Join us for the 7th Annual Outdoor Festival! The “Web of Life” is this year’s theme and there could be no more fitting place, than here on the Bruce Peninsula, to experience nature’s connectedness. In celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity our festival covers a diverse variety of topics, from bugs to birds, hiking to art… so be prepared to enjoy! We welcome you to join in the exploration and hope you continue to discover all that the Bruce Peninsula and Bruce Trail have to offer!
This year we are happy to have expanded the list of possible activities available during your stay on the Peninsula. We have made arrangements with local businesses and volunteers to offer a range of other activities (hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving and more) on Friday, Sunday and Monday of the Festival Weekend. These activities are separate from the festival, but well worth considering if you wish to stay a little longer in the area. See our schedule of events below for all the information. Local hotels and B&B's are offering an extended stay promotion if you wish to partake in these extra activities- see "Special Accommodation Offer" below for more details.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THE FESTIVAL - see below
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, October 1, 2010
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Outdoor Festival Headquarters, Information and Registration; Parks Canada
Visitor Centre
Pick up your registration information and Festival Pass. Festival volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions regarding the weekend events. Pre-registration is required for all weekend events.
 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm > Exploring our Ancient Cedars with Pete Kelly; Parks Canada Visitor Centre
Join Pete Kelly, co-authour of "The Last Stand; a Journey through the Ancient Cliff-Face Forest of the Niagara Escarpment," for an exciting photographic journey along the edge of the escarpment. Pete will share his knowledge of the ancient white cedars that dwell along the escarpment cliffs, and the importance of the white cedar to First Nations' and early settlers.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
SATURDAY MORNING ACTIVITIES
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Outdoor Festival Headquarters, Information and Registration; Parks Canada
Visitor Centre
Pick up your registration information and Festival Pass. Festival volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions regarding the weekend events. Pre-registration is required for all weekend events.
 7:00 am – 9:30 am > Fall Birding at the Tip of the Bruce
Fall migration is in full swing during early October and the tip of the Bruce Peninsula - literally around the village of Tobermory - is one of the best spots! Bring your binoculars and bird book for this easy-going hike in search of fall migrants. Meet Ethan Meleg at 7am at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory. Limit 20 people.
 9:00 am -12:00 pm > Halfway Rock Point Escarpment Geology Hike
Join expert geologist Daryl Cowell at the Head of Trails parking lot (adjacent to the Cyprus Lake Campground in Bruce Peninsula National Park) and learn about the local bedrock, karst, boulder beaches and "sea" caves along the Niagara Escarpment. We will walk the Georgian Bay and Marr Lake Trails. Points of interest include the Horse Lake karst, relict beach ridges, an active boulder beach, Indian Head Cove, "The Grotto" and, if time permits, Overhanging Point. Daryl is co-author of the Geology and Landforms of Grey and Bruce Counties, available for sale at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre during the festival. Directions: Highway #6 to Cyprus Lake Road, continue to the right past the campground office. This road terminates at the The Head of Trails parking lot at the north end of Cyprus Lake. The total hiking distance will be between 5 and 6 km and please be prepared for walking on bedrock ridges and loose boulders. Limit 20 persons.
9:00 am – 12:00 pm > Aquatic Invertebrates – A Look into Our Wonderful Watery World
 Splash into the amazing world of aquatic critters with Parks Canada Naturalist, Jenna McGuire. Learn to identify a number of aquatic insects and other invertebrates and discover how these water dwellers can help you to asses the health of streams and lakes in your own back yard. Meet at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Easy hike. Limit 20 people.
9:00 am – 12:00 pm > Botanical Tour - Plants of the Fens, Alvars & Escarpment Rocks
Join botanist Joan Crowe for a carpool tour of three unique ecosystems and the plants associated with them. There will be stops at
Singing Sands and Crane River. Meet at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Easy hike. Limit 16 people.
9:00 am – 12:00 pm > Look, See, Paint - Seeing Nature through Artistic Eyes
 Come try your hand at painting and capture the natural beauty of the Peninsula with local artist Julie Heinrichs. No prior artistic experience is required to enjoy this event- beginners are highly encouraged to register! Materials provided. Adults only. Meet at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Class size limited to 15 people.
9:00 am – 12:00 pm > Surveying for Reptiles & Amphibians (Indoor & Outdoor Excursion)
 Join in the search for our local reptiles and amphibians! Joe Crowley, Herpetofaunal Atlas Project Coordinator for Ontario Nature, will share with you some amazing facts about reptiles and amphibians and discuss their conservation and stewardship opportunities. He will introduce you to the reptiles and amphibians of the Bruce and then guide you on a search to find these cryptic critters. During the talk and hike you will also learn how to survey for local herpetofauna and report your observations to the new Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas. Meet at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Limit 20 people.
