Ontario Holidays with History and Outdoor Beaches

Midland-Penetanguishene and Georgian Bay Area.

The Southern Georgian Bay area and Historic Midland provide exceptional vacation holidays for families with an interest in Canada's rich history and fun times at the beach with the kids. Beaches abound in the Midland area such as the one at Gawley Park or one of Ontario's outstanding beach areas is Awenda Provincial Park or one of the many beach locations areas in and around Midland-Penetanguishene. As one of the top 100 places to see in Ontario. Downtown Midland hould be on every visitors and residents travel list. Midland hosts North America’s largest outdoor mural and was recently listed in the Ron Brown first edition of Top 100 Unusual Things to see in Ontario released September 17^th 2007, Boston Mills Press. Brown labels the murals as a "Giant Outdoor Art Gallery". The murals depicting a scene from the Jesuits meeting Huron aboriginals for the first time is the largest outdoor historic mural in North America. Ron Brown is a Canadian travel writer and broadcaster who is the author of several books on unusual features to see throughout Ontario. His latest titles include Downtown Ontario; Unusual Main Streets to Explore, and Top One Hundred Unusual Things to See in Ontario. Toronto-based Brown also regularly contributes to CBC Radio broadcasts.

For the summer of 2008 our murals are continuing to be restored by 3 local artists with the financial aid of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Ruth Hurdle is recreating the Rotary Mural which was originally on the LCBO building. This mural will be relocated on the side of T & G Fabrics. Terri-Lee Milley will be recreating the S.S. Lemoyne mural which will be painted on location on the side of Homecoming beside St. Paul’s United Church. Sonja Rathke has been restoring all the murals located at the Town of Midland’s Harbour Master’s office at the bottom of King Street this summer. Please feel free to speak with them about their experiences.

Midland Ontario is 90 minutes north of the Greater Toronto Area, and 35 minutes North West of Barrie. Situated on the shores of Georgian Bay in historic Huronia, the Midland area is one of Ontario’s earliest developed settlements dating back to the early 1600’s and Samuel de Champlain.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE AREA: Hotels, Resorts and Historic Inns are available in the Southern Georgian Bay area. See Midland Area Accommodation

WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA. Exciting historical re-enactments and attractions, fresh clean beaches complement First Nations history, Georgian Bay Cruises and Great Lakes British Navel history and the towering Martyrs’ Shrine. http://www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca/S/Attractions.aspx

TOURIST INFORMATION: FREE full colour guidebook available by calling 1800-263-7745, or view Georgian Bay Visitor Guide on-line

For additional information on Downtown Midland and the Midland Mural Project contact Meredith Forrest at 705.527.7246

Ontario Canada as a Prime Eco Tourism Destination

One of Ontario’s leading natural tourist attractions and environmental education facilities The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre was the host to a Ministry of Natural Resources announcement this past week. The Wye Marsh has developed winter snowshoeing and summer canoe Eco tours. The announcement concerned the awarding of more than ¼ of a million dollars from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund to 10 volunteer projects located north of Toronto. The recipients included a number of regions across Ontario from Georgian Bay to Haliburton and the Kawarthas. Each of the regions offer significant (Photo: Wye Marsh Docks and Canoes) outdoor recreational activities, many of which are dependent upon clean fresh water, and a healthy environment. In order to appreciate the environment and what an endangered species might look like, it ii imperative to have a sound education program. The MNR has taken a significant step forward in identification and support for our environment. A secondary but equally important aspect of this funding is economic, as it will indirectly support of the expanding Eco Tourism industry. See Eco Tourism Related Getaways and Nature Adventure Packages.

Farmers' Markets and Country Fairs

It is hard to imagine that the Summer-Fall Country Fair Season has started. This often coincides with harvests and traditional local community in the many towns and cities north of Toronto
Although the majority of fall fairs take place during August, September, and October, It is not too early however to start planing your fall colour road trips where you can take in a fall fair as part of the Ontario road trip experience.

Book your hotels on-line or visit our fall getaways page to book early for your fall weekends.

Ontario Travel Getaway Picks Of the Week

Ontario Resort Travel Destination Picks of the Week.

