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Friends of Fathom Five and Friends of Bruce Peninsula
Tobermory, Ontario
    
   
 
  2009 ORCHID FESTIVAL  

The Friends Major Event - the Annual Orchid Festival, May 29th & 30th, 2009 in Tobermory.  This is a weekend to celebrate the wonderful wildflowers of the Bruce Peninsula - with great hikes and even better interpreters!

Pre-registration for Orchid Festival Events is recommended. Please contact Janet at info@castelbluff.com after April 1st or write to us c/o Box 66, Tobermory, Ontario, N0H 2R0.. See full details on packages available at the bottom on this page.

Special Events at the Orchid Festival
Friday Night

Orchid Festival Headquarters & Naturalist Station - 4 to 9 pm
The new National Park Visitor Centre is Festival Headquarters. Drop by to pick up or purchase your Festival passes, ask questions, talk to a park naturalist, browse the Gift Shop, or check our the dynamic exhibit gallery and park video "Life on the Edge"

"Beauty and Diversity of the Bruce" with Scott Currie 7 to 9 pm

Join the Friends at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre on Friday May 29th, 2009 to Due to its incredible diversity of habitats, the Bruce Peninsula is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Using photos from his personal encounters with local plants and animals, park naturalist Scott Currie familiarizes you with the Peninsula’s most charismatic residents.Seating is limited so please book early. Admission $5.00.

To book for a seat at the Friday Evening "Best of the Bruce", contact Janet at info@castlebluff.com after April lst or drop into the Friends' Ship Shop at the Visitor Centre

For up to date information on the Orchid Festival, please check out http://www.orchidfest.ca

Saturday Morning

Orchid Festival Headquarters - 7 am to 4 pm
* pick up or purchase your Festival passes before setting out on your first excursion of the day
* talk to a Park Naturalist - they'll be on hand to answer your questions
* Check out the features of the Visitor Centre, including"
    high-definition theatre show "Life on The Edge" for a virtual adventure in the park.
    Exhibit gallery, with everything from a full-size lighthouse, flowerpot and cliff to black bear, rattlesnakes and shipwreck exhibits
    The world famous Bruce Trail runs past the centre, to scenic Georgian Bay.
Entrance to the Visitor Centre is included with a Festival Pass

Saturday's Day of Hikes

  1. See www.orchidfest.ca for details..

Ask the Expert!

Throughout the afternoon at the Visitor Centre there will be several experts on hand to answer your questions.

* Native Gardening

Expert gardeners will be on hand Saturday to answer your gardening questions and offer tips.

* Wildflower Photography

Photography experts from FotoArt Camera Shop (Owen Sound) will be on hand to give practical advice on gear and technique for wildflower photography.

* Dark Skies (Astronomy)

Learn why the Bruce Peninsula was recently proclaimed a Dark Sky Reserve.

Saturday Evening Feature Presentation

Wine and Cheese Reception, Visitor Centre - Join the Friends for wine and cheese before our great Feature Presentation.

It's Not About the Gear: The Passion of Nature Photography - Ethan Meleg
 Ethan has crawled through mud, kayaked deep into swamps, endured -35C windchills and hiked for miles in total darkness (often with 40 pounds of camera gear on his back) to capture spectacular photos of nature. In this presentation, Ethan shares his insight into the inspiration, passion and knowledge that drives great nature photography. Illustrated by his favourite photos and stories, including many new images from his current 1.5 year expedition, this light-hearted and humorous presentation is sure to entertain and inspire!

Our Saturday Evening Feature Presentation will be held at the New Parks Canada Visitor Centre Theatre. Seating is limited. Reservations are strongly recommended. Admission $20.00. 

The Saturday evening Wine and Cheese and Feature Presentation admission is included in any of the three package prices listed below.

To reserve a seat for the Saturday Evening Wine & Cheese and TBA, please contact Janet at info@castlebluff.com  or drop into the Friends' Ship Shop at the Visitor Centre - after April 1st

Tour the Visitor Centre and Climb the Tower

A tour of the Parks Canada Visitor Centre and the opportunity to climb the observation tower to see a wonderful view of both national parks.

Shop at The Tempest - The Friend's store in the Visitor Centre

Check out the Friends' gift shop for the latest in orchid and wildflower guides - check out Orchid Festival Specials!

Prices

Individual Events

The following costs include taxes - -

  • Friday Evening $5.00
  • Saturday Evemts $15 each 
  • Saturday Evening Program $20

If anyone wishes to visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre Exhibit Hall - and we encourage you to do so - you are responsible for the entry fee. Seating in the theatre is limited!  Please book early. Passes and tickets to individual events may be purchased at The Friends' Ship in the Visitor Centre and by regular mail or email (info@castlebluff.com)- after April 1st.

All prices include GST