Ice fishing Getaways and Packages North of Toronto

Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe is freezing over. This may provide an
early start to the icefishing season north of Toronto. Check out the many
ice fishing getaways and packages north of Toronto.

Trumpeter Swans on Kempenfelt Bay Lake Simcoe

During the snowy week of December 8th about a dozen Trumpeters showed up to feed on Kempenfelt Bay Lake Simcoe, along the Barrie Waterfront.

Most likely they arrived from the Wye Marsh in Midland.

Ontario Travel to Christmas New Year Getaways

Kiss Your Way to 2009 with December, Christmas, New Year Getaways North of Toronto North of Toronto………. December 2008. The arrival of snow has initiated some of the earliest openings for the ski and snowboard enthusiasts in the Snow Belt areas north of Toronto. Families are excited about snow tubing, and outdoor winter fun and a good base of snow for the many outdoor winter activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Ontario Ski and Snowboard reports are adding more destinations daily to the lists of resort destinations with snow and outdoor winter recreation north of Toronto. Many of the areas are offering early bird discounts before the Christmas season gets under way. A sample of the more than 100 Christmas New Year and winter getaways available on the Ontario Travel North of Toronto follows:
MISTLETOE KISS @ SAM JAKES INN: Guests receive their own piece of mistletoe as they are treated to two night holiday romance package! Two night package includes a gift of mistletoe, walking tour flyer, VQA wine basket, $50 spa credit, shopping coupons, 2 course a la carte dinner, country breakfast, special occasion treat. From $264 per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes & gratuities are extra.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" CHRISTMAS ESCAPE @ THE CRANBERRY RESORT Bring family and friends and begin a tradition of moments that matter. Enjoy a hot chocolate by an open campfire; take a snowshoe walk along the Georgian Trail, Package starts at 139. per person double occupancy includes: Two nights hotel accommodation applicable taxes and gratuities not included; December 24th and 25th Christmas Day Brunch Christmas Gift Cranberry Activity Dollars (Value of over $330).
FOUR FRIENDS NEW YEAR CELEBRATION @ WOODLAND ECHOES Includes a personal four person hot tub, Cottage with 4 person hot tub and fireplace, Champagne, Fireworks, Irish coffee warm up, 2 nights accommodation in a 2 bedroom cottage, special New Years Eve surf and turf dinner, Welcome basket with party favours, starting at $150/person/night + Taxes and Gratuities
See more Christmas New Years getaways for additional locations north of Toronto. Also see a selection of special Romantic Getaways for couples traveling north of Toronto. Families looking for getaways in 2009 can select a variety of winter getaways including special snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing (x-country & downhill), snowboarding, snow tubing, ice fishing, ice skating in Ontario’s winter resort destinations north of Toronto -30-

Ontario Ski report. November 23, 2008

Ontario Ski and Snowboard Update!!

from Jack Lynch, Ministry of Tourism

Date: Sunday November 23, 2008

9:00a.m.

"The ski season is gradually getting under way across the province of Ontario and we have several alpine and

cross country centres open today".

These are the alpine resorts open today:

Horseshoe Valley Resort: Open today 8:30am - 4:30pm, open tomorrow, machine groomed granular, 45 cm base, no new snow, yes snowmaking, 4 lifts, 7 slopes, half pipe/tubing closed, terrain park open.

Snow Valley: Open today 9:00am - 4:00pm, closed tomorrow, machine groomed powder, 20-30 cm base, no new snow, yes snowmaking, 3 lifts, 4 slopes, half pipe/terrain park/tubing closed.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone: Open today 8:30am - 4:30pm, open tomorrow, machine groomed powder, 25-45 cm base, no new snow, yes snowmaking, 3 lifts, 10 slopes, half pipe/tubing closed, terrain park open.

These are the cross country resorts open today:

xc Horseshoe Valley Resort: Open today 8:30am - 4:30pm, open tomorrow, machine groomed granular, 10 cm base, no new snow, no snowmaking, 25 km open, track set and skating.

xc Highlands Nordic: Open today 8:30am - 5:00pm, open tomorrow, packed powder, 20 cm base, no new snow, no snowmaking, 9 km open, track set and skating.

xc Hardwood Ski: Open today 8:30am - 5:00pm, open tomorrow, packed powder, 16 cm base, no new snow, no snowmaking, 20 km. open, track set and skating, snowshoeing available.

Ski Season Open Near Barrie

Ontario Ministry of Tourism Reports: . Hardwood Ski northeast of Barrie and Highlands Nordic south of Collingwood have both opened their trails. Hardwood has opened 26 kms of trail and Highlands Nordic has 5 km open today. Several alpine operators continue to make snow and we expect to have a few areas open this weekend. Horseshoe Resort will be open Friday with as many as 3 slopes open.

