Friday, April 04, 2014

Weekend Ahead April 4-6: Maple Syrup Festivals and Sugar Bush Tours, Spring Flavours, Early Spring Skiing

FAMILY FUN and ALPINE AND NORDIC SKIING GETAWAYS


Blue Mountain Village
There is ALWAYS something to do at BLUE including five hotels, 38 retailers, 20 cafes & restaurants, year round award winning Festivals and Events.  Enjoy Ontario’s best skiing and snowboarding, snowshoe hikes, scavenger hunts, horse & wagon rides and skate on Blue Mountains’ largest outdoor rink with close to 5 acres at the base of Blue Mountain.  Activity Central offers off resort activities like caving, snowmobiling, snowshoeing  & wine tasting, ATV trail tours, spa experiences, sleigh rides and tobogganing.  Also open every weekend are Plunge! Aquatic Centre, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and Crock-a-Doddle Pottery. 
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Blue Mountain / Collingwood


Frost Centre Ski & Snowshoe Trails
Check Current Conditions page for information. 
Cross country Ski on 26km of groomed and trackset trails for the morning, take a break or eat lunch by the woodstove in the historic towermans cabin and then head out for an afternoon of snowshoeing on 11km of backcountry snowshoe trails overlooking beautiful St. Nora Lake.
~ $30/person+tx includes skis, boots, poles, snowshoes and trail passes for the day (A $53 value!). 
~ Incredible restaurants and accommodations are available nearby.


Hardwood Ski and Bike
Hardwood Ski & Bike offers the ultimate Nordic skiing and snowshoeing experience in Ontario. Trail loops range from 5km to 22km and built for ALL levels. Rentals available on site


Spring skiing hours are now 8am-5pm, Monday through SundayOpen for skiing until Sunday April 6th depending on the snow and weather conditions.
Discounted trail fee of $15 + HST for all skiers.

Bike Swap
Come Buy or Sell Your Bikes - BMX, mountain, road or cyclo cross bikes.  Annual bike swap on April 6th, 2014 from 9am - 4pm.

Buy Your 2014-15 Winter Season Passes Now &  Save







Buy Your Season Pass for next Winter NOW and Ski the Rest of This Year for FREE!

Located only 1 hour north of Toronto, Hardwood Ski and Bike and Carriage Ridge Resort offer the best deal this season!

Getaway includes



  • 1 discounted ski trail pass, per person for Hardwood Ski and Bike. . Extra trail passes can be purchased.
  • Pool, hot tub and on-site activities 7 days a week!
Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Getaways from only $75.50 CAD per person (family of 4) or $150.00 CAD per person (double occupancy)

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

Spring Fever Special: 
March into spring on cross-country skis or snowshoes with discount rates for trail passes and equipment rentals.

March 18 – April 6, 2014 (weather permitting)


  • Children under six are FREE
  • Trail passes are just $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends
  • Discount equipment rentals
  • Check out our end of season sale of gently used skis and snowshoes
  • End of season Gift Shop specials
Sunset Snowshoe Hike.  Saturday, April 5, weather permitting.
Special 3 Trail Pass Package -Purchase 3 day passes for just $50.  
Ski 3 Passport -Explore three days at three nordic centres for one low price:  Highlands Nordic, Wasaga Nordic and Scenic Caves Nordic, all for $35.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Blue Mountain / Collingwood


Snow Valley 
Ski & Board Season Extended!
With a base of over 120cm we have extended the ski & snowboard season for another weekend! Come and enjoy great conditions from 9am-4pm, April 5th & 6th.
We are making it even easier on the pocket book for you to get out and enjoy the last weekend of the ski & snowboard season! Buy your tickets online before the weekend and grab Open to Close tickets for just $15+hst. Open to Close tickets will be just $20+hst for the "walk up" rate for each day.
Do you have a season pass from another Ontario ski area that have closed theor doors?? Show your season pass from any other Ontario ski area and grab you Open to Close ticket for just $10!


MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie 

Family Sunday Workshops
April 6 2014
Families can enjoy an afternoon exploring art while they create wonderful works to enjoy at home. Regional artists lead the workshops, and activities suit all ages and levels of experience. 

