Snapshot: 2013 MEC Bikefest Toronto

Here are a few photos from Mountain Equipment Co-op's Bikefest which was held at Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto yesterday. I enjoyed the outdoorsy-feel it had versus a previous year when it was held at the Distillery.

People were casually dropping by on foot and bicycle and the weather was perfect. With clinics, a gear swap, group rides and many vendors, there was something for everyone.

Ontario Parks Campsite Vacancies & Alerts

If you're making a last minute dash for the wilderness and wondering if there are any available camp sites, check out their Campsite Vacancies & Alerts page. It just launched for 2013, is updated daily, and also keeps you up to date on any alerts such as firebans, boil water advisories and beach advisories.

BOATsmart! Awareness Week 2013

2013 has proved to be funny, weather-wise. Its possible that we can point the blame at Wiarton Willie, who predicted an early Spring. While we all gnashed our teeth, hoping to get out on the water, we had weekend after weekend of returning snow and cold temperatures. 

Finally, after many false-starts, we have a long-weekend AND gorgeous weather, and that means time to soak up the sun on the water. Before you drive up to the cottage and get your boat out of storage, don’t forget one very important thing... your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) as you can be fined if you don't have one while operating a motorized boat.

This boating license is not only law, but ensures you know the fundamentals which will keep everyone safe within the boat and around you. Key points such as wearing a lifejacket, having no open alcohol on board, making sure to check safety equipment and having a pre-departure checklist will all help prevent the 100 yearly Canadian fatalities that happen on the water.

Not quite sure you are ready to write the exam yet? Try brushing up on your knowledge using BOATsmart!'s online study guide which includes practice quizzes and learning modules that will walk you though everything you need to know. BOATsmart! is a company that certifies boaters for their Pleasure Craft Operator Card, and to help spread awareness, have launched BOATsmart! Awareness Week. They will be in Barrie this weekend, check to see if they are coming to a Canadian Tire near you.

When you're ready, the exam is $49.95 (find a testing centre near you or sign up online), which includes free re-tries and is good for life once you pass.

To learn more, head over to BOATsmart!'s website, and you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and watch their videos on YouTube.

Friday Chuckle: That's a Paddlin'

This week's chuckle was sent in by Neil T. and features a clip from the TV show The Simpsons that is so popular, it has become an internet meme. That's a paddlin', is the response of Jasper Beardly, a local senior who steps in to teach when the show's teachers go on strike in the Season 6 episode The PTA Disbands. I love when canoeing references are used in pop culture, especially one with a pun...

MEC Paddlefest Ottawa 2013

Mountain Equipment Co-op in Ottawa is hosting Paddlefest on May 25th at Mooney's Bay Park (2960 Riverside Drive). Take part in on-the-water Canoe, Kayak and SUP clinics for $10 each or attend a workshop on the shore for free. There will be a gear swap and many booths from various vendors. Paddlefest is for all ages and skill levels, so if you are curious about heading out on the water, this is a great place to get started.

Backroad Mapbooks 20th Anniversary Contest

Backroad Mapbooks is celebrating their 20th Anniversary by holding an Ultimate Adventure Facebook contest. "Like" them on Facebook for a chance to win up to $20,000 in prizes. They have a goal of 30,000 likes and as they reach new plateaus, new prizes will be unlocked.

You can also follow Backroad Mapbooks on Twitter.

New Episodes of Survivorman 10 Days Coming 2014

Les Stroud finally announced that filming has just started on eight new episodes of Sunvivorman 10 Days. The show is set to premier in Winter 2014, on the Travel+Escape channel (follow Travel+Escape on Twitter, and find information on subscribing to the channel here). Two of the episodes will also feature his son Logan.

"Survivorman 10 Days pushes me to go further than I have ever gone before," explains Les. "I am very excited to take viewers with me on a new journey of discovery."

Follow Les Stroud on Facebook and Twitter and take part in their current contest to guess where Les is filming to win cool Survivorman swag!

Snapshot: Pierced Leaf

Here's an odd Nature quirk discovered while hiking.... a blade of grass piercing the leaf of a plant. Isn't Nature funny?

2nd Bass Pro Shops Location Coming to Ontario

Bass Pro Shops have announced that their third Canadian location (and second Ontario store) will be located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The new 80,000 square-foot outpost store will be part of a larger 520,000-square-foot shopping centre catering to outlet stores.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for Bass Pro Shops to place our third Canadian store in this beautiful part of Southern Ontario,” said Johnny Morris, Founder.  “We are very excited to bring Bass Pro Shops to this premier site in Niagara-on-the-Lake and we are very grateful to developer Ivanhoé Cambridge for selecting Bass Pro Shops to be the premier anchor tenant in this extraordinary new retail development. We look forward to bringing Bass Pro Shops’ low prices and friendly expert service to the many sportsmen and women who live in the region.  We are also excited to add to the momentum of an area that already draws millions of visitors each year,” Morris continued.

You can follow Bass Pro Shops on Twitter and visit their other location at Vaughan Mills (Vaughan Mills Bass Pro Shops on Facebook).

Barrie Bikefest 2013

Mountain Equipment Co-op is hosting this year's Barrie Bikefest at Memorial Square just off Dunlop Street (Map). It is taking place May 25th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. There are numerous helpful clinics and rides to attend ($5 each) that span bicycle repair, nutrition, riding styles, Yoga and nutrition. Be sure to sign up online, as they fill up quickly.

There are also free basic check-ups, a gear swap, the MEC Marketplace, and numerous vendors to see. See the full schedule online.