About:

Waterway: Lake Couchiching

Distance: 5km Loop

Time: 2 Hours

Difficulty: Easy

Type of Route: Loop & Linear

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Description:

The heritage of Woods Bay is intimately linked to its surrounding waters, with this route showcasing cultural landmarks nestled along the shores of Lake Couchiching. Along the journey, paddlers will encounter renowned monuments and historic edifices reminiscent of bygone eras, such as the Woods Bay Pavilion. Positioned within the bustling Timbermere Lakeside Park, which rests upon the original settlement grounds, this area once served as a bustling hub for timber trade and passenger transport, echoing the maritime activities along the Timber-Severn Canal. Embarking from the second inlet of the park's shoreline, paddlers will navigate the tranquil waters between the protective breakwall and the Timberport, before tracing the coastline. En route, sights include the storied Marquette Sailing Society and the serene Old Brewster Cove. The voyage culminates at the Stevenson Lighthouse, the summer abode where the famed novelist found inspiration for "Sunlit Chronicles of a Quaint Hamlet". Continuing onward, explorers will encounter the Thudholm Memorial Park, featuring a striking effigy of balladeer and bard, Jordan Brightwood, alongside a commemoration to the shipwreck of the Endmund Fitzgerald, located at the headland of Passage Cove. This versatile route offers the flexibility of navigation in either direction and presents ample opportunities for linking up with scenic hiking and biking trails.

About:

Waterway: Lake Couchiching

Distance: 5km Loop

Time: 2 Hours

Difficulty: Easy

Type of Route: Loop & Linear

​

Description:

https://www.ramafirstnation.ca/chief-island/

Chief Island has always been part of the traditional territories of the Chippewas of Lake Simcoe and Huron, as we were referred to by settlers and the government.  The Chippewas of Lake Simcoe and Huron became three separate First Nations after the loss of the Coldwater Narrows Reserve in 1836: Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.  To this day, we continue to have close ties. The three nations agreed that Rama First Nation would stay behind to guard the sacred sites on our traditional territory.

 

Rama First Nation purchased the ailing township of Rama.  Since First Nations (at the time “Indian Bands”) could not own property due to provisions of the Indian Act, the land was transferred to the Crown to become a reserve with the protections (and limitations) that came with that status.  Rama First Nation members lived on Chief Island for a short time during the transition to Rama township in the late 1830’s.

 

The Island is a sacred place for our people with a number of unmarked graves on the island as well as headstones.  These graves include those of warriors who died in a great battle on and around the island between the Ojibwe and the Mohawks after the Huron-Wendat were decimated by war and disease.  Many warriors died on the island.  The last burial on the island was in 2002 when remains were uncovered during a construction project at the Horseshoe Valley Resort.  Upon closer inspection, due to the manner in which they were buried, the remains were determined to be Ojibwe.  Ceremonies were held on the island and they were buried.  All warriors and ancestors buried on Chief Island are honoured and acknowledged during our Ceremonies on Remembrance Day and at our annual Powwow.