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Barrie


Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Cross-country ski on more than 22 km of beautiful groomed and track-set trails. Snow shoeing trek on 10KM of picturesque hiking trails.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Midland



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MAPLE SYRUP SEASON



Maple Syrup Festivals and Sugar Bush Tours

Tap into Maple  – Ontario’s Lake Country
The Tap into Maple route was created to support and showcase local maple syrup, maple products and events. Filled with a variety of different stops throughout the region, the Tap into Maple route will get your senses flowing and your mouth watering.

Featured Accommodation in Orillia:  Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre, Comfort Inn

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright Conservations Centre and Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area  March 1-April 6,  2014

Headwaters - A Taste of Maple 
March 28 - April 13, 2014 

At locations across the Headwaters region and will provide an opportunity to discover and taste wonderful sweets, sinful savouries and tasty treats all made from Headwaters' maple syrup.
Featured Accommodation in Caledon area:  Millcroft Inn and Spa


Maple Sugar Fest Sugar Bush Vanier 
March 31-April 6, 2014
Richelieu Park
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Ottawa,


Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival Tiffin Conservation Area Utopia (Between Alliston  and Barrie )
April 5-6, 2014

A tasty Canadian tradition in Simcoe County south of Barrie. Learn how maple syrup is made using Native, pioneer and modern methods. Have a pancaked sausage breakfast. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts and music. 

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Barrie & Alliston Area.



Friends of Killbear Annual Maple Syrup Festival 
Killlbear Provincial Park / Nobel (Near 
Parry Sound )April 5th 2014
From sap to syrup, come explore the creation of one of Canada's favourite treats through interpretive tours of the sugar bush and sugar shack.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in
Parry Sound :  Four Winds Cottage ResortThe SunDog Retreat


More Information on Maple Syrup Festivals and Sugar Bush Tours

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Spring Flavours Culinary Getaways


Flavours of Lake Country 2014
Flavours of Lake Country 2014
Tap Into Maple Flavours of Ontario's Lake Country
March 28-April 13, 2014
Enjoy a 3 course dining experience prepared by local chefs inspired by Maple.

*3 course set-menu dinner for $20 or $30 per person.
*price does not include applicable taxes, gratuities, alcohol or additional menu items.

-Tune into Sunshine 89.1, Kicx 106 or the Dock 104.1 to win a gift certificate for dinner for two.
Dine at one of the participating restaurants and enter to win an overnight package at Horseshoe Resort or dinner for two!

Featured Accommodation in Orillia Area:  Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre, Horseshoe ResortComfort Inn

Blue Mountain Village
Springlicious 
April 1st-May 16th
It’s the most delicious time of the year – SPRINGLICIOUS returns to the Village starting Tuesday, April 1st running Sundays through Thursday only until May 16th. It’s a dining tour de force at prices you cannot afford to ignore!

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Blue Mountain / Collingwood



Flavours of Lake Country 2014

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 PLAN AHEAD FOR A SPRING ART WORKSHOP

David Beckett Studio/Gallery
Spring Weekend Workshop
Workshops for groups and private sessions in the art of pastels.
April 12, 13 and April 26, 27

Beginners and intermediates will find the workshop an opportunity to learn steps to develop your own paintings.  Join Dave for this enjoyable 2 days. Weather permitting there will be a field trip!  Here is your opportunity to visit one of Ontario's award winning artist's studio and gallery.   Located in the heritage village of Marchmont, central Ontario, Dave Beckett's art gallery and studio is ideally located for visitors and art collectors

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Featured Resort Destinations and Events





HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS DESTINATION

Sir Sam's Ski and  Bike-Haliburton
Ski and Snowboard Season !
Come and enjoy a great outdoor experience in an un-crowded and family friendly atmosphere. 

Open on weekends -weather permitting.


Yours Outdoors -Haliburton. Check out upcoming adventures in April.   
Gone to Pot Adventure in Clay -April 5. 



Discover the natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands.  