Accommodation of the Week West Nipissing Resort - Lavigne, Ontario West Nipissing Resort -We still have openings for July and August. Just 90 minutes north of cottage country. We have 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom cottages, Two: 4 bedroom, private, waterfront chalets as well as a 3 bedroom private cottage on a private lake. There are plenty of activities and a new inground, heated pool. Prices start at just $600/week. Lavigne, Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Algonquin Lakeside Inn - Dwight, Ontario Algonquin Lakeside Inn - situated on Oxtongue Lake, just 7 kms from the West Gate of the World Famous Algonquin Park. Providing its Guests with the friendly atmosphere of a small family owned Inn. Providing varied accommodations, mostly for couples. Cottages, waterfront rooms and anniversary/honeymoon suites with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and screened porches. For added convenience we have our own licensed dining room for Breakfast and Dinner. Visit our website for virtual tours. Dwight, Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Algonquin Woods - Emsdale, Ontario Algonquin Woods - 4 Star Resort on spectacular Stoney Lake in the heart of the Kawartha's. Enjoy 1 week family stays with FREE Supervised Children’s Program and use of all resort facilities. Accommodations from 1-4 bedrooms with full kitchens, private deck with BBQ and many with whirlpool bath & a/c. Use of heated pool, beach, hot tubs, bike/hike trails, etc Emsdale, Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Barry's Bay Golf Resort - Barry's Bay,Ontario Barry's Bay Golf Resort - Play and Stay Packages - All Inclusive Prices start from $180. Each of our rooms are beautifully appointed with queen size bed, comfortable seating area and a pull out loveseat that converts into a double bed, three piece bath, high speed satellite internet, satellite television, air conditioning, and personal heat . All of the rooms have a private deck and lakeview. Maximum 4 guest per room. Barry's Bay,Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Bayview Wildwood Resort - Severn Bridge, Ontario Bayview Wildwood Resort - Take the time to enjoy an amazing summer vacation in Port Stanton! Whether it's watching your children water-ski for the first time, making sand castles on the shore, or just savouring special family time. Bayview Wildwood Resort is the perfect summer getaway for your family. Severn Bridge,Ontario, Infromation

Attractions of the Week Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd. - Haliburton, ON Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd The Outdoor Education Programs at Haliburton Forest are designed to fully engage participants in the Outdoor Experience. Our teaching philosophy is simple: people learn best by doing. In addition, taking the time to reflect on the experience is a very important component of the learning process. Haliburton, Ontario, Information Haliburton, Hotels On-Line

Attractions of the Week Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour - Timmins, Ontario Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour, Journey under the earth and experience the workings of a mine, pan for gold and learn about the area's mining history at the Timmins Gold Mine Tour. Timmins, Ontario, Information Timmins, Hotels On-Line

Attractions of the Week Muskoka Wildlife Centre - Severn Bridge, Ontario Muskoka Wildlife Centre, A 100 acre wildlife park, featuring exhibits of live animals including moose, wolves, eagles, bears and much more. Everyday, enjoy "Meet the Creature" presentations. Located 20 minutes north of Orillia, right on Highway 11 North. Severn Bridge, Ontario, Information

Beach of the Week Bruce Peninsula, Beach The Bruce Peninsula is an Ontario treasure and a one of a kind destination that every Ontario resident and tourist should experience. As your proceed further up the Bruce Peninsula, it will Narrow so driving to the Lake Huron side is a lot closer. We have selected the back roads from Owen Sound to Tobermory as a first stage trip of the Northern Bruce Peninsula. If you have the time you can start with our shorter day trip from Owen Sound around the back roads to Wiarton of the South Bruce Peninsula road trip.

Ontario Travel North Supports Tourism Week--Win Gas Voucher

Win a Road Safety Kit and $25. Gas Voucher

BARRIE, ONTARIO…………………. May 26, 2008 Tourism Week in Canada June 2-8, 2008, celebrates a $67-billion industry and tells Canadians and their governments that tourism matters to our country's economic and social well-being. ‘Ontario Travel North of Toronto’, is offering three road safety kits and a $25. gas voucher to Ontario residents in support of travel in Ontario and the National Tourism Week celebrations. The contest is open to Ontario residents and can be viewed on the ‘Ontario Travel North of Toronto’ website http://www.400eleven.com/contest.php

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has created the theme "Potential Worth Exploring”. In support of the week, Ontario residents are encouraged to get out during tourism week and explore the many resort and travel destinations, events, festivals and day trips. Links to events, festivals and getaway packages north of Toronto follow:

According to TIAC tourism keeps 1.66 million Canadians working, supports economic and community development, and generates over $19.7 billion in tax revenues for all levels of government-money that pays for a range of important programs like health care and education.

Ron Taylor, Publisher of the ‘Ontario Travel North of Toronto’ website (www.400eleven.com) says, “Tourism demand is often generated by the events and activities taking place in the many resort destinations north of Toronto. We try to balance the demand generators driving tourism traffic north with a balance of travel packages and getaways." ‘Ontario Travel North of Toronto’ only accepts members, events and festivals from businesses and tourism operations north of Toronto. Taylor adds, "The objectives are to stimulate and motivate southern Ontario residents to travel north as well as educate potential visitors about the multiple experiences available north of the GTA. National Tourism Week helps get the North in Ontario message out!”

