Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Day trip to Tottenham
Trip to Tottenham
Last Sunday morning we woke up and decided to do something different. It was a nice sunny day and the weather forecast looked pleasant enough......
After checking 'google search' for interesting day trips from Brampton, we found some information on a little town called Tottenham, about an hours drive from our home. Their main tourist attraction is a lovely train ride through the un-touched Country side. After reading about the train ride on the website http://www.southsimcoerailway.ca/, we decided to spend the day there with some friends of ours.
We also read about the town of Tottenham and this is what Wikipedia had to say:
"Tottenham is a community in the town of New Tecumseth, in south-central Ontario, Canada. It takes its name from its first postmaster, Alexander Totten. The Tottenham Conservation Area is a recreational facility in the village, which is also famous for its Bluegrass Festival. There is also a restored steam train that is a tourist attraction, taking passengers to Beeton and back.
The town was ravaged by a fire in 1895, which began at the McKinney foundry. Eighty structures were destroyed, including the foundry and a Methodist church. Despite warnings in 1884 that the town needed a fire engine, none was purchased. To combat the 1895 fire, the town of Allandale sent its fire engine, preventing further spread of the fire."
Once you get to Tottenham, the first thing you notice is that it is a little town with one main street going right down the middle. There you will find the bulk of the towns stores and restaurants. As the train ride was at 1.30 and then another at 3pm, we decided to first go to the station, buy the tickets for the 3pm ride, have lunch and then come back to the station.
THE RATES
2009 EXCURSION SCHEDULE and FARES:
Excursions begin Victoria Day weekend and run through to the weekend after Thanksgiving.
The train operates every Sunday and holiday Monday, departing at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30 & 3:00. In addition, the train also operates Mondays and Tuesdays in July and August, and the first three Saturdays in October, at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30 & 3:00.
Fares: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Children $7 including all taxes. Babies under 2, not occupying a seat, are free. Children's fares apply to age 15 and under; senior fares to age 65 and older. Visa, MasterCard & Interac are accepted for payment.
For safety reasons, strollers and infant car seats are not permitted on board the train
The Cedars Kitchen (#5, Queen st, South) was the little restaurant where we had lunch. From Bacon-lettuce-tomato (BLT) sandwiches, to hotdogs, burgers and wraps.....they had a nice spread and it was not very expensive either. The kids meals came with a juice or milk, and the kids got a cute cup with their drink that they could keep. Crayons and a fun sheet was given to the kids to keep them occupied before the food came. Food-excellent, service-friendly and fast, Price-reasonable.
At about 2.45 we walked back to the station (just five minutes away) and found out seats on the train. Seat numbers are printed on the tickets. There were three compartment ( I almost said the Indian term...bogie).....the first had a private birthday party for a three year old which is an option you have in case you want to have a party on the train. We sat in the second compartment.
No food or drinks are allowed on the train...so it is clean! Windows are open and the train only travels at a safe slow speed so you enjoy the fresh breeze and the open view of the country side. The ride takes about fifty minutes, you reach a half way point and then you switch sides with the passengers sitting on your side so that you can see a different view on your return to the station. All done quickly and efficiently!
Hope you like the pictures I uploaded...we had a great time and would definitely recommend this if you want a change of scene and just want to do something for the day.
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Africa Safari - Ontario
Last Sunday we drove about an hours distance from our home, to the African Safari in Sheffield.
It was a nice drive getting there, not much traffic and the weather was just perfect. Once we got there, we saw clear signs about where to go, pay for your ticket and where to park if you didn't want to go on the Safari drive first.
The visitors going on the Safari drive, had to drive past a huge double gate and just follow the signs. Driving into different areas, one could see animals like Lions, cheetahs, Zebras, Giraffes, Ostriches, many kinds of Deer, Hippos and wild birds. A very open area, it is easy to forget where you are while you gape open mouthed at the animals walking right up to your car window.
Of course, there are clear rules here......no opening doors and windows. You have to stay in the car at all times. They have security all over just in case.
