Belfountain Conservation Area

Last summer, we visited one of Ontario's most unusual parks known as the Belfountain Conservation Area. It was the creation of Charles W. Mack who is known as the industrialist who invented and then manufactured the cushion stamp.
When finished, the park contained a dam for swimming, a lookout point and a cave named Yellowstone that was converted into a chapel-like room and a suspension bridge across the river. The most noteworthy feature is a stone fountain with a bell on top, commemorating the name of the neighbouring village, Belfountain.
In 1955, the Credit Valley Conservation Authority purchased the property and varous hiking trails were added. The park lies in the village of Belfountain on the Forks of the Credit Road.

Ireland House at Oakridge Farm

Yesterday, we visited Ireland House in Burlington. It was built between 1835-1837 and was the home of Joseph Ireland, an English Immigrant and one of Burlington's earliest settlers. It was lived in by Ireland family descendants until 1987, when it was purchased by the city of Burlington to become its second museum.
The house is decorated in three eras of the Ireland occupancy, 1850's, 1890's and 1920's, each representing a time period one of the Ireland family resided there. It is well-preserved with all original possessions of the Irelands. It is located at 2168 Guelph Line in Burlington and is an important part of Burlington's history. It is well worth the trip and when there,make sure you take a tour by one of the knowledgeable guides.

Lowville Park

Located in north Burlington along Guelph Line is the small village of Lowville, and one of its highlights is Lowville Park. It is located on Bronte Creek and contains several acres with picnic areas, trails for hiking or snow shoeing in the winter, an area for tobogganning in the winter and play areas for children.
It is a relaxing area to come and just unwind for a couple of hours. Make sure you visit the ice cream store across from the park behind the Bistro.
Also of note in the park is a school house that was built in 1888. It has been designated as a Heritage Building that is now used for meetings and Boy Scout activities. Unfortunately, it is not open to the general public. In 1947, a parks maintenance building was added and also functions as a workshop.

Point Abino Lighthouse

Earlier this summer, we drove down to Fort Erie and visited a few areas. One of the most impressive things that we saw was the Point Abino Lighthouse. It is built of poured concrete and is unlike any other in Ontario. It is constructed in a style of architecture known as Greek Revival.
The lighthouse was completed in 1918, built to replace a light ship that was destroyed in a storm in 1913, killing all on board. A light-keeper's residence was added in 1921. No light house in Ontario is permanently staffed but most are still in use. Point Abino was the last to be automated.
The light house has been declared a National Historic Site, and in 2001, was purchased by the town of Fort Erie.
It is located on Lake Erie just west of Fort Erie. It is in a gated community, and is accessible only after you sign a waiver stating that you will remain on the roadway and not take any photos of peoples' properties. Be prepared for quite a walk. It is over a mile to the lighthouse. If going, take a bike with you, because they will allow you to cycle out to the site.
It is quite a trek to get there, but it is definitely worth it. No other lighthouse is like it and it is an interesting piece of Ontario history.

St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

A while back, we went to visit St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, about 3 km. outside St. Jacobs village. I was surprised to see how popular this place is. There must have been hundreds of people there. Dozens of local farmers sell their produce and a lot of them are Menonite and their baked goods are second to none. If you want to get any of these, best to get there early.
There is also a flea market there as well, so there is something for everyone. I recommend going to visit here, but it is not open every day and probably the outside market will soon be closed as summer ends. There is still an indoor market, but it is worth visiting when the outside market is open.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Yesterday, we visited Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto. It is a collection of over forty buildings     built in the 1800's and set up in a village setting. Volunteers are dressed in the time period and they are more than happy to share their knowledge of that time.
Craftsmen are in many of the buildings working on items thaat would have been available back then, some of the goods are even for sale in the gift shop.
For anyone interested in the history of the area, this is definitely worth the trip. It is easy to get to and is located just east of Jane near highway 400.
I have included  photos of some of the buildings. Below the photos is a link to many more.

www.pinterest.com/canuck120950/black-creek-pioneer-village

Walt Rickli Sculpture Garden

Recently, we went to the Walt Rickli Sculpture Garden, located in Lowville just north of Burlington. It contains several works carved in stone and a lot of the sculptures have running water, giving the area a calming effect.
Walt Rickli is a local artist who works in stone and the garden is located on his property. It is a sanctuary where people can go, stroll through the gardens and just relax and unwind a little.
Located on Guelph Line north of Burlington, the site is worth a visit.