Day Trips, Getaways & All Things Fun North of Toronto

We're blogging about what we know best. What to do, where to do it and where to stay 'north' of Toronto. It's a well and little known fact that within an hour of the big city of Toronto, Ontario offers the most amazing and special places to find culture, history, entertainment, nature and recreation. Follow our blog for information and news about events, attractions and activities for the perfect day trip or getaway 'north' of Toronto.

Friday, October 17, 2014

This Weekend Featured Events & Festivals North of Toronto - October 17-19

A promising forecast opens up a world of endless events and activities to consider when touring the colourful fall areas in resort destination cities and towns 'north' of Toronto this holiday long weekend.

Festivals and Events are a great focal point to any day trip or getaway. If you're in these areas this weekend, we consider you check out the following events.

To date most colour change has already happened and most of the leaves are all still on the trees. Now's your chance to an anything-but-green forest! Well, except for the everygreens.

* Don't forget your camera *

in Cottage Country and resorts towns 'north' of TO!

BARRIE

Hardwood SingleTrack Challenge
Hardwood Ski and Bike
Oct. 18
New for 2014 - The Hardwood SingleTrack Challenge will be a dedicated and "secret" 25km loop using the famously popular trails at Hardwood Ski and Bike.

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

FALLicious Shop & Dine
Blue Mountain Village
Oct. 14 - Dec. 4 * Sunday to Thursday only *
There’s no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend and the fall colours at Blue Mountain, Clarksburg and Thornbury. Free family activities, live music, Apple Pie Trail, adventures, stilt walkers, hiking, biking and fall driving tours.

ALL WEEKEND LONG – Plunge! Ridge Runner Coaster, Dockside Boat Rentals, Rock Climbing, Woodlot & Timber Challenge Ropes Course, Cascade Putting Course, Triple Zip Line, Mountain Top Segway Tours, Gondola…..

ELMVALE

Pumpkin Mania
Rounds Ranch
It's PUMPKIN MANIA Season at Rounds Ranch so saddle up and get down here for some serious fun and farm adventures. Enjoy Pumpkin Bowling, Pumpkin Catapult, Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, Pumpkin Hockey and much more.

HALIBURTON

Experience Haliburton

Find out what's happening in #MyHaliburtonHighlands. Lots to do and see in one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Ontario! Events this weekend include farmers markets, heritage happenings at the museum and a ghost walk in Minden. Events include art exhibites, scenic chair lift rides, farmers' market and more.

LAKEFIELD

Pumpkin Festival
McLean Berry Farm
As the season continues, the harvest becomes even more bountiful. Starting Thanksgiving weekend, the McLean’s again welcome the community to their farm for another festival. This festival takes place at their Buckhorn Berry Farm location Pumpkin festival runs the last weekends of October, starting Thanksgiving weekend.

MIDLAND & AREA

Carnival - A Night in Rio
The evening will include food stations, live entertainment and a live auction. Proceeds from the event support the Georgian Bay General Hospital.

Singer / Songwriter Workfest & Open Mic

Sept. 13 & 20

Midland Cultural Centre
Open Mic at the MCC's Cafe Roxy. Saturdays from 1pm - 4pm. Free Admission.

7 Nights in Havana
Midland Cultural Centre
A new photographic exhibition of the UNESCO designated World Heritage city Havana, Cuba will be on display at the Midland Cultural Centre from September 26 until October 31. Entitled Seven Nights in Havana, the exhibit is a collaboration of three local photographers and a joint presentation of Quest Art and the MCC. Admission price for the evening is $15 with all proceeds from the exhibition donated to the Midland Cultural Centre.

Live Animal Shows: Birds of Prey and Reptiles
Wye Marsh
You will be brought face to face with the grace, majest, power and intelligence of birds of prey. OR Discover Ontario's native reptile species. Participants will learn plenty of fun facts and identification tips, as well as discover the importance of environmental stewardship and the role that individuals can play in helping Ontario's Species at Risk.

