Monday, September 20, 2010

Barrie Lake Simcoe Fall Colours Sept. 20 2020

Plan your fall colours road trip starting in Barrie on the Kempenfelt Bay lake Simcoe Waterfront...walking trails, wildlife flowers and lake cruises.
High Bush Cranberry add a colour contrast with Kempenfelt Bay background along the walking and biking trails
Wildflower trails and gardens offer beautiful lakefront scenery in Barrie.
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Fall Colours, Fall Fairs, Pumpkin Festivals & Thanksgiving Getaways North of Toronto

Canadian Thanksgiving Long Holiday Weekend is only weeks away.

Fall color road trips and the Ontario Fall Fair season offer mini-holiday opportunities.

Fall colour reports have started, and FREE Ontario attractions are available with Doors Open Ontario north of Toronto.

Ontario fall getaways to events and festivals including Fall Studio Tours, Pumpkin festivals and farmers's markets which provide fun rural Ontario weekend entertainment.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Fall Colours & Anniversary Flags at Georgian College Auto Show

Auto Show Photo from 2009 Show

The weekend of Sept 24, 25, 26 2010 will see Georgian College's Canadian Automotive Institute celebrate 25 years.  The organization and execution of the Auto Show Project  is coordinated by students attending the Institute. The show has now evolved into one of the largest 'outdoor auto shows' in North America. Plan your weekend north of Toronto and stay in Barrie at nearby resorts, Inns, hotels.  The show is accessible via Highway 400  at Duckworth Street.  Visitors will see the flags flying from Highway 400.

 Fall Colour Weekend Getaways North of Toronto

Fall Colours North of Toronto
Fall colours will be peaking in many areas of Ontario over the next few weeks.  Plan your fall getaway  with a stop at the Georgian College Auto Show, and use Barrie as a starting point for a road trip to see the beautiful fall colours.  Several suggested backroad road trips start in Barrie.
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Fall Hikes-Fall Colours Simcoe County near Barrie

Although a bit early for full fall colours in Simcoe County there are plenty of FREE opportunities to hike on trails located in Simcoe County Forests.  This is a part of a suggested road trip starting in Barrie to experience Rural Ontario Counties-Simcoe & Dufferin.  There is a developed network of trails for snowmobiles (with directions) used by hikers and mountain bikers. This and be accessed behind the Simcoe County Municipal building just west of the Highway 26-Highway 27 North junction reached by Bayfield Street west from Barrie. See Highway 400 North.  Willow creek runs through this section of forest and in a few weeks will be providing some amazing photo opportunities. 

Fall Colours on the Forest Floor.

Some of the best early fall colour photo opportunities exist on the forest floor or along the streams of the area.  The photo below shows a single ray of light shining through the canopy above with the following photo showing  mixing the greens and yellows.



Friday, September 17, 2010

Ontario Fall Has Many Colours

Canoeing in OntarioFall in Ontario
Canadian Thanksgiving Long Holiday Weekend is only weeks away. Fall color road trips and the Ontario Fall Fair season offer mini-holiday opportunities.  Fall colour reports have started, and FREE Ontario attractions are available with Doors Open Ontario north of Toronto. Ontario fall getaways to events and festivals including Fall Studio Tours Pumpkin festivals and farmers's markets fun rural Ontario weekend entertainment.

Ontario Resort Travel Destination-Association Picks of the Week

Featured Ontario Destinations &Travel Tourism Associations

North MuskokaNorth 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

Irwin Inn - Lakefield, Ontario

The Irwin InnIrwin Inn - A crackling fire, fine wine, candlelight dining and beautiful sunsets, are delightful to the senses of romantics. Experience this “Sensory Delight” getaway at the lake. Fireplace suites and cottages, with whirlpool or private hot tub or pool offer the perfect escape. Luscious truffles and fruit, wine, exotic teas and coffee are in your room to enjoy! 2 nights, 2 elegant dinners, 2 complete breakfasts, and use of most seasonal recreational activities are included.


