Shintay, the grizzly bear.
By Wanda Wierzbicki
Last month, Centennial News suggested several Canadian vacation ideas. Newfoundland, Kelowna, Quebec City and Vancouver Island are exciting and interesting destinations in our beautiful country, but you don’t need to drive or fly for hours for a great Canadian experience.
In mid-March, the Canadian Domain at the Toronto Zoo was reopened due to the warm spring temperatures. For those of you who are not familiar with it, the Canadian Domain is a somewhat lengthy and relatively steep walk down into the beautiful Rouge Valley. It usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes to complete the round trip. This is a trail that is not recommended for people with mobility issues, but if you come prepared, it is well worth the walk.
For starters, it is peaceful and quiet down in the Rouge Valley. Even on a busy day, there are far fewer people.
At the bottom of the hill, there is Shintay, the grizzly bear. She has now awakened from her winter torpor (hibernation), so do not make loud noises. Shintay’s hearing is much better than ours, and you don’t want to startle her.
If you are looking for Arya, the bald eagle, make sure you look up. Arya is usually found way up high in her nest. The bison herd had a great snowy winter. They are large and impressive close up but sometimes they congregate at the back of their habitat. Be sure to take a photo.
The Canadian Domain is also home to a huge pond, which is the habitat for many birds. Many of these migratory birds should be arriving here from their winter homes in the next few weeks.
On the way back up the trail, stop and enjoy some time with cougars Bowen and Teeka. Cougars are the second largest cat in the Americas. They are shy and elusive in the wild, so please be respectful and quiet. And last but not least, look for our own “masked bandits,” the racoons.
The Canadian Domain allows visitors to enjoy the peaceful quiet and beauty of Canada.
Serengeti Bush Camp
Are you interested in a completely different staycation? There is no need to travel far in order to get a one-of- a-kind experience.
The Toronto Zoo is offering the Serengeti Bush Camp adventure from the May long weekend to Labour Day in September for families with kids aged 6 and up and youth groups. Specialty nights for families with young children 2 and up and adults-only nights are offered on select dates in July and August.
The adventure includes accommodation in authentic African bush tents, an opportunity to see an African animal behind-the-scenes, an evening adventure followed by a campfire and s’mores. Fall asleep in an African bush tent as you listen to the lions roar. All this while only a few minutes from your home.
For details see torontozoo.com/tz/bushcamp Try the zoo for a great Canadian experience