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

A weekend for 'foodies' in Midland Ontario

A Weekend for foodies in Midland Ontario 

Consider a “foodie weekend” trip north of Toronto to experience the hospitality of Midland Ontario on the shores of Georgian Bay.  Two events are highlighted including Books2Eat at the Midland Public Library and the Sweetwater Festival (celebrating maple syrup) at the Wye Marsh.  Midland Ontario is easily accessible via Highway 400 to Highway 93 or Highway 12 north of Barrie.

"Books2Eat" Festival April 7

Foodies can play with food and eat it too!  After a very successful first year, the Books2Eat event is an event where local chefs create scrumptious treats inspired by their favourite books, is taking place at the Midland Public Library on April 7.  Attendees vote for their favourite dish and enjoy eating the rest. There will be lots of food, music and entertainment. This is a great way to fuel your family's love for books, fresh food and fun! This event is international in its origin and is celebrating the April 1st birthday of French gastronome Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), famous for his book Physiologie du goût, a witty meditation on food. Celebrate food and eat your words as the "books" are consumed on the day of the event.  Books2Eat International is also celebrated in many North American communities during April.

Sweetwater Harvest Festival April 6-April 7

Sweetwater Harvest Festival 2013 includes an all day pancake breakfast with fresh maple syrup. Old and modern maple syrup harvesting and production will be demonstrated. Enjoy the wildlife of the Marsh along with animal demonstrations. Horse drawn wagon rides and live folk music highlight the festival. Also the Trumpeter Swans will be searching for mates and territory with lots of ’spring honking'. 

Foodies will get their maple syrup fix at the Sweetwater Festival.

Midland Area Accommodation

Suggested accommodation in Midland and area Best Western Plus Highland Inn& Conference Centre, Comfort Inn, Little Lake Inn Bed & Breakfast, Midland Inn & Suites or stay in nearby Wyebridge at Sugar Ridge Retreat or Port Severn Ontario at  Christie's Mill Inn & Spa, Muskey's Landing, Rawley Resort & Marina Inc

More links for Midland and Ontario information

Shop Midland Ontario

Downtown Midland BIA

411OntarioKids

Ontario Summer Vacations and Weekend Getaways

SUMMER HOLIDAYS: VACATION GETAWAYS NORTH OF TORONTO

The summer vacation featured resorts and resort destination accommodation changes each week. We offer our visitors a range of experiences and package getaways for all budgets and tastes in hotels, luxury resorts, country inns, cottages & cabins and B&B's when vacationing in Ontario north of the Toronto GTA. If visitors have any questions regarding a vacation north of Toronto, please contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours. See Contact Us

   

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Romantic Ontario Getaway Pick

Barry's Bay Cottage Resort - Barry's Bay, Ontario

Barry's Bay Cottage Resort - Looking for that romantic getaway where the first thing you see every morning is the gorgeous lake view? Where the only sounds you hear are the rustling trees, the singing birds and chirping chipmunks? Where the biggest decision of the day is shall I go for a paddle down the lake or read another chapter in my book? Then look no further.

Couples Romantic Getaways north of Toronto 

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Spa in Ontario Pick

Buttermilk Falls Resort - Algonquin Highlands, Ontario

Buttermilk Falls Resort- Spa Packages: 2 nights accommodation in our 2 & 3 bedroom log cabins and pine cottages. Dinner at “That Place in Carnarvon”, spa pedicure at the “Wind in the Willows II” in Minden. Starting at $199/person, taxes extra. Ladies add golf to your stay.

Spa Getaways north of Toronto

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Family Vacation Getaway Pick

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - North Bay, Ontario

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites North Bay - FAMILY GETAWAY PACKAGE Live the Suite Life while staying at North Bay's newest and fully non smoking hotel. Rate includes overnight accommodation in a Suite, one in-room movie, access to our indoor pool and fitness room, free HOT breakfast barRate is based on availability at the time of booking. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

