Fall-oween Family Fun in Ontario

Face paint and pumpkin guts. No wonder kids love Fall. Let’s not forget leaf piles and candy! Yes the pinnacle of Fall for all the young ones, getting that pillow case filled with the most sugary treats. Well kiddos, let us tell us you that there is  A LOT more fun to be had in the Fall-oween season.  There's pumpkin tossing, haunted houses, wagon ridges, zombie walks, costume parties and more.  Get out there and take advantage of some of Central and Northern Ontario's most unique and undiscovered Fall and Halloween Family events.

PumpkInferno
Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene
October Thursdays-Saturdays, 7pm to 10pm
It’s Pumpkinferno and Discovery Harbour is haunted! Amazing carved pumpkins, scary scenes and evil creatures await you around every corner if you dare! Zombies and ghouls lurk in the darkness!
Learn more

Marsh Monster
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Midland
October 29, 2016
See what awaits you when darkness takes over the Marsh. Prepare yourself for a naturally frightening night with zombie walks, scavenger hunts, a haunted house with games and crafts, and the always spooky Marsh Monster mystery tours. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and bring a flash light.
Learn more

Youth Halloween Coffee House
MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie        
October 28, 2016
This is the seventh annual Halloween Coffeehouse organized by the MacLaren’s Youth Advisory Council. Attend in your Halloween-costumed best and enjoy music and spoken word performances by local Simcoe County youth. Activities include our very popular button-maker, Halloween-inspired crafts and much more. This is an all-ages event, parents are welcome. Prizes will be awarded for the best ghoul and gal!
Learn more

Pumpkin Mania
Rounds Ranch, Elmvale
September 24 – October 30, 2016
Weekends in October
Pick your own perfect pumpkin! Wagon rides, animals, fun rides and toys and every kind of pumpkin activity you can dream of!
Learn more

Pumpkin Festival
McLean Berry Farm, Lakefield
Oct 8-9, 15-16 & 22-23, 2016
Live entertainment, barnyard animals, mazes (a straw bale maze and 2 corn mazes, one of them is haunted), pumpkin bowling, junior spook barn, bonesville cemetery, pumpkin patch wagon rides and the famous pumpkin cannon.
Learn more

The Haunted Hill
Blue Mountain Village
October 28-30, 2016
Halloween comes early at Blue Mountain Resort! For three days only, Blue will transform into The Haunted Hill where ghosts and goblins run free through Enchanted Forests, Haunted Putting Courses and Hikes on Haunted Hill. Face your frights in a weekend full of Halloween-themed fun for the whole family, if you dare!
Learn more

Halloween Hustle Trail Running Race
Hardwood Ski & Bike, Oro-Medonte
October 23, 2016
Run your way through the haunting trails of Oro Medonte in this 5km or 10km Halloween themed race. It’s sure to be a spooktacular event with a 1.5km kids race as well as a costume contest.
Learn more

Harvest Adventures
Horseshoe Resort & Slopeside Adventures, Barrie
September 10 - October 10, 2016

Celebrate autumn at Horseshoe and the changing of the season. Grab your family and friends and get ready to harvest new memories, laughter and outdoor fall fun. So throw on your coziest sweater, fuzzy socks and take a breath in some crisp, country air – because at Horseshoe, we’ve hand-picked the best fall experiences just for you.  Scarecrows, Music, Bonfires & Cocoa, Hay Rides, Sunsets & Pumpkins.

Learn more


More fun ideas to get your Family out this Fall 

See more Halloween events held across Ontario's Cottage Country, Central and Northern Ontario.  

Celebrate the Fall harvest and explore one of Ontario's Fall Fairs.

Find out when and where the peak of Fall colour will be across Central and Northern Ontario with the Fall Colour Report.

       

Best Ontario Earth Day Activities

Take a Hike

Check out the trails north of Toronto and explore on your own this Earth Day,

Discover the rugged beauty of Muskoka by foot

Hike lakeside in Ontario's Lake Country

Take in the view and vistas in Ontario's Highlands
Explore Midland in the Heart of Georgian Bay.  

