An online home where I write, teach, publish, and explore
We stayed just outside Ottawa and took an Uber to ByWard Market, which was pretty cool. Lots to see and do, including a suspended cloud sculpture called McClintock's Dream. We also talked to a nice lady in her shop and we were happy to hear that at least from her perspective Canadians were not hostile... Continue Reading →
Algonquin was beautiful! I was initially wary--under the impression that it would be crowded on the highway at the height of the summer season. But it was not. There were hardly any cars at all on the Frank MacDougall Parkway (Highway 60) as we traveled east from Hunstville toward Ottawa. Along the way, we stopped... Continue Reading →
By Michael DowningAll photos by Michael Downing and Jacklyn Downing except as otherwise noted North to "The Bruce' We left our rustic cabin in Goderich and headed directly toward the Bruce Peninsula. Known to locals as "The Bruce," this segment of land juts out northwestwards from the rest of Southwestern Ontario, pointing towards Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin Island,... Continue Reading →
We drove from Pinery Provincial Park to Stratford, Ontario which took about an hour. We parked on Erie Street which was fitting considering that we both grew up in Erie County, Pa. We backed into a spot and Jackie's attention was immediately called by a sign that said "Oysters," so we went to Lovage and... Continue Reading →
We drove from Pinery Provincial Park into London, Ontario and had breakfast at Katie's Kitchen on Oxford Street. The food was fresh and the people were kind. We had internet access so we got caught up as best we could. We went to Walmart to get some essentials and then the real adventure began. I... Continue Reading →
We left for our big 2025 Canadian Trip on July 1: Canada Day. We prepped the van and left Union City, headed north, up Route 89 to Interstate 90. From there a short drive into Buffalo and across the Peace Bridge. Customs went without a hitch and we wrapped around the tight right turn, out... Continue Reading →
By Michael Downingwith Reilly FitzgeraldSometimes, certain things are just meant to happen. In late 2024, I deleted my Threads account. But just before I left, I was lucky enough to bump into the colorful and truly magnificent art of Reilly Fitzgerald, of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. I was struck by his work right away: Color... Continue Reading →
By Michael Downing As we drove south on York Boulevard into Hamilton, we couldn't help but notice the magnificent Hamilton Cemetery, which runs along the right side of the road, directly across from Dundurn Castle. Neither of these sites were on my scouting radar, but it was nearing dinner time, so we made a mental... Continue Reading →
By Michael Downing Toronto's Chinatown We stepped out of the subway, onto Dundas Street, turned left and walked straight into Chinatown. It was impressive: Clothing, jewelry, grocery, restaurants. They have it all. We stopped at a little souvenir place and bought some keychains and magnets for next to nothing and walked through several grocery stores,... Continue Reading →
My Writing Wanderland 