For more information go to the 400ELEVEN website about us link, www.400eleven.com/about.html

Ontario Travel to Spring Getaways, Country Dining, Wildlife Viewing, Road Trips,

KA…..BLOOM WITH SPRING COLOURS

North of Toronto, Ontario…………….Spring, 2008. Ontario's spring colours are blooming north of Toronto with shades of greens, yellows, reds and all the colours of the rainbow. A variety of more than 100 overnight spring getaway packages are available at resorts, and various accommodation properties which can be viewed at http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-spring.htm

Bird Watching Wildlife Viewing

It is not unusual to spot deer, moose, and a variety of avian species before the foliage starts to fill in. Many would say that the spring is the best time for wildlife viewing. Many of the Provincial and National parks will be re-opening for the Victoria Day Weekend. See Algonquin Park area

Dining-Day or Overnight Trips

Consider a romantic trip or country drive to one of Ontario’s dining experiences in quiet spring romantic atmosphere such as the Millcroft Inn overlooking the falls. See Dining locations north of Toronto

Fishing Getaways

With the opening of fishing season many lodges and resorts north have put together more than 20 getaway fishing packages including overnight accommodation http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-fishing.html.

Seasonal Attractions Re-Openings

Many Ontario’s seasonal historical, cultural and natural attractions are opening for the season over the next month. As an example Sainte-Marie among the Hurons re-opens on April 28, and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Collingwood will be opening on the first May weekend.

Spring Drives-road trips north

Road trips north at this time of the year are the best times to view wildlife, as the trees are not in full foliage. It is not unusual to see moose around the Algonquin Park area and deer throughout Ontario. A walk in the woods to see the masses of Ontario’s flower the Trillium blooming is a must for every visitor to Ontario. 400Eleven has assembled nine suggested spring travel routes with directions and places to stay and visit along the route. http://www.400eleven.com/colour-report-spring.html.

The Algonquin Park area has a number of May getaway packages that will appeal to the naturalists and outdoors adventurers who love to hike and canoe, but want to stay in warm comfortable accommodation. http://www.400eleven.com/algonquin-area.html

For visitors wanting more information on traveling north of Toronto, contact us with your questions. We will do our best to get back to you within the day. http://www.400eleven.com/contact.html.

Ontario Summer Travel to Lake Simcoe Tourist Destination

Lake Simcoe is one of the closest resort destinations north of Toronto. Lake Simcoe is considered to be the fourth largest lake in the province and one of the worlds largest fresh water lakes that freezes completely in the winter. Lake Simcoe has been designated by many as a perfect summer destination of Ontario. Barrie and Orillia are the two major cities on Lake Simcoe. The regions of York, and Durham all provide access to Lake Simcoe.

Ontario Summer Travel Fun For Families

Getting ready for summer in Ontario with the kids needs a little planning and advance knowledge of good summer day trip locations, summer vacation resorts, resort destinations, and where to get quick information on availableOntario summer events, beach activities and summer getaway packages.

Travellers heading north of Toronto can find most of their information at Ontario Travel North of Toronto website.

Ontario Travel to Spring Maple Syrup Festivals Continues in April

2008 Maple Syrup Season McDonalds Corners
March 1 –April 30, 2008
See how Maple Syrup is made at the sugar bush. Sleigh rides, taffy-on-snow and artisans in the Museum on weekends, tours, nature trails, heritage displays, pancake meals, and maple products for sale Web: www. wheelersmaple. com

Shaws Maple Bush Tours
March-April. Between Barrie and Orillia, there is a Pancake House, and maple bush fun. Percheron horses will take you through the maple wonderland. When the snow melts we trade the sleigh for a wagon. Rides are available on weekends during March and April, usually around lunch time

Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival
April 19, 2008
more info http://www.elmvalemaplesyrup.ca/index.html

Maplefest
Millbrook April 19-20, 2008
Enjoy a heritage maple syrup festival in a historic town and sugarbush, including: bucket sap collection, horsedrawn wagon rides, interpretive trail walks, live entertainment and pancake breakfast.
Web: www.millbrook.ca

Powassan Maple Syrup Festival - Powassan, ON
April 26, 2008
More info http://www.powassansyrupfestival.ca/

Snowshoeing Wonderland North in Haliburton

Discover the Haliburton Highlands for a little snow shoe adventure into the rich forests and trails of the highlands. One of the great old outdoor winter sports that has been made new again is snowshoeing. At one point in Ontario's history going back into the 1800's many communities had organized snowshoe clubs. Snowshoeing was a major winter activity. Members wore team sweaters, hats and scarves, and held outdoor snowshoeing competitions with rival communities. Ontario has more than its share of winter outdoor space. Many of the resort destinations provide both trail and off trail experiences. See Snowshoeing getaway packages

