Ontario Ski Resorts Open for 2011-12 Season

Ontario Travel Centre News – Horseshoe Valley and Hardwood Ski and Bike are open today.

Kids ready for 2011-12 Ski Season

Horseshoe Valley has opened today with 2 lifts, 2 runs and a mostly man-made snow base of 40cm. They are offering a $25 lift ticket for the next few days and for those with night ski passes – they can ski during the day until night skiing opens (which they hope will be this Friday) They have listed on their website that they hope to continue to operate daily for the rest of the season as long as the weather holds. Please check the website before heading out or before providing information for skiers who are asking.
http://horseshoeresort.com/site/winter.html


Hardwood Ski and Bike Centre – just north of Barrie has had their cross country trails open for a few days now and they continue to be open for those that wish to get that first Nordic outing of the season in early. You can get the latest details on conditions by consulting their website. Please check before heading out.
http://www.hardwoodhills.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=111&Itemid=57

Loch Lomond Ski Resort in Thunder Bay has already been open for downhill skiing on weekends. They are not open today but do plan to re-open mid week. Please check their website for the latest details.  http://www.lochlomond.ca/


Get more Ontario Travel news and updates on winter festivals, events, ski packages and getaways north of Toronto.

Featured Santa Claus Train Rides, Festivals of Trees & Lights & Christmas Craft Shows December 16-18, 2011

Santa Claus Train Rides

A Portage Flyer Christmas - Evening train ride to Santa 
at Muskoka Heritage Place
Huntsville, ON
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Time to be confirmed closer to the event.
$5.00 per person
An evening of magic with all the joy & hope, sparkle, twinkle & dazzle of the festive season Last chance to tell Santa your side of the story!
Muskoka Heritage Place web site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Huntsville, ON

Santa Claus Express South Simcoe Railway (Tottenham)
Share the Magic of Christmas... ride the SANTA CLAUS EXPRESS!
Saturday December 3rd and Sunday December 4th
Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th
Saturday December 17th and Sunday December 18th
Advance reservations available
Departures at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Special event fares apply. Tickets on sale November 1st either on-line or by telephone.
South Simcoe Railway website 
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Alliston, ON

Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights
month of December 2011
The Farmer's Market provides a comfortable, indoor environment for consumers and farmers to buy and sell farm fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and other agricultural products. Local musicians and other entertainers on site providing a festive atmosphere.Vendors operate their own booths and consumers get a chance to meet and ask questions direct of growers.
Festival of Lights website info
stay at resorts, inns, hotels Sudbury, ON

Christmas Lights Across Canada’s Capital Region
December 1, 2011 - January 7, 2012
Parliament Hill, 20 NCC sites and over 60 other sites along Confederation Boulevard will sparkle with more than 300,000 dazzling lights during the Holiday Season.  On opening night, join us on Parliament Hill at 6pm for the illumination ceremony.
Christmas Lights Across Canada website info
stay at , resorts, inns, hotels Ottawa, ON    Ottawa hotels on-line


Festival of Northern Lights Catch The Magic
Owen Sound
November 18, 2011 to January 3, 2012
Owen Sound has a History of Local resident Sally Sargent was quoted in a past Sun Times article as saying it was fairly easy to determine who worked for Noma Lites during the 1950s and early '60s in Owen Sound. “You'd be able to drive down the street and see all of the homes all lit up with lights and you would know they worked at Noma. . . . You'd almost have to wear sunglasses when you went by some of the houses.”
Festival of Northern Lights web Site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels  Owen Sound, ON

Barrie Festival of Trees Continues to Spring 2012
Barrie lights up along Kempenfelt Bay's Lakeshore Drive on Lake Simcoe through until the spring of 2012. See the Barrie Festival of Trees and Lights Photo gallery where some of the 50,000 lights which form the Festival of Trees Display at Centennial Park will be five animated displays. A Barrie shopping trip for Christmas New Year  holiday gifts could involve an overnight stay in featured Barrie hotels, resorts and romantic inns.

Upper Canada Village's Alight at Night Festival
Morrisburg, ON
December 2, 2011-January 7, 2012
Stroll around historic Upper Canada Village, adorned with a quarter million lights. Horse-drawn wagons, carriage rides for two, Toy Train rides for kids of all ages, skating, dining, shopping &more!
Upper Canada’s Village web Site
stay at resorts, inns, hotels  Ottawa, ON  Ottawa hotels on-line

Christmas Craft Shows &Bazaars

Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Show
Ottawa, ON  Lansdowne Park
December 8 – 18, 2011
Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale is a leading and oldest fashion, gift, art & craft Show & Sale in Canada. It will attract many visitors and best artisans, artists and designers from Ottawa and Canada to related Christmas decorations, fashions, jewellery, art, sculpture, home decor items.
stay at resorts, inns, hotels  Ottawa, ON, Ottawa hotels on-line

Weekend Getaways Ontario Travel December Getaway North of Toronto

The weekly getaways listed below are perfect for a romantic weekend or a December getaway pick for your family Christmas New Year's Vacation.  Pick some of the best travel deals & experiences in resort destinations around Toronto and north in Ontario.

