Episode 1/24

@ Quelque Elk!
Gor-Don begins his tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Ontario" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Quelque Elk!
Larger than a deer, smaller than a moose, the hardy elk is found in many places across Canada. This lady may look placid, but don't get too close, particularly if she has a calf with her!

Episode 2/24

@ Autumnal Boardwalk
“Shall we stop and eat our packed lunch here, Gor-Don?” asked Turbo .
“Yes, it seems a good spot, Turbo! Let's perch on those tree stumps there! I can't wait to sink my teeth into those slices of bannock!"
Autumnal Boardwalk
What could be more pleasant than a walk through this Canadian woodland scene in its amazing autumn colours?

Episode 3/24

@ Canada Goose - We Have Lift Off!
“Oh wow, Gor-Don, there's a butterfly!” Donna cried out.
“It looks like a Great Spangled Fritillary," replied Gor-Don knowledgeably.
Canada Goose - We Have Lift Off!
The Canada Goose is a large wild goose with a black head and neck, a white "chinstrap" and a brown body. They fly in a distinctive V formation, with the position of the leading bird rotating, as it is the most exhausting position of the V. When swimming, they form a straight(ish) line!

Episode 4/24

@ Canadian Butter Tarts
Gor-Don was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Starla!” she exclaimed happily. "Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. This takes me back!"
Canadian Butter Tarts
Roll out 13 oz/375g shortcrust pastry on lightly floured surface. Cut 18-20 rounds with a 3"/7.5cm fluted cutter. Use the rounds to line two deep 12-hole tart tins. Beat two large eggs in a large bowl and combine with 175g/6 oz light muscavado sugar, 100g/3 oz raisins, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 55g/2 oz butter and four tbsp single cream. Tip this mixture into a pan and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the butter melts, and the mixture bubbles and starts to thicken. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Don’t overcook, and be sure to stir all the time as the mixture can easily burn. Remove from the heat and stir in 50g/1½ oz walnuts or pecan nuts. Spoon the filling into the unbaked tart shells so it’s level with the pastry. Bake for 15-18 minutes at 190°C/Gas 5/375°F until set and pale golden. Leave in the tin to cool for a few minutes before lifting out onto a wire rack. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Episode 5/24

@ Atibiti River, Ontario
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like these ones pictured in our itinerary for the Maritime provinces? So romantic!" mused Gor-Don, sipping a leisurely fruit juice.
"Well, I don't know," said lily. "It's not all about drinking orange juice and gazing at the sea. You have to run up and down stairs to operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator."
Gor-Don considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Atibiti River, Ontario
Just the way to spend a hot summer's day—in a canoe following the meandering curves of this waterway! The Atibiti River is 540 km (340 miles) long. At its far end it joins the Moose River and then enters James Bay.

Episode 6/24

@ Canadian Gold
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel tonight, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Pookey said, offering Gor-Don a maple syrup toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Pookey!" said Gor-Don.
Canadian Gold
A canoe by a jetty on a calm evening at the end of the day, where the sinking sun turns the lake to gold.

Episode 7/24

@ Colour at the End of the Tunnel
"It must be so romantic working producing maple syrup, Gor-Don," said Splat contentedly sipping grape juice after a hard day’s sightseeing. "Imagine going from tree to tree to collect the sap every summer and seeing it turned into delicious syrup!"
"Hmm—now imagine being up at dawn in the cold winter with a great deal of complicated equipment,” said Gor-Don. “The work doesn’t stop.”
Splat waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he said. “I’ll just do the easy bits.”
Colour at the End of the Tunnel
This unusual outdoor sculpture comprises discs in alternate stripes of black and white leading to an optical illusion when viewed from the end!

Episode 8/24

@ The Maple Leaf Forever
“What have you got in your tote bag, Hugo?” asked Gor-Don. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Gor-Don,” responded Hugo. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
The Maple Leaf Forever
At the time of Confederation in 1867, the maple leaf as a symbol of Canadian patriotism was relatively new. At a public meeting in August 1860, a group of Toronto citizens, planning for the upcoming Royal Visit of the Prince of Wales, decided to identify themselves as native-born Canadians by wearing a maple leaf.
“The Englishman glories in his rose, the Irishman in his Shamrock, and the Scotchman in his thistle. Why should not Canadians, their descendants, wreath around their brows a chaplet of the maple leaf?”
Maple leaf badges were worn at the reception for the Prince of Wales held in Toronto on 7 September 1860. Although the maple leaf had previously been used as a symbol for Canada, this was the first occasion on which it was worn as a national emblem.