Family Getaway of the Week

Sandy Lane Resort - Minden, Ontario
Sandy Lane ResortSandy Lane Resort - Welcome to Sandy Lane Resort, a deluxe year round cottage resort located on Halls Lake in the rugged beauty of the Haliburton Highlands, just 2.5 hours drive north of Toronto. Fifteen individual cottages, four different styles, all of them equipped with basically all the amenities of home. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, full size bathroom, 1,2, or 3 bedrooms featuring queen, double or single beds. All cottages have wood burning fireplaces (we supply the wood), satellite T.V., BBQ’s on the sun decks, electric baseboard heat and modern large wall mount air conditioners.


Fishing Getaway of the Week

Chippawa Cottage Resort - Barry's Bay, Ontario

Chippawa Cottage ResortChippawa Cottage Resort - provides one of the best family vacation experiences in Ontario. Our facility has a total of 20 one, two, and three bedroom cottages, including eight self-contained cottages which are available with full kitchen facilities. All Guests have use of facilities at Chippawa (Except Rentals of Boats, Motors, Canoes & Kayaks). We also have tennis and basketball equipment, and mountain bikes for your enjoyment.


Town, Village & City Getaway of the Week

Mad Musher, The - Whitney, Ontario

Mad Musher, TheMad Musher - The Mad Musher is conveniently located on Highway 60, 5 kms form the east gate of Algonquin Park, overlooking the beautiful Madawaska River. We have private rooms with shared bathrooms, a fully out-fitted kitchen and outdoor BBQ for your use. The set-up of the accommodations makes it perfect for groups or families, we offer breakfast upstairs in the restaurant. We have overnight packages that include breakfast and dinner. Free Wifi is available in the restaurant and accommodations. Activities available in the area include canoeing, hiking, fishing, horse-back riding, bird
watching, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. Come and make The Mad
Musher your resting-place to explore Algonquin Park and the area.

Spa Getaway of the Week

Cranberry Resort - Collingwood, Ontario

Cranberry Resort, TheCranberry Resort - Hot Stone Massage Relax and rejuvenate with a hot stone massage! Package includes: One night hotel accommodation (2 doubles, 2 queens, or 1 king bed, based on availability).One hour hot stone massage per person. Hot buffet breakfast per person. Scandinavian Sensation Leave the woes behind with Cranberry Resort and Le Scandinave Spa (http://www.scandinaveblue.com)!
Step into a hot bath and let the stress melt away, take a cold water rinse and relax with the beauty of Blue Mountain as your backdrop. Package includes: One night hotel accommodation. Bath pass per person to Le Scandinave Spa baths (Le Scandinave Spa does not take reservations; availability is taken on a first come first served basis). Hot buffet breafkast per person.

Attraction of the Week

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons - Midland, Ontario

Sainte-Marie among the HuronsSainte-Marie among the Hurons - was Ontario’s first European community and is now a nationally significant historic site. Originally built in 1639, Sainte-Marie was the 17th century fortress and headquarters for the French Jesuit mission to the Huron people. The site’s history culminated in 1649 when a dramatic turn of events forced the missionaries to abandon and burn their home of nearly 10 years.

Attraction of the Week

Sir Sam's Ski Hill & Summer Resort - Haliburton, Ontario

Sir Sam’s Ski & Summer Resort Sir Sam's Ski Hill & Summer Resort - Sir Sam’s Ski and Summer
Resort has been established and operated by the Bishop Family for
almost 45 years. The spacious multi room chalet has 4 fireplaces
and a homelike family atmosphere. Sir Sam’s hosts twelve main runs
and a view from the top that is only matched by the view of the
slopes from the chalets panoramic windows and outdoor sun deck.
Come and enjoy a great outdoor experience in an un-crowded and family
friendly atmosphere.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Kawartha Fall Road Trip--Via Highway 45 from Norland


A favourite stopping point on a fall road trip is one of Ontario's outdoor Wildlife Sanctuary locations that have been set aside by the Federation of Ontario Naturalists.  In the example we see here Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wetland forests.
At Norland, turn east on Road 45 and continue for approximately 7 km. The property is on the south (right) side of the road just past Woodcock Line and a cleared farm area.  See suggested fall road trip from Orillia to Kinmount Ontario on the Monck Road which is Simcoe Road 45 and becomes Kawartha Road 45. 