The website for this attraction had this to say:
"African Lion Safari is a Canadian owned family business created in the name of conservation. Our manner of exhibiting animals is completely different from the traditional approach; that is, the visitor is caged in the car, and the animals roam in 2 to 20 hectare (5 to 50 acre) reserves.We first opened the gates to the public in 1969 with 40 lions in 3 reserves; today the park houses in excess of 1000 animals of over 100 species. After 39 years we have been successful with breeding 30 species that are considered endangered, and 20 or more species that are considered threatened. The original idea of "maintaining self-sustaining populations of species in decline" is still our priority."
The Rates are as follows:
SUMMER ADMISSION RATES:SUMMER - June 27 - Sept 7, 2009
Adult (13-59)................$29.95
Senior (60+).................$26.95
Children (3-12)..............$24.95
SPRING/FALL ADMISSION RATES:SPRING - May 2 - June 26, 2009 FALL - Sept 8 - Oct 12, 2009
Adult (13-59)................$24.95
Senior (60+).................$21.95
Children (3-12)..............$19.95
Taxes not included. Prices in Canadian dollars.We accept cash, Mastercard, Visa, AMEX and Interac debit cards.Prices subject to change without notice.Children 2 and under are admitted FREE.All features weather permitting.Some features have height restrictions.
ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:
Drive Through Game Reserve (9 km). Misumu Bay Wet Play area (open daily, WEATHER PERMITTING, May 16 to Sep 7, 2009, height restrictions apply, closes for season after Labour Day) Jungle Playground (height restrictions apply)
Parrot Paradise show Elephant Roundup demonstration
A scenic railway tour Pets' Corner Birds of Prey flying demonstration
Take a cruise aboard the "African Queen"
SUMMARY: Visit our large drive-through wildlife park and you will surely have a wild experience! View and photograph 1000 unique and rare mammals and birds who are roaming freely, waiting to meet you. The Safari Trail takes you through prides of lions, troops of baboons and herds of zebra. You will see big cats, baboons, white rhino, ostrich, aoudad, eland, giraffe and many other exotic and native species. Travel through the reserves in your own vehicle (Convertibles, motorcycles and other unsuitable vehicles will not be permitted to drive through the Game Reserves. Windshields with cracks are not permitted to drive through the Game Reserves. Keep your windows closed!) or park your car and let an informative tour guide drive you through this wild kingdom in our air-conditioned Safari Tour Bus (additional cost). The drive through tour will take about one hour and the average stay for a family visit is five to seven hours. Relax and enjoy yourself!Explore our thrilling mammal and bird performances. The shows include the Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration, Parrot Paradise show, and Elephant Round-Up, all weather permitting. Shows run throughout the afternoon. Upon arrival you will be given a Programme & Map which outlines the show times. Each show is approximately 20 minutes long. As the shows are very popular we suggest that you arrive early for seating. Take a cruise aboard the "African Queen" boat. Your guide will point out exotic birds and primates during your pleasant tour around Water Safari Lake. Inhabitants of this area include the Ring-tailed lemur, Ground Horn-bills, Spider Monkeys, and the endangered Angolan Colobus monkeys.
Venture off to Waterfowl Lake and take a journey on the "Nature Boy" scenic railway. As you travel through this natural forest you will see some unique wildlife, watch out for the snapping turtles! The boat & train tour are each approximately 15 minutes in length and open daily at 11:00 a.m. weather permitting.
Come and see our daily elephant swim. Here you will see Kitty, Jenny, Maggie and baby Chuck, frolic in the giant recreational lake.Visit Pets' Corner and come ‘face to ‘face’ with a variety of animals and birds. Take a moment to pet and feed some baby goats.
Children are encouraged to monkey around in the Jungle Playground featuring the Safari Venture, and Toddlers' Play. Then cool down in the Misumu Bay Wet Play area (open May 16 to September 7, 2009, height restrictions apply). Misumu Bay Wet Play opens at 11:00 a.m.
Hungry on Safari? Check out Mombasa Market Restaurant (licensed) offering flame-broiled burgers, fries, pizza, and snacks, or the Cabana Grill (licensed) on the back patio
This is definitely worth seeing and experiencing. A wonderful place to bring young children as well as older people. It is not that big and one can easily walk around comfortably. Bathrooms are spacious and clean.
Any questions? Please feel free to email me at chutney2maplesyrup@gmail.com or leave a comment after this post. Thanks!
It was a nice drive getting there, not much traffic and the weather was just perfect. Once we got there, we saw clear signs about where to go, pay for your ticket and where to park if you didn't want to go on the Safari drive first.
