HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITIES of our world is as important as ever. Unfortunately, one of the key ways many of us explore the planet’s different places and cultures is by travelling, a pastime now dramatically curtailed. But with change comes opportunity. Over the past year, we have been reconnecting with our own backyards — literally and figuratively — as travel has become limited to local areas.
I was fortunate late last summer to experience what felt like a safe journey near my home in eastern Ontario. Bubbled with my immediate family on a deep-cleaned Le Boat houseboat (travelling on it actually feels more like being on a small yacht!), we spent three days exploring sections of the Rideau Canal system, from Smiths Falls to Westport.
We’d driven through Rideau Lakes Township countless times, but we’d never truly explored it or learned much about its history and culture — especially not from the water. It was a truly eye-opening journey.
You’ll have to visit Cangeotravel.ca to read more about that adventure (please do!), but as we continue to celebrate our collective desire to explore in this issue’s special travel section, you’ll note we’ve dedicated it to opportunities closer to home — be that Edmonton, Point Pelee, Ont., or Tadoussac, Que.
This summer provides all Canadians with the prospect of reacquainting ourselves with the lands, cultures and histories that surround us every day. So stay safe and take advantage of it.