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Fall family fun and Thanksgiving Getaways North of Toronto

Fall family fun, Fishing, Golfing, Romance, Fall Colour Boat Cruises and Thanksgiving getaways North of Toronto.

Photo:  Midland Tours (Boat Cruise)

Family Getaways
Clearview Cottages
Colonial Bay Resort
Pow Wow Point Lodge

Fishing Getaways
Buckeye Cottages
East Bull Lake Wilderness Resort

Golf Getaways
Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre


Romantic Getaway
Eden Place B & B

Fall Colour Boat Cruises |
30,000 Island Boat Cruise / Barrie Boat Cruises / Muskoka-Trent Severn Waterway

Click here for Thanksgiving Getaways

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Ontario Fall Getaways, Fall Colour Road Trips, Fall Studio Tours and Thanksgiving Weekends North of Toronto

Ontario Fall Has Many Colours
Ontario Fall color road trips and the September Ontario Fall Fair season offer mini-holiday opportunities. Many Canadians will sneak away early for a Fall Colour getaway weekend north in Ontario. Although the official beginning of Autumn is not until the 22nd of September, fall getaways offer long weekend opportunities at exciting Canadian events and festivals including Fall Studio Tours. The next official holiday long weekend is the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend in October.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Fall Road Trip to Kawartha Lakes

A Friday Sept. 10, 2010 craving for fish'n chips took us to Kinmount Ontario via Highway11 North to Orillia to the Monck Road (County Road 45) to Norland and Kinmount.  See details on  Backroads to Kinmount
Kinmount is a part of the larager community..City of Kawartha Lakes.  Our first stop was at Quaker Oaks for a coffee and muffin, then on to Norland Ontario at the Junction of Highway 35 and County Road 45 to view the changing fall colours along the river....
Only slight color changes along the way with shrubs and brush in bog areas where you see reds and yellows
Kinmount Fish and Chips is located on the main street beside one of the prettiest Canada Post locations.

Ontario Fall Has Many Colours

Canoeing in OntarioFall in Ontario

Fall color road trips and the September Ontario Fall Fair season offer mini-holiday opportunities.  Many Canadians will sneak away early for a Fall Colour getaway weekend  north in Ontario.   Although the official beginning of Autumn is not until the 22 of September, fall getaways offer long weekend opportunities at exciting Canadian events and festivals including Fall Studio Tours. The next official holiday long weekend is the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend in October.




Ontario Resort Travel Destination-Association Picks of the Week



Featured Ontario Destinations & Travel Tourism Associations

Municipality of Magnetawan 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.




Romantic Getaway of the Week

Ruby's Cottage Resort & B&B - Minden, Ontario

Ruby's Cottage Resort & B&BRuby's Cottage Resort & B&B - Small, friendly lakeside Cottage Resort & B&B on beautiful Boshkung Lake in Haliburton County. Seven lakeside housekeeping cottages (one with personal hot tub), some with woodstoves. The B&B Suite has a personal hot tub. On site games room with satellite TV, ping-pong table; central hot tub room, wireless high speed internet. In summer months, we have a beautiful sandy beach, docks, sunning deck and gazebo. Algonquin Park is only 45 mins drive.



Family Getaway of the Week

Spectacle Lake Lodge - Barry's Bay, Ontario

Spectacle Lake LodgeSpectacle Lake Lodge - Free Week day! September is an amazing time to visit Algonquin Park and the Ottawa valley, so we wanted to offer our guests an amazing reason to visit. Stay at Spectacle Lake Lodge in ANY accommodation (Couples Cabins, Lakeside Cottages, Lodge Rooms) for two nights during the week (Monday to Friday) and receive the third night FREE! Use of Canoes, Kayaks and paddle boats FREE! AND FREE use of our beach, hot tub and hiking trails!



