This Ontario city is a great go-to for fishing, sailing and climbing
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Our captain looks like a man of the sea. We can see the years and the nautical miles in his eyes. Leaning against the rail, he's gazing contentedly at the crystal blue skies and windswept waves that he calls home. Our boat gently rocks as water laps the hull. The lines are cast and sometime later, from out of the silence, my son screams, 'I got one!'
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Lake Superior is massive. So are its fish. My son fights to haul in his catch, a five-pound salmon. Archie turns the boat 'round and sets us on course to Porphry Island. So many colours as we pass — these rocks, the islands — each one pristine, white, red and black. We jump out into black volcanic sand, load up the wagon and wheel it up a trail to the lighthouse through exotic flora that look plucked out of the Galapagos. It's not. This is Thunder Bay. Climbing rocks that jut out from the water, flying a kite on the helicopter pad, and playing hide and seek along trails that weave in and out of the woods, we're absolutely carefree and laze away the rest of the day on what appears to be our own private island. After frying the salmon, we perch on the rocks to dine by the shore and watch the sun wash pastel light over the horizon as it sinks into Superior.
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The silence is heavy, but the quaint charm of the light keeper's house is like something out of a fairy tale. Before leaving in the morning, the lighthouse keeper, Paul, shares a legend with us that one night long ago, the old lighthouse keeper made a wish and tossed a piece of glass off the ledge and into the water. 'Oh, it was pummelled and weathered over many years, until one day it washed up on the beach.' As he tells us this, he kneels down, holds up that found-piece of smooth frosted-glass and places it in the palm of my son's hand. It's in the shape of a heart.
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All aboard Archie's Fishing Charters we head back to Sleeping Giant. On the road again, like lean hounds we're on a hunt for rocks. Canada's amethyst deposit, Ontario's official gemstone and the jewel of love, is in Thunder Bay. After learning how they're formed, we stand with bucket and digging tool in hand in the open field of Amethyst Mine Panorama. The grounds are littered with what looks like pale reddish violet and dark blueish purple sequins. We spread our selections on a table, wash them off, and measure our treasure to purchase and take home.
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En route into town we pull off the road to the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout. It's here that a hero's run ended, and the torch was passed to all those who would take it up and continue the Marathon of Hope. I was my son's age when Terry Fox embarked on his historic cross-Canada run. I remember my Dad had the honour of introducing him to the crowd gathered at City Hall in Toronto. Sharing the story of this great man with my son now, while seated at the monument in the warm breeze of the afternoon feels profoundly poignant.
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We unpack at the boutique oak-trimmed Courthouse Hotel with stunning views of the lake. If these walls could talk, they'd tell of the countless trials held here. Now it's all about wedding parties and comfort. Centrally located, it's an easy walk to everywhere. Dining at Tomlin Restaurant offers the best of local and seasonal ingredients. We share a dry-aged, melt-in-your-mouth rib-eye with Calabrian chili butter that is so robust and juicy that all we can do is nod with satisfaction in silence. A coffee pot de creme, topped with luscious vanilla cream and a sprinkling of crunchy candied hazelnuts is prepared with a coffee blend from the local St. Paul Roastery. It is so creamy and richly textured that each spoonful is pure smooth decadence.
