Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences

Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences

Traditional Teachings

From time immemorial…

Cape Croker Park is a year-round Indigenous Tourism Destination.
We are proud to invite you to join our Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences for 2023!
Our team of experienced Anishinaabe naturalists and guides have developed a series of land & water-based activities to share with Park visitors.
  • Are you interested in plants? Come learn how Anishinaabek use plants for food, medicine, in ceremony and in many other aspects of daily living.
  • Maybe, you would like to hear some traditional Anishinaabe stories that have been handed down for generations?
  • Have you ever wondered how (or why) dream catchers are made? Make one yourself with Red Osier Dogwood and sinew.
  • Explore our magnificent trails, forest, bluffs and beautiful blue water as you learn about the geology and cultural history of the area.
In all our programs you will hear Anishinaabemowin, our language, and possibly learn a few words. The start will be slow and easy – a few greetings, names of plants, animals and place names. For example: the traditional name for Sydney Bay and one of our camping areas is Wiikwedoonse, which can be translated at "Little Bay" or "Cove."

Current Programs

At Home on the Land

The Anishinaabek people have a deep connection to and knowledge of the natural world. Join an Anishinaabe guide on this unique hike to enjoy the amazing views from the 100-ft high bluffs, find and identify wildlife signs, and take in a landscape shaped during the last ice age. While exploring this trail within our territory, you will learn about plants used for traditional food, tools, medicine, and ceremonies. You will also have the opportunity to sample refreshments made with some of these plants!

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* Sections of this hike may be difficult for people with mobility issues and a history of back and/or knee problems, particularly in wet conditions.

Price
$170/Adult
$120/Youth (12-17)
$120/Senior (65+)
Program Type
Interpretive Hike, loop trail
Duration
5-6 hrs
Difficulty
Difficult, with Strenuous Sections (depending on fitness level and weather conditions) *
Age Recommendation
12+
What to Bring
Water, Lunch, Snacks, Hiking Poles
What to Wear
Sturdy footwear for hiking, hat, dress in layers, be prepared for anticipated weather
What's Included
Anishinaabe guide and snacks (*does not include lunch)

Fire Making & Wilderness Skills

Fire played a vital role in the traditional lives of the Anishinaabek people. Fire is used for cooking, preparation of medicines, tool making, and ceremonies. These traditions continue to this day. Learn how to make fire with all-natural materials and with historic trade items, as well as other unique wilderness skills, such as navigating by the sun with a solar compass. You will leave with the skills to start your own fire and travel safely in the outdoors without modern conveniences.

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Price
$70/Adult
$50/Youth (8-17)
$50/Senior (65+)
Program Type
Hands-on Learning
Duration
2 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Age Recommendation
8+
What to Bring
Water and a Camera
What to Wear
Dress in layers, be prepared for anticipated weather
What's Included
Anishinaabe guide, light refreshment, and Bannock cooked over the fire

Ginebek Miikaans

Your Anishinaabe guide will introduce you to the natural and cultural wonders found along Ginebek Miikaans – the Snake Trail Boardwalk. This trail winds through mixed forest, to the edges of an active beaver dam and lodge, and along the shoreline of Sydney Bay. During this exploration you will learn about the traditional plants and wildlife that play a pivotal role in the traditional and contemporary lives of the Anishinaabek people. Spend some time at our two lookouts to take in the natural beauty of Sydney Bay and a beaver pond teeming with life. Sampling fresh, locally harvested Cedar tea will amplify your connection to these sites.

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* In wet conditions, sections of the boardwalk will be slippery and may be difficult for people with mobility issues and a history of back and/or knee problems.

Price
$60/Adult
$40/Youth (10-17)
$40/Senior (65+)
Program Type
Interpretive Hike, there-and-back trail
Duration
2 hrs
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate (boardwalk can be slippery in wet conditions) *
Age Recommendation
10+
What to Bring
Water, Snacks, Camera, Hiking Poles
What to Wear
Sturdy footwear for hiking, hat, dress in layers, be prepared for anticipated weather
What's Included
Anishinaabe guide and light refreshment

Neyaashiinigmiing and Stories of the Land

Mere kilometers outside of Canada, in unceded Anishinaabek territory, you can experience Neyaashiinigmiing – that beautiful point of land that almost looks like an island but is only partially surrounded by water. Here, you can step back in time with storyteller, naturalist, and culture-keeper, Lenore Keeshig. You’ll be introduced to living artifacts (vivifacts - Culturally Modified Trees) and understand how they came to be. You’ll hear stories that describe the creation of the very land you are walking on; learn about the people, their history, and their connection to the place they call home. This will also be an opportunity to breathe in the aromas of hardwoods, conifers, and stand on some of the highest points on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula looking over Wiikwedoonse (Sydney Bay) and Manitou gichigaming (Georgian Bay). You will sit and eat lunch along the trail, sip wild ginger tea and come away with an understanding why Neyaashiinigmiing is so special. Participants will receive a small token of remembrance after the hike.

