Friday, October 30, 2009

Romancing the Fall-Festivals of Lights

Late fall festivals of lights and exciting romantic getaways are reasons to travel north in Ontario. November Fall road trips for families will catch the end of the fall leaf season along with a SantaClaus parade. Without the foliage visitors can see exceptional vistas along with a country walks, a hike or bike ride. November ski country ski and snowboard swap will help winter getaway enthusiasts to get ready for the Ontario outdoor winter holiday season. Reserve now for your Christmas New Year weekends and holidays.

Ontario Resort Travel Destination Picks of the Week.

Featured Ontario Destinations &Travel Tourism Associations


North Muskoka Region




North Muskoka Region http://www.north-muskoka.com/ 
Muskoka is widely recognized as one of Canada's most popular vacation spots. Whether it is a romantic getaway with someone special, a summer family vacation or special group gathering, the many choices of cottage resorts, inns and lodges make North Muskoka an excellent place to spend a holiday. The resorts in North Muskoka have been greeting guests for generations and are a true reflection of the Muskoka vacation experience. The North Muskoka directory features private and family owned accommodations offering:
  • Accommodations only minutes from Algonquin Park, Huntsville and Lake of Bays
  • Family vacation packages and couples getaways
  • Weddings and conference venues
  • Casual restaurants and fine dining



Romantic Getaway of the Week


Deerhurst Resort - Huntsville, Ontario


Deerhurst ResortDeerhurst Resort - Go ahead, be spontaneous. Our romantic getaway just for two includes all your favourite date night essentials, in an idyllic lakeside setting. Includes: Select accommodation, wine & cheese tray on arrival, two cocktails in the Lobby Bar and 3-course dinner for two in Eclipse or Maple. Huntsville, Ontario, Information









Family Getaway of the Week


Echo Falls Cottage -Baxter Lake, Ontario
Cottage on a Golden Pond Executive Waterfront Cottage Rental Echo Falls Cottage - 4 season Echo Falls Cottage (South Muskoka), on
Baxter Lake, Ontario, Information
beautiful, quiet and calm Baxter Lake. Family getaways with 4-season activities for families up to 10, such as swimming, hot-tubbing, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling and skiing. Modern Viceroy Winterized cottage features gorgeous treed outdoor areas with beautiful lake-front; also includes hot-tub, woodstove, sunken living room, fully equipped kitchen (includes dishwasher, microwave), wraparound deck, skylights, terraces off bedrooms. Hiking
trails in wooded areas adjacent to the property. Only 90 minutes from Toronto.






Town, Village &City Getaway of the Week


Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - North Bay, Ontario


Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites North BayHolidayInn Express Hotel & Suites - This Fall, enjoy the attractions of North Bay during the day and the comfort of your Suite at night. Our Family North Bay, Ontario, Information
Getaway Package provides extra space and value in one of our large Suites, with a free in-room movie and Hot Breakfast.






Spa Getaway of the Week


Willow Beach Cottages - Haliburton, Ontario


Willow Beach CottagesWillow Beach Cottages - The romantic spa experience comes with 2 nights accommodation in a cottage complete with a fireplace (including the wood) plus a specially selected basket of spa products and instructional material for use while you are in the privacy of your own cottage. Prices start at $166 per person midweek or $192 per person weekend for 2 night stay (and you may qualify for a 3rd night for free!). OR for an additional $100 pp enjoy a professional couple's massage and manicure at the Wind in the Willows Spa .. the choice is yours. Haliburton, Ontario, Information






Attraction of the Week


Sainte-Marie among the Hurons - Midland, Ontario


Sainte-Marie among the HuronsSainte-Marie among the Hurons - Evenings November 26, 27 & 28 - 5:30p.m. to 9:00p.m. Visitors to Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” event will experience Midland’s famous heritage site amidst the magical glow of over 2,000 candles, enjoying an enchanting community evening in the Christmas spirit. Event preparation begins weeks ahead as Sainte-Marie’s staff decorates the historic buildings and grounds, prepares craft materials, and organizes the spectacular candle display that has come to symbolize this unique event. Web Site Click Here Midland, Ontario, Information





Attraction of the Week


MacLaren Art Centre - Barrie, Ontario


MacLaren Art CentreThe MacLarenArtCentre is Simcoe County's regional public art gallery providing innovative, relevant and accessible programming. The award winning building houses four galleries, an education centre, gallery shop and licensed café with a secluded patio. The MacLaren is centrally located with ample parking making it a must see year round destination. The MacLaren is open seven days a week, Mon to Fri, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday noon to 4:00 pm. Closed statutory holidays. Admission is voluntary. Suggested donation $5. Barrie, Ontario, Information

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Home Grown Hospitality in Haliburton Ontario


This past week spent  in Haliburton County has demonstrated some of the finest hospitality I have ever experienced. A combination of  two tours "Gems beneath your boots", and a test run on a new hands-on Pottery Tour both organized by Barrie Martin of Yours Outdoors.  Both tours were 'experiential' and hands on.  The tours reflected the culture, natural history and sincere hospitality of the Haliburton community.

One of my favorite road trips is between the Kawarthas and  Haliburton with a combination of day road trips and family fun cottage experiences. More on Haliburton Ontario.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

SAVINGS-SKI SEASON IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

There is a better way to buy your first set of skis or that first snowboard. Many downhill skiers, snowboarders, and cross country skiers only buy the used equipment and save a bunch of money during their early skiing years.
The following list provides locations of the ski and snowboard swaps taking place north of Toronto. Most swaps will be selling or trading for The following items may be sold in the
  • Skis
  • Snowboards
  • Ski Wear
  • Ski Boots
  • Snowboard boots

Friday, October 16, 2009

Fall colours continue North of Toronto







The latest fall colour report from The Ministry of Tourism indicates leaf colour is peaking in the Barrie to Midland area north of  Toronto.Horseshoe Valley offers great vistas over the region and Barrie Parks provide shoreline views along Lake Simcoe.  The report ads the Collingwood region has colours at Peak with the view from the top of Blue Mountain at Scenic Caves always offering an outstanding view. The view from the suspension bridge at Scenic Caves is amazing. There is about 20% leaf fall in the area.  See suggested road trips starting in Barrie, Ontario in Simcoe County.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Simcoe County Boosts Trail System Development


At a press conference at the Horseshoe Valley Resort yesterday, Tourism Simcoe County announced a boost for the existing 242 km of existing trails. As part of the launch of the new logo and strategy for Tourism in Simcoe County, representatives from trails associations announced a major funding initiative throughout the region.  See Simcoe County Trails 

See Media Release "Tourism Simcoe County Hosts Official Launch Simcoe County Celebrates Ranking as 4th Most Popular Tourism Destination in Ontario"

Great Fall Family, Romantic, Spa & Fishing Getaways North of Toronto

Great Family, Romantic, Spa & Fishing Getaways can be found North of Toronto.

Photo:  The Victorian Inn Bed and Breafkast


Family Getaways

Cedar Meadows Resort
Paradie Cottages


Romantic Getaway

Eden Place Bed & Breakfast
The Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast

Spa Getaways

Scandinave Spa -Blue Mountain
Ste. Anne's Country Inn Spa

Fishing Getaway

Andorra Lodge

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Thanksgiving Weekend Fall Colours North of Toronto

Leef Peepers Weekend-Brilliant Fall Colours north of Toronto

This is a great weekend to get out and see the fall colours.  A number of suggested road trips are available,
or you can create your own maple leaf road trips.