It is our final day in Canada and we had a full schedule, but lucky for us it was all play.  We had accomplished our goal of the presentation and today, we were going to be taken to all of the North Bay area’s attractions.  We started a little later today and drove south towards Powassan.   This small town in Northern Ontario was bustling with people and parking was hard to come by.

We were scheduled to have a pancake breakfast with the mayor, but little did we know it was their annual Maple Syrup Festival. DSC_0294 Sitting down at breakfast I reached for some sweet tea, but soon realized this is how Canada does maple syrup.  After a filling breakfast, we were placed at the front a parade that was led by firefighters playing the bagpipes.  Ending up at the center stage, we were invited to watch the ceremonies begin with pancake tossing.  Our very own, Ryan Hodges led Team America to a international co-champion victory by successfully making two pancakes in the basket.

We perused the rest of the festival in time to tour the actual maple syrupDSC_0309 farm.  At the farm, we were able to participate in a hay ride, syrup pops, and a factory tour.  After a quick stop to get some poutine, we drove up the hill to the airport.

At the airport we were met with one of the members of the Invest North Bay board and his helicopter.  We eager waited while he got it started.  Once started, four at a time jumped in ready to see North Bay from the air.  Everyone DSC_0359came off the helicopter smiling and thanked the pilot once more.

We ended the night eating wings at a local restaurant and taking group pictures.  Everyone said their goodbyes and we were on our way back to Texas!

Sic ‘Em Bears!