Travelling North in Ontario--winter in Northern Ontario

I encourage all travellers and visitors coming to Canada to explore Ontario's North and to read the article by Bruce Corcoran,
Chatham Daily News - Chatham,Ontario,Canada
Snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country and downhill skiing, outdoor
skating, you name it, all are popular pursuits in the north. ...
<http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=873801>

This is an entertaining and interesting perspective on a vision of where northern Ontario really starts, how residents perceive the north vs the south of Ontario.

For a taste of winter north in Ontario see a selection of winter getaways to enhance your pursuit of the many recreational activities mentioned by Corcoran.

Family Day Weekend in Ontario

Welcome to Ontario family getaways. February of 2008 will signal a historic ocassion in the Province of Ontario with the arrival of the first public holiday in the winter called Family Day.

We encourage visitors to take advantage of some of the many special family getaways or one of the many winter getawaya offering a variety of outdoor activities including, snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice-skating, and indoor relaxing around a warm firs.

See winter getaways

Ontario Travel During Family Day Weekend 2008

The Financial Post reported today Sat. 19^th, Jan. 2008 that Ontario resorts (resort destinations in Ontario) should benefit from the Province’s new family day on February 18. The article contends based on Ipso Reid and Expedia report that “31% of Canadians plan some type of trip for the February holiday weekend.” If one quarter of Ontario vacationers say they plan to go south that leaves ¾ who will probably stay in Ontario or Canada. Good news for Tourism in Canada and Ontario. My calculations say that approximately 3,000,000 Ontario residents will be engaging in a mini-vacation or a day trip during February Family Day Weekends.

Already there are a number of Ontario Resorts offering getaway packages in February and a number of attractions such as the Wye Marsh near Midland Ontario are setting up day long activities and programs for the Family Day on the Monday. For example Wye Marsh is offering, Free snowshoe rentals for all children 12 and under, Free cross country ski lessons at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, Meet the Creatures Live Animal Shows at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.

Snowmobiliers Encouraged to be safe--

Safety Tips Snowmobile Tips

Snowmobile Safety is Critical around water sources, lakes, rivers, streams on your snowmobile getaway vacation.

Snowmobiliers should become familiar with the Safe Rider Program
provided by the OFSC.

Ontario Travel to National Ski Week Events

Ontario Winter Carnivals Family Fun

Ontario travel north of Toronto Winter Getaways provide family fun times. Ski resorts will be making snow and the downhill skiers will be celebrating National Ski and Snowboard Week until January 19.

Winter Carnivals in Ontario kick off this coming weekend, with fun winter activities for families.

Ontario Ski Report provides snow reports, snowmobile trail reports, Provincial Park Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe report links. Before heading out check the Ontario road weather conditions and lake ice conditions for driving and outdoor recreation in the winter. It is not too early to consider booking your February Family Day Holiday Getaway weekend.

Ontario Travel to Winter Carnivals, Snowfests, and family winter fun

The weekend of Jan 19, 2008 is the start of the winter Carnival season north of Toronto. Here is a list of carnivals for the upcoming weekend. Combine a winter getaway weekend at one of the many resort destinations. Check out the Winter Carnival page for more winter fun ideas.

Brighton

Brighton, January 18-27
Start off with a pancake breakfast and finish off with an old fashioned winter supper. In between, check out a hockey tournament, a winter bird workshop or enjoy a lantern-lit skate.

Tim Horton's Georgian Cup

Owen Sound, January 19, 20
The ultimate snowmobiling race highlights this snowcross weekend. Don't miss the big race or the freestyle challenge.

Snofest Winter Carnival

Peterborough, Ontario
Saturday, January 19, 2008

Enjoy Pancake breakfast, sleigh rides, snowman contests and much more at the PCMA and Armour Hill. All events are free and family friendly. Dress for the weather!
Featured at 11 am and again at 1 pm enjoy acclaimed children’s entertainer MUSIC BY JAKE. Snowfest Winter Carnival Information Peterborough Hotels On-line

Campbellford Polar Bear Festival

January 19 A winter festival including an icy dip in the Trent River, demolition derby, enter your favourite recipe in the chocolate or cheese contest.
For more information call 1-888-653-1556 or (705) 653-1551

Ontario Travel--Snow is back in Cottage Country

Ontario outdoor activities are gaining momentum as the snow has returned to the North with recent snowfalls. Check Weather and Road Conditions. Today the Ontario Ministry of Tourism says, "new snow was reported in the Huronia and Kawartha regions, where they received anywhere from 5 to 10cm of fresh snow overnight and there is more in the forecast for today. Ski conditions are being reported as a combination of groomed granular and powder on both the alpine and cross country trails. If you’re planning a day on the slopes and trails it will be quite comfortable with temperatures around -3 degrees." Getaway this week north of Toronto, See a selection of winter getaways at
Ontario Travel North of Toronto

Ontario Travel News-Travel and Tourism North of Toronto

Find the latest in travel news, tourist activities, winter carnivals, travel packages, for Ontario Winter travel north of Toronto. Everything from Ontario winter road conditions to ice fishing getaways, snowmobile getaways, skiing getaways. The travel information on this page represents current new tourist information for travel and tourism in the Province of Ontario including tourist attractions, tourist guides, restaurants, hotels, events, history, seasons, outdoors, resorts, resort destinations north of Toronto. See Ontario Travel News and Tourist Information.

Ontario Ice Fishing--The Family Fun, Guys Getaway, Artistic Side

The Richard Johnson Gallery in Toronto is featuring an ice hut photo exhibition. This was covered in the globe and mail with the headline,

Out on the ice, no two huts are the same a story by Gary Michael Dault..."The huts, Johnson points out, are "sled-based," each still resting on the sled on which it was dragged out by snowmobile onto the ice". Globe article continues.

This blog author and amateur photographer prefers going out on the ice and checking out the variety of ice huts or, a search for the natural setting highlighting the solitary fishing hut in a more illuminated setting. (Photo taken by r.taylor on Lake Kashagawigamog in Haliburton). This is not just a guys sport. This is an outdoor sport for the entire family, however should not be considered a day long activity. Groups of guys will look at it differently as an annual outdoor right of the great Canadian outdoors. Ice fishing opportunities for families and guys can be found on the Ontario Travel North of Toronto website by going to ICE FISHING GETAWAYS