Go beyond the Village at Blue Mountain 

Escape into the Ottawa Valley 

Experience the historic beauty of the Algonquin's Highlands
Find your favourite spot in the Haliburton Highlands 

Eat Local

Go local, support a farmer near you and reduce the environmental footprint of your food.

This Saturday April 23rd, the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers' Market and Orillia Farmers' Market have special Earth Day events happening!  Build a bird house, learn to grow your own food and more!

Explore the Outdoors

There really can't be a better way to celebrate Earth Day than by being immersed in nature. 

See some of Ontario's native reptiles and amphibians up close or take in a live birds of prey demonstration at Wye Marsh. Take a tour on the trails and hear the trumpet of the Trumpeter Swans. Starting this weekend you can explore the new exhibit - The Canoe: A Canadian Cultural Icon.  

Go on an authentic natural adventure at Scenic Caves and experience the view from their 420' suspension bridge or get rockin' at the gemstone mine.

Get Active

Get your adrenaline pumping this Earth Day by going on an extreme adventure high up in the canopy of the forest at Tree Top Trekking. Feel the rush as you fly like a bird on zip lines or balance like a squirrel from hammock nets, cable traverses, logs and wooden bridges.

Go hard or go home at Hardwood Ski & Bike, one of the best places north of Toronto for you to get your bike on this Earth Day.  Opening Saturday April 23rd, the trails will be waiting for you.

Art from Nature or Upcycled Items

Make your own art using what nature provides or what would normally get thrown out. Your imagination is the limit to what you can create! Or get inspired by a visit to the MacLaren Art Centre or get the whole family involved by taking part in a Family Art Workshop, held every Sunday.

Relax and Soak It In

Nothing says thank-you like a little bit of appreciation.  Take the day or weekend to appreciate the birds, the bees, the plants and the trees by surrounding yourself in the best of nature north of Toronto.  Whether on the lake, trails or hanging a line dockside there are plenty of places north of Toronto to celebrate Earth Day. Check out more Nature Adventures.

Earth Day is April 22.  For more Earth Day ideas visit earthday.ca

February Events & Other Winter Happenings 'North' of Toronto

Winter is a breeze with activities and events that range from quiet fire side book reading to skiing down a mountain and being active.

Areas north of Toronto are full of snow, sunshine and starry nights perfect for day trips and getaways north of Toronto. So many Winter Carnivals, special shows and events are taking place, there's something for everyone. 

With a special February holidays like Family Day and Valentine's Day, it's time to celebrate and have some fun.

You can find Family Day Weekend Specific Events & Activities on our website. 

You can find Valentine's Day Getaways and Specials on our website.

The list below are special events and other activities by area, perfect for checking out and making it easy to love winter. Links to getaway and vacation offers north of Toronto can be found at the bottom of this blog.

FEBRUARY 2015

ONTARIO

Farmers's Markets
Enjoy farmers and artisans markets all year long!
Click to here to find a great winter market.

Family Licence Free Fishing
Ontario Family Fishing Events is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version outdoors card. Click here for ice-fishing getaways. 

ALGONQUIN HIGHLANDS

Wild In Winter
February 7
Take a walk on the wild side! Explore the ecology of winter, look for wildlife and their signs and gain insights into how they cope with cold temperatures and deep snow.

Click here for more information.

Surviving Winter
February 22
Learn some strategies and techniques for coping with cold and snow should you find yourself lost.

Click here for more information.

COLLINGWOOD | BLUE MOUNTAINS

Saturday Night Guided Snowshoe Hikes
Scenic Caves
Strap on your snowshoes for a night-time hike, where stars and shadows create a dramatic setting for adventure.
Click here for more information.

Friday Night Light It Up Rail Jam
Blue Mountain Village
Friday Night Light It Up! Series is Blue Mountain’s own NEW grassroots RAILJAM series for skiers and snowboarders!

