We mentioned binge watching the Canadian CBC show Still Standing, and how it inspired us to try and visit as many of these small Canadian towns as possible. The show features towns that didn’t fare well due to closure of industry and diversion of highways and railways. Through humour and close encounters with the locals, they hope to bring some new attention to these towns.
As we drove deeper into Canadian Shield country,
three of these towns were on our way during this trip. We made a point to get off the highway and go check them out: South River, Mattawa, and Cobalt are three northern towns that have seen better days.
Our main takeaway from the show is that we need to give back.
As we travel through these small towns we should make an effort to contribute to their economy. As self sustained campervanners we often go to these small towns, take in the sites, hike the trails, and enjoy the quaint atmosphere. Not very often do we leave our cash behind because we carry our own food, brew our own coffee, and sleep in our cosy van.
In other words, because we don’t need their amenities, we exploit these communities for their sights and then just leave.
What to do?
We are now making a conscious effort to contribute something to those communities. Even if it means buying a coffee at the local coffee shop. We write about these communities in the hope to inspire you to visit some of these places and do the same.
Hard times just got harder for a lot of people and every little bit help!
Get off the highway and explore!
Granted, it is harder to hang out in shops and restaurants safely during the pandemic, and we may not be able to make good on our intentions every time, but we do try now!
standing right next door
We will also have for you several “Standing Right Next Door” towns. Small town that was not featured in the show, but are right next door. Let’s send some traffic their way too! We explored Haileybury, Temagami, and Iroquois Falls and will have some highlights from these towns as well.
South River Village
The Village of South River was the first “Still Standing” community on our way north. It was getting late and we only had time for a short stop, so we chose to visit a waterfall that we spotted on the map, just north of town.
Logging started in the area in 1860s and the first settlers arrived in 1881, but There isn’t much evidence for its logging past, more evidence to its location as a canoe gateway to Algonquin Park and the lesser known Mikisew Provincial Park. It is also a dog racing destination.
We drove through the village and made a mental notes of places to stop at next time. Perhaps post-Corona times. The Northern Crafters Cooperative, The Highlander Brew Co., Crystal Cave, and the Bear Chair Co., all looked like places we would enjoy.
We arrived at the waterfall and were delighted to find a serene location,
with several interpretive signs,
Beautiful Canadian shield rocks,
and a couple of pretty waterfalls.
So long South River, we’ll be back!
Oh, and if you are into POW camps like we are, there was a camp just outside of South River. Another place to check out! You can read about it here, and here.
Next stop: Mattawa!
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My husband and I have always traveled the smaller roads and visited the small towns across America when we did our RV traveling. It is great to help these small towns out with some cash and exploring in their area. Good for you – trying to help towns that need help. Interesting post – loved the waterfall.
Thanks! And it’s so much fun discovering little gems that you didn’t know existed!
Always thought I would like to buy a van like that and travel around the country in that way. Still thinking about it. Not sure I could get the other half on board.
Yeah, it’s a lot of fun! It’s tight and you need to adapt a lot, but that’s part of the fun!
South River is a great little town. I agree we need to some how support them. I have worked and lived just south of there. Never knew about the falls. Will have to check it out!!
Thanks, Pam. There are so many great little towns! Getting close to Temagami 🙂
I like stopping in small towns and exploring what they have to offer. And if there’s a brewery – that wold most certainly be one of our stop! Enjoy your trip!
Right? A brewery is a pivotal deciding factor 🙂
indeed…
I like the idea of showing small towns and their highlights. It’s true that the activities are often free, when possible, at least try to fill up the tank.
Yes, exactly!
I like the philosophy of trying to contribute something to the local economy while you are there. Besides that, in normal times, you get to interact with some of the locals. For me, that is part of their attraction and charm.
Yeah, I feel that we were a bit wrapped up in our self-sustainability and didn’t think of this before. Never too late!
Loved discovering these small towns along with you! You never know when you’re going to find a hidden gem, by way of a great little shop, restaurant or even geological feature. Seems there is almost always some unique historical tidbit that the locals love to share, too!
Yeah, it’s a lot of fun! It’s tight and you need to adapt a lot, but that’s part of the fun!