Wednesday, February 04, 2009

SnowTrax Television Episode Filmed in Grey Bruce

SnowTrax TV Was Here


The SnowTrax Television crew was here carving the trails around Owen Sound and Wiarton (Jan 27th – 29th) in efforts to showcase this region as the heart and sole of Ontario Snowmobiling. The Best Western Inn on The Bay was a gracious host for the shoot and pampered the crew each night. Co-host Luke Lester is now known as 'Bubbles'.

Show Co-host Taera McLean has been to Grey Bruce before and was so impressed at how the local communities embrace its favourite winter pastime. “Every time I ride here I am blown away at the hospitality, friendliness and dedication by volunteers to perfecting this massive trail system. Combine it with the unique clubhouses and the social aspects, and you’ve got a totally unique riding experience.” View Taera's Blog.....for more details on the trip.

The itinerary for the shoot focused on digging into what makes this snowmobile community tick and illustrating what makes people so passionate about the sport. One of the features will be on the VanDolder family, who have deep connections to snowmobile racing and this community.



Mchael, Jeremy VanDolder and Taera Maclean



Videographer Doug capturing Jeremy on the practice track


The entire VanDolder family

The crew also interviewed Paul MacDermid an owner of the Owen Sound Attack Junior A Hockey Club. Paul is a former NHL'r and is an avid Snowmobiler in Grey Bruce. Paul says it's the diversity of riding terrain here that makes it so appealling. Plus, the Attack hockey club is the only OHL Franchise that you can ride your sled right to the rink to take in a game. The crew spent a little time on the ice as well talking to some players who also love to ride.


Taera and Paul at the Attack Rink


Marcus Carroll, Michael McGurk, Tyler Beskorowany

A unique twist to the show was to include a winter camping feature that saw the crew ride to the Lennox Clubhouse (near Owen Sound) to learn wilderness survival skills with Dr. Gino Ferri and crew from Survival in the Bush Inc.

Videographer Doug and Survival in the Bush Expert igniting a tinder bundle


Following winter camping, the crew will head to the Wiarton Airport to shoot a riding sequence utilizing a Helicopter. Riders were filmed cruising atop the Niagara Escarpment to the scenic Skinners Bluff lookout right on the trail. The aerial footage will be used in the show to capture the scenic beauty of the area overlooking Georgian Bay.

Tarea and Chris infront of the Bruce Peninsula Helicopter Tours Chopper


The Grey Bruce Episode will air later in February. Check SnowTrax Television for times and tons of cool sled stuff.


Check out local riding information at Ride Grey Bruce. For the fantastic Yamaha Sleds used in the show see Bill at Tennysons Yamaha .

Next week we are hitting the trails with Ontario Snowmobile Magazine (OSM) for a Shore to Shore ride. Stay tuned!

As always...Grey Bruce is a proud part of GoRideOntario

Monday, February 02, 2009

Wiarton Willie Prediction 2009 Morning


Well the sun gods were shinning on us this morning! It was a great day to be in Wiarton at the Meeting Place for the 53rd Annual Wiarton Willie Prognostication, he did not disappoint if you are into snow, then congratulations we are in for 6 more weeks of it!!

Our tourism team was at the event this morning and Jamie from our office was in full Willie gear!!
















Show Shoeing on the Bruce Peninsula

Weekends on the "Bruce" are usually weather cperfect for Ontario cross country skiing! Recently, it was a day full of sunshine, and after all the snow we have been receiving it was well needed.

We can all handle winter, we live in a 4-season destination, but you got t0 have some days like yesterday, -2 and sunny. Makes you want to get outdoors and take it all in and what better way them to either head out on one of our groomed cross country trails or break in one of your own!

Even though we are in for 6 more weeks of winter, this week is looking pretty good for sunny days an milder temps, so get out there and take it all in!!


If you find yourself in Wiarton this week, drop on by our office, we will be on the front lawn from 12:00 - 2:00 pm building a cool snow sculpture, at 578 Brown St, we are right next door the LCBO and across the street from Georgian Bay!

Ice Fishing on the Beautiful Bruce Peninsula


There are so many things to do in the winter on the Bruce and after this morning prognostication from that famous groundhog Wiarton Willie we are in for 6 more weeks of winter!!


So bundle up, throw on a pair of snow shoes and head out on one of our many inland lakes to take in a great winter sport Ice Fishing!
Like these two sisters, what a great way to spend time with friends and family... Jamie from our office loves to share the outdoors with her sister from the city... They caught these two Rainbow Fish this past weekend.