Issue 5_MiMagazine_EN

Northern Ontario, with its dark sky preserves, offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the stars and the Milky Way like nowhere else. So, I packed up my gear, jumped into a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and set off from Toronto on a 1,047-kilometre journey to the shores of Lake Superior, aiming to catch sight of the Milky Way with my own eyes. Day 1: Sault Ste. Marie – God’s Country After a long drive that saw me use a combination of the Outlander’s fully-EV and gas driving modes, I ar- rived at my first destination. The first day of my ad- venture began in Sault Ste. Marie, often referred to as “God’s Country” for its rugged natural beauty. The nickname is no exaggeration. The vast, serene land- scapes and the endless expanse of Lake Superior cre- ate an almost otherworldly feel. This was the perfect start to a journey dedicated to exploring the night skies. After settling in, I kicked off the day with a hike to the stunning Robertson Cliffs, a place known for its sweeping views over the Goulais region. The hike was worth every step as I gazed out over rolling hills, dis- tant cliffs, and the soft, shimmering blue of Lake Superior on the horizon. The leaves were just begin- ning to turn, signalling the early arrival of fall, and the changing colours added an extra layer of beauty to the scene. From there, I got back into the comfortable con- fines of the Outlander PHEV and headed to Hiawatha Highlands, where I visited Crystal Falls, a waterfall that seems to flow endlessly, surrounded by the for- ested wilderness. It was the perfect way to connect with nature and unwind before what I hoped would be a night under the stars. As evening approached, the skies were partly cloudy, and I worried that the clouds might spoil my chances of stargazing. But I wasn’t about to waste time wait- ing around, so I decided to take advantage of the kay- ak stowed on the roof of my Outlander and head out onto Lake Superior. Paddling across the largest fresh- water lake in the world, I felt completely at peace, surrounded by the deep, dark waters and towering cliffs of the shore. It’s easy to see why this lake, with all its history and mystery, has such a magnetic pull on those who visit.