In this section I will include things to do in the Sarnia area and within a few hundred miles. This will be more useful to those not from Ontario and hopefully I will get input from those that are.For those that want to spend their hard earned dollars on the American side do not forget your updated passport.
A bit of Sarnia and its history
It is a city in southern Ontario. It is the largest city on Lake Huron with a population of 71,419 as of 2006.
The city's natural harbour first attracted the French explorer LaSalle who named the site "The Rapids.
From "The Rapids" to "Port Sarnia" to "Sarnia", the city has undergone many changes—from an Indian hunting ground to an up-and-coming settlement and an industrial centre. In 1812, Sir John Colborne was appointed Governor of the Isle of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. In 1829, the area and Townships of Sarnia and Moore were surveyed by Boswell Mount, and named by Sir John Colborne.
In 1835, Colborne paid his first visit to what is now the city of Sarnia, then known as The Rapids. Previous to his visit, the villagers had decided that a change of name was necessary, but found it impossible to agree on a new name. The English settlers favoured the name "Buenos Aires" and the Scottish "New Glasgow". To break the deadlock, Sir John Colborne suggested Port Sarnia and on January 4, 1836, the name was formally adopted by a vote of 26 to 16.
A year previous to the adoption of the name Port Sarnia, the village was composed of 44 taxpayers, 9 frame houses, 4 log houses, 2 brick dwellings, 2 taverns and 3 stores. An Act to incorporate the Town of Sarnia was assented to on June 19, 1856. The name Port Sarnia was officially changed Sarnia effective January 1, 1857. The population of the Town was mentioned in the Act at upwards of 1,000 inhabitants and there were three wards.
Sarnia’s petrochemical history began with the first discovery of oil in North America in Oil Springs (located about 35 km from Sarnia) in 1858. Shortly thereafter, Imperial Oil established a refinery in Petrolia, which later relocated to Sarnia around the turn of the century
An Act to Incorporate the City of Sarnia was assented to on April 20, 1914, and Sarnia officially became a city as of May 7, 1914. This day was marked by the visit of Canada’s Governor General H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, and his daughter Princess Patricia.. It was also on this day that Sarnia adopted the title of "The Imperial City".
The early growth of Sarnia was stimulated by the wealth of adjoining stands of timber, by the discovery of oil nearby and by the arrival of The Great Western Railway in 1858 and the Grand Trunk Railway in 1859. These rail lines were later linked directly to the United States by the opening of a rail tunnel under the St. Clair River in 1891 the first rail tunnel ever to pass under a river. The tunnel was an engineering marvel in its day, achieved through the development of original techniques for excavating in a compressed air environment.
A convenient link for vehicular traffic was provided when the Bluewater Bridge was opened in 1938.
For many years Alexander Mackenzie, who later became the second Prime Minister of Canada, was an editor of the Sarnia Observer. He is buried in Sarnia.
Sarnia became a prominent deep water port during the 1920s when many of the shipping facilities that exist today were constructed, including the winter harbour, the elevator slip and the large grain elevators.
While there had been a petroleum industry in the Sarnia area since the mid-1800s, the establishment of the Polymer Corporation in 1942 to manufacture synthetic rubber during World War 2 was the first step in establishing Sarnia as a major petrochemical centre.
In 1938, the Blue Water Bridge was built to join Sarnia with Port Huron. In 1997, the bridge was twinned.
Corunna Ontario was close to being the capital of Canada
A small town just 6 k south of Sarnia. was close to becoming the capital of Canada. Lord Beresford had been sent on a mission to find a suitable capital for a future union between the colonies of Upper Canada ( Ontario ) and Lower Canada ( Quebec ) (Ontario) and (Quebec). Corunna was not chosen, as it was seen as being too close to the American border — in the 1820s-1830s, the prospect of an Irish Fenian raid from the United States was considered a serious threat to the British colonies. Today, a small stone cairn stands along Baird Street, near the CSX north-south train track that divides the town. The cairn marks the spot where survey crews planned to build St. George's Square, the area that was to house the Parliament Buildings.
Sarnia and Area:
" It's an area that's often referred to as one of Ontario's best kept secrets. But for those who've come to experience Sarnia & Point Edward, the secret's out, it's time to share all this area has to offer."
http://www.tourismsarnialambton.com/main/ns/1/doc/276/area/S
The Holiday Inn is the hotel of choice. We have several rooms blocked in the same hall. Email or call me for more information and the special rate deal
The reservations must be made by July 19 2010 and all unclaimed rooms will automatically be released
London Ontario:
"London is a “must visit” destination for fun and relaxation. We encourage you to experience a city that loves to laugh and live - a city where you’ll find pristine natural conservation areas and spectacular parkland - a city that beckons your return to Discover our Spirit! Enjoy a variety of experiences unmatched in Southwestern Ontario..."
http://www.londontourism.ca/Visitors
Niagara Falls and Area:
""Experience the New Niagara
Falls...
The New Niagara Falls, Canada-with eclectic restaurants, contemporary hotels, and electrifying
attractions-is a true Canadian vacation destination for couples and families alike. Grown ups have upscale hotels,
modern casinos, nightlife and concerts, fine dining, golf courses and spas, and wine country is just down the road.
For children, Niagara Falls is a veritable theme park with ultra tall buildings (Skylon Tower), water parks inside
hotels, Ferris wheels and kid-friendly restaurants (Clifton Hill), and we even sneak in some education at Niagara Falls attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory and Marineland.
Let's not forget the Falls. From the Maid of the Mist to Journey Behind the Falls, there are plenty of ways to
experience this great wonder of the world."
http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
The Rick and Pauly Touring Expedition: Visit and experience the full deal while in Niagara Falls and area. The Rick and Pauly Touring Expedition guides will give you one of the most pleasurable ways to spend a few days while visiting the area. They promise the time spent in their presence will be a time you will not soon forget. They hope that any police action caused will be forgotten though. So if planning on spending some time in the area contact in advance and as early as possible as they are booking up fast. To contact this wonderfully accommodating couple: parkwhyte@sympatico.ca
The Bruce Peninsula:
"Come and discover the Bruce for yourself !
With over 500 miles of majestic shoreline, there's enough for you to find your own special place - a hidden cove with a sandy beach, a tiny village hugging limestone cliffs, a quiet wooded trail or a quaint, bustling, town.
The Bruce Peninsula offers vacationers a wide variety of outdoor activities, rest and relaxation, sweet air and clear waters, and a unique type of scenery."
http://www.brucepeninsula.org/frame.htm
Sorry folks no recommendations as far as travel but that is one of the reasons for the "Comments and Suggestions" section and the "Contact" section
Via Rail:
"VIA Rail Canada operates the national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada. An independent Crown Corporation established in 1977, the company provides Canadians with safe, efficient and environmentally responsible public transportation. VIA consistently ranks as one of the most trusted transportation companies in Canada."
http://www.viarail.ca/en/trains/
Other Links:
Good spot to download and then good for finding any location
This is a cool web page to go to any address you want for a great view from the street
