The Inukshuk looks like a pile of stones marking a trail — but the stones are stacked by size in a way that gives them a human form. Traditionally used by the Inuit to mark trails and to commemorate events, the Inukshuk is currently used all over Canada as a symbol for events such as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Inukshuks also prevail on the top of rocky cliffs on the northeast shore of Lake Huron in Ontario.
Beach with MobiMat at Cobourg Marina |
At the west end of Lake Ontario, we headed toward Toronto. I had wanted to travel across Lake Huron by taking the ferry from Tobermory (at the top of the peninsula northwest of Toronto) across the lake to Manitoulin Island (connected by bridge to the north shore of the lake), but the ferry was full for the next 2 days, so we drove along the north-east shore of Lake Huron to Sudbury instead. Topsoil was scarce, but beautiful rocks were plentiful, and the road was bordered on both sides by low rocky cliffs with flat tops covered by armies of Inukshuk.
Boreal College Student Residence In Sudbury, Ontario |
Boardwalk trail along Lake Huron on Manitoulin Island at Providence Bay |
After Sudbury, we drove along the north shore of Lake Huron, where we crossed the bridge to Manitoulin Island (the world’s largest island in a freshwater body of water).
Providence Bay Beach and playground On Manitoulin Island |
Bridal Veil Falls near Kagawong on Manitoulin Island |
We also drove by the town of Kagawong and and Bridal Veil falls, which had good wheelchair access to the falls overlook. There was an easy trail along the river to the falls, but I’m not sure if it was wheelchair accessible. We then left the island and continued along the north shore of Lake Huron.
Village Inn Motel in Iron Bridge |
We stopped in the town of Iron Bridge, where we couldn't find an accessible motel, but The Village Inn motel had very concerned and helpful owners, offering a room that was accessible with our usual means (use our ramp and take off the bathroom door).
Large cargo ship passing through locks at Sault Ste Marie |
The MI (southern) side has large locks, so that cargo ships as long as to 1000 feet can go between the iron ore mines of northern MN and the Midwestern steel mills.
Run-away bridge on quieter Canadian side of Sault Ste Marie |
Sault Ste Marie rapids between Lakes Huron on Superior |
… and the rest of the area has been left in a more natural state -- the water is still wild with rapids,
Accessible trails on Canadian side of Sault Ste Marie |
and the land boasts a series of (accessible!) trails of dirt and boardwalk, with views of the rapids, the “bridge to the US," and wet-lands with their flora and fauna.
Whitefish Island at Sault Ste Marie |
There is a network of trails on St Mary’s and Whitefish Islands there — most of them accessible.
Accessible trails on Canadian side of Sault Ste Marie |
The trails are in varying condition (some parts were under water when we went), and AllTrails does not list them in the “wheelchair friendly” filter, but we were able to hike most of the trails with a wheelchair, and I really enjoyed the views and location.
Lock at Sault St Marie (MI) |
On the MI side of Sault Ste Marie, we went to the viewing platform (the second floor is accessible via a ramp) and watched as the giant ships were raised or lowered between lakes.
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Hotel Ojibwe in Sault Ste Marie (MI) |