Fishing Getaway of the Week

Sand Lake Cottages & Inn - Kearney, Ontario

Sandy Lake Cottages & InnSand Lake Cottages & Inn - Come and relax in one of our beautiful cottages or chalet and enjoy fishing year round. Sand Lake offers lake trout and bass. Our complimentary Ice Hut is available during the winter for our guests. Accommodations for 2 people starting at $75/night with a two night minimum. Located north of Huntville Muskoka near Kearney and Algonquin Park.




Town, Village & City Getaway of the Week

Logging Chain Lodge - Dwight, Ontario

Loggin Chain LodgeLogging Chain Lodge - Let us welcome you to Muskoka! Warm days, cool nights…next door to Algonquin Park! Enjoy the beautiful reds, yellows and oranges as the leaves change colour! Dine at local restaurants, shop at quaint shops in Huntsville, take in a show at the Algonquin Theatre or go for a walk in the woods. We have it all! Our small, quiet resort offers 7 two and 3 bedroom housekeeping cottages that have all the amenities: satellite TV, high-speed wireless internet, BBQ, playground, free use of canoes/kayaks, 4 piece baths, full kitchens and linens provided. Contact us today to reserve your cottage!



Spa Getaway of the Week

Trillium Resort and Spa - Port Sydney, Ontario
Trillium Resort and SpaTrillium Resort and Spa - Enjoy life in Muskoka with a hike along our 7 km of trails that wind through our 86 acres of pristine Muskoka woodlands. Paddle Devine Lake in a complimentary Canoe or Kayak. Pamper your mind body and soul in our full service Country Spa. All this and more in an exclusive "Adult" only setting.

 



Attraction of the Week

Discovery Harbour - Penetanguishene, Ontario
Discovery HarbourDiscovery Harbour - One of Ontario’s most picturesque historic sites, Discovery Harbour recalls the days of the 19th-century British navy and military that safeguarded the defence of Upper Canada. In 1820 the thriving naval dockyard boasted residences and workshops, large and small vessels, and a community of officers, artisans, sailors, and soldiers. The base was eventually operated by the British military from 1834 to 1856, constructing an impressive stone Officers’ Quarters that still stands today.



Attraction of the Week

Ontario Northland's Polar Bear Express - North Bay, Ontario

Polar Bear Express & Ontario NorthlandOntario Northland's Polar Bear Express - The Polar Bear Express is a well renowned summer excursion train which departs from Cochrane, Ontario daily except Saturdays during the summer excursion schedule from Friday June 27 to Friday,
August 29, 2008. Your journey will take you through spectacular forests and rugged wetlands, and across mighty rivers once navigated by early natives, explorers and fur traders. Ride the rails 186 miles to the edge of the Arctic and immerse
yourself in Cree culture. New packages are available for the 2008 summer season!

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Fall fun getaways for the family & Thanksgiving North of Toronto

Fall fun getaways for the family & Thanksgiving North of Toronto

Photo:  Moose Point Cottages
Fall fun getaways and the September Ontario Fall Fair season offer mini-holiday opportunities. Take the family for a quiet fall getaway weekend and a fall color road trip north in Ontario.  The next official holiday long weekend is the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend in October.  Plan ahead for your family Thanksgiving Getaway.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Algonquin Park Barron Canyon Trail Hike

The fall colors yellows and reds are starting to show and will make a nice contrast with this outstanding view of the Canadian Shield. For directions from Barry's Bay via Highway 60 see Algonquin east side road trip.
The visit was over the Labour Day weekend in the intermittent rain however each weather change has its own element of natural beauty. 
Visitors from the U.S were impressed with the quality of the interpretive brochure available at the trail site. Title: Barron Canyon Trail: History of the Canyon and the various suggested viewing and interpretive stations. 
The length of the hike is not long or difficult however caution must be used at the edge of the Canyon as there are no barriers.  
Weather can change with a break in the clouds. However the sun never did shine during our hike but the view got a bit better.  Barry's Bay Ontario was the starting point of this road trip.