Romantic Getaway of the Week Christie's Mill Inn & Spa - Port Severn, Ontario Christie's Mill Inn & Spa - The Midweek Madness and Weekender Package: Escape the everyday routine with this two night vacation sure to rejuvenate and refresh! Pamper your palate with the wonderful cuisine served complete with amazing waterfront views. Complete your stay with a visit to the spa or just unwind in a Muskoka chair on the dock and soak up the scenery. This package includes two nights accommodation, breakfast both mornings and dinner one evening. Spa services are additional. Starting at $334.00 per couple for Midweek Madness  $348 for the Weekender* Couples Romantic Getaways north of Toronto

Spa Getaway of the Week Briars Resort & Spa - Jacksons Point, Ontario Briars Resort & Spa - Soul Sisters Getaway: Add $50 to any overnight stay Designed with you and your soul sisters in mind. Share your dreams and relive great moments. Enhance any overnight stay with this wonderful welcome. It includes a delectable tray of treats, a bottle of wine, Spa gift and a cosy Spa robe to wear in your room and each Soul Sister gets a 1/2 hour manicure! (Please book your manicure appointment well before your arrival.) Talk the night away in your own inn guestroom, private cottage or lodge. Package includes: Overnight accommodation. Dinner, breakfast and lunch. Use of spa robe. ½ hour manicure. Arrival treats in your room. Spa gift. Resort activities such as yoga, guided nature and historical walks, power walks etc., based on activities schedule. Spa Getaways north of Toronto

Family Getaway of the Week The Irwin Inn - Lakefield, Ontario The Irwin Inn - New Year's Sparkling Reflections: Bring in the new! A season of sparkle culminates with a year ending and another beginning! Look forward to a fresh new year. Soft jazz, champagne & canapé reception, five course dining, truffles and rose, are part of your celebration. Ring in the New Year privately in your deluxe suite or cottage with fireplace, whirlpool or private hot tub. Relax to the warmth of a crackling fire. Seasonal activities, weather permitting. NEW YEARS PACKAGE RATES December 30, 2011 to January 2, 2012 2 nights from $300-$500 per person,  Breakfast and Dinner Daily Included Family Getaways in resort destinations

Seasonal December Getaway of the Week Nottawasaga Inn Resort - Gowganda, Ontario Nottawasaga Inn Resort - Christmas Getaways Nottawasaga Resort is the perfect holiday getaway destination!  The end of the year is quickly approaching and it's time to start thinking about your holiday plans.  We have a whole line-up of family activities planned over the Christmas holidays that the whole family will enjoy!  For more details on great packages we have available please visit our website. New Year's Eve Grand Gala Celebration Ring in the New Year at our Burlesque themed Gala. The stage is set in true style, with hints of vintage burlesque infused within the red and black adorned room. Our celebration includes a welcome reception, gourmet buffet feast, wine with dinner, live burlesque entertainment, live band, late night snack buffet, champagne toast at midnight and more!  Click to view our Early Booking Bonuses outlined in our brochure.  2 Night Package from $177.* pp/nt/dbl • 1 Night Package from $243.* pp/nt/dbl • Gala Only from $139. December Getaways north in Ontario

Weekend Getaway of the Week Clarion Resort Pinewood Park - North Bay, Ontario Clarion Resort Pinewood Park - Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding Package For avid skiers and riders who hold the secret to loving winter, or those that want to learn the secret, come discover North Bay's very own Ski Hill. Our Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding Package includes your accommodations, a full hot chef-cooked plated breakfast, 3-course plated dinner per person in our very own Explore Your Senses dining room as well as your Adult full day rate lift rate. Starting at $259.99* *Plus HST. Based on Double Occupancy in a Standard Room with 2 Queen Sized Beds. Upgrades are available. Winter Getaways north of Toronto

Winter Getaway of the Week The Couples Resort -Algonquin Park-Whitney, ON The Couples Resort “Romance should always be so Tempting.”Winter from $76 per person. Accommodation has extra large Jacuzzi in-front of the Wood Fireplace. Hot tub Accommodation Extra. 1st Class Gourmet Dining. 5 Course Dinners Awarded a Top 10 Dining Experience by North American Inns.The Couples Resort, where 40 Huskies are Ready to Run! This Winter Mush your own Dog Sleigh (Guided) at Algonquin Park. We are out everyday and we are having fun. Come on up and try this unique experience. Rides are $98pp.midweek (xmas new years week and march break at $120pp) and $128pp weekends. Horseback riding this winter is also available here at Algonquin Park. Winter Getaways north of Toronto

Ontario Attraction Getaway of the Week Hardwood Ski and Bike - Oro Station, Ontario             Hardwood Ski and Bike - The Hardwood Holiday Hustle will be held on December 17th and is part of a weekend of competitive and fun racing.   The second day of the weekend features the Highlands Trailblazers Race Society’s annual Yuletide Ski Blast. The Hardwood race is a free technique races for all ages including novices Demo Day - December 17, 2011 Come and try out the latest from Fischer, Rossignol and Salomon equipment before you buy.  You can take the skis out for approximately 30 minutes and that lets everyone have a chance to try what’s new.  No other special requirements other than a trail pass. Ontario Attractions north of Toronto

Ontario Resort Destination of the Week Municipality of Magnetawan (http://www.magnetawan.com/) The Municipality of Magnetawan is located in the District of Parry Sound between Parry Sound and Burk's Falls. With a population of approximately 1300, Magnetawan is a beautiful, natural area boasting the Magnetawan River and many scenic lakes. From its headwaters in Algonquin Park, the Magnetawan River flows through lakes, rapids and waterfalls as it winds its way to Georgian Bay. The historic lift locks, located in the Village of Magnetawan opened in 1886, making this one of the oldest colonized areas in the Parry Sound District. St. George the Martyr Anglican Church was painted in 1933 by A.J. Casson of the Group of Seven. Ontario Resort Destinations north of Toronto