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.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Fall Colour photos 2008 from Newmarket area.
Thanksgiving weekend 2008-Kempenfelt Bay
where the weather is in the mid 20's, the sun is shining and the leaves are close to peak
fall colour foliage along Kempenfelt Bay just north of Barrie Ontario. The colour season is going to be a bit longer with the higher temperatures, with little frost to date.
A trip for those close to Toronto could be a circle trip around Lake Simcoe to see the fall colours.
See additional fall road trips and colors and Ontario resort destination getaways
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Thanksgiving Weekend Hike with Naturalist Robin Tapley
Join Naturalist Robin Tapley at Red Leaves Resort this weekend on one of two guided nature walks this Saturday. The nature walks which depart from the Wallace Marina at 10 am and 1 pm allow participants an opportunity to discover the trails that meander through hardwood and coniferious forests. We'll explore the boardwalk which winds its way through cotton grass, pitcher plants and sphagum moss while watching for fall migrants search for food during their southern migration. From the Observation Deck we'll be rewarded with a birds eye view of one of Ontario's magnificent wetlands surrounded in a cavalacade of fall colours. For information or to make a reservation please call the Red Leaves Discovery Centre at 1 705 765 8799.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Fall Colours over Kempenfelt Bay-Lake Simcoe
Additonal Ontario fall travel ideas can be found, at fall colour drives and fall getaways north of Toronto
Monday, September 29, 2008
Algonquin Hardwood Trail
Algonquin Park. One of the ways to find out about the hardwood forest and the change of the fall colours is to hike up the short trail for a view over the
Smoke Lake Basin. For more Algonquin Fall drives or suggested tours please see http://www.400eleven.com/colour-report-algonquin-park.html
Haliburton Village-Head Lake Sept. 28-08
to haliburton Village. SEE Fall Colour (color) Drives north of Toronto
http://www.400eleven.com/colour-report.html#haliburton
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ontario Studio Artist Tours, Art Galleries, Fall Colour Road Trips
Fall in Ontario would not be complete without a visit to one of the many artists participating in the many Fall Studio Art Tours north of Toronto. Many of the artist tours are within close proximity to Toronto, however there are many exceptional artists and tours further north. Here is a sample list of the many tours. One of the long sustaining fall art tours takes place on Thanksgiving weekend-The Studio Images Tour in Simcoe County celebrates 25 years of artistic spirit, this year's tour features over 40 artists at 24 unique stops.
Studio Tours for This Weekend on Sat and Sunday September 27, 28.
- Deer Trail Studio Tour, Elliot Lake region
- Bancroft and Area Autumn Studio Tour
- Purple Hills Fall Studio Tour (Creemore region south of Collingwood)
- The 22nd Annual Elora, Fergus Studio Tour
- 20th Annual Hills of Erin Studio Tour (Erin and Hillsburgh area)
- Merrickville Artists Guild Studio Tour
- 4th Temiskaming Studio Tour, New Liskeard area
- Norfolk Studio Tour (Norfolk Country area including the community of Simcoe)
- 24th Annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour
- North of 89 Studio Tour (Shelburne area)
- Sudbury Arts Tour
- Apples and Art Studio Tour (Cornwall area)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Fall Along the Highway 60 Corridor-Algonquin Park
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fall Colour Route To Ansuka B & B
The Bruce Trail runs
adjacent to our property. Come and enjoyhiking,canoeing,fishing,skiing,golfing,and water sports.Read a book on the
porch or relax in our sauna,hot tub or swimming pond. We offer a lot of privacy.
Each guest suite and one self contained apartment features an en-suite bathroom
and a separate guest entrance.We are located between Felsherton and Thornbury,
just 5-10 min.from the Ski hills.Collingwood and Blue Mountain are just 30min. away.
The colour route from Collingwood is:
Hwy 26west towards Thornbury turn left onto Grey 40 then turn left
onto grey 13 (Beaver Valley road) turn right onto Grey 4 , turn right
onto east back line (Hoggs Falls) turn right onto Grey 32 stay
straight on 7th line. turn right onto sideroad 13, turn left onto grey
7 all the way to Meaford turn right onto hwy 26 back to Collingwood.
Fall Colours from the Beaver Valley
There are two great ways to enjoy the fall colours in Beaver Valley. If you enjoy hiking one of the best places to see the fall colours is on top of Old Baldy, part of the Bruce Trail. Driving or cycling along the back roads of Beaver Valley is also a great way to see the coloured leaves. Come enjoy fall at Cedars Cottage Resort. Cedars Cottage Resort 1-800-747-7014
Carolyn Lilleyman
Cedars Cottage Resort
www.cedarsresort.com
Monday, September 15, 2008
Muskoka Cavalcade of Colours
Muskoka Fall Colour (Color) Road Trips
Muskoka Ontario is renowned for the 'Cavalcade of Fall Colours' and the many fall touring routes available between charming towns and villages from Gravenhurst in the South to Huntsville and Lake of Bays to the north and East. Bala and Port Carling to the West. A variety of accommodation awaits including historic lodges, country inns, golf resorts, and waterfront cottages. Fall is the best time of year for a canoe or hike or a quick trip over to the Algonquin Park Area along the Highway 60 corridor. See Muskoka Fall Colour Road Trips
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Fall National & International Events North of Toronto
The 2008 Georgian College Auto Show on September 19, 20, 21, is showcasing technological advances in the automotive industry and their direct impact on the environment. The slogan for this year (Renew, unite, evolve) also has an environmental or “green” focus.
