Ontario Trip Advisor Rating 5 out of 5

Trip Advisor.com has become the place to go when researching your next vacation destination anywhere in the world.  Ontario tourists can see reviews from B and B's , resorts, inns, lodges, camps and cottage resorts (Trip Advisor calls them all "hotels") as well as for some restaurants and attractions.

The tourists that submit reviews usually are the most critical, finding fault with all sorts of things.  Sometimes the review goes on for pages and pages of detail.  Tourists reading the reviews know they need to discount the really really bad and the really really good reviews and focus on the middle ground.

That's why when you see a "hotel" that has a 5 out of 5 Rating on Trip Advisor.com , you want to take note of it.

Some of the Ontario places that have a 5 out of  5 Rating are:

Shamrock Lodge, Port Cunnington Lodge, Logging Chain Lodge, Heather Lodge, Fairy Bay Guest House, Beauview Cottages, Lake Edge Cottages, Loralea Cottage Resort

Internet Access for Ontario Tourists

I like to stay connected to family and our business while we are traveling and I want to check out what attractions are close by and what dining choices I have... And I don't want to run up a huge data bill from my cellphone service provider.  (And I'm a typical man so I don't like to ask for directions!)

 I applaud those businesses that provide free wifi for their customers. The list is growing.  Holiday Inn was the first large chain that advertised free internet access. Most of the hotels and accommodation have followed their lead.

In Ontario, MacDonalds and Tim Hortons have free wifi. Many of the public libraries offer 24 hour access to free wifi. A hint: you can park outside their library building at night and get a signal.  The librarian leaves the internet on.  Some chambers of commerce offer free access for folks from out of town.

Access is free but I'm finding the speed can be very slow. Less than a MB Down and almost dial up speed going Up. That's why I haven't given up my laptop just yet.  The laptop has an ethernet port so I can plug into the LAN of the place I'm staying at.  The speeds are much faster since most people are connecting wirelessly. I carry a voice over the internet phone VOIP from NetTalk when I travel.  If the speed is slow, then the telephone doesn't work because of too much lag time.  It becomes a frustrating conversation.
Voice over the internet is just starting to emerge in rural areas. When the internet speeds get better, you won't have to pay for long distance calling.

Diefenbunker - Historic Nuclear bomb shelter in Ottawa, Ontario

Nancy and I visited the Diefenbunker in October. It is one of Ontario's attractions and Historical sites that you seldom hear about.

What is it?  It's the bomb shelter complex that was built during the 1960's Cold War era for the Prime Minister and Government of Canada in case of nuclear attack.  It is a self contained, self maintained building below ground that was designed to withstand a nuclear bomb.

I was surprised that Canada ever thought that they would be a target for a nuclear attack.

It is set up like a mini underground city with hospital, government offices, Emergency Situation room, War Cabinet room, Prime Ministers Suite, accommodation, radio and communications, recreation and dining areas.

It has been converted into a Cold War Museum that is open to the public.

A note on accessibility.  Nancy has trouble walking so we were given a wheelchair to use at no extra charge. When we wanted to go to another level, there's a freight elevator operated by one of the friendly staff to get you there.

For more info: www.diefenbunker.ca

Where to find Ontario Moose in October

October is Moose hunting season in Ontario.  To find moose you have to travel to where the moose are protected from hunters.  Places like Algonquin park are a great place to see moose from the road by car or you can hike on the many trails into the interior.  This photo was taken with a telephoto lens from the side of the road on HWY 60 near the east gate of Algonquin park.  The etiquette in Algonquin park is when you see someone parked at the side of the road, it means they have seen something.  Others will pull off the road behind it. Whoever is there first shows the newcomers what there is to see.

Missing the Campfire at the cottage? You don't have to wait until next summer. Enjoy toasted marshmallows all year round with a flame less electric burner.


http://www.hammacher.com/Product/Default.aspx?sku=82312&promo=search&query=JR-82312