Family Getaways in resort destinations

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Ontario Resorts Pick

Deerhurst Resort - Huntsville, Ontario

Deerhurst Resort - For many, Deerhurst Resort is the epitome of a classic lakeside Muskoka resort. Proud host of the 2010 G8 Summit, Deerhurst Resort boasts a wide variety of accommodations suitable for all budgets, families, and group events. Known for its scenic sights and views, the resort  has more leisure activities than any resort in Eastern Canada including: activities such as swimming, waterskiing, fishing, canoeing, tennis, hiking and horseback riding, in addition to an inflatable water park on the lake, paintball, off-road Hummer and Rock Buggy tours, golf on two courses plus new Treetop Trekking. An indoor sports complex with a rock climbing wall and amusement games room, Shizen Spa, three exceptional restaurants and an acclaimed live stage show round out your vacation. But the fun doesn’t stop in the summer at Ontario’s favourite year round resort. When the snow flies, Deerhurst turns into a winter wonderland. Walk through the beautifully lit resort on a calm winter’s night, or get out and enjoy the winter activities like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling,  dogsled rides, and snow tubing. Visit Deerhurst Resort year round and experience Muskoka at its finest.

July Getaways north in Ontario

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Ontario Golf Getaway Weekend Pick

Georgian Summer Suites - Barrie, Ontario

Georgian Summer Suites - 2012 Barrie's Affordable Golf Packages & Summer Accommodation Open May 3- August 25, 2012. Each golfer gets their OWN bedroom! 18 holes (cart extra).Georgian Stay & Play Starting at $ 65 per person! Tee up your next Golf Getaway at Georgian. Each of the following packages will include 18 holes per round: One night & one round- $ 65. One night & two rounds- $ 95. Two nights & two rounds- $ 130. Two nights & three rounds- $ 160

Golf Getaways north of Toronto

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Summer Family Vacation in Ontario Pick

Bondi Village Cottage Resort - Dwight, Ontario

Bondi Village Cottage Resort - All our cottages come with a well equipped kitchen, canoe, BBQ and our legendary beach front area. Our weekly beachfront cookout, star searches, wolf howls and island swim are traditions not to be missed! Additionally, in August our garden produces things like fresh corn!  If you can't make the summer, consider fall... uncrowded and surrounded by some of the best golf courses and hiking in the world. THIS is the best time to just relax!
    

Summer Getaways north ofToronto

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Attractions Ontario Pick

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre- Midland, Ontario

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre - Wye Marsh offers the opportunity to discover the secrets of a wetland with the assistance of our dynamic naturalist staff. Look for life in thewater during a guided canoe adventure or dip net from accessible boardwalks. You can enjoy the grace of the magnificent Trumpeter Swans, North America's largest waterfowl. Feed chickadees from your hand, spot wetland and woodland birds along easy-access trails and tour the interactive display hall (all handicapped accessible). There is always something fun and interactive to do in every season; maple syrup harvest in spring, family programs all summer and many special events such as Wye Marsh Rhythms Festival in September. In winter the Marsh offers cross-country skiing on more than 22 km of beautiful groomed and track-set trails. Join us for a snow shoeing trek on 10KM of picturesque hiking trails.

Ontario Attractions north of Toronto

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Ontario Tourism Destination of the Week

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.

Ontario Resort Destinations north of Toronto

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Ontario Cottage Resort Pick

Clevelands House - Minett, Ontario

Clevelands House Resort - Since 1869!The perfect location for every member of your family… especially parents. Here’s Why…You could have breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a family every day and never cook a thing. Our extensive children’s program and day camp is free to all Clevelands House families. We have an entire team of babysitters available to help you find some quiet time in the evening while still enjoying a family summer vacation. You could learn to water-ski or try our on-lake waterpark with the kids. You could play with the kids in the morning and follow it up with a round of golf at the Nick Faldo designed course “The Rock” that afternoon.  Every fitness class including Yoga, Pilates, and Aquafit is yours to enjoy free of charge. You could play in a Bocce ball tournament one day, a tennis round robin the next, and still find time for our family scavenger hunt and fun night all within the first two days of staying with us.