Penetanguishene Community Market

Saturday 8 am - 1 pm

Town Dock - Main Street

Midland Farmers' Market

Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm

Across from the Town Dock

Link to: Midland Tourism

ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS
Find great events and activities on their website.

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers' Market

Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm
4500 Fairgrounds Road just off of Hwy 12 W.

Orillia Farmers' Market

Saturdays 7:30 am - 12:30 pm
Orillia Public Library

Concerts at Casino Rama
This weekend catch Ligabue.

Link to: Ontario's Lake Country Area Tourism

OTTAWA VALLEY

Rural Ramble
Now until October 31
Organized by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA), the Rural Ramble is a free, self-guided driving tour set against a backdrop of beautiful fall colours. One of only two regions in the world with the unique combination of climate and topography that results in brilliant fall foliage, the Valley is a magnificent destination to enjoy throughout the autumn months. Glorious colours and crisp, cool weather make it an excellent season for exploring the countryside.

TWEED

Family Fun Events in Tweed and area!

October Fall Color Report and Updates 2014

Horseshoe Valley Area North of Toronto

Many northern areas are past the peak and have leaf fall taking place. However walks along trails are still showing lots of fall colours on lower branches.
Ministry of Tourism is reporting colour changes across the regions north in Ontario. See the latest colour changes for these areas:

Central Ontario,
Ottawa,
Eastern Ontario,
South Western Ontario.

Barrie lakeshore trails are inviting

Many of the valleys are still near peak with limited leaf fall. Pick your favourite region of the Province and pick a fall colour drive for your next road trip.

Ontario resorts, inns, lodges, cottages and hotels are waiting to welcome fall visitors.
Combine your road trip with a walk down a country lane a fall fair, or studio tour

Friday, October 10, 2014

Thankful for Great Events Happening this Thanksgiving 'north' of Toronto

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Festivals and Events are a great focal point to any day trip or getaway. If you're in these areas this weekend, we consider you check out the following events.

Looking for a Thanksgiving Dinner? Eat-in or take out, some of the finest resorts in cottage country are offering solutions to having a turkey dinner while away from home. You'll find a list of options at the end of this events blog (bottom of page).

* Don't forget your camera *

in Cottage Country and resorts towns 'north' of TO!

FALL FAIRS

Find Fall Fairs in Elmvale and Norwood.

BARRIE

Ontario TufRack Enduro Series
Horseshoe Resort
Oct. 11
The third stop of the Ontario TufRack Enduro series hits Horseshoe Resort on Saturday October 11th! The course will consist of three stages with timed descending sections. Day of registration will open at 9:00am with Pre-Ride from 10:00am-12:00pm and race start at 1:00pm.

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

Apple Harvest Festival
Blue Mountain Village
There’s no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend and the fall colours at Blue Mountain, Clarksburg and Thornbury. Free family activities, live music, Apple Pie Trail, adventures, stilt walkers, hiking, biking and fall driving tours.

Annual Turkey Tent Event

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain’s Annual Turkey Tent Event is back and bigger than ever before! Save up to 75% off of skis, boards, bindings and outerwear for kids and adults. Plus, you can purchase your 2014/15 Blue Mountain Season Pass at the Early Bird Rate.

Featuring brands such as: Eira, The North Face, Burton, Spyder, Bonfire, Jupa, Salomon, Orage, Laundromat, Hurley, Nixon, and more!

BRACEBRIDGE

Bracebridge Farmers' Market
Saturdays 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Downtown Bracebridge

ELMVALE

HALIBURTON

Sir Sam's Annual Open House
Sir Sam's Ski and Bike
Participate in this Downhill point series race. Food service and camping is offered for this event.

Experience Haliburton

MAGNETAWAN

Annual Turkey DinnerSat, October 11, 5pm – 7pm

Thanksgiving Farmers' Market
October 11 10am - 1pm

MIDLAND & AREA

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival & Arts & Crafts Sale
Sainte Marie among the Hurons
A family favourite, this Thanksgiving event celebrates the Fall Season and features pumpkin decorating, seasonal displays, costumed staff, activities on the historic site, and over 40 exceptional artisans and crafters.

