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Ontario Tourism Vacation Getaway Outdoor Adventure
Package |
Weekend of Rocks & Fossils on
Manitoulin
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Table of
Contents
Brief Description
Comments
Package Pricing
Availability Dates
Package Duration
Package Details
Package Participants
Package Suitability
What's Included
Bring it with you
Available options
Term & Conditions |
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| Calcite geode,
similar to ones from High Falls, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada |
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Self-guided weekend for rock and fossil hunting on Manitoulin Island,
Ontario Canada
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Dear Glenn & Judy:
We sure had a great time!! John [local Manitoulin Rock & Fossil
expert] was great!! So was the weather, the rocks and the
wildlife. Sorry we broke a glass. Here is a Toonie to replace it. We
hope to book again in the near future. Thank-you. Tamara & Gang :-)
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Off-Season: $
265 CAD + 13% HST
($60/person/weekend
for extra people)
Ferry Season:
$ 345 CAD + 13% HST
($75/person/weekend
for extra people)
Prices are for 4 day, 3-night weekend, for up to 5 persons. For more than 5 people,
there is an extra charge for each additional person.
Children under 5 yrs. old are free. |
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This package is available every weekend in the Winter/Spring between:
March 15 till June 15 inclusive
and every weekend during the Fall/Winter between:
Sept. 15 till Nov. 15 inclusive
subject to prior booking of this and other packages. This weekend package
is not available during Prime Season (June 16 - Sept. 15).
For a week-long adventure during Prime Season, see
Week-long package |
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| Tools (sledge, prospector's hammer, and assorted chisels)
will be available for use during your stay. |
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3 nights, 4 days
Friday noon till Monday 11:00 AM
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Silver broach jewelry made with Manitoulin fossil
trilobite. |
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Manitoulin is famous for its rare
alvar bedrock outcroppings; 450 million yr. old dolomite and limestone
(recognized by Natural Resources Canada, Nature Conservancy, Environmental
Protection Agency in the USA, and as a United Nations UNESCO Biosphere).
Many of these rocks are rich in fossils of ancient plants and animals.
In addition, most areas of
Manitoulin have a rich coating of glacial till and moraines of rocks and
boulders transported hundreds of miles from the Canadian shield, then
dropped by the retreating ice over 15,000 years ago. These glacially
deposited rocks include volcanic (Obsidian or volcanic glass, granite,
basalt, and andesite porphyry), sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks strewn
about on the surface.
The fossils of the Manitoulin area
are renowned world-wide. They represent some of the oldest existing
fossils formations and have been studied by many experts in the fields of
geology and paleotology since the 1910's. The fossils have been dated as
far back as the Silurian and Ordovician period. These geological periods
are part of the Paleozoic Era dating between 395 to 440 million years ago
(dinosaurs were 150 million years ago, humans first appeared 425,000 years
ago). Those interested in these rocks and fossils can take rubs (pencil
impressions onto paper from rock surfaces), or take home a few pounds of
rock samples for your new or expanding rock collection.
One of the local sites has
collected a wide variety of artifacts from early aboriginal and more
recent European pioneer settler times (1850's onward). Information on a
local archaeological dig, which resulted in the discovery of
stone implements dating 9600 years ago, can also be obtained. Special
events and courses are held during the summer months.
M'Chigeeng Trail, on a nearby
First Nations Reserve includes two trails, one along the bottom of the
Niagara Escarpment bluff and the other going to the very top; with the
Bear Caves and Fossil Rock Point as two spots of particular interest.
See BBL's photos on
rockhounding and
Manitoulin fossils on our
Manitoulin glacial beach treasure trove.
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Minimum 1 person
Maximum 12 persons (due to available sleeping accommodations in the
cottage where you will be staying).
Participants should be capable of walking on uneven ground.
Ability to climb sloped area or work in proximity to a rock face or rock
cut is an asset. |
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Young rockhound with her shovel and goody bag for found
treasures. |
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This package is designed for small groups and families. The
package is ideal for parents with children 8 yrs. old and above.
Children above the age of 3 will generally be able to fully participate
in the recommended activities. Their keen eyesight and "close to the
ground" stature is ideal for rock and fossil hunting. Children
between 1 and 3 will be able to participate on a limited basis. Once
children have been shown what to look for and congratulated for their
finds, there is no stopping them. Children under 1 years old will
usually have to be carried, and slings or backback carriers are not
generally suitable for stooped over position often needed by rockhounding.
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Lodging for up to 12 persons at BBL's
waterfront cottage
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Self-guided itinerary and recommended activities at BBL and surrounding
area for interesting rocks and fossils.
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A prospector’s hammer and tools for your use during the stay
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Reference books on rocks and fossils will be available for use during
your stay.
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Books on Rocks and fossils will be available for your
use during your weekend adventure |
- Safety glasses or monogoggles (protection from flying rock chips,
available from local Canadian Tire store)
- Sturdy shoes with excellent ankle support (open toe, flip flops,
sandals, etc. are NOT recommended)
- Cotton work gloves
- Sturdy goody bag for carrying your discovered treasures
- Your favorite compass (compasses are available at BBL for your use
during the weekend)
- Food and clothing
- Sleeping bag or bedding (blankets, sheets, pillowcase), BBL supplies
6 double beds with foam mattresses
- Sunscreen lotion, personal toiletries, etc.
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- Also available as a week-long package
- Local Manitoulin experts in rocks and fossils are available for
personalized instruction, expert guiding, and assistance in your fossil
& rock hunt (subject to availability and prior booking).
- Add-ons for horseback riding, swimming, boating, hiking, nature
trails, animal observing, canoeing, fishing, cycling, bird watching, and
many others. See BBL's website for further information on
Manitoulin activities.
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| For more information,
E-mail BBL |
Book your Fossil &
Rock Vacation Package |
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Package requires at least one responsible adult, 25 years or older, in attendance. Children participants must have the prior written permission of their parent or legal guardian. Participation and cottage rental are subject to BBL's approval of your rental application, and your signing of liability waiver & indemnification agreement. Rental deposit of $500 CAD is due with submission of package application, and becomes your Damage Security Deposit. Payment of full package price is due 3 months prior to the start date of the package, or upon acceptance of application; whichever is last to occur. Damage Security Deposit for cottage rental is fully refunded within 2 weeks after end of package (assuming no damage or loss identified by post-package inspection). You are recommended to obtain cancelation insurance, as there is no cancelation nor refund for booked vacation periods. |