Episode 9/24

@ Pakenham Bridge
"Hey, look at Shuswap in the brochure," said tigg. "'The city's new claim to fame: the world’s largest treble clef. It is more than 42 feet (13m) high!'"
"Wow! Is there music to go with it?" asked Gor-Don.
"Yup. The first notes of O Canada," responded tigg.
"That's a lovely tune!"
Pakenham Bridge
The Mississippi River, swollen by winter snowfall, is crossed here by a beautiful and unique bridge, built in 1901 to accommodate horses and carriages crossing the river at the location of the mills in Pakenham village. The bridge is 268 feet in length and 22 feet wide. The stone is from a local quarry.

Episode 10/24

@ Marina Arena
“Pass me the binoculars, Gor-Don!” said Koo. "I think that's a Northern Cardinal just taking off over there! They stay in Canada all year round, you know."
Marina Arena
For those who love a life on the ocean wave, this is a sight to gladden the heart! Manoeuvre your craft out of its berth and its ho, for the open waters!

Episode 11/24

@ Rideau Canal, Ottawa
“What have you got in your rucksack, VV?” asked Gor-Don. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Gor-Don,” responded VV. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Rideau Canal, Ottawa
The canal's challenging construction was supervised by Colonel John By between 1826 and 1832 (hence, Ottawa’s former name of Bytown). The flight of eight massive locks that connect the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal in the summer are still manually operated. This 202 km/125-mile long canal is a must-see location!

Episode 12/24

@ Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa
“Pass me the binoculars, Gor-Don!” said midnught. "I think that's a Northern Cardinal just taking off over there! They stay in Canada all year round, you know."
Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa
In the background is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a minor Roman Catholic basilica built in 1879 in the neoclassical Gothic Revival style. The Canadian Parliament building is a little way down the road from here.

Episode 13/24

@ Ottawa Art Gallery
“I'm enjoying the tour very much but it's getting quite cold, isn't it, Gor-Don?” shivered Otto.
“Here, wrap my scarf around yourself," replied Gor-Don. "And you can look forward to a lovely mug of hot chocolate when we get back to our accommodation!"
Ottawa Art Gallery
A glass chandelier in the Gallery.
An exhibition in November 2020 was Ottawa-based photographer John Healey's Plastic Beach, a set of still life images of foraged plastic refuse discovered along the shores of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Discarded shopping bags, fragments of milk jugs, and crushed bottle caps are reanimated to show us the lack of care with which we treat the habitat of millions of creatures. Arranged in dramatic light, Healey positioned these plastic items, evidence of human pollution, as messages in a bottle that have washed up on shore to deliver an ominous message: we cannot ignore these warnings any longer.

Episode 14/24

@ Château Laurier, Ottawa
From across the road, HappyCheerling surveyed the current stop on their map. “Would you fancy living there, Gor-Don?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Gor-Don. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Château Laurier, Ottawa
Opened in 1912, the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa was built in a French Gothic Revival Châteauesque style, and has over 400 luxury rooms. The hotel features original Tiffany stained-glass windows. The walls were faced with Indiana limestone and feature conical turrets and dormer windows topped by a copper roof. The lobby floors were constructed of Belgian marble. A truly amazing hotel experience!

Episode 15/24

@ Mediaeval Castle in Miniature
Oh look ... a Canadian pet!
Mediaeval Castle in Miniature
This delightful building is on The Thousand Islands, a North American archipelago of 1,864 islands that straddles the Canada–US border in the Saint Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 50 miles (80 km) downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The Canadian islands are in the province of Ontario and the U.S. islands in the state of New York.

Episode 16/24

@ Atmospheric Toronto
“’Maple syrup is made from the xylem sap of maple trees. The trees most commonly used are sugar maple, red maple and black maple because of the high sugar content in the sap,’” read out Rufus from the brochure.
“It’s making me hungry, Rufus!” declared Gor-Don. “Perhaps I’ll just nibble a corner of one of the maple syrup scones the hotel packed us for elevenses!”
Atmospheric Toronto
It looks very much like the calm before the storm in this image of a very still Toronto waterfront scene! Let's hope all pets get under cover before the tempest gets underway!