Ontario Cottage Resorts north of Toronto

Ontario Vacation :Look ahead for Ontario Summer Attractions

Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve -Summer Camp

Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve
Wolf Centre Our wolves roam freely in a 15 acre enclosure. The Wolf Centre contains numerous exhibits, a small cinema/classroom, a retail area featuring a wide selection of wolf related books, tapes and graphics as well as a large indoor observatory overlooking the feeding area within the wolf compound.  Activities at the Forest:  Mountain Biking Adventures, Fishing, Camping, Canopy Tour, Astronomy
Events:  Birdathon May 20, 2012; Forest Festival August 15-19, 2012;

Summer Camp Line UP & Registration  
See Haliburton area Inns & Hotels

Sir Sam's Ski  & Bike, Haliburton
The Mountain Bike Park opens May 19th for Victoria Day Weekend.   A/O will have Demo Bikes & Clothing and Accessories all on Sale! Free Draws & Great Riding.   New Specialized Bike Rental Fleet.  Fantastic XC & Downhill Mountain Biking Trails.  Lift  access for the Downhill Trails. 
See Haliburton area Inns &Hotels

Muskoka Wildlife Centre

Muskoka Wildlife Centre, Severn Bridge
Take a walk through the forest and explore our trails which feature the largest collection of native wildlife in the province.  Our exhibits of live animals include moose, wolves, eagles, bears, beavers, lynx, owls, wolverines, falcons, various reptiles and amphibians and much more.  Enjoy daily park programming like our "Meet the Creature" sessions and our "Beast Feasts". Located 20 minutes north of Orillia or 10 minutes south of Gravenhurst, right on Highway 11 North.  OPEN DAILY May Long Weekend to October Long Weekend Daily 10am-6 pm  

See Severn Bridge area Inns & Hotels

Hardwood Ski & Bike, Oro Station

Located only 7 minutes from Carriage Ridge Resort, Hardwood Ski & Bike offers over 80km of mountain bike trails rates as "Fun", "Gnarly", "Serious", "Radical","Crank'd", "Sprokids" and a double track trail "Nice n Easy", a favourite for all ages.   Disc Golf   Hardwood will be expanding their course to 18 holes and will be ready to play in the early spring. Come on out and play this great game on this, fun and challenging course.
See Oro Station & Barrie area Inns & Hotels

Scenic Caves -Treetop Canopy

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is now open 7 days per week, Collingwood
The Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is now open 7 days per week, operating from 9am to 5pm  selling the last park admission ticket (caves/suspension bridge) two hours prior to closing. Park admission packages include all Caves Activities - Caves, Crevasse, Nature Trails, Suspension Bridge, Children's Adventure Playground, Trout Pond - Feed the Fish, Gemstone Mining and the Mini-Golf Course. Eco Adventure Tour -Treetop canopy, zip line, suspension bridge & cave tour. First tour begins in May.  NEW Thunderbird Twin Zip Line coming this summer. 
See Collingwood area Inns & Hotels

The King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishenes starts their Theatre Season
With customized Drayton Entertainment getaway packages you can create a truly unforgettable theatre experience.
King's Wharf Theatre Schedule:   2012 Season  Annie May 29 - June 23, Murder at Fern Resort   June 27- July 14,  Harvey  July 18 - August 4, Blue Suede Shoes:  Memories of the King  Aug 8- Sept 1. Call our Box Office and we'll coordinate all the details: 1-855-drayton (372-9866). 
See Midland area Inns & Hotels

Santa's Village

Santa's Village Family Entertainment Centre, Bracebridge
Santa's Village is a must visit family attractions in cottage country.  Enjoy a family day trip or as part of a weekend getaway in Muskoka. Discover 3 exciting parks and one great campground which was  voted the "best in Muskoka". More on Bracebridge and travel information on  Muskoka, Ontario. 

MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie
Summer Camp Registration Begins
Register now for MacLaren Summer Art Camps where participants, 3 to 14 years of age, will be engaged by art activities that inspire and challenge. Weeklong camps, full-and half day, are offered. New this summer: Plein-Air Painting for adults at various downtown Barrie locations and Fibre Arts Workshop for Youth ! For dates, registration fees and to enroll online please click here 
See Barrie area Inns & Hotels

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Midland

Summer Camps

During our Summer Day Camps your child will have the opportunity to learn about reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey through interactive live demonstrations; explore over 25km of wilderness trails; voyage our marsh channels by canoe and kayak; plus much, much more!
Summer Camp Outline 2012 click here   
See Midland area Inns & Hotels

Featured Getaways for Spring, Easter and Summer Vacations

Romantic Getaway of the Week

Colonial Bay Cottages - Huntsville, Ontario

Colonial Bay Cottages - Canada Select Inspected. Four season cottage resort, 2.5 hours north of Toronto on Peninsula Lake in Muskoka. Fifteen private and studio room equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, queen and double sized beds, televisions, fireplaces, B.B.Q's, decks and air conditioning. Summer activities; sandy shallow swim area, water-skiing, tubing, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, peddle boats, campfires.

