us to Niagara Falls. We pass by many wineries on the way. On the horizon, on the opposite shore of Lake Ontario, the skyline of Toronto can be seen among the vineyards. In the picturesque Niagara on the Lake, we make a stop to fuel up before heading to the falls.

To be able to admire the Niagara Falls by night, we march to the falls armed with cameras and tripods right after our arrival. It's showtime, guys! The pictures in daylight look quite tame in comparison. The water thunders down 52m over the rocks. The falls are 670m wide, very impressive. The scale becomes clearer when the Hornblower drives through the mist fountains or when you look at the falls from the Skylon Tower and see the size of the people next to them.

From Niagara, we drive north. Near Gravenhurst, we have rented a small cabin to explore one of the most popular recreational areas of Torontonians, the Muskokas. Myriad lakes, large forests, and swampy areas. Small and large cabins are everywhere. About 30cm of snow fell the day before. It snows again on the last kilometers, and when we arrive, we see our place for the next few days in a snowy landscape, like something out of a fairytale. In the fading daylight, we quickly chop some wood, light a fire, turn on the stove, and start cooking. Soon, the cabin that we like very much becomes warm and cozy. At the analog electronic amp, with classic large VU meters, there is a cable for the AUX connection. We quickly connect the iPod, and with B.B. King, the atmosphere for dinner is perfect. The temperature drops to -20°C in the evening.
The 'Black Friday discounts' put us under pressure to finish the first photo album. The next morning, we use the time to work on it. Just before lunch, we read through the draft one more time and print it out. While the data transfer is running, we follow the recommendation of our Airbnb host and drive to Hardy Lake Provincial Park to take a walk in the snow along the lake. On the way back, we do some shopping. Among other things, we pack a bottle of red wine from the Speck family's 'Family Reserve'. The wine comes from the Niagara region. Baco Noir, never heard of it, but the seller at the LCBO strongly recommends it as an exclusive grape of the wine region. A little powerhouse, still a bit young but surprisingly good. We would have never guessed that good wine is produced in the Niagara region. Back at the cabin, after work, it's time for fun. The sauna, a wooden barrel in the garden of the cabin, is fired up. After about 30 minutes, it reaches the desired temperature. Wrapped in towels and wearing crocs, we slide through the snow to the sauna and start sweating even before we start sweating. Since apparently bears occasionally walk through the property, we look very carefully before venturing out of the barrel again. It would be stupid to meet a grizzly bear, half-cooked and almost unpacked.

After the cold spell of the last few days, it has become much warmer. The next morning is heavily overcast. When it starts raining, we abandon the walk around the lake next to our cabin. At home, we heat up the sauna, 'chill' a bit, and work on the blog post about Toronto. In the mix of snow and rain, we occasionally slip into the barrel to sweat a little and discuss the options for the next few days.

In the ever denser snowfall, we drive over Huntsville to Algonquin Provincial Park. Considering the heavy snowfall, we abandon the original plan to go on one of the many hikes in the park. After leaving the park, we drive south on Highway 127 via Lake Saint Peter to Maynooth, where we turn right onto Peterson Rd, a dead end that leads to a small nameless lake where our next cabin is located in the Hastings Highlands.

The freshly fallen snow motivates us to go snowshoeing. On the trails, we trudge through the freshly snow-covered forest to the lake.

The next destination takes us south, through Belleville to Prince Edward County. 'The County,' as the locals often call it, is known for its over 35 wineries, the large artist community, the many small, good restaurants, the festivals, and the Sandbanks Provincial Park, with one of the most beautiful beaches Canada has to offer.

We settle in a small apartment in Bloomfield. The apartment belongs to two sisters who apparently run a very successful spa and beauty business. Everything from espresso to Botox fixes is available.

The sand dunes in the southwest of the county have been an attraction since the early 19th century. 12,500 years ago, the glaciers formed this 12 km long sandbar that separates the Haffs of the West and East Lakes from Lake Ontario. Snow on the sand is strange, and the roar and thunder of the rolling waves create a feeling of being at the sea. What a contrast to the walk in the snowy fairytale forest two days ago.

We plan to spend the next few days in Ottawa and Gatineau. Cheers for now...

P.S.:

LCBO stands for 'Liquor Control Board Ontario,' which controls alcohol sales in the province

Arno, you are truly the greatest