Click here for more information.

Volcom Stone Peanut Butter & Rail Jam
Blue Mountain Village
Volcom Stone’s Peanut Butter and Rail Jam is Ontario’s largest rail jam and a staple event on the Ontario snowboard scene. 

Click here for more information.

HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS

Horsedrawn Sleigh Rides
Algonquin Highlands Trails
Free Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides at 1251 Essonville Line
Click here for more information.

Ladies' Day
Sir Sam's Ski & Bike
A great day of skiing, racing, indoor games. Cost $125.00/person includes: lift ticket , rentals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prizes awarded at 7:00pm. Please book in advance.
Click here for more information.

Area Tourism Information: Haliburton Highlands

Area Tourism Information: Ontario's Highlands

MAGNETAWAN

Drag at the Mag
A 2-Day Amateur Snow Drag Racing the weekend of February 28 to March 1, 2015. All amateurs racers welcome, kids included.

Click here for more information.

Area Tourism Information: Municipality of Magnetawan

MIDLAND

Film Series
Huronia Museum
Huronia Museum Film Series brings festival calibre films to Midland movie goers.
Click here for more information.

Live Music & Shows at the Midland Cultural Centre
Devin Cuddy, Wild T and the Spirit, Alex in Wonderland, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

Moonlight Snowshoe & Fondue
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Explore the Marsh under the full moon. Ski and snowshoe trails will be open late, with last admission at 7:30pm.
Click here for more information.

Area Tourism Information: Midland Tourism

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Classic Film Series
February 2, 3, 4
Enjoy a classic movie for $5 in a classic venue! All movies begin at 7:30 pm and are played at the Orillia Opera House.
Click here for more information.

Live Music & Shows at Casino Rama
Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Cheech & Chong, Frank Sinatra Jr., Foreigner
Click here for more information.

Area Tourism Information: Ontario's Lake Country

This are just some of the events happening - for a complete calendar list visit, 

http://400eleven.com/events.html

Visit our website for fun and specific getaways offers, like...

DogSledding Getaways

Snowmobiling Getaways

Downhill Skiing Getaways

Cross Country Skiing Getaways

Snowshoeing Getaways

Ice Fishing Getaways

Culinary Getaways

Click for more Winter Getaways.

Click here for the Ski and Snowboard north of Toronto info page.
Find links to your favourite alpine and cross country hosts, including links to current conditions, ski schools, web cams and online ticket purchases.

Hope to see you 'north' of Toronto!

Events, Activities and Featured Getaways to Winter Wonderland North of Toronto December 12-19

Snow has arrived!

Activities Available: Downhill Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing

Click here for
 Friday December 12 - Ski and Snow Report

The following resorts and operator are open for business! We recommend you check directly for conditions - as they can change daily.

Blue Mountain Resort  
Hardwood Ski and Bike
Horseshoe Resort    
Scenic Caves Nordic Centre
Sir Sam's Ski & Bike   
Snow Valley Resort

**SKI GETAWAYS**

Alpine Ski Getaways             Cross Country Ski Getaways

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Featured Last Minute Getaways

~Editor's Picks~

Romantic Getaway

Cranberry Golf Resort (Collingwood) - Toast an anniversary, spoil that special someone or celebrate just being together with a romance package that's sure to turn up the heat!

Package includes:

Two nights hotel accommodation
$100 Dining voucher per couple
Two Le Scandinave passes
Wine and chocolate covered strawberries delievered to your room
Breakfast each morning
Cranberry Activity Dollars

Rate: $299
Price per room; subject to availability; based on double occupancy; applicable taxes and gratuities not included.

Click: More Romantic Getaways

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Spa Getaway

Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn (Orillia) - Spa package includes:

One Night Accommodation in a Traditional Room (Upgraded Suite if Available). Dinner in the Grape & Olive Wine & Martini Bistro and a $75.00 Voucher for the Caravan Inn & Spa.

