For this trip in to deepest, darkest Ontario, head to the African Lion Safari and Elmvale Jungle Zoo.
At the African Lion Safari in Flamboro, near Hamilton, visitors become the "caged" creatures in their vehicles as the critters roam freely in seven game reserves.
The safari, which marks its 40th birthday on Aug. 22, has become a roaring success since the late Colonel G. D. Dailley first opened it with 40 lions in three reserves.
Now there are more than 1,000 animals, many unusual and rare, with the number of species topping 100.
Vehicles enter the reserves attracting curious giraffes and roaming bands of monkeys looking for mischief. The monkeys put on quite the show, peering into the windows at the humans, jumping on hoods and hanging from fenders.
A word of warning: make sure your vehicle doesn't have any loose chrome or parts as the monkeys have gathered quite a collection of these. And, don't encourage them with Timbits.
Worried about the car? Then take the Safari Tour Bus for a one-hour trip (at an additional cost) and peer through the large picture windows -- and be peered at -- as the driver provides the commentary.
The Safari Trail takes visitors past prides of lions while the Monkey Jungle has troops of baboons and herds of zebra. There are big cats, baboons, white rhino, ostrich, aoudad, eland, giraffe and many other exotic and native species.
The park is "proud of its many accomplishments" in wildlife conservation, said Karen O'Grady, marketing director.
It has bred 30 species considered endangered and 20 threatened, along with raising and releasing barn and burrowing owls, trumpeter swans, ferruginous hawks and a bald eagle into the wild.
Don't miss the daily elephant swim to see Kitty, Jenny, Maggie and baby Chuck frolic in the giant lake, as well as the shows about birds of prey and parrots.
The African Queen circles the lake to see exotic birds, primates, ring-tailed lemurs, ground horn-bills, spider monkeys, snapping turtles and endangered Angolan Colobus monkeys. Then ride the rails on the Nature Boy scenic railway through the forest.
Kids will enjoy Pets' Corner with its animals, including baby goats, and birds as well as Jungle Playground and the Misumu Wet Play area.
For a bite, there's the Mombasa Market Restaurant for burgers, fries, pizza and snacks or the Cabana Grill on the back patio.
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The Elmvale Jungle Zoo, north of Barrie, is a popular attraction for watching majestic lions, tigers and jaguars viewed from shaded and winding trails.
From its inception in 1967 with mainly birds and reptiles, it has grown to house 300 animals from around the world.
Zebras poke their heads through the wire fences peering at visitors, while monkeys and lemurs put on a show.
There are many baby animals on display, along with rare and exotic birds and other wildlife in the natural surroundings.
Interactive presentations throughout the day talk about reptiles and other animals, including pythons, boa constrictors and monitor lizards (through Labour Day).
At the petting area, children can touch and feed the animals, watch rainbow trout jump for snacks and see graceful swans and waterfowl in the pond.
There's also a gift shop, snack bar, picnic area and children's playground.
Fox Trot
The pomp and ceremony of a traditional pow wow will be held at Cape Croker Park, northeast of Wiarton, next weekend.
This 26th event is in memory of Arthur "Butch" Elliott, "who brought the culture back into our community in the 1980s," said Ann Marie Proulx of the Chippewas of Nawash.
Featured events include the colourful grand entry with dancing and drumming on Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Aug. 16 at noon. Admission $7, adults; free for children and 50 plus. Details: www.butchpowwow.com
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IF YOU GO
African Lion Safari (Safari Road between Highway 6 and 8) in Flamboro, north of Hamilton, is open daily through Oct. 12.
Park hours are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., (game reserves from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) through Sept. 7; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (reserves 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to Oct. 12.
Admission: $29.95, adults; $26.95, seniors, 60 plus; $24.95, children, three to 12 through Sept. 7, then $24.95, $21.95 and $19.95, respectively, to Oct. 12. Parking is free. Safari bus tickets are $4.95, adults; $4.75, seniors and children. www.lionsafari.com; 1-800-461-WILD (9453).
The Elmvale Jungle Zoo (14191 County Road 27), about 20 kilometres north of Barrie, is open daily through Oct. 12.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 7; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to Oct. 12. Tickets are $13.50, adults; $11.50, seniors, ages 13 to 17; and $7.50, children, three to 12. www.elmvalejunglezoo.com; (705) 322-1112.
Alberta’s UNESCO sitesBosch recently introduced Bosch Park Assist