The second major event is the 2008 International Plowing Match in Teeswater , Bruce County Ontario September 16th to the 20th... The focus is to highlight the many aspects of agriculture, rural life and down home hospitality. Experience
The third main event is the change of the fall colours and views of the magnificent hardwood forests of Sugar maple, Striped Maple, Yellow birch, Beech, and Black Cherry trees north of
More than 25 fall colour routes and road trips are suggested for your travel north in
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Art and Decor and Ontario's Fall Colours
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Food Festivals, Farmers' Markets, Fall Fairs, Wine Tasting North of Toronto
Ontario Food Festivals, Fall Fairs, Culinary Events 2008
North of Toronto: September 2008: There are more than just the leaves showing their colours north of Toronto. A number of culinary events and harvest celebrations are taking place in many of the traditional resort destinations north of Toronto. Destinations holding food and wine festivals include Hillsburgh Bobcaygeon in the Kawartha Lakes area, Green Belt Cycling Tours of the Rouge Park Loop, and the Newmarket to Lake Simcoe Route. Serious foodies will be in their element as they can combine one of the culinary events with a fall colour road trip, or fall festival or country fairs.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Doors Open Barrie Features Harbour View Inn
One of Barrie Ontario's historic downtown buildings is being featured in Doors Open Ontario this fall on September 28. Built in 1885, this is a Gothic Revival building at the corner of Berczy and Dunlop Streets and offers a panoramic view of Lakes Simcoe's Kempenfelt Bay. See Harbour View Inn and book a room .
Additional Barrie area hotels and resorts . Book Barrie Hotels on-line.
Additional locations offering free admission include the Maclaren Art Centre, a building built as the Carnagie Library in 1917 has been transformed into a modern and contemporary art gallery while maintaining the classical structure of the original building. Free admission is also available at the Simcoe County Museum on highway 26 just outside of the downtown area.
More information on Doors Open Ontario.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Maple Leafs or Maple Leaves
At the beginning of each fall colour season we often receive requests to view the best Maple Leafs, when it should really be the Maple Leaves. The Maple Leafs are a sports team (Toronto Maple Leafs) and the leaves are blue in colour, where the maple leaves are various colours of reds, yellows, mauves, and oranges. An excellent discussion about the two spellings can be found at Maple Leaves Forever website.
Actually the major colour changes are a mix of the leaves from the trees found in the hardwood forest, the Sugar Maple, the Red Maple, Striped Maple, Black Cherry, Yellow Birch, and Beech.
One of Algonquin Parks more interesting trails and autumn views is simply called the Hardwood Lookout Trail, just off the Highway 60 corridor through the Park. We suggest a good understanding of the ecology of Hardwood Forest can be found in the guide at the beginning of the trail for a mere .50 cents, you can take one home with you.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Lake of Bays Fall Colours--Bondi Village Resort
Nancy Tapley sent two photos from Bondi Village Resort. Peak season view below from 2007.with just of hint of colour at right taken Sept1, 2008.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Ontario Fall Colours Starting to Show
Monday, August 18, 2008
Elmvale Water Festival
The message was loud and clear form Maude Barlow. "Beware of the water hunters" in reference to the next commodity to be exploited as the worlds fresh water diminishes. Source depletion is occurring in a number of ways, the Chicago diversion, where water is being sent into the Mississippi River, Aquifer depletion's where underground water feeds into the lakes, is now being taken by bottling companies. Combined with the reduced fresh water availability, there is pollution and contamination of water resources. Needless to say businesses who rely on fresh water as part of their recreation programs may be affected, not to mention water for drinking and other uses. For more information on water resources in the Elmvale area please view Elmvale Water Festival. Needless to say the streams, rivers, and ground water that flows into Georgian Bay can be reduced without adequate legislation to protect our water resources,
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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
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
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
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Ontario Canada as a Prime Eco Tourism Destination
Friday, July 25, 2008
Farmers' Markets and Country Fairs
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.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Ontario Travel Getaway Picks Of the Week
Ontario Resort Travel Destination Picks of the Week. |
Accommodation of the WeekWest Nipissing Resort - Lavigne, Ontario
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Accommodation of the WeekAlgonquin Lakeside Inn - Dwight, Ontario
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Accommodation of the WeekAlgonquin Woods - Emsdale, Ontario
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Accommodation of the WeekBarry's Bay Golf Resort - Barry's Bay,Ontario
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Accommodation of the WeekBayview Wildwood Resort - Severn Bridge, Ontario
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Attractions of the WeekHaliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd. - Haliburton, ON
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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.
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| Attractions of the Week Muskoka Wildlife Centre - Severn Bridge, Ontario
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Beach of the Week
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Monday, June 02, 2008
Ontario Travel North Supports Tourism Week--Win 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
Monday, April 28, 2008
Ontario Travel to Spring Getaways, Country Dining, Wildlife Viewing, Road Trips,
KA…..BLOOM WITH SPRING COLOURS
North of Toronto, Ontario…………….Spring, 2008.
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.
Dining-Day or Overnight Trips
Consider a romantic trip or country drive to one of
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
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
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
Monday, April 21, 2008
Ontario Summer Travel to Lake Simcoe Tourist Destination
Sunday, April 20, 2008
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.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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/