The visitors going on the Safari drive, had to drive past a huge double gate and just follow the signs. Driving into different areas, one could see animals like Lions, cheetahs, Zebras, Giraffes, Ostriches, many kinds of Deer, Hippos and wild birds. A very open area, it is easy to forget where you are while you gape open mouthed at the animals walking right up to your car window.
Of course, there are clear rules here......no opening doors and windows. You have to stay in the car at all times. They have security all over just in case.
The website for this attraction had this to say:
"African Lion Safari is a Canadian owned family business created in the name of conservation. Our manner of exhibiting animals is completely different from the traditional approach; that is, the visitor is caged in the car, and the animals roam in 2 to 20 hectare (5 to 50 acre) reserves.We first opened the gates to the public in 1969 with 40 lions in 3 reserves; today the park houses in excess of 1000 animals of over 100 species. After 39 years we have been successful with breeding 30 species that are considered endangered, and 20 or more species that are considered threatened. The original idea of "maintaining self-sustaining populations of species in decline" is still our priority."
The Rates are as follows:
SUMMER ADMISSION RATES:SUMMER - June 27 - Sept 7, 2009
Adult (13-59)................$29.95
Senior (60+).................$26.95
Children (3-12)..............$24.95
SPRING/FALL ADMISSION RATES:SPRING - May 2 - June 26, 2009 FALL - Sept 8 - Oct 12, 2009
Adult (13-59)................$24.95
Senior (60+).................$21.95
Children (3-12)..............$19.95
Taxes not included. Prices in Canadian dollars.We accept cash, Mastercard, Visa, AMEX and Interac debit cards.Prices subject to change without notice.Children 2 and under are admitted FREE.All features weather permitting.Some features have height restrictions.
ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:
Drive Through Game Reserve (9 km). Misumu Bay Wet Play area (open daily, WEATHER PERMITTING, May 16 to Sep 7, 2009, height restrictions apply, closes for season after Labour Day) Jungle Playground (height restrictions apply)
Parrot Paradise show Elephant Roundup demonstration
A scenic railway tour Pets' Corner Birds of Prey flying demonstration
Take a cruise aboard the "African Queen"
SUMMARY: Visit our large drive-through wildlife park and you will surely have a wild experience! View and photograph 1000 unique and rare mammals and birds who are roaming freely, waiting to meet you. The Safari Trail takes you through prides of lions, troops of baboons and herds of zebra. You will see big cats, baboons, white rhino, ostrich, aoudad, eland, giraffe and many other exotic and native species. Travel through the reserves in your own vehicle (Convertibles, motorcycles and other unsuitable vehicles will not be permitted to drive through the Game Reserves. Windshields with cracks are not permitted to drive through the Game Reserves. Keep your windows closed!) or park your car and let an informative tour guide drive you through this wild kingdom in our air-conditioned Safari Tour Bus (additional cost). The drive through tour will take about one hour and the average stay for a family visit is five to seven hours. Relax and enjoy yourself!Explore our thrilling mammal and bird performances. The shows include the Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration, Parrot Paradise show, and Elephant Round-Up, all weather permitting. Shows run throughout the afternoon. Upon arrival you will be given a Programme & Map which outlines the show times. Each show is approximately 20 minutes long. As the shows are very popular we suggest that you arrive early for seating. Take a cruise aboard the "African Queen" boat. Your guide will point out exotic birds and primates during your pleasant tour around Water Safari Lake. Inhabitants of this area include the Ring-tailed lemur, Ground Horn-bills, Spider Monkeys, and the endangered Angolan Colobus monkeys.
Venture off to Waterfowl Lake and take a journey on the "Nature Boy" scenic railway. As you travel through this natural forest you will see some unique wildlife, watch out for the snapping turtles! The boat & train tour are each approximately 15 minutes in length and open daily at 11:00 a.m. weather permitting.
Come and see our daily elephant swim. Here you will see Kitty, Jenny, Maggie and baby Chuck, frolic in the giant recreational lake.Visit Pets' Corner and come ‘face to ‘face’ with a variety of animals and birds. Take a moment to pet and feed some baby goats.
Children are encouraged to monkey around in the Jungle Playground featuring the Safari Venture, and Toddlers' Play. Then cool down in the Misumu Bay Wet Play area (open May 16 to September 7, 2009, height restrictions apply). Misumu Bay Wet Play opens at 11:00 a.m.