Package Starting at $169.50 per person per night.
Price per room; subject to availability; based on double occupancy; applicable taxes and gratuities not included.

Click: More Spa Getaways

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Family Getaway

Sunbeam Bungalows (Callander) - Sunbeam Bungalows Family & Fishing Resort is conveniently located amongst the snow covered pines, on the shores of Callander Bay, Lake Nipissing. The beauty of the frozen lake, the clean white snow and clear blue skies, and the bracing fresh air are what make this a superb place to experience a Northern Ontario winter break. Planning your winter getaway is easy– just call us toll free at 1-877-298-9998 and ask about winter rates and features.

Click: More Family Getaways

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Winter Getaway

Sunnylea Resort - Come and enjoy a cozy lakeside cottage with gas fireplace and skate on the rink on the lake (if available), ice fish, go skiing or snowmobiling from your doorstep. Nearby are cross-country and downhill skiing, dogsledding, horseback riding, snow tubing and Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre! Free WIFI - There are several spas in the area for that little treat while you are enjoying your time away. Our friendly staff are here to serve you and make you stay most memorable.

Click: More Winter Getaways

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Christmas Getaway

Blue Mountain Village (Blue Mountains) - Christmas Eve is a magical time at Blue. Enjoy Ontario largest pedestrian Village with free family Horse & Wagon rides from 1-3pm, shopping & dining at 40 unique locally owned shops plus 8pm fireworks over the Mill Pond area.

New Year's Eve fireworks blast off twice – once with an early family show at 9pm over the Mill Pond and later at midnight over Blue Mountain. In addition to the 40 Village shops & restaurants ringing in 2015, Blue Mountain Resort will host several New Year's Party including 19+ party and the Family party in the new Village Conference Centre. The Blue Mountain Village is located in the Town of the Blue Mountains, nestled between the charming communities of Collingwood and Thornbury, at the foot of Ontario's largest mountain resort, Blue Mountain. There is ALWAYS something to do at BLUE.

Click: More Christmas & New Year's Eve Getaways

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Activity Getaway

CARRIAGE RIDGE RESORT & CARRIAGE HILLS RESORT
(Barrie)

Stay for two nights at our resorts and experience a full-service, exciting, and family-oriented cross country ski facility offering the ultimate Nordic skiing experience in Ontario. Within a 10 minute drive you will enjoy over 40 km of meticulously groomed trails for every level of ability with 11 different loops ranging from 3 km to 22 km.

Enjoy our spacious 1-bedroom condo suite or choose from our studio or 2-bedroom suite. You will receive 2 adult & 2 children trail passes per stay at the best rates this season at Hardwood! You will also receive 20% off ski rentals at Hardwood Ski and Bike.

Book Online: www.CarriageRidgeResort.com or call: 866-729-7023

Click more Activity Getaways

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Featured Attraction

Santafest at Santa's Village (Bracebridge) - Come and Thank Santa "in-person" for a wonderful Christmas and have some family fun outside! Admission is $8 per person and children under 3 are free! You can buy tickets when you arrive for the event. Enjoy Santa's winter activities, all included in the price of admission.

Click More Attractions

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Featured Destination

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. 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.

Happy Travels from 400eleven.com! 

Click here for more events.

Romantic Ontario Getaways Resorts Inns Weekends Romantic Trips Ontario

Romantic Ontario Getaways Resorts Inns Weekends Romantic Trips Ontario:
Ontario romantic getaways often turn into life-long romances.  As we move to the winter season one can envision warm snuggling by a fireplace after a crisp sunset walk on frozen lakeside trails. Romantic getaways north of Toronto are enhanced with fine hospitality at inns, resorts, country inns, hotels, cottages and rustic cabins.

Check our November and early December featured romantic road trip getaways: Sand Lake Cottages & Inn - Kearney, Bourget Inn & Spa, The - Bourget, Millcroft Inn and Spa - Caledon, Okimot Lodge on Tomiko Lake - Crystal Falls, Pretty River Valley Country Inn-Collingwood.