Perched on the rocky shore of a wilderness island in Georgian Bay, two “flowerpots” stand a respectful distance from each other, oblivious to the crowds surrounding them and the commotion they have caused for two centuries. These gravity-defying, some say mythical, sea stacks were formed when lake erosion “ate” at either side of stronger parts of the rock and eventually left the pillars isolated on the shore. Isolated in a geographic sense, yes — but rarely alone.
As monarch butterflies begin their annual spring migration from Mexico to southern Canada, they face what’s called “landscape fragmentation.” This species-at-risk needs specific habitat for food and shelter but the landscape is being lost or broken up by things like urban development, roads and industrial agriculture.
"Dramatic cliffs rise from the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. In large tracts of forest, black bears roam and rare reptiles find refuge in rocky areas and diverse wetlands. Ancient cedar trees spiral from the cliff-edge; a multitude of orchids and ferns take root in a mosaic of habitats. Welcome to the magic of Bruce Peninsula National Park."
Bruce Peninsula National Park in the Canadian province of Ontario has grown by 28 acres, thanks to the acquisition of land along the Georgian Bay shoreline north of Cabot Head Provincial Park.
Now that the National Parks Traveler has expanded its coverage to include our northern neighbor, here’s the latest quiz and trivia piece. How much do you really know about Canada’s national parks? Take the quiz and learn a little bit, while you are at it.
Every May and June, some of the turtles of Thousand Islands National Park make their way to sandy road and highway shoulders to lay their eggs. Raccoons are quick to find and devour the eggs. Some remain safely hidden until September, but then scores of vulnerable hatchlings are killed crossing the road.