Saskatchewan Travel & Adventure Guide

Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve is touted as the most accessible seabird nesting site in North America. It is located about 65 kilometres from Placentia and 175 kilometres from the provincial capital of St. John’s, Newfoundland. At this time of year (April) the birds are returning in abundance to their annual summer home. The cacophony of sound and motion are stunning to behold.

Pictured in this video are mainly Northen Gannets who dot the entire surface of Bird Rock. The surrounding cliffs are also home to nesting sites for other species such as kittiwakes and common turres. It is hard to fathom how they successfully hatch and rear young on these tiny ledges. There is an interpretation centre at Cape St. Mary's which is open during the peak summer season. From the interpretation centre it is a fairly level 1.4 km walk to Bird Rock. There are many great views of the rock as you approach, but there is nothing like reaching the last few steps when you are right there with the birds. Cape St. Mary’s is characterized by high cliffs with sheer drops. The weather in this region of the province is often damp and foggy so extra care must be taken when close to the edge.

Although the birds are the main attraction for many visitors, Cape St. Mary's is home to one of the world’s most southerly expanses of sub-Arctic tundra. Mosses, lichens, alpine wildflowers, and low-growing shrubs are a botanist’s delight. There is lots of IDing to be done! Additionally, there is a lighthouse at Cape St. Mary's. Neighbouring communities along this stretch of the Cape Shore include St. Bride’s, Point Lance and Branch. All worth a visit in their own right!

Hiking The Lookout Trail Algonquin Ontario Provincial Park Canada

The Lookout Trail: A Short Hike to a Grand View in Algonquin Park

If there’s one trail in Algonquin Provincial Park that captures the soul of the wilderness in under an hour, it’s the Lookout Trail. Tucked just off Highway 60 near kilometer 39.7, this 2.1 km loop may be short, but don’t let its length fool you—what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in breathtaking reward.

From the very first steps, the trail leads you through a cathedral of towering hardwoods: sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech trees rise around you, their leaves whispering in the breeze. The ground is uneven with roots and rock, giving it a rugged, authentic feel—perfect for hikers who enjoy a bit of a challenge without venturing too far from the beaten path.

As you climb, nature reveals its quiet poetry. Sunlight filters through the canopy. The air is rich with the scent of pine and earth. Interpretive signs along the way invite you to pause and consider the geological and ecological history of the land you're walking on—once an ancient sea floor, now a forested highland.

And then, you arrive.

The trees part like curtains, and suddenly you’re standing on the edge of a rocky cliff. Before you stretches a sweeping view of Algonquin’s rolling hills, endless forest, and glinting lakes. In autumn, this spot becomes a painter’s dream: the landscape explodes in fiery hues of crimson, amber, and gold. In summer, it’s a sea of green, alive with birdsong. Winter transforms it into a snow-draped wonderland, quiet and still.

Whether you're an experienced hiker, a nature photographer, or just someone craving a moment of perspective, the Lookout Trail offers a window into the soul of Algonquin.

Quick Hiking Trail Facts:

• Length: 2.1 km loop
• Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections but short)
• Seasonal Tip: Best in fall for stunning foliage, but gorgeous year-round

So lace up your boots, bring your camera, and don’t forget to breathe it all in. The Lookout Trail might just be the highlight of your Algonquin adventure.

On Saturday, April 19th, I tagged along with Sonia & Wyeth, my favourite two little adventures, to the Swan Lake Nursery Easter Egg Hunt.
This hunt was a unique experience, as children were hunting for actual hidden eggs, but chocolate eggs (not plastic ones) that were hidden around the outdoor nursery section of Swan Lake.
They did have a section for children aged 4 and under and a section for children aged 5 and up. We were in the 4-and-under section.
Wyeth was bored and went to discover their playground while Sonia hunted for her eggs.
After the [outdoor] hunt, we moved inside the store and hunted for plastic eggs. It is important to note that the prizes in these eggs turned out to be store products (Wyeth won Kombucha and Sonia won Syrup).
Overall, it was a tiring, fun-filled day for everyone involved!
**Wyeth and Sonia's Parents consent to video and name usuage