Photographic Destinations (SW Ontario edition)

[RAitch]

The Idea
I thought of something tonight that seemed to be missing from the forum. My wife and I were talking about the "summer plans" for places to go and things to see. We were trying to map out a few ideas of places to go and it didn't take long to run out.
I got thinking, "why isn't there a nice place to go to get ideas?" I'm sure there are people online that have been to some fabulous places and have seen some fabulous things. Why not share your experiences so other people can benefit from the beauty?

Here's the plan
Create a post marking interesting places you've been, and cool things to see. Then, other people online can get ideas of places to go. Who knows, perhaps we'll start bumping into each other.

Sure, I'll admit, I'm doing this for selfish reasons... but I also admit that others in the area will benefit if you participate.

Hopefully, this can turn into a nice database of places to see.

Ideas of What to Include

A title to be used as reference for future posts
maps and directions to the location... marking the interesting things to see
Time of year/day to go
sample pictures of the sights
GPS locations for those with GPS units. Maybe even a list of geo caches (http://www.geocaching.com/)

[RAitch]

Belfountain / Caledon Hills

What to see: Fall colours in a beautiful landscape
When to go: In the fall... October... when the leaves are turning colours
Directions:
North on highway 10 (Hurontario) from Toronto/Mississauga into Caledon area.
Left (SW) on Forks of the Credit road which winds itself into a small town called Belfountain. (highlighted in red)
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y52cbg&noresize=1

What to See: Leaf colours, small river/creek, windy road through beautiful hills and landscape, several trails.
Sample Scenery: excuse the bad shots... they were taken before my dSLR days and before I had a care for sharp, carefully planned images. Some were even taken from within the moving car by my wife.
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5ys0n&noresize=1
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5ys0p&noresize=1
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5ys0o&noresize=1
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5y75y&noresize=1
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5y8y3&noresize=1
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5y887&noresize=1
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y5y88f&noresize=1

[mrclark321]

Rich those shots look great and so is this idea, I have not thaught of anything yet but hope others will add.

Dan

[RAitch]

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

What to see: Webster Falls / Tews Falls
When to go: Any time... more water flow after heavy rains... supposed to be nice in the winter as well
Directions:
From Toronto via QEW:
QEW west to 403. Take Highway 6 North to Highway 5 West. Turn south (left) onto Brock Road. Turn east (left) onto Harvest Road. Turn right onto Short Road and left onto Fallsview Road and follow the signs for the parking lot. For Dundas Peak and Tews Falls lookout parking, follow Harvest Road further down until you see the signs.

From 401:
401 to Highway 6 South (exit 299) to Highway 5 West. Turn south (left) onto Brock Road. Turn east (left) onto Harvest Road. Turn right onto Short Road and left onto Fallsview Road and follow the signs for the parking lot. For Dundas Peak and Tews Falls lookout parking, follow Harvest Road further down until you see the signs.

From Hamilton:
Take Highway 8 North (Main Street) from Dundas. Continue right on Brock Road then turn right at the flashing light onto Harvest Road. Turn right onto Short Road and left onto Fallsview Road and follow the signs for the parking lot. For Dundas Peak and Tews Falls lookout parking, follow Harvest Road further down until you see the signs.

http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/Asset/iu_files/SpencerGorgeMap.jpg

Sample images: http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=169637
Webster Falls Info Sheet (http://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/webster.shtml)
Tews Falls Info Sheet (http://www.gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/tews.shtml)

[Rubi Jane]

I've not personally been to this location, yet ;) but seeing as they offer reservations for photographers I was hoping they'd be a few other folks interested here in making up a group of 8.
If you're interested check this thread: http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=173066 (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=173066)


Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory
http://www.wingsofparadise.com/WingsLogoCMYK3.JPG

Wings of Paradise website (http://www.wingsofparadise.com/)

What to see: 40 species of 1500-2000 free flying butterflies!
When to go: Anytime of year - Amateur photographers in groups of 8 can reserve a 2hr slot before opening (8:00-10:00am) to allow for tripod/monopod use.
Directions: Directions from EVERY direction (http://www.wingsofparadise.com/directions1.htm)

http://www.wingsofparadise.com/Wmap1.jpg

There is a admission cost which varies on age group.

Images off the site
http://www.wingsofparadise.com/waterfallplants.JPG http://www.wingsofparadise.com/bannerbutterfly1.JPG http://www.wingsofparadise.com/atlas_moth.JPG

[wanderer488]

:) Great idea Rich !!

[wanderer488]

;) http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=173840

Doors Open is occurring this weekend ( May 27 - 28 ), see above thread:cool:

[canuck_newbie]

Forgive me for bringing a thread back from the dead - but this is a fantastic idea.....maybe we can restart it

for waterfalls - this site has some good info...
http://www.start.ca/users/mharris/waterfalls/