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Cision Canada
20-05-2025
- Cision Canada
Darrell Fox Leads Group of Cyclists in Ride Across Canada to raise $1M for Cancer Research on the National Ride of Hope Français
In honour of the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, the group will cycle more than 7000 kilometres in support of the Terry Fox Foundation TORONTO, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 9, a group of dedicated cyclists, including Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother, will set off on the National Ride of Hope; a 7,000-kilometre journey from Vancouver to St. John's to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Terry's iconic Marathon of Hope. Inspired by Terry's unwavering strength and courage, these riders will push themselves to the limit, both physically and mentally, to complete this 32-day journey in pursuit of realizing Terry's dream of a world without cancer. The National Ride of Hope has set a goal of raising $1 million for the Terry Fox Foundation which will support finishing Terry's fight against cancer and help to usher in a new era of cancer research with the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. "Every kilometre we ride is a tribute to Terry's relentless determination," said Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother and Senior Advisor at the Terry Fox Research Institute. "Just like Terry's Marathon of Hope, and his timeless vision, this journey is focused solely on raising funds to eradicate cancer through research." The Ride of Hope began in 2015 when Darrell Fox, an avid cyclist, challenged a small group to ride 350 kilometres to Mount Terry Fox in British Columbia to honour the Marathon of Hope's 35th anniversary. That initiative sparked a growing movement of cycling fundraisers that now take part annually across the country and have since raised over a million dollars for cancer research. Starting on June 9, the National Ride will set off from Vancouver and will be welcomed in dozens of communities, both large and small, as it makes its way across Canada. Throughout the Ride of Hope, celebrations and local events are scheduled to take place in a handful of communities including Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, and St. John's. The Ride will conclude in St. John's, Newfoundland, on July 10, at the exact spot where Terry set out on his iconic Marathon of Hope 45 years ago. As the Ride of Hope stops in towns across Canada, community members are welcome to show their support through a handful of community events at select stops or by contributing to the fundraiser. You can find more details about where the group will be visiting or how to donate at In addition to the National Ride of Hope, there will be 14 local Ride of Hope events taking place across Canada this summer in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. No matter your previous cycling experience, anyone of any ability is welcome to participate in a Ride of Hope. To show your support or participate in a local Ride of Hope event in your area, visit About The Terry Fox Foundation The Terry Fox Foundation honours the vision and spirit of an iconic Canadian while raising critical funds for cancer research. As a leading national charitable organization, the Terry Fox Foundation plays a vital role in building community, engaging more than 20,000 passionate volunteers and 3.5 million students in nearly 10,000 annual fundraising events across the country. People around the world of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities have been inspired by Terry's enduring legacy. Through the generous support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $950 million and funded over 1,300 innovative cancer research projects, bringing hope and health to millions of Canadians. Visit for more information and to learn how you can help take Terry's Marathon of Hope across the finish line.
Vancouver Sun
29-04-2025
- Vancouver Sun
This Ontario city is a great go-to for fishing, sailing and climbing
Article content Our captain looks like a man of the sea. We can see the years and the nautical miles in his eyes. Leaning against the rail, he's gazing contentedly at the crystal blue skies and windswept waves that he calls home. Our boat gently rocks as water laps the hull. The lines are cast and sometime later, from out of the silence, my son screams, 'I got one!' Article content Lake Superior is massive. So are its fish. My son fights to haul in his catch, a five-pound salmon. Archie turns the boat 'round and sets us on course to Porphry Island. So many colours as we pass — these rocks, the islands — each one pristine, white, red and black. We jump out into black volcanic sand, load up the wagon and wheel it up a trail to the lighthouse through exotic flora that look plucked out of the Galapagos. It's not. This is Thunder Bay. Climbing rocks that jut out from the water, flying a kite on the helicopter pad, and playing hide and seek along trails that weave in and out of the woods, we're absolutely carefree and laze away the rest of the day on what appears to be our own private island. After frying the salmon, we perch on the rocks to dine by the shore and watch the sun wash pastel light over the horizon as it sinks into Superior. Article content Article content Article content Article content The silence is heavy, but the quaint charm of the light keeper's house is like something out of a fairy tale. Before leaving in the morning, the lighthouse keeper, Paul, shares a legend with us that one night long ago, the old lighthouse keeper made a wish and tossed a piece of glass off the ledge and into the water. 'Oh, it was pummelled and weathered over many years, until one day it washed up on the beach.' As he tells us this, he kneels down, holds up that found-piece of smooth frosted-glass and places it in the palm of my son's hand. It's in the shape of a heart. Article content Article content All aboard Archie's Fishing Charters we head back to Sleeping Giant. On the road again, like lean hounds we're on a hunt for rocks. Canada's amethyst deposit, Ontario's official gemstone and the jewel of love, is in Thunder Bay. After learning how they're formed, we stand with bucket and digging tool in hand in the open field of Amethyst Mine Panorama. The grounds are littered with what looks like pale reddish violet and dark blueish purple sequins. We spread our selections on a table, wash them off, and measure our treasure to purchase and take home. Article content Article content Article content En route into town we pull off the road to the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout. It's here that a hero's run ended, and the torch was passed to all those who would take it up and continue the Marathon of Hope. I was my son's age when Terry Fox embarked on his historic cross-Canada run. I remember my Dad had the honour of introducing him to the crowd gathered at City Hall in Toronto. Sharing the story of this great man with my son now, while seated at the monument in the warm breeze of the afternoon feels profoundly poignant. Article content We unpack at the boutique oak-trimmed Courthouse Hotel with stunning views of the lake. If these walls could talk, they'd tell of the countless trials held here. Now it's all about wedding parties and comfort. Centrally located, it's an easy walk to everywhere. Dining at Tomlin Restaurant offers the best of local and seasonal ingredients. We share a dry-aged, melt-in-your-mouth rib-eye with Calabrian chili butter that is so robust and juicy that all we can do is nod with satisfaction in silence. A coffee pot de creme, topped with luscious vanilla cream and a sprinkling of crunchy candied hazelnuts is prepared with a coffee blend from the local St. Paul Roastery. It is so creamy and richly textured that each spoonful is pure smooth decadence.