Hungry on Safari? Check out Mombasa Market Restaurant (licensed) offering flame-broiled burgers, fries, pizza, and snacks, or the Cabana Grill (licensed) on the back patio
This is definitely worth seeing and experiencing. A wonderful place to bring young children as well as older people. It is not that big and one can easily walk around comfortably. Bathrooms are spacious and clean.
Any questions? Please feel free to email me at chutney2maplesyrup@gmail.com or leave a comment after this post. Thanks!
Hello there!
This beautiful buck stopped by to have a look at us! It felt like we were
the ones in a Zoo.
Amazing is not the word
This Ostrich was trying to get some food from my kids who were sitting
in the car in front of us. We spent at least twenty minutes just looking
at this magnificent creature up close. It is much taller than you think!!
You can see lions like this one, up close.
You can drive through at your own pace, take as much time as you want gazing at
these amazing creatures and taking pictures.
We're back!!
We are back in Canada, after our first holiday back to India. It was two and a half months of family time, catching up with friends and traveling around the Country with our children. It was great to be back in India, amongst the familiar sights and sounds. It was also strange....
Strange in the sense that....we felt like we had to eat every biriyani, dosa or paani puri in sight, take a ride in an auto and actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of a crowded store and hearing every Indian language spoken at one time. The traffic was insane to say the least, and of course we were back to some things we forgot in our one year in Canada. Power cuts and no water coming out of the taps!! Things you start to take for granted in Canada. I mean here, you even have seperate taps for hot and cold water!!
The one thing we discovered during our trip back to India, is that no matter how many years you live abroad or what kind of lifestyle you lead....if you have lived in India at some point of time, you will miss something about it. At times it can be just the sound of dogs barking, flower sellers yelling and water pumps being pumped at 5am. Here, it is so quiet, you can actually hear yourself breathing.
We are lucky. Lucky because we live in two different worlds. So different that it is hard to explain. One world called India. Third world, noisy, polluted, crowded, cheap,charming, mysterious, great food, and something different in each and every state. The other world, Canada - hardly any people, every state seems to be a copy of the other, difficult for immigrants, expensive, great infrastructure, one of the best cities to live in (Toronto) and hundreds of well planned things to do on the weekends.
These are some of the differences you may feel, comparing both Countries. We left India feeling sad...not knowing when our next visit would be. But you know what? We got out of Pearson International and caught a cab to take .....home. Yes, home. It was great to see the clear, big roads, the open Country side and how clean everything was. Yes, we miss India.....but I guess we missed Canada a little too.
Strange in the sense that....we felt like we had to eat every biriyani, dosa or paani puri in sight, take a ride in an auto and actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of a crowded store and hearing every Indian language spoken at one time. The traffic was insane to say the least, and of course we were back to some things we forgot in our one year in Canada. Power cuts and no water coming out of the taps!! Things you start to take for granted in Canada. I mean here, you even have seperate taps for hot and cold water!!
The one thing we discovered during our trip back to India, is that no matter how many years you live abroad or what kind of lifestyle you lead....if you have lived in India at some point of time, you will miss something about it. At times it can be just the sound of dogs barking, flower sellers yelling and water pumps being pumped at 5am. Here, it is so quiet, you can actually hear yourself breathing.
We are lucky. Lucky because we live in two different worlds. So different that it is hard to explain. One world called India. Third world, noisy, polluted, crowded, cheap,charming, mysterious, great food, and something different in each and every state. The other world, Canada - hardly any people, every state seems to be a copy of the other, difficult for immigrants, expensive, great infrastructure, one of the best cities to live in (Toronto) and hundreds of well planned things to do on the weekends.
These are some of the differences you may feel, comparing both Countries. We left India feeling sad...not knowing when our next visit would be. But you know what? We got out of Pearson International and caught a cab to take .....home. Yes, home. It was great to see the clear, big roads, the open Country side and how clean everything was. Yes, we miss India.....but I guess we missed Canada a little too.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Elephants in their natural environment
Can you see the elephants? Almost all the animals are in contained areas like this one.
Large, spacious and tree covered areas for the animals to roam freely and not too close
to where visitors can bother them.
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