SATURDAY LUNCH BREAK
12:00 – 1:00 pm > PICK UP YOUR PACKED LUNCH (if pre-ordered) at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre
We will provide a cool beverage for your lunch. In line with our efforts to reduce waste during the Festival, we ask that you please bring a drink container for water or juice.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm > Botanical Tour - Plants of the Fens, Alvars & Escarpment Rocks
Join botanist Joan Crowe for a carpool tour taking in three unique ecosystems and the plants associated with them. There will be stops at
Singing Sands and Crane River. Meet at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Easy hike. Limit 16 people.
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm > Medicinal and Edible Plants
  Come out and discover the bounty of medicinal and edible plants found in our local forests with Barbara Bobo. Meet at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Limit 20 people.
 *1:30 pm – 4:30 pm > Introduction to “Bouldering” (NOTE: *later start time)
Join the Ontario Access Coalition and professional sponsored rock climbers at Halfway Log Dump for a look into the exciting sport of bouldering. Come learn about bouldering technique, safety, low impact practices, and area guidelines in this beautiful setting. Expert boulderers will demonstrate how to ascend blank walls and cling upside-down like spiderman to the huge boulders at Halfway Log Dump. You will not be climbing/bouldering as part of this session. This session involves difficult terrain, so wear sturdy footwear. Bring water. Meet at Halfway Log Dump parking lot [Google Maps approximate lat./long. = 45.227395,-81.480566]. From Hwy. 6, go east on Emmett Lake Road and follow the signs to Halfway Log Dump. Hike to shoreline where a volunteer will direct you. Limit 60 people!
 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm > Bootlegger’s Cave Rock Ramble- Expert Hike
Join Sheila Buckingham, PBTC volunteer and rock ramble leader, for a ramble along the shoreline to the famous Bootlegger’s Cave in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Be prepared for the Escarpment at its finest, including some incredible scenic vistas. This is an extremely rugged hike, and includes climbing, so wear sturdy footwear. Advanced hikers only. Bring water. Meet at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Limit 20 people.
 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm > Fun with your GPS - Introduction to the World of Geocaching
There are no age restrictions for this treasure hunt! Come out to learn why so many people are catching on to the sport of geocaching. Join Ted Spieker for a treasure hunt in the Tobermory area and learn the basics of your GPS receiver. Bring your GPS if you have one (not required as some will be on hand for you to use). Parks Canada Visitor Centre. Limit 20 people.
SATURDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm > FEATURE PRESENTATION
Where Am I? A Psychologist Talks About Our Sense of Direction and Why We Get Lost.
 Join Colin Ellard, Professor of Psychology at the University of Waterloo and author of Where Am I? Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon but Get Lost at the Mall, who will help us navigate our way through the ‘psychology of space’ and share his work on why ‘nature is so good for us!’
Wine & Cheese at 7:00 pm in the beautiful lobby of the Parks Canada Visitor Centre – Presentation at 7:30 pm in the theatre.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Come out and join Peninsula Bruce Trail Hike Leaders in exploring some of our newest trails! As for all events, remember to wear sturdy hiking boots, dress in layers, and bring snacks, lunch and water.
10:00 am - 1:00 pm > McKay’s Harbour & Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve Hikes
 Choose from one of two hikes in the Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve and surrounding area. Explore beautiful woodlands, glacial potholes and enjoy dramatic lookouts over Georgian Bay. The longer hike will follow the main trail to McKay’s Harbour and return on alternate trails to the parking lot (approximately 10 km). The shorter hike will follow the Ilse Hanel and Warder side trails from the same parking lot- access #25 (4.5 km.) Meet at McCurdy Drive access #25.
AND FOR THE REST OF THE WEEKEND ON THE BRUCE …
We are very excited to have made arrangements with local experts to expand the weekend to include a chance to try an introduction to SCUBA diving from the world famous diving centre of Tobermory, to join a kayaking excursion or club guided hikes on lesser known but spectacular newer trail sections. These additional excursions will take place outside the regular Festival schedule, Friday, Sunday afternoon or Monday, so when planning your visit, consider an extended stay on the Bruce to take in all the fun!
 KAYAKING - As part of the extended weekend activities kayak trips on the Northern Bruce will be organized for Friday, September 30 and Monday October 3. The locations will most likely be on inland lakes and will depend on weather. Participants will need their own boat, boat transportation and safety equipment. If you are interested, contact John Greenhouse at 519-596-2081 or jpgreenh@amtelecom.net.
 DISCOVER SCUBA - Also as part of the extended weekend activities the PBTC has arranged with Tobermory-based instructor Mike Marcotte to teach an ‘Introduction to SCUBA’ course on Friday, September 30. The course will last all day and cost approximately $170 which includes wet suit rental and all equipment needed for diving. Interested participants should contact Mike directly at 519-596-8307. It may also be possible to arrange for a "dive" in the Hyperbaric Chamber as part of (or even separate from) this activity. If this is of interest please contact John Greenhouse at 519-596-2081 or jpgreenh@amtelecom.net
A DAY AT THE MUSEUM – Our local St. Edmund’s Township Museum will be open Friday and Monday of our festival weekend, so be sure to stop in and discover our local heritage.