Early Winter along Lake Simcoe

Snowfalls along Lake Simcoe near Barrie, November 2008 Ontario

Ontario Ski Season Underway

Central Ontario has been blanketed with lots of fresh snow since Saturday evening. Hardwood Ski , located just north east of Barrie, opened their cross country trails.
The Ministry of Tourism reports additional cross country centres to join the list for this upcoming weekend. and an alpine area or so open this weekend. Night time temperatures
will be in the -7 to -9 degree Celsius range this week, which will beideal for snow making . Book winter getaways .

Ontario's Top Destinations North of Toronto

In the recent Toronto Star about Ontario's favourite destinations, the survey identified the top 5 plus honourable mentions to the next five. 8 of the top 10 attractions are north of Toronto. In order they are Algonquin Park, Ottawa/Gatineau, Lake Superior, Killarney Provincial Park, Elora Gorge, Muskoka, Rideau Canal in winter, and the Thousand Islands Gananoque. For the most part the attractions can be accessed by heading north on Highway 400, however several are to the North East, and North West accessible from the 401.

Ontario's First Snow Over Kempenfelt Bay-Lake Simcoe

Ontario Travel to Fresh Snow

Fresh snow over Kempenfelt Bay Lake Simcoe is the first sign of winter north of Toronto. Many winter enthusiasts are busy tuning up snowmobiles, ice huts, skis, and skates for the upcoming winter er sports season.
Many festivals of lights will glisten with the backdrop of fresh snow. See our selection of 100's of winter getaways, festivals of lights and Santa Claus Parades. Be sure to check out winter road conditions before heading north of Toronto.

Winter in Ontario-Chalets, Condos, Cottages

Condo and chalet rentals http://www.400eleven.com/condo-chalet.html
are excellent fall & winter venues for large families, family reunions
or groups looking for the privacy of bedrooms with a common area for
socializing. Ontario winter time is ideal for refreshing activities
that the whole family can enjoy such as cross country skiing, downhill
skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice
fishing, ice skating, relaxing around the fireplace and soaking in the
hot tub or Jacuzzi.
Winter cottages with wood burining fireplaces are a special winter
travel treat when travelling north of toronto into Ontario's famous
cottage country. http://www.400eleven.com/private-cottages.html

Festivals of Lights, Santa Clause Parades

With the Christmas spirit surrounding us, many visitors north combine a fall getaway with one of the many Festivals of Lights and tree lighting ceremonies in the towns and cities throughout Ontario. Head north for a less crowded experience Always a wonder to enjoy the Santa Claus parades taking place in the many towns and cities north of Toronto. Plan ahead now for your Christmas-New Years Getaways your winter ski vacation.

Hopes for Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron & Georgian Bay

Tourism operators north of Toronto may be pleased with the election of Obama, as he has been a great supporter of the Great Lakes Clean up. See Georgian bay Echo for full news release on future of Great Lakes http://georgianbayecho.blogspot.com/2008/11/obama-good-for-georgian-bay.html

John Hartman-Cities-Only Two Days Left

Cities only tells half the story in John Hartman's exhibit at the Maclaren Art Centre in Barrie, Ontario.

Who would of thought, Parry Sound, Port Severn and Owen Sound would be side by side with creations from London, New York, Montreal and Halifax.

 

Horseshoe Valley Resort In the News.

Today’s Globe and Mail article “The British are coming to play and invest”, may be an indication of future tourism growth in a select number of four season destination areas. Sited in the article was the Horseshoe Valley Resort just north west of Barrie, where the new owners Skyline International Developments are building a complete four season resort destination by incorporating their 800 acres at Port McNicoll on Georgian Bay.

See Horseshoe Valley Resort.

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Ontario Travel Value Season Getaways North of Toronto

Romancing the Late Fall North of Toronto
Late Autumn, 2008. Some of the best value season rates and Ontario travel bargains are at the many Ontario Resorts, Inns, hotels and B& B’s North of Toronto. Late fall getaways can include film festivals, festivals of lights, hiking and biking, harvest dining, swishing through the fall leaves or just old fashioned relaxing in front of an outdoors bonfire. Outdoor enthusiasts will find less foliage and more wildlife. See fall getaways

Late October Ontario Travel Options

Haliburton and Midland destinations are offering interesting travel options this weekend.


Consider the 19'th annual Harvest Festival Tour throughout from Wyebridge to Downtown Midland. A stop at Mad Michael's is a must on your trip to Midland. See Building Photo.
The Haliburton Sculpture forest in the Village of Haliburton is adding a sculpture by Bill Lishman-A work originally created for Expo ’86 in Vancouver. Leishman is an Artist, sculptor, filmmaker, author, art director, inventor, pilot, naturalist, entrepreneur. See Sculputure Photo.

