Page 82 - Canadian Geographic

our country

REVEALING CANADA

I have a country home in the bucolic hills of Caledon, Ont., about 60 kilo-
Michael Bonacini I
metres northwest of Toronto. I really connect with the beauty here and what

The celebrity chef and it has to offer, like the quirky and wonderful people I’ve made friends with.
It really is a great part of the world. I love coming up, as do my wife and son.
MasterChef Canada judge Going there is really about getting back into the countryside, where things
move at a slightly slower pace and the air seems fresher, the trees greener,
reminisces about escaping to
the wildlife more plentiful.
rural living in Caledon, Ont. I’ve never been the kind of guy to sit for too long on the back deck with a
beer or a book. I always have a job going. And here it’s the kind of jobs I can’t
do in the city. Cutting the grass, planting trees, building a stone wall, tidying
up the barn. Just these outdoor jobs that I love to do. Splitting fi rewood,
stacking fi rewood and making a fi re when it starts to get chilly … there is
nothing more satisfying and gratifying. They’re all sort of rituals that I don’t
fi nd chores. I actually look forward to them.
I also have wonderful neighbours. A neighbour farmer friend taught me
how to plow. I have a local beekeeper who comes to see me. I hike with a
group of guys weekly. I feel very much a part of this community and I feel
What’s your favourite Canadian place? welcome here. The group of friends we hang out with in Caledon have a
Tell us on Twitter (@CanGeo) using the favourite little cidery down the road and a coffee shop in the village, a bakery
hashtag #ShareCanGeo. we stop at when we’re on our cycling tours, a friendly neighbourhood pub.
It’s unique little destinations like these that make it extra special. I never tire JACQUI OAKLEY/CAN GEO
Or share it with us on Facebook of coming here.
(facebook.com/cangeo). —As told to Aaron Kylie

82 CANADIAN GEOGRAPHIC MARCH/APRIL 2018