Calgary Herald
29-04-2025
- Calgary Herald
This Ontario city is a great go-to for fishing, sailing and climbing
Article content Our captain looks like a man of the sea. We can see the years and the nautical miles in his eyes. Leaning against the rail, he's gazing contentedly at the crystal blue skies and windswept waves that he calls home. Our boat gently rocks as water laps the hull. The lines are cast and sometime later, from out of the silence, my son screams, 'I got one!' Article content Lake Superior is massive. So are its fish. My son fights to haul in his catch, a five-pound salmon. Archie turns the boat 'round and sets us on course to Porphry Island. So many colours as we pass — these rocks, the islands — each one pristine, white, red and black. We jump out into black volcanic sand, load up the wagon and wheel it up a trail to the lighthouse through exotic flora that look plucked out of the Galapagos. It's not. This is Thunder Bay. Climbing rocks that jut out from the water, flying a kite on the helicopter pad, and playing hide and seek along trails that weave in and out of the woods, we're absolutely carefree and laze away the rest of the day on what appears to be our own private island. After frying the salmon, we perch on the rocks to dine by the shore and watch the sun wash pastel light over the horizon as it sinks into Superior. Article content Article content Article content The silence is heavy, but the quaint charm of the light keeper's house is like something out of a fairy tale. Before leaving in the morning, the lighthouse keeper, Paul, shares a legend with us that one night long ago, the old lighthouse keeper made a wish and tossed a piece of glass off the ledge and into the water. 'Oh, it was pummelled and weathered over many years, until one day it washed up on the beach.' As he tells us this, he kneels down, holds up that found-piece of smooth frosted-glass and places it in the palm of my son's hand. It's in the shape of a heart. Article content Article content All aboard Archie's Fishing Charters we head back to Sleeping Giant. On the road again, like lean hounds we're on a hunt for rocks. Canada's amethyst deposit, Ontario's official gemstone and the jewel of love, is in Thunder Bay. After learning how they're formed, we stand with bucket and digging tool in hand in the open field of Amethyst Mine Panorama. The grounds are littered with what looks like pale reddish violet and dark blueish purple sequins. We spread our selections on a table, wash them off, and measure our treasure to purchase and take home. Article content Article content Article content En route into town we pull off the road to the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout. It's here that a hero's run ended, and the torch was passed to all those who would take it up and continue the Marathon of Hope. I was my son's age when Terry Fox embarked on his historic cross-Canada run. I remember my Dad had the honour of introducing him to the crowd gathered at City Hall in Toronto. Sharing the story of this great man with my son now, while seated at the monument in the warm breeze of the afternoon feels profoundly poignant. Article content We unpack at the boutique oak-trimmed Courthouse Hotel with stunning views of the lake. If these walls could talk, they'd tell of the countless trials held here. Now it's all about wedding parties and comfort. Centrally located, it's an easy walk to everywhere. Dining at Tomlin Restaurant offers the best of local and seasonal ingredients. We share a dry-aged, melt-in-your-mouth rib-eye with Calabrian chili butter that is so robust and juicy that all we can do is nod with satisfaction in silence. A coffee pot de creme, topped with luscious vanilla cream and a sprinkling of crunchy candied hazelnuts is prepared with a coffee blend from the local St. Paul Roastery. It is so creamy and richly textured that each spoonful is pure smooth decadence.