Couples Romantic Getaways north of Toronto 

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Spa Getaway of the Week

Ste. Anne's Country Inn Spa - Grafton, Ontario

Ste. Anne's Country Inn Spa - Renewal Day Spa From $149 per person, for the whole day. Enjoy a relaxing day in the country at Canada's Favourite Spa - not only will you receive $100 towards the spa treatment(s) of your choosing, the rest of your day will be preoccupied with calming your mind and body. Linger over a delicious 3-course lunch and choose from a variety of group wellness classes including yoga, meditation, hiking, walking and stretch class. Your day doesn't have to end after lunch either; take advantage of our steam rooms, walking trails and more, which are all available to you. Don't forget to save room for afternoon tea! Reserve your Renewal Day Spa soon, as there are only 10 available each day on a first-come first-served basis.

Spa Getaways north of Toronto

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Family Getaway of the Week

Algonquin Bound Inn - Dwight, Ontario

Algonquin Bound Inn - Found minutes from Algonquin Provincial Park's West Gate and Huntsville Ontario, we provide clean, comfortable, lakeview rooms and suites from which to base your Algonquin Park adventure from. Our affordable rates, friendly service and modern conveniences allow you to explore the park by day and enjoy a warm bed at night.

Family Getaways in resort destinations

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Seasonal March Getaway of the Week

Blue Mountain – Collingwood Vacation Rentals for all Seasons - Blue Mountains, Ontario

Blue Mountain – Collingwood Vacation Rentals for all Seasons- Unload your car, throw away your keys and enjoy your family/group getaway staying at one of our Blue Mountain – Collingwood vacation rentals perfect for any time of the year!  Both feature fully equipped kitchens with major and small appliances. Bedrooms are spacious. Both condominiums feature a great entertaining space with panoramic views of Blue Mountain and a fireplace that adds ambiance. Both have convenient walking access to skiing, swimming, shopping, entertainment, dining,

March Getaways north in Ontario

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Weekend Sports Getaway of the Week

Best Western North Bay Hotel and Conference Centre - North Bay, Ontario

Best Western North Bay Hotel and Conference Centre - Enjoy a beautiful and challenging 18 holes when you check into our Golf Package.  Partnered with North Bay’s finest championship course, Osprey Links, you are sure to find your stay up to “par” with your deluxe accommodations, dinner and breakfast and a relaxing swim in our indoor pool along with whirlpool and sauna.

Spring Getaways north of Toronto

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Summer Vacation of the Week

Bevaline Cottages & Camping - Barry’s Bay, Ontario

Bevaline Cottages & Camping - Bevaline Cottages and Camping on Trout Lake, located ½ hour from Algonquin Park, offers housekeeping cottages and a quiet, carefree, relaxing, and affordable holiday place for you!  We have the ideal spot for young families with small children, and the not so young, too. Our modern 1, 2 and 3 housekeeping cottages and cabins are nestled in the spruce and pines along the lakeshore and are spaciously set apart for your privacy.

Summer Getaways north of Toronto

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Ontario Attraction Getaway of the Week

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre - Midland, Ontario

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre - SWEETWATER HARVEST The Annual Sweetwater Harvest Festival happens Saturday and Sunday, with all day activities happening throughout the Marsh. Come out and see how maple syrup is made, roast some bannock on the fire or enjoy our delicious pancake breakfast! Think you can tell the difference between real and fake maple syrup? We will put you to the test! This event sure is SWEET! (*pancake breakfast is an additional $5.00) Dates: March 24th & 25th, 2012. Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm (Saturday and Sunday) Cost: $5.00 per person (Children under 5 are free)

Ontario Attractions north of Toronto

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Ontario Resort Destination of the Week

Township of Algonquin Highlands Trails Department (http://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/)
The Haliburton Highlands Water Trails (HHWT) consists of approximately 28,000 + hectares of provincial and municipal public lands comprised of countless lakes, rivers, trails and continuous forest. Specifically, the HHWT manages two areas for interior camping known as the Frost Centre and the Poker Lakes as well at 38 km of hiking trails. These areas serve as year round destinations for thousands of canoeists, campers, hikers, day trippers, fisherman, hunters, cottagers snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers providing significant backcountry recreational and conservation values.