Episode 17/24

@ Toronto Nightlife
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Gor-Don?” said Suzy Q. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Gor-Don.
Toronto Nightlife
For nocturnal pets, there is a full schedule of activities for a fun night in Toronto! Dare they go on the Haunted Toronto Walking Tour? Perhaps they would prefer an evening cruise, or a visit to bustling Chinatown or perhaps enjoy some live music in one of Toronto's stylish after-hours clubs? Or for more peace-loving pets, how about a trip to Scarborough Bluffs are where city folk get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the great outdoors? In addition to taking a dip in the lake, you can have an evening bonfire under the stars with your friends, with your own designated fire pit!

Episode 18/24

@ Toronto Night Scene
"Have you seen this in our travel brochure, Gor-Don? There's a town in Vancouver Island called 'Youbou'—the founders of its mill, Mr Yount and Mr Bounton, combined the first halves of their respective surnames to make Youbou in 1914."
Bellat grinned and thought about it for a minute. "I guess it's like Waitrose in England, from Mr Waite and Mr Rose."
"Waitrose isn't a town, though, Bellat."
"Edgar wishes it was!"
Toronto Night Scene
Toronto is here buzzing with its lively nightlife, contrasting with its colours reflected in the calm, still water.

Episode 19/24

@ Toronto Marina
Gor-Don and Bubbles shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Gor-Don. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Bubbles. “This is my best side.”
Toronto Marina
An amazing backdrop to this prestigious marina! On arriving at your berth you have access to provision stores and all major attractions, theatres, sports and concert venues. When ready to weigh anchor, you have easy access to Toronto Harbour and Lake Ontario for your onward sailing.

Episode 20/24

@ Flatiron Building, Toronto
Gor-Don was very happy to meet ÆØÅ-2021 here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Flatiron Building, Toronto
The historic Gooderham Building (also known as the Flatiron Building) in Wellington Street East, Toronto. Completed in 1892, it was built in the Romanesque Revival style. It is well known for the trompe-l'œil effect mural on the back wall. In the background are high-rise financial centres.

Episode 21/24

@ Toronto at Dawn
“Listen to this, Lunaray,” said Gor-Don. “’Culinary expert Delia Smith described maple syrup to be a unique ingredient, smooth and silky-textured, with a sweet, distinctive flavour—hints of caramel with overtones of toffee—and a rare colour, amber set alight. The maple flavour is uniquely different from any other.’”
“We trust our Delia,” intoned Lunaray solemnly. “Pass the jug!”
Toronto at Dawn
The city hasn't woken up for another busy day yet, but the dawn is rising behind the CN Tower and the Toronto skyline.

Episode 22/24

@ Horseshoe Falls, Canada
Gor-Don and Choose a name came across each other in the hotel bar. "Hey, Choose a name, what are you going to have?"
"I thought I'd try Canada’s national cocktail, the Caesar, Gor-Don. It's made of vodka, clamato juice, tabasco and Worcestershire sauce."
Gor-Don looked puzzled. "What's clamato juice, Choose a name?"
"Tomato juice with clams and chilli!"
Horseshoe Falls, Canada
Horseshoe Falls, also known as Canadian Falls, is the largest of the three waterfalls that collectively form Niagara Falls on the Niagara River along the Canada–United States border. Approximately 90% of the Niagara River, after diversions for hydropower generation, flows over Horseshoe Falls. The remaining 10% flows over American Falls (shown on the left of this picture) and Bridal Veil Falls. The Rainbow Bridge is depicted in the foreground, and the main buildings on the right are a large casino and a Waterpark.

Episode 23/24

@ Niagara Thrills
“Listen to this, Pixie,” said Gor-Don. “’Culinary expert Delia Smith described maple syrup to be a unique ingredient, smooth and silky-textured, with a sweet, distinctive flavour—hints of caramel with overtones of toffee—and a rare colour, amber set alight. The maple flavour is uniquely different from any other.’”
“We trust our Delia,” intoned Pixie solemnly. “Pass the jug!”
Niagara Thrills
Will your pet enjoy the challenge of this boat ride close to the famous Niagara Falls? A thrilling time will be had by all, but make sure to wrap up warmly!

Episode 24/24

@ Niagara Waterfalls
As Gor-Don's tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Ontario" comes to an end, he noshes some poutine and is surprised to discover Canada left him a parting gift!
Rainbow Grid
Calling all colour lovers! When you have important things to check off your to do list here is the perfect set up to a dot diary in stunning colour.
Niagara Waterfalls
There’s something spectacular about watching the cascading flow of a waterfall plunge into the river below. Whether we love their tumbling streams or the thundering sounds they make, they are sparkling natural wonders that make us to stop and marvel at their majesty. The drop of the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara is about 57 m (187 ft).
Gor-Don has completed his tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Ontario"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Canada!