Ontario Travel Day Trips March Break

FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN ONTARIO

Presqu’ile ’s Annual Waterfowl Festival, on March 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2008, is an educational event exploring the exciting world of migrating ducks, geese and swans at the park

• Stay in Trenton or Cobourg

Head north for family fun to Midland and Ontario's Wye March,

Stay in Midland, Ontario

Downhill Skiing North of Toronto March Break

We are often asked where do I go for a March Break in Ontario? For the
Ontario outdoors enthusiasts who love skiing, there are several
destinations. In Simcoe County there is the Horseshoe Valley area
near Barrie, in Muskoka there is the Hidden Valley area near
Huntsville, and in Haliburton the Sir Sam's Ski Area. Bordering Simcoe
County and The Town of Blue Mountains is Blue Mountain. Each of the
above destinations provide excellent accommodation and getaway
packages and most have children's programs. See a list of downhill
skiing destination getaway packages
http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-downhill.html

Ontario Travel to Snowtubing Getaways North of Toronto

Snow tubing, or snowtubing is an exceptional Ontario fun winter-spring
outing for the whole family. March breaks are an ideal time to plan
for some outdoor winter fun and adventure with the family. More than
10 winter accommodation properties provide snow tubing or snowboarding
packages in Ontario's great outdoors from Barrie, and Horseshoe Valley
to Collingwood, to Huntsville and Hidden Valley
http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-snowboarding-tubing.html

Ontario Travel Easter is Early in 2008

Easter Getaways North of Toronto

One of the earliest signals for spring is the Easter holiday and vacation period. Easter 2008 is no exception with the Easter weekend staring early March 20 with Good Friday March 21, 2008 and ending Easter Monday March 24, 2008. This is the perfect time to take that 2, 3 or 4 day getaway with the kids and hunt for Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny, special Easter Sunday church services, parades, family togetherness, and of course lots of Easter chocolate. We at 400Eleven wish everyone a "Happy Easter". Please check our events page for Easter activities North of Toronto, Ontario. Selections of Easter Getaway Packages north of Toronto please visit

Easter Spring Getaways.

Ontario Top 10 Reasons to stay for March Break

Top Ten Reasons To Stay In Ontario For the March Spring School Break………..when you travel by car for a March Break Vacation North of Toronto.

1. No rushing to the airport,
2. No standing in line at airport
3. No lost luggage
4. Lots of Maple Syrup in Ontario
5. Great Family accommodation packages
6. Great Romantic Couples packages
7. No mosquitoes in Ontario in March
8. Good snow base for winter sports
9. Lots of quality children’s programs
10. You don’t need Tropical Medicines

See Ontario March Break Getaway Packages for families and couples.

Family fishing Weekend--Ice Fishing Tournaments

Ontario celebrates Free Family Ice Fishing Weekend on Feb 24, 25. Ice fishing is very good on the larger lakes such as Lake Simcoe and Lake Nipissing, and Georgian Bay however, it is equally as good on many of the smaller Lakes throughout the north and northern Ontario.

The art of Ice Fishing can be perfected north of Toronto into Ontario's resort destinations. A timeless activity to catch the ultimate big one for dinner is every ice fisherman's dream. Go north this winter and experience an ice fishing getaway package at one of the several resort properties and winter resort destinations in northern ontario--where the ice is thicker, and the fish are bigger. Or, you can take in a fishing tournament or derby and win a prize or two Ontario Ice Fishing Derbies & Tournaments.

Ontario Travel to March Break Getaways

The next big getaway for Ontario Families will be the March Break or Spring Break school break.
Starting on March 7 for most shcool boards there is a myriad of activities awainting north of Toronto. More than 30 march break getaways will keep the kids busy and the parents happy during the holiday week.

Canadian Tourism Industry News, Issues and Opinions: A Haliburton High For Snowmobilers in the Haliburton Highlands

Canadian Tourism Industry News, Issues and Opinions: A Haliburton High For Snowmobilers in the Haliburton Highlands:

Willow Beach Supports Haliburton Sknwmobile Races

Ontario Heritage Week Starts on Family Day (Third Monday of Feb.)

The week in 2009 starts on Monday February 16. It is the time to celebrate and remember our past, our rich history and many cultures. The Monday February 16, 2009 Ontario heritage Day has many indoor and outdoor family Activities

Ontario Downhill Ski Packages and Getaways North

Ontario Resort destinations from the Barrie area to Collingwood, Muskoka, Haliburton, North Bay, Ottawa, have many options for the novice or expert skiier. A variety of 18 different ski vacation getaway packages and getaways for snowboarding, are listed below.......all north of Toronto. Check the ski and snowboard report for up-to-date snow conditions and a quick look at ski safety is a must before heading north.