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* Sections of this hike may be difficult for people with mobility issues and a history of back and/or knee problems, particularly in wet conditions.

Price
$140/Adult
$120/Youth (12-17)
$120/Senior (65+)
Program Type
Interpretive Hike, loop trail
Duration
4-5 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Age Recommendation
15+
What to Bring
Water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellant
What to Wear
Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, dress in layers, be prepared for anticipated weather
What's Included
Anishinaabe guide and light refreshment (*does not include lunch)

Walking with Nature

Since time immemorial the Anishinaabek people have understood our connection to and dependence on our Mother Earth. Nature provides food, medicine, and essentials for everyday life. Take a walk through the mixed forests, diverse wetlands, and rocky bluffs of our traditional territory. Discover the ancient knowledge the land has to offer. Your Anishinaabe guide will provide history and insights into a variety of plants, wildlife, and cultural traditions. Connect deeply with the forest by sampling fresh, locally harvested Cedar tea.

Book Now

* Sections of this hike may be difficult for people with mobility issues and a history of back and/or knee problems, particularly in wet conditions.

Price
$80/Adult
$60/Youth (12-17)
$60/Senior (65+)
Program Type
Interpretive Hike, loop trail
Duration
3 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate to Difficult, with Strenuous Sections (depending on fitness level and weather conditions) *
Age Recommendation
12+
What to Bring
Water, Snacks, Camera, Hiking Poles
What to Wear
Sturdy footwear for hiking, hat, dress in layers, be prepared for anticipated weather
What's Included
Anishinaabe guide and light refreshment

Custom Programs

Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences can be customized to fit the needs of your group.

Whether yours is a school (Kindergarten to Post-Docs), tour, corporate, or friend group, or anything in-between, we can create a customized experience. Our engaging, land-based experiences provide invaluable opportunities to learn about our culture, history, and language, while exploring our traditional territory with experienced, local Anishinaabe guides.

Indigenous

Indigenous is a blanket term used to refer to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. We identify as First Nations; specifically, Anishinaabek.

Is our language new and confusing to you? Don’t be afraid to try. It’s easier than it looks!  This is how to pronounce two of our words:

Ah nish shin naw bay = singular
Ah nish shin naw beck = plural

reserve your dates now

Call, email, or use our online booking system

The Rememberer

Are there bears here – what kind – how big – how many – what do they eat?

bears

Stories tell us that along time ago, Mkwa took care of the first Anishinaabe children, fed them and kept them warm. Another story tells us that each year during Mkwa Giizis or Bear Moon also known as February, bear cubs venture outside their cozy dens to play. If their play is brief, then winter will be long. If they stay out, then spring is fast approaching.

The bear is known as a healer and peacekeeper who taught our people about the medicines. Some of our people have bear names like Mkoons (Little Bear) or Mko-kwe (Bear Woman). Some of our people belong to the Mkwa Dodem (Bear Clan). Some people have bears as "spirit helpers."

Seeing a bears in a natural setting like out in a field or crossing the road somewhere is an exciting and memorable experience. However, this is not necessarily so in a campground or on someone’s deck. This is why we built garbage depots, purchased recycling bins and closed our dump. In doing so, we have given responsibility to our campers and visitors to help us keep bears safe. Bear is called The Rememberer because Bear always remembers where to find food.

Help us protect our bears and all other critters who share their world with us.

  1. Store food in your vehicle at night.
  2. Take your bagged garbage to the Garbage Depot every evening.
  3. Do not scrap your leftover food into the fire pit or around your campsite
  4. Wash out your recyclables before putting them into the bins.
  5. Keep your campsite clean.
  6. Day visitors please take your garbage and recyclables with you.

Our Park attendants will be around to encourage your continued assistance in keeping bears safe.

Facilities

Cape Croker Park

Day Use

The Pavilion picnic shelter is the perfect backdrop for group picnicking. The beach is another popular day use site perfect for a picnic, for swimming or for launching boats of all sizes. Nearby is the beach volleyball pitch. There are 10 km of hiking trails within the Park – Ginebik Miikaans (Snake Trail Boardwalk), which is part of the Bruce Trail, Waazh Miikaans (The Rockfall Caves), and a few shorter trails. The playground is a popular location for children.

Washrooms

Barrier-free showers and flush toilets located in The Maples and The Beaches campgrounds. Outhouses are in convenient locations throughout the camping areas.

Showers

Showers are located at The Maples comfort station.

Laundromat

The Park offers a coin laundry facility at The Maples comfort station.

Rentals

The Pavilion and the Arbour are available for day use rentals. Contact the Park Office to make bookings.

Supplies

The Campground Office sells water, ice, firewood, propane, maple syrup and snacks. The 401 Convenience and Pedoniquott’s Gas Bar are located just a short drive from the campground.

Services

The campground offers a trailer pump out and holding tank pump out service.