Bala Cranberry Festival--in Muskoka this weekend

Discover the unique Bala Cranberry Festival in Muskoka this weekend. Catch the end to the fall colour foliage season with some new Crannberry fall colors. There are many weekend events taking place north of Toronto during the month of October 2008. See October events

Ontario Winter Vacation Planning

Winter Travel Consumer Shows This Weekend

Outdoors and winter enthusiasts can get a head start on choosing a vacation for Christmas getaways, downhill ski holidays, cross country skiing, snowshoeing adventures, snowmobiling, and ATV treks. Two locations in Toronto and Mississauga are hosting consumer shows starting October 16, and 17 running through until October 19^th, 2008. The Ski and Snowboard show takes place at the Canadian National Exhibition, in downtown Toronto and the Snowmobile and ATV show takes place at the International centre beside Pearson International Airport in Mississauga.

Ontario tourist operators will be represented at both of the shows as well as the Ministry of Tourism promoting winter vacations in the Province. A variety of 2008-09 Ontario winter getaways can be viewed at Ontario Winter Getaways North of Toronto . The Ontario Travel North of Toronto website has one of the best selections for a variety of winter fun activities for the family or for the romantic couple looking for winter fun and adventure. Visitors should check out winter options before heading to either of the shows in anticipation of a snowy winter wonderland in the traditional Snow Belt regions of Ontario

Muskoka Cavalcade of Fall Colours Continues

Brilliant Fall Colours are highlighted in the Muskoka Region.
Photo by Robin Tapley Thursday October 16, 2008.

See fall Muskoka Road Trips for ideas and destinations for fall colours

Get updates on fall colour report from Ministry of Tourism

Fall Colours along Lake Simcoe, Kempenfelt Bay.

Photo taken Thursday October 16th, 2008 by r.taylor

Lots of great colours still available north of Toronto!!

See fall colour routes for ideas on your next road trip north.

Check the Ministry of Tourism fall colour report for the current state of leaf change throughout the Province of Ontario

Fall Colour photos 2008 from Newmarket area.

FALL PHOTOS SUMITTED BY ROBERTMOUNT7. NEWMARKET AREA NORTH OF TORONTO. SEE FALL ROAD TRIPS FOR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO GO FOR FALL COLOURS AND FALL FOLIAGE

Thanksgiving weekend 2008-Kempenfelt Bay

One of the best weekends for fall colours in many years is this Thanksgiving weekend
where the weather is in the mid 20's, the sun is shining and the leaves are close to peak
fall colour foliage along Kempenfelt Bay just north of Barrie Ontario. The colour season is going to be a bit longer with the higher temperatures, with little frost to date.

A trip for those close to Toronto could be a circle trip around Lake Simcoe to see the fall colours.

See additional fall road trips and colors and Ontario resort destination getaways

Thanksgiving Weekend Hike with Naturalist Robin Tapley

Muskoka Fall Beauty and Colours
Join Naturalist Robin Tapley at Red Leaves Resort this weekend on one of two guided nature walks this Saturday. The nature walks which depart from the Wallace Marina at 10 am and 1 pm allow participants an opportunity to discover the trails that meander through hardwood and coniferious forests. We'll explore the boardwalk which winds its way through cotton grass, pitcher plants and sphagum moss while watching for fall migrants search for food during their southern migration. From the Observation Deck we'll be rewarded with a birds eye view of one of Ontario's magnificent wetlands surrounded in a cavalacade of fall colours. For information or to make a reservation please call the Red Leaves Discovery Centre at 1 705 765 8799.

Fall Colours over Kempenfelt Bay-Lake Simcoe

Visitors to Barrie and residents alike were treated to a double rainbow over Kemepnfelt Bay this past week. Fall colours will be peaking over the next week along Lake Simcoe, and will make for the perfect close to Toronto road trip north along the roads and trails ov Lake Simcoe. See Lake Simcoe fall colour road trips. This photo was taken from the park at Minet's Point in Barrie Ontario.

Additonal Ontario fall travel ideas can be found, at fall colour drives and fall getaways north of Toronto

Algonquin Hardwood Trail

Fall Colours (colors) are said to be at peak right now in the highlands of
Algonquin Park. One of the ways to find out about the hardwood forest and the change of the fall colours is to hike up the short trail for a view over the
Smoke Lake Basin. For more Algonquin Fall drives or suggested tours please see http://www.400eleven.com/colour-report-algonquin-park.html

Haliburton Village-Head Lake Sept. 28-08

Haliburton Village from Skyline Drive Lookout. Consider a fall road trip
to haliburton Village. SEE Fall Colour (color) Drives north of Toronto
http://www.400eleven.com/colour-report.html#haliburton

Kawarthas Fall Colours 2008

Ontario Studio Artist Tours, Art Galleries, Fall Colour Road Trips

Fall in Ontario would not be complete without a visit to one of the many artists participating in the many Fall Studio Art Tours north of Toronto. Many of the artist tours are within close proximity to Toronto, however there are many exceptional artists and tours further north. Here is a sample list of the many tours. One of the long sustaining fall art tours takes place on Thanksgiving weekend-The Studio Images Tour in Simcoe County celebrates 25 years of artistic spirit, this year's tour features over 40 artists at 24 unique stops.