Ukrainian Easter Egg Workshop
Dorset Recreation Centre
April 5, 2014
Learn the history of “pysanky”, the meaning of the symbols and to create a beautifully decorated egg using the wax resist method with beeswax & a “kistka”.

Public Skate – Haliburton.  
April  6
A.J. LaRue Arena

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Haliburton,  Minden
More information on the
Haliburton Highlands Destination

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LAND O' LAKES DESTINATION



5,000 Lakes  5,000 Adventures.  You can enjoy fishing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, boating, hiking, cycling, snowmobiling, skiing, ATVing, motorcycling, or just plain relaxing in some of the most beautiful scenery.

Click here for events and more information on the Land O' Lakes Destination



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 MUNICIPALITY OF MAGNETAWAN
 
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.  

Stay at Resorts in Parry Sound and  the Magnetawan area.
More Information on the Municipality of Magnetawan

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MIDLAND and nd TOURISM MIDLAND DESTINATION

Downtown Shops and Docks   Beautiful downtown Midland has more than 100 shops, boutiques and services located in a beautiful waterfront setting.

Midland Cultural Centre
The Midland Cultural Centre (MCC) is a self-sustaining, inspiring and exciting year-round facility for arts and culture in Huronia. The MCC has an active calendar of programs and events for enthusiasts of art, culture, music and theatre. Drop in to see what's going on.










Tourism Midland
The Town of Midland is situated at the gateway to Georgian Bay's picturesque 30,000 Islands and hosts many events throughout the year.  

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Midland, ON
here for events and more information on Tourism Midland

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RESORTS OF NORTH MUSKOKA


There are plenty of exciting things to do in North Muskoka, all within close proximity.  Resorts of North Muskoka 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
Spring is a great time for a hike or a bike ride either from your host resort or over at nearby Algonquin Provincial Park. The Golf courses in the area begin to open up before the May 24th weekend and there is no waiting to tee off. Many resort members offer packages at very attractive rates that include outdoor activities in the spring.

Click her for activities and more information on Resorts of North Muskoka.

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ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS DESTINATION  



You’ll discover an abundance of outdoor adventure, combined with original offering of arts, culture and heritage experiences, all set against a picture perfect backdrop of unspoiled wilderness and the small town charm of friendly communities. 

 More information on Ontario's Highlands Destination






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ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Orillia & Area’s four season outdoor playground!

Ontario’s Lake Country is one of Ontario’s most picturesque regions with radiant lakes and rivers and an array of activities for all to enjoy year round, located just one hour north of Toronto, on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.

Lake Country encompasses five distinctive districts: Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama, Ramara, and Severn. Each offers a unique experience with an abundance of activities, attractions, cultural experiences, events and recreational adventure, every day of the year.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Orillia.

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ORO STATION

Hardwood Ski and Bike -Oro/Medonte
Hardwood Ski & Bike offers the ultimate Nordic skiing and snowshoeing experience in Ontario. Trail loops range from 5km to 22km and built for ALL levels. Rentals available on site

Spring skiing hours are now 8am-5pm, Monday through SundayOpen for skiing until Sunday April 6th depending on the snow and weather conditions.



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OTTAWA and OTTAWA VALLEY DESTINATION 

 

Latin America Film Festival
Auditorium at 395 Wellington St.
March 28-April 12, 2014
Showcasing features, documentaries, and short films from south of the Rio Grande.


Edible Arctic Festival
Canadian Museum of Nature 

April 3-7, 2014
Explore and celebrate Canada’s vast, unique and changing Arctic in this five-day festival of film, story-telling, performing arts, music, food and engaging activities.






















Maple Sugar Festival
Parc Richelieu -Ottawa
March 31-April 6, 2014

Delicious pancakes, traditional style sugar shack brunch.  Festivities including sleigh rides, a petting zoo, storytelling and entertainment.

Kiwanis Music Festival National Capital Region
March 31-May 3, 2014
various locations 

"Musings" and Art Exhibition at Festival Hall 
Pembroke
March 19-April 16, 201



Stay at Resorts in the Ottawa and Ottawa Valley area
More Information on the Ottawa Valley Destination