Episode 1/24

@ Quelque Elk!
~pickles~ begins her 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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused ~pickles~, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Zoe. "It's not all about drinking coffee and gazing at the sea. You have to run up and down stairs, operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator."
~pickles~ considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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!
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, ~pickles~!” said jimkitty. “Can you hold my torch and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
~pickles~ good-naturedly took charge of jimkitty's possessions while he emptied his rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This he donned and then ~pickles~ helped him put everything back in his rucksack.
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this province here, ~pickles~!” said Champ.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied ~pickles~.
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
~pickles~ opened her rucksack to change her hat. Thurmy could see ~pickles~ had a large, floppy sunhat, a balaclava, a rain hat, a woolly bobble hat, a beanie, a deerstalker hat and a swimming cap!
“Did you bring a fez too?” Thurmy asked ~pickles~.
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
“What have you got in your rucksack, Huntley?” asked ~pickles~. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, ~pickles~,” responded Huntley. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
~pickles~ and Peter shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled ~pickles~. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Peter. “This is my best side.”
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
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Inga.
"Me too!" said ~pickles~. "It's great on this tour, isn't 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
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, ~pickles~!” said Uni. “Can you hold my torch and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
~pickles~ good-naturedly took charge of Uni's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This she donned and then ~pickles~ helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
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
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said ~pickles~ to Orpheus. “It’ll be a fab souvenir of our time here!”
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
“Let’s pose with one of us each side of this attraction and I’ll set the self-timer to take a shot,” said ~pickles~ to Stripes. “It’ll be a fab souvenir of our time here!”
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
~pickles~ opened her rucksack to change her hat. **** could see ~pickles~ had a large, floppy sunhat, a balaclava, a rain hat, a woolly bobble hat, a beanie, a deerstalker hat and a swimming cap!
“Did you bring a fez too?” **** asked ~pickles~.
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
“What have you got in your rucksack, Skye?” asked ~pickles~. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, ~pickles~,” responded Skye. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
~pickles~ and Lunaray were entranced on reaching this Canadian viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
From across the road, Twiggy surveyed the current stop on their map. “Would you fancy living there, ~pickles~?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said ~pickles~. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
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
"It's turned a bit hot, ~pickles~. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Miss Tan.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said ~pickles~.
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, ~pickles~? 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."
Willow 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, Willow."
"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
~pickles~ was very happy to meet Tigger here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
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
“Oh wow, ~pickles~, there's a butterfly!” Tester 3 cried out.
“It looks like a Great Spangled Fritillary," replied ~pickles~ knowledgeably.
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
"Choose a name! Chef said he's making beaver tails for our packed lunch tomorrow!" whispered ~pickles~ in agitation. "How horrid! We can't eat those!"
"Relax, ~pickles~!" said Choose a name soothingly. "It's a sugary pastry in the shape of a beaver tail, sprinkled with cinnamon or with jam spread on top! No pets are harmed!"
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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, ~pickles~!” said Kitty ruefully.
"Never mind," said ~pickles~. "We'll look them up when we get back!"
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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick on these Canadian lakes as he did on Lake Windermere in England that time, ~pickles~!” said Dai, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked ~pickles~.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Dai.
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 ~pickles~'s tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Ontario" comes to an end, she noshes some poutine and is surprised to discover Canada left her 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).
~pickles~ has completed her tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Ontario"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Canada!