Studio Tours for This Weekend on Sat and Sunday September 27, 28.

• Deer Trail Studio Tour, Elliot Lake region
• Bancroft and Area Autumn Studio Tour
• Purple Hills Fall Studio Tour (Creemore region south of Collingwood)
• The 22nd Annual Elora, Fergus Studio Tour
• 20th Annual Hills of Erin Studio Tour (Erin and Hillsburgh area)
• Merrickville Artists Guild Studio Tour
• 4th Temiskaming Studio Tour, New Liskeard area
• Norfolk Studio Tour (Norfolk Country area including the community of Simcoe)
• 24th Annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour
• North of 89 Studio Tour (Shelburne area)
• Sudbury Arts Tour
• Apples and Art Studio Tour (Cornwall area)

Combine your artist tour with one of the more than 25 road trip fall colour routes, north of Toronto

Fall Along the Highway 60 Corridor-Algonquin Park

Robin Tapley is reporting from the Algonquin area with changes being a bit slower this year, however there are a number of spots where fall colours are more prominent. Tapley reminds us that not all fall colours are bright and red, and the dark hues of an Algonquin Moose will always raise the hairs on the back of your neck. There are lots of berries usually in hues of reds this year. Tapley lives in the Dwight area near Huntsville and is the Naturalist at the new Red Leaves in north East Muskoka. See suggested Algonquin Fall Drives and Road Trips.

Fall Colour Route To Ansuka B & B

Ansaku B&B sits on 120acres of beautiful mature forest and rolling fields.
The Bruce Trail runs
adjacent to our property. Come and enjoyhiking,canoeing,fishing,skiing,golfing,and water sports.Read a book on the
porch or relax in our sauna,hot tub or swimming pond. We offer a lot of privacy.
Each guest suite and one self contained apartment features an en-suite bathroom
and a separate guest entrance.We are located between Felsherton and Thornbury,
just 5-10 min.from the Ski hills.Collingwood and Blue Mountain are just 30min. away.

The colour route from Collingwood is:
Hwy 26west towards Thornbury turn left onto Grey 40 then turn left
onto grey 13 (Beaver Valley road) turn right onto Grey 4 , turn right
onto east back line (Hoggs Falls) turn right onto Grey 32 stay
straight on 7th line. turn right onto sideroad 13, turn left onto grey
7 all the way to Meaford turn right onto hwy 26 back to Collingwood.

Fall Colours from the Beaver Valley

There are two great ways to enjoy the fall colours in Beaver Valley. If you enjoy hiking one of the best places to see the fall colours is on top of Old Baldy, part of the Bruce Trail. Driving or cycling along the back roads of Beaver Valley is also a great way to see the coloured leaves. Come enjoy fall at Cedars Cottage Resort. Cedars Cottage Resort 1-800-747-7014
Carolyn Lilleyman
Cedars Cottage Resort
www.cedarsresort.com

Muskoka Cavalcade of Colours

Muskoka Fall Colour (Color) Road Trips

Muskoka Ontario is renowned for the 'Cavalcade of Fall Colours' and the many fall touring routes available between charming towns and villages from Gravenhurst in the South to Huntsville and Lake of Bays to the north and East. Bala and Port Carling to the West. A variety of accommodation awaits including historic lodges, country inns, golf resorts, and waterfront cottages. Fall is the best time of year for a canoe or hike or a quick trip over to the Algonquin Park Area along the Highway 60 corridor. See Muskoka Fall Colour Road Trips

Fall National & International Events North of Toronto

Ontario Travel North of Toronto the week of Sept. 15, 2008. Three major events are taking place this week north, north-east & north-west of Toronto.

The 2008 Georgian College Auto Show on September 19, 20, 21, is showcasing technological advances in the automotive industry and their direct impact on the environment. The slogan for this year (Renew, unite, evolve) also has an environmental or “green” focus.

The second major event is the 2008 International Plowing Match in Teeswater , Bruce County Ontario September 16^th to the 20^th... The focus is to highlight the many aspects of agriculture, rural life and down home hospitality. Experience Canada's largest outdoor agricultural exhibition.

The third main event is the change of the fall colours and views of the magnificent hardwood forests of Sugar maple, Striped Maple, Yellow birch, Beech, and Black Cherry trees north of Toronto.

More than 25 fall colour routes and road trips are suggested for your travel north in Ontario.

All of the events have family activities, educational information, and are reasonable in price for an affordable family fall outing. The fall colour displays are in most cases free unless you are paying for a park admissions fee.