actual ‘ point ’, thereby minimizing the human footprint , and once there , the scenery is often dramatic , windy and ripe with bird sightings . The train departs from the Guest Centre which is a gathering place for visitors and serves as an educational resource with maps and displays as well as reports of recent bird and wildlife sightings . It also includes the ‘ Book of Lies ’, an inside joke amongst birders for the list of rare bird sightings that should be accurate and truthful , but sometimes are suspected of drifting toward wishful exaggeration !
But in the Leamington area , there are more than birds ! This is one of Ontario ’ s notable wine regions . We chose to visit Mastronardi Estate Winery where we sampled the Syrah , Pinot Noir , Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon , and then it was on to Aleksander Estate Winery to taste the Cabernet Franc and the Shiraz . In both wineries we bought tasty souvenirs to bring home .
Our hotel was the Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel , which is just minutes from the entrance to the National Park . We enjoyed an outside balcony room where we could relax and gaze at the nearby wetland to hear the calls of Red-winged Blackbirds and see Eastern Cottontails hopping about the property next door .
Birds , and therefore birders , are early risers so the Best Western offers breakfast starting at 5:00 am at peak birding times . But for those who prefer a more grounded lifestyle there is a recreational centre in the middle of the hotel with table tennis , billiards and water slides .
And in the vicinity of the hotel there are lots of stores and restaurants . We had a delicious lunch at Paula ’ s Fish Place (“ Fresh Fish Served with a Smile ”), and on one of the evenings we had a very tasty dinner at Jose ’ s Bar and Grill . Pelee Wings Nature Store and Kayak Shop is somewhat of a mecca for birders , photographers and souvenir seekers . Mike Malone and his staff are very knowledgeable about binoculars , field scopes , lenses , tripods , field clothing and all the amenities to make a visit to the region as memorable as possible .
Rondeau Provincial Park lies about a one hour drive east of Point Pelee . We arrived in time for the 7:00 am walking tour with Reuben who led a group of 15-20 birders on Harrison Trail where in actuality , very little walking was required . The trees were full of warblers , Scarlet Tanagers , Chickadees and more . In fact , Reuben warned us about “ Warbler ’ s Neck ’, one of the consequences from looking up into the trees for a prolonged period . But it ’ s one of those pain / pleasure joys , as you spot one colourful songbird after another .
Back at the Visitors Centre , there are bird feeders so that nature lovers and photographers can take out their point-and-shoot cameras or their huge zoom lenses and tripods , and get up close and personal with Baltimore Orioles , Blue Jays , Hummingbirds , Cardinals , chipmunks and other drop-in visitors . It ’ s one of the more popular park attractions .
In the afternoon we took a leisurely drive through Blenheim , Simcoe and Port Dover which led us to the tiny town of Normandale . Brenda Bennett , our extremely personable host greeted us with smiles when we arrived at the Normandale Century Inn . After showing us our accommodation , she introduced us to some of the local craft beers produced by the Rambling Road Brewery Farm in the hamlet of La Salette , only 20 miles to the north . Refreshing and delicious !
Homemade dinner at the Century Inn was a true treat , complemented by activity at the bird feeder just on the other side of the dining room window . And after a comfortable night ’ s sleep , we left bright and early to meet Garret Reid of Long Point Tours , down the road at Turkey Point , for an excursion to the tip of Long Point .
We received our introductory talk at 6:15 am before boarding a zodiac for the 25 minute trip to the tip of Long Point Provincial Park , accessible only by boat . On the way Garrett noted his roots in the area where his family has lived since migrating from Pennsylvania in 1792 . And once arrived at the tip we found ourselves in yet another bird ( er ’ s ) paradise . While we spent about four hours at
the tip , we wandered less than two
83 kilometers and in the process saw close to 90 species of birds , including Red-headed Woodpeckers , a variety of Warblers , Scarlet Tanagers , Sparrows , Brown Thrashers , Red-eyed Vireos and Bobolinks . We even had the opportunity to visit the Tip Research Station and watch the staff collect and band birds . But it ’ s good to know that the trails at the tip of Long Point , along with the wetland , the sandy beach and the lighthouse ( you can even order a picnic lunch for the excursion ) all add up to another one of Southwest Ontario ’ s hidden adventures and photographic must-sees .
We celebrated the success of the trip with a lunch of delicious fresh , Yellow Perch tacos at the Sandbar Restaurant back at Turkey Point .
While the use of the senses comes into play for birders , especially hearing and seeing , the other senses of taste , smell , touch and even the sense of humour , play a big part in exploring Ontario ’ s Southwest . We had the opportunity to meet some of the creative artisans from the region and each spoke passionately about mastering quality taste experiences that come from the heart . Pilgrimages might include Chocolatea in Ingersol with their Lime and Basil creation , described by owner Cindy Walker as “ life in your mouth ”, or the Railway City Brewing Company in St . Thomas with their iconic Dead Elephant Ale , or a dining experience at ‘ sixthirtynine ’ in Woodstock where Chef Eric Boyar talks of his connection with local farmers that results in ‘ backyard-to-fork ’ freshness . And these guidelines seem to extend to other Southwestern Ontario establishments from The Combine in Simcoe to Mountainoak Cheese in New Hamburg , and on to Cooper ’ s Hawk Winery in Harrow .
Southwestern Ontario is not your typical travel destination . Like the migratory song birds looking for a value-filled oasis to rest and seek nourishment , human visitors will find a good dose of the same pleasures in the parks , small towns , cities and eateries .
www . ontariotravel . net
American World Traveler / Fall 2016