Family Scene Presents Mad Science "Fire & Ice"
Oct. 11
Midland Cultural Centre
Mad Science turns laboratory science into fun, interactive learning experiences for kids. Most appropriate for children 4 years of age and older. Get ready for some sizzlin’ excitement, just in time for Halloween. Join us for safe and scientific fun with fire and ice! Learn about the amazing properties of fire and combustion.Then, cool off with spectacular demonstrations involving dry ice! Check out the Big Burp and the famous Mad Science Shower, as we will explore the science of sublimation.

Singer / Songwriter Workfest & Open Mic
Sept. 13 & 20

Midland Cultural Centre
Open Mic at the MCC's Cafe Roxy. Saturdays from 1pm - 4pm. Free Admission.

Penetanguishene Community Market

Saturday 8 am - 1 pm

Town Dock - Main Street

Midland Farmers' Market

Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm

Across from the Town Dock

Link to: Midland Tourism

ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS
Featured event includes 2014 Canadian Whitewater Canoe & Kayak Championships, plus Heritage Perth Walking Tour, plus area award winning artisans in their studios on the Inroads Studio Tour road trip.

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour

Open 10 am to 5 pm daily (Free Admission 10 am to 5 pm daily). This highly acclaimed self-guided tour takes you to the studios of some of Canada's finest artists and craftspeople. Over thirty artists and fine crafts people will exhibit their work over 4 days and 16 locations. You'll find an amazing selection of paintings, pottery, textiles, metal and glass, photography, woodcraft, jewellery, basketry, clothing and accessories – from fine art and sculpture to home décor and fashion to funky and fun! Don't miss this popular Thanksgiving tradition. You'll discover exceptional art, one-of-a-kind shopping and beautiful fall colours.

Port Severn Fall Colours Cruise
Midland Tours Inc. offers 2 ½ hour fall colour tours on the Trent-Severn Waterway departing from Lock 45 in Port Severn, Ontario. The Serendipity Princess cruises to the Big Chute Marine Railway – it is the only marine railway of its kind in North America still in use.

Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers' Market

Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm
4500 Fairgrounds Road just off of Hwy 12 W.

Orillia Farmers' Market

Saturdays 7:30 am - 12:30 pm
Orillia Public Library

Concerts at Casino Rama
This weekend catch Boys II Men or Uncle Kracker.

The Municipality of Tweed is located half-way between Toronto and Ottawa. Known for being the gateway to both the Bay of Quinte and Land O’ Lakes Tourist region; we have an abundance of outdoor experience right here in Our Backyard. We invite you to come visit our area and experience world-class musky/black crappie fishing, events, culture and heritage, hiking, atving, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and so much more.

Find other events in Tweed and Ontario's Highlands Tourism Destination

TURKEY DINNERS

Turkey Buffet at Horseshoe Resort - Barrie
Leave the cooking to Horseshoe Resort and spend more time with your family this Thanksgiving.

Deerhurst Resort Holiday Turkey Dinner To Go - Huntsville
Why fuss when you can let the Deerhurst kitchens prepare your Thanksgiving or Holiday turkey feast for you to serve at home. Order by October 4 to secure a Savour Muskoka turkey for Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Resort Thanksgiving Meals - Collingwood
This year, Cranberry Golf Resort is excited to announce both Thanksgiving Brunch and Thanksgiving Dinner for Sunday October 12th. Enjoy a lovingly prepared buffet selection lined with traditional family favourites. Executive Chef Patrick Barton will be cooking up different items for brunch and dinner; perfect for guests looking to spend the day at the resort!
Open to the public, reservations required to guarantee seating.

Viamede Resort - Woodview

Join Viamede for Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings on Sunday, October 12. $35 for adults, $19 for kids. Call 1-800-461-1946 to reserve!

Nottawasaga Resort - Alliston
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet, Sunday October 12.

Happy Thanksgiving from the 400Eleven.com Gang!