WiFi

WiFi is access in the Upper Ninaatgoog (Maples) and Waasmowing Enaabiising (Hydro) areas. The site directs you to GBTel for payment. You can purchase hours or days of WiFi Access.

2024 Fee Schedule

Cape Croker Park

Camping

Campsite: Basic
$42.50 / night
Campsite: Premium Waterfront/View
$45.50 / night
Campsite: Hydro 20 AMP
$45.50 / night
Campsite: Hydro 30 AMP
$52 / night
Campsite: Hydro 30 AMP & Premium
$53.50 / night
Campsite: Hydro 30 AMP & Water
$54 / night
Campsite: Hydro 50 AMP & Water
$54.50 / night
Additional Camper Fee
$5 / night
Additional Vehicle Fee
$15 / night
Cabin (1-2 Adults)
$100 / night
Cabin (3 Adults)
$105 / night
Cabin (4 Adults)
$110 / night
Reservation Fee (NON-REFUNDABLE)
$15 / site
Specific Site Guarantee (Lock in Fee)
$20 / site
Seasonal Vehicle Fee
$100

Day Use Fees

Daily Vehicle Permit
$15 / day
Off-Season Day Use
$10 / day
Overnight Parking
$15 / night
*Rates are based on one (1) family or two (2) adults per site.
A maximum of four adults only are allowed per site.

Discount Rates

*Bruce Trail Members: 10% Discount on overnight campsite fees (please show card upon registering) Save 10% when camping 6 nights or more

Group Camping: "The Birches"

Group Campsite Fee
$175 / night
Damage Deposit
$175
Per Person, Youth (6–17yrs)
$2.50 / night
Per Person, Adult (18yrs+)
$5 / night
Group Campsite Vehicle Permit
$6.50 / night
*Maximum of 35 campers allowed, Damage Deposit MAY be refunded after site inspection. Discounts available for Youth Groups & Charitable Organizations.

Park Store

Firewood: Bagged
$10
Showers (auto timer approx. 5.5 minutes)
$1
Washers/Dryers
$2 / cycle
Trailer Pump Out – In Park
$35
Holding Tank Pump Out
$50
Prices subject to change without notice
Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, & American Express Accepted Here!
*For any campsite or availability inquiries, contact us:
Call 519-534-0571 or email reservations@capecrokerpark.com

Park Rules

Cape Croker Park

A Message from Park Management

Our campground was developed as a family campground. We want to keep it that way. You can help to maintain the ambience and atmosphere of this place. Our rules are guides to ensure you and other Park visitors have an enjoyable, safe and memorable camping experience.

Common complaints over the years:

  • dogs off leash
  • owners not picking up after pets
  • speeding on park roads
  • excessive noise
  • alcohol carried off a campsite

Please take a few minutes to review these rules.

General Camping Rules

All campers must be registered at the Campground Office.
One family (parents and their dependent children) OR a maximum of 4 adults per campsite is permitted.
Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Only registered campers are permitted to remain in the Park or enter outside of visiting hours.
No excessive noise at any time. All musical instruments and audio devices must be turned off at 11 p.m.
Other than when otherwise prohibited by park management, alcoholic beverages may be possessed in the Cape Croker Park. Possession and consumption by any person must be in compliance with the Ontario Liquor License Act. (Alcohol is permitted on occupied/rented campsites only.)
Cannabis may be consumed by campers at their registered campsite. Smoking tobacco or cannabis, or using an electronic cigarette (vaping), is permitted on a registered campsite only.
Campers and Park visitors are responsible for their garbage and recyclables. Garbage must be bagged and placed in the Garbage Depots. Recyclables must be rinsed (at your campsite) and sorted into plastics and aluminum/steel food and beverage containers.

Day visitors please take your garbage and recycling with you.

Our community facility is not able to recycle glass bottles and jars, milk and juice boxes, cardboard or cereal boxes, so please take these with you and recycle from your home. Chi miigwech.
Every person using a campsite shall at all times maintain the campsite in a condition satisfactory to Park Management. When vacating the campsite, they shall restore the campsite as near as possible to its original condition.
The owner or person in control of a domestic animal must maintain physical control of the animal. Leashes must be no greater than 2 metres in length. Domestic animals are not permitted in swimming areas.
Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits only. No person shall start or maintain a fire except in a designated fire pit.
Scavenging for firewood from Park lands is prohibited. Purchase firewood from the Campground Office. This is to protect our forest from campers, invasive insects and pathogens.
No person shall pick or remove flowers, plants or trees or wildlife, or take any natural souvenirs from the Park.
No person shall remove, damage or deface Park property or damage or deface any relict, artifact, or natural object or any site of archaeological or historical interest.
The maximum speed on main park roads is 30 km/h. The maximum speed in camping areas is 15 km/h. Please abide by these speed limits.
No person camping in the Park shall operate an All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes or any off-road vehicle anywhere on the Park property, including trails.
The use of generators in all over-night camping areas is prohibited.
Non-compliance with park rules may result in charges and/or eviction.
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