June 2021 painted a unique portrait of travel, tinted by the ongoing global pandemic. As international borders remained under strict scrutiny, our journeys became more intimate affairs, coaxing us to uncover hidden gems in our backyards. One such treasure was Britt, a small community nestled on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada.
With a population small enough to know your neighbor's dog's name by heart, Britt is the epitome of quaint. Its appeal lies not just in its hushed whisper of a shoestring community but in its embrace of the natural world. Travelers, like migratory birds, find themselves drawn to Britt's unruffled environment, seeking refuge from the cacophony of urban life, which had only become more pronounced during the pandemic lockdowns.
June in Britt is a sensory delight. The bay's sapphire waters, flanked by rugged shores and wind-sculpted pines, extend an invitation to solitude and introspection. Kayakers would slice the water's glassy surface at dawn, occasionally sharing their sojourn with a loon's warble or the splash of a playful beaver. Fishing aficionados would delight in casting their lines, hoping for the catch of the day—or perhaps just enjoying the meditative wait.
Britt's hinterland is etched with trails that cater to the curious. The still dubious health situation prompted a heightened appreciation for the natural beauty that open-air activities could safely provide. The area's network of paths afforded splendid isolation, with tree boughs bending to form verdant tunnels over the heads of those brave enough to explore them. Hikers experienced the thrill of stumbling upon hidden patches of wildflowers or catching a glimpse of a white-tailed deer bounding through the underbrush.
The pandemic's thorn etched an unexpected boon for small local businesses that adapted to serve the community and visitors alike. Social distancing was the norm at the farmer’s market, where vendors still greeted with familiar warmth, albeit from behind masks. Locavores took pleasure in sampling artisan cheeses, fresh produce, and crafts that spoke of the local artisans’ resilience and resourcefulness. A shared understanding hung in the air – we were there to support each other, in health, community, and spirit.
Britt was a sanctuary when the world felt uncertain. There were no grand monuments or pulsing nightclubs, but there was comfort in its simplicity. The sunsets washed the sky in strokes of orange and lavender, and as day surrendered to night, one could see the freckled starscape unhindered by city light.
Visiting Britt in June 2021 was more than a retreat—it was an homage to the resilience of small communities and the restorative power of nature. It reminded us of the often overlooked joys of simplicity and the significance of finding contentment in our immediate surroundings. Britt taught us all a profound lesson: in the face of adversity, we could find peace up close, under open skies, and within the whispers of the forest.