Don't Put the Mountain Bikes Away!! Weekends in the fall can be colourful

Explore Ontario trails this fall

Fall weekends are good times to explore Ontario trails and forests. So don't put the mountain bikes away yet. Summer may be over however there are great mountain biking adventures available for beginners or serious competitive riders.

The fall months are special times for a mountain biking adventure north in Ontario. Autumn leaves are changing

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Weekend Festivals, Events, Fall Colour Road Trips, Boat Cruises & Sighsteeing Tours

FESTIVALS, EVENTS and FALL COLOUR ROAD TRIPS

Fall Colours Ontario Weekend Road Trips

Suggested "Fall Colour" routes and road trips.

Before heading out check the designated fall colour progression report for updates on leaf colour changes in resort and tourist regions north of Toronto.

Fall Colours Touring
The Apple Pie Trail : Collingwood to Owen Sound
It's country road and river touring time. Enjoy local wine and cide tasting, guided hiking, the Meaford Scarecrow Invasion and Craft Show, and unique Apple Pie Trail adventures.

Fall Colour Sightseeing Air Tour:

Georgian Bay Airways
Parry Sound

Book an amazing Fall Colour Sightseeing Air Tour over Georgian Bay. A wonderful way to see the beautiful fall colour vistas. The new 35 minute Fall Colours Tour will highlight the vistas of red, orange, and yellow from the air!
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Parry Sound

Fall Colour Cruise Options:

Port Severn

Fall Big Chute Cruise September 20-October 11, 2014 Midland Tours Inc. offers 2 1/2 hour Fall Colour Tours on the Muskoka Trent-Severn Waterway departing from Lock 45 in Port Severn, Ontario. Stay in Port Severn

Midland

30,000 Islands Boat Cruise - Muskoka-Georgian Bay's 30,000 islands to October 17, 2014. Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Midland Ontario

North Bay

Clarion Resort Pinewood Park-North Bay Accommodation and Chief Commanda II Cruise
North Shore Scenic Fall Tour Package: Enjoy our 2-hour North Shore Scenic trip to view Lake Nipissing's open vistas, natural beaches, rising escarpments and fall colours. See Scenic Cruise Packages

Fall Colour Chair Lift Rides:

Sir Sam's Ski and Bike-Haliburton
Scenic Chair Lift Rides -Great Activity for the Famiily
Saturdays and Sundays during the fall until Thanksgiving. Best seat in the Haliburton Highlands to enjoy the beautiful fall color changes? Sir Sam's chairlift on Saturdays and Sundays. Great way to see the magnificient view over Eagle & Moose Lakes from the top of Sir Sam's Ski and Bike!
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Haliburton, Minden
More information on the Haliburton Highlands Destination

Ottawa Valley Rural Ramble
September 1 - October 31, 2014

The Rural Ramble is a traditional self-guided driving tour throughout the Ottawa Valley featuring four themes: Adventure and Exploration, Agriculture and Food, History and Heritage plus Arts and Culture. Rural Ramblers’ will be able to customize their own Autumn touring experiences based on the themes and location that interests them the most. Wander the website, select the Rural Ramble sites that interest you the most and plan your very own personalized Rural Ramble Route.

More information on the Ottawa Valley Destination
Book your hotel and resort accommodation in Barry's Bay, Ottawa and Ottawa Valley, Pembroke and Petawawa

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FAMILY FALL FUN

ROUNDS RANCH - Join the Fun

Elmvale 7 km. east of Wasaga Beach, 4 km west of Elmvale
September 23-October 26, 2014
Its PUMPKIN MANIA Season at Rounds Ranch so saddle up and get down here for some serious fun and farm filled adventures. Everyone gets a free pumpkin!
Enjoy the large corn & straw mazes, petting zoo, pony rides, water maze, barrel train, shooting gallery, duck races, pedal cart race track, western playground, zip lines, giant jumping pillows, tractor rides, swinging tire horses, bouncy ponies. Great family fun for all ages.
Stay at Resorts. Inns, Hotels in Wasaga Beach

Friday, September 05, 2014

Savour local foods at featured farmers' markets in cottage country

Celebrate Harvest Season With Good Things That Grow In Ontario

Fresh Crepes at Ontario Farmers' Markets

The best ways to enjoy fall harvest season is among friends and family over a meal made from Ontario ingredients. Spotting Foodland Ontario's logo, while shopping at your neighbourhood grocery store or farmer's market north in resort destinations, is an easy way to find fresh local food.