WALKING TOUR OF THE TUB – We have guided hike pamphlets available for those who wish to do a walking tour of Tobermory on Friday, Sunday or Monday. For a copy of the tour contact Grace Telfer at 519-596-2327.
GUIDED HIKES
Friday, October 1st, 2010 - Head of Trails to Little Cove – Don’t miss this linear hike on one of the most rugged and beautiful portions of the Peninsula section of Bruce Trail. This spectacular hike travels along the escarpment edge past Halfway Rock Point and Overhanging Point, along the boulder beach of Driftwood Cove, to the largest sink hole on the Peninsula and on to Little Cove. Be prepared to car pool. We will meet at the Bruce Peninsula National Park Head of Trails. Contact John Greenhouse at 519-596-2081.
 Monday, October 4, 2010 – Malcolm Bluffs Shores - Come and explore these large spectacular properties along Colpoys Bay. They include a very interesting and varied shoreline geology, an ancient forested rock terrace, extensive scree and high escarpment environments. Locally rare walking ferns are found here and extensive colonies of harts tongue fern as well. This is a day’s foray through naturally regenerating forest lands, and shore on lands you haven’t seen before. North from Wiarton, turn east on County Road 9 and right again at Colpoys Bay village and follow Mallory Beach Rd right to the end. Contact John Greenhouse at 519-596-2081.
Other suggested activities for the afternoon
Festival Passes & Pre-registration
*Pre-registration is required for all events so book early (see contact information on last page of schedule). The weekend pass donation is $50 per person and includes Friday night presentation, Saturday night social and presentation, all Saturday and Sunday hikes and events as well as entry to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre and National Park sites for Saturday. LUNCH OPTION: An optional Saturday Outdoor Festival Lunch may be purchased when you pre-register and is subject to a deadline - see details below.
 DOWNLOAD 2010 REGISTRATION FORM - PDF FILE
Outdoor Festival Lunch
 We are pleased to provide you with the option of pre-ordering a packed lunch on Saturday while you move between the morning and afternoon festival events.
If you choose to order lunch, please bring a reusable drink container for water/juice provided with lunch. If you are able to bring a reusable bag for your lunch items, we would appreciate your help in reducing our waste during the festival.
Lunch Menu consists of your choice of:
- Tasty chicken salad sandwich (without mayo)
- Roasted pork with apple sandwich
- Roasted veggies with goat cheese sandwich
Also included: fresh garden carrots, celery, apple, cookie and juice (you provide the drink container)
Gluten free option available. Please let us know when ordering.
Deadline for ordering lunch is Friday, September 24, 2010
When pre-registering, remember to indicate if you would like a lunch on your form and choose your choice of sandwich.
 Festival Headquarters:
Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tobermory
Special Accommodation Offer
 If you plan to extend your weekend stay in Tobermory to enjoy hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, shopping or just contemplating the beauty of the Bruce, the following motels and B & Bs have agreed to offer a four nights-for-the price-of- three (4-4-3) package for Festival registrants staying Thursday to Sunday (Sept 30 – Oct 3) or Friday to Monday (Oct 1-5). Please contact these businesses directly and request the 4-4-3 package for the Outdoor Festival.
..and, if you plan to hike the Bruce Trail further afield, the Bed and Breakfasts in the Home-to-Home Network , 1-888-301-3224. info@hometohome.ca
Where Do the Proceeds Go?
Festival proceeds support the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Don’t forget to get your tickets for our raffle, available by calling Jane at 519-596-2081. Winning tickets will be drawn on Saturday night prior to the feature presentation.
 Bring a Drink Container
We are pleased to continue our efforts to help reduce our impact on the environment during the festival. Please bring your own reusable drink container for the weekend for use during our Saturday night wine and cheese and for hot & cold drinks throughout the weekend. Mugs will also be for sale at the door.
Special Notes
- Please note where your events begin and arrive 15 minutes prior to your event to arrange car pooling.
- We suggest you carry water and your lunch/snacks as you move from morning to afternoon events.
- Lunch will be available on Saturday for an extra fee; please be sure to order your packed lunch when you pre-register for the festival.
Contact Information
Pre-Registration required - registration form available for download on this web page
Registration: email
, or contact Case at 519-596-8038
General Information: email:
or contact Darci 519-795-7544
DOWNLOAD 2010 REGISTRATION FORM - PDF FILE
“Please check all start times and locations carefully and
arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your event.”
Special thanks to Parks Canada, our festival partner,
for their tremendous support.
|