Ontario Resort Destinations north of Toronto

Ontario Travel to the Wild Side at Wye Marsh Midland

Midland, Ontario-Tay Township – Wye Marsh is pleased to kick-off our new twelve-month Wye Nature Workshop series with the Wildflower Gardening Workshop hosted by the Wildflower Gardeners. Together with the volunteer gardeners, we are offering a unique workshop on Saturday, May 2, 2009. Come for a spectacular wildflower garden slideshow and learn from the ladies as they share general instructions for constructing or enhancing your own garden. In addition, you will plant your very own wildflower seed to take home, partake in a guided walk through the Wye Marsh’s garden and we’ll conclude the workshop with a special wildflower tea party.

Photo: Marsh Marigolds at Wye Marsh.

Collectively, this group of volunteers has over 500 years experience in wildflower gardening. We look forward to sharing this wealth of knowledge with you, as you’re sure to be inspired and will want to cultivate your own wildflower garden at home. Oh, and this would make an excellent early Mother’s Day gift! Pre-registration required. Phone: 705-(705) 526-7809

Ontario Spring Summer Travel News, Activities, Getaways

Wye Marsh March Fun Continues Midland, Tay Township Ontario Canada………..March 19, 2009 – Wye Marsh offers fun, affordable and enjoyable activities for everyone during March. The Sweetwater Maple Syrup Harvest Festival takes place............

Algonquin Park Lakeside Inn Offers New Wildlife Experience and Birding Packages Press release from: Algonquin Lakeside Inn - Dwight, Ontario – For over a century, Algonquin Provincial Park, located approximately two and a half hours north of Toronto, has been a favourite destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, as well as artists and photographers. It is a protected wilderness sanctuary of majestic forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands.

Maple Syrup report March 17, 2009- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. Weather forecasts for the upcoming week suggest good sap flow may occur early in the week and again by the coming weekend. Maple producers can check for new sap flow each day where temperatures warm to around plus 5 C degrees C higher, following freezing nights. Where new sap flow is forecast, try to process previously collected sap from storage tanks as soon as possible to ensure storage for additional sap is available. Maple producers can be caught off guard for sap storage where large sap flow events occur. See maple syrup fesitvals and related maple activities. See the entire report from the Ministry of Agriculture at http://apps.omafra.gov.on.ca/scripts/english/crops/agriphone/article.asp?ID=1644

Muskoka Inn Features “Fawlty Towers “Getaway Package Port Severn, Muskoka Ontario.................March, 2009. Aficionados of the popular British comedy series Fawlty Towers will be in their element during the “Very Fawlty Dinner” event March 28 at The Inn at Christie’s Mill. Visitors can select from the dinner only package, or stay overnight and enjoy the fun filled evening. Overnight packages start at $309 per couple per night and include your room, a 5 course meal for 2, breakfast for 2 and of course the crazy evening.

The Norsemen Restaurant WINE TASTING DINNER Saturday May 2, 2009 20% off Cottage Rates for people participating in the Wine Tasting Dinner. Internationally renowned Sommelier Alan Marginean and Chef Harvey Cross have teamed up to develop a spectacular five course dinner paired with wines selected from around the world to deliver the perfect food/wine match.

Couples Weekend Retreat April 17-19, 2009 The Briars Resort & Spa is again offering a unique “Experience” weekend this April 17-19, 2009. This Retreat is focused on Couples who want to get away and re-connect with each other, enjoy great meals, slow down life’s pace and have a little fun. The Briars is located only one hour from Toronto on beautiful Lake Simcoe.

Trumpeter Swans on Kempenfelt Bay Lake Simcoe

During the snowy week of December 8th about a dozen Trumpeters showed up to feed on Kempenfelt Bay Lake Simcoe, along the Barrie Waterfront.

Most likely they arrived from the Wye Marsh in Midland.