Many Ontario resorts specialise in culinary getaways with menus featuring Ontario recipes served with Ontario wines, ciders and beers.

Visit a local farm such as McLean Berry Farm in the Kawartha Lakes

Here are some other helpful ways for making locally grown goods a part of your summer months:

Look for delicious fresh fruits and vegetables available now.
Find some great barbecue tips using fresh local ingredients.
Meet the people who produce your food and discover the wide variety of local food products available, including world-class Ontario VQA wine. Visit a local farmer's market or find a local on-farm market.
Choose Ontario-brewed craft beer and cider to complement your next outdoor party
Fresh Virgin Sunflower Oil from Simcoe County Farms

Supporting local food is part of the government's economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure, and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

ONTARIO FOOD FACTS

Ontario’s agri-food industry contributes more than $34 billion to the province’s GDP and supports more than 740,000 jobs.
There are over 200 farmers’ markets in Ontario some of which are featuring VQA wines from local wineries.
Ontario’s flower and vegetable greenhouse industry accounts for approximately $1.34 billion of revenue.
The province’s Local Food Act allows Ontario to work with sector partners to set targets and goals to increase awareness, access and sales of local food in markets, schools, cafeterias, grocery stores and restaurants throughout the province.
Since 2003, the province has invested more than $116 million to support sales of Ontario foods.

More Tips For Fresh Ontario Food

Check out Foodland Ontario for seasonal recipes
Get fresh – visit an Ontario Farm such as McLean Berry Farm in the Kawartha Lakes
ontario.ca/agriculture-news

Weekend Fairs & fall festivals in Ontario September 4,5 and 6

Food Fests, Harvest Fairs and Festivals North of Toronto

First place award for pumpkins

Ottawa Valley Rural Ramble

September 1 - October 31, 2014
The annual Rural Ramble - a free self-guided driving tour featuring four weekends during the fall months of Adventure and Exploration, Agriculture and Food weekend, History and Heritage weekend and Arts and Culture. Book your hotel and resort accommodation in
More information on the Ottawa Valley Destination

Fun themes highlight events..the sheep in wolf clothing

Agricultural summer and fall fairs in Ontario resort destinations offer family fun. Entertainment and amusement park fun are for families during the vacation and holiday season. See complete list of summer fairs over the Labour Day Weekend.

More Fall Fairs

Owen Sound Fair September 4th, 5th & 6th, 2014!Featured Accommodation: Walter’s Falls The Falls Inn or Georgian Bluffs Evergreen Forest Resort B&B

Orillia Fair
September 5-7, 2014
Featured Accommodations: Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre , Carriage Ridge Resort, Comfort Inn, Attractions: Dave Beckett Studio/Gallery
Attractions: Hardwood Ski and Bike

Worm Rodeo Country Fun Fair
Sat. Sept 6, 2014
Where the Country Meets the City at Highway 11 & Highway 93. 'Grace United Church' and 'Seniors Wish Barrie' are bringing families a day of Worm Rodeo fun on Sept. 7 at Chappell Farms. A fun day with the kids, with games, talent contest, raffle draw, live auction, worm charming and more.
Stay overnight in Barrie and Horseshoe Valley area resorts, hotels and inns.

Arts and Studio Tours

Highlands East Plein Air Arts Festival

September 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th

Highlands East is a treasure trove of scenic subject matter perfect for any kind of plein air artist. We hope you will enjoy your four days here being inspired, creating and getting to know other artists who love to depict the wild and natural world!

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