CULTURAL JOURNEYS

Mnjikaning Fish Weirs is a National Historic Site and one of the oldest human developments in North America. A traditional meeting place for Aboriginal Nations, this site is located at the Atherley Narrows near Orillia. Mnjikaning, an Ojibway word meaning "fish fence", is a complex system of underwater fences used by Aboriginal people for harvesting fish.

Quackenbush Provincial Park near Stoney Lake, north of Peterborough, features an historical Iroquoian aboriginal village that lies buried. Recreational use here, beyond viewing, is discouraged due to the fragility of the site.

Petroglyphs Provincial Park northeast of Peterborough has the largest known concentration of First Nations rock carvings in Canada. The petroglyphs depict turtles, snakes, birds, humans and other images. An interpretative centre and hiking trails through forests, wetlands and rock barrens are assets too. This is a day use park open from May to October. See: www.ontarioparks.com (External Link)

Doors Open Ontario is a celebration of built cultural heritage that is held across Ontario. The festival runs from April to October wherein historical buildings, gardens, and other heritage sites are open to the public. Ontario communities open their doors and admission is free. See www.doorsopenontario.on.ca (External Link)

For additional cultural sites to see, visit:

The Ontario Heritage Connectionfeaturing historic sites, societies, museums and First Nation lands and treaties with links to powwows and other enriching happenings: www.ontarioheritageconnection.org (External Link)

Canada’s Historic Places features tours and destinations, recognized places and archaeological sites: www.historicplaces.ca (External Link)