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)

Combine your artist tour with one of the more than 25 road trip fall colour routes, north of Toronto

Fall Along the Highway 60 Corridor-Algonquin Park

Robin Tapley is reporting from the Algonquin area with changes being a bit slower this year, however there are a number of spots where fall colours are more prominent. Tapley reminds us that not all fall colours are bright and red, and the dark hues of an Algonquin Moose will always raise the hairs on the back of your neck. There are lots of berries usually in hues of reds this year. Tapley lives in the Dwight area near Huntsville and is the Naturalist at the new Red Leaves in north East Muskoka. See suggested Algonquin Fall Drives and Road Trips.

Fall Colour Route To Ansuka B & B

Ansaku B&B sits on 120acres of beautiful mature forest and rolling fields.
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

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

Fall National & International Events North of Toronto

Ontario Travel North of Toronto the week of Sept. 15, 2008. Three major events are taking place this week north, north-east & north-west 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 16^th to the 20^th... The focus is to highlight the many aspects of agriculture, rural life and down home hospitality. Experience Canada's largest outdoor agricultural exhibition.

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 Toronto.

More than 25 fall colour routes and road trips are suggested for your travel north in Ontario.

All of the events have family activities, educational information, and are reasonable in price for an affordable family fall outing. The fall colour displays are in most cases free unless you are paying for a park admissions fee.

Art and Decor and Ontario's Fall Colours

The practical and sensual side of fall colours is explored in this weekends Globe and Mail, "Lessons of the Fall" by Janice Lindsay (Page L8). It is interesting that the references to fall colours included paintings, such as the Pines of Georgian Bay by Author Lismer, a new carpet design based on the Thompson's Autumn Foliage, probably started in Algonquin Parkand A.Y. Jackson's Muskosh River. For fall colour lovers there is a reference to Para Paints, 2002 Group of Seven Colour Collection, and a colour collection from Pittsburgh Paints. Colour names of some of the paints such as Hardwood forest, Smoked Pumpkin, and Apple-A-Day give the all kinds of possibilities to the decorative quality of our living spaces. Just reading the article emerges one into many delicious colour phrases and feelings. Inspiration north of Toronto seems to be the norm. For those wanting to expand their fall colour road trips, check out the possibilities at Fall Colour Road Trips north of Toronto.

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.

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.

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.

Lake of Bays Fall Colours--Bondi Village Resort

Fall Leaf Colours are changing on Lake of Bays

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.

Ontario Fall Colours Starting to Show

A hint of fall in the sky in Algonquin Park where this photo was taken on September 1, the unofficial start to autumn in Ontario. Algonquin Park is known for spectacular fall colors and this season may prove one of the best ever. This has been one of the few summers without an extensive dry period and all of the leaves are lush with foliage. Dense green foliage will mean dense and intense fall foliage throughout the hardwood forests of Ontario. Lets keep this updated with your colour changes and fall colour messages throughout the autumn season. Pick your fall travel getaway now by visiting Ontario Fall Getaways north of Toronto.

Elmvale Water Festival

Beware of the Water Hunters

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,

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 Ontario. Downtown Midland hould be on every visitors and residents travel list. Midland hosts North America’s largest outdoor mural and was recently listed in the Ron Brown first edition of Top 100 Unusual Things to see in Ontario released September 17^th 2007, Boston Mills Press. Brown labels the murals as a "Giant Outdoor Art Gallery". The murals depicting a scene from the Jesuits meeting Huron aboriginals for the first time is the largest outdoor historic mural in North America. Ron Brown is a Canadian travel writer and broadcaster who is the author of several books on unusual features to see throughout Ontario. His latest titles include Downtown Ontario; Unusual Main Streets to Explore, and Top One Hundred Unusual Things to See in Ontario. Toronto-based Brown also regularly contributes to CBC Radio broadcasts.

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 St. Paul’s United Church. Sonja Rathke has been restoring all the murals located at the Town of Midland’s Harbour Master’s office at the bottom of King Street this summer. Please feel free to speak with them about their experiences.

Midland Ontario is 90 minutes north of the Greater Toronto Area, and 35 minutes North West of Barrie. Situated on the shores of Georgian Bay in historic Huronia, the Midland area is one of Ontario’s earliest developed settlements dating back to the early 1600’s and Samuel de Champlain.

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

Ontario Canada as a Prime Eco Tourism Destination

One of Ontario’s leading natural tourist attractions and environmental education facilities The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre was the host to a Ministry of Natural Resources announcement this past week. The Wye Marsh has developed winter snowshoeing and summer canoe Eco tours. The announcement concerned the awarding of more than ¼ of a million dollars from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund to 10 volunteer projects located north of Toronto. The recipients included a number of regions across Ontario from Georgian Bay to Haliburton and the Kawarthas. Each of the regions offer significant (Photo: Wye Marsh Docks and Canoes) outdoor recreational activities, many of which are dependent upon clean fresh water, and a healthy environment. In order to appreciate the environment and what an endangered species might look like, it ii imperative to have a sound education program. The MNR has taken a significant step forward in identification and support for our environment. A secondary but equally important aspect of this funding is economic, as it will indirectly support of the expanding Eco Tourism industry. See Eco Tourism Related Getaways and Nature Adventure Packages.

Farmers' Markets and Country Fairs

It is hard to imagine that the Summer-Fall Country Fair Season has started. This often coincides with harvests and traditional local community in the many towns and cities north of Toronto
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.

Ontario Travel Getaway Picks Of the Week

Ontario Resort Travel Destination Picks of the Week.

Accommodation of the Week West Nipissing Resort - Lavigne, Ontario West Nipissing Resort -We still have openings for July and August. Just 90 minutes north of cottage country. We have 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom cottages, Two: 4 bedroom, private, waterfront chalets as well as a 3 bedroom private cottage on a private lake. There are plenty of activities and a new inground, heated pool. Prices start at just $600/week. Lavigne, Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Algonquin Lakeside Inn - Dwight, Ontario Algonquin Lakeside Inn - situated on Oxtongue Lake, just 7 kms from the West Gate of the World Famous Algonquin Park. Providing its Guests with the friendly atmosphere of a small family owned Inn. Providing varied accommodations, mostly for couples. Cottages, waterfront rooms and anniversary/honeymoon suites with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and screened porches. For added convenience we have our own licensed dining room for Breakfast and Dinner. Visit our website for virtual tours. Dwight, Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Algonquin Woods - Emsdale, Ontario Algonquin Woods - 4 Star Resort on spectacular Stoney Lake in the heart of the Kawartha's. Enjoy 1 week family stays with FREE Supervised Children’s Program and use of all resort facilities. Accommodations from 1-4 bedrooms with full kitchens, private deck with BBQ and many with whirlpool bath & a/c. Use of heated pool, beach, hot tubs, bike/hike trails, etc Emsdale, Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Barry's Bay Golf Resort - Barry's Bay,Ontario Barry's Bay Golf Resort - Play and Stay Packages - All Inclusive Prices start from $180. Each of our rooms are beautifully appointed with queen size bed, comfortable seating area and a pull out loveseat that converts into a double bed, three piece bath, high speed satellite internet, satellite television, air conditioning, and personal heat . All of the rooms have a private deck and lakeview. Maximum 4 guest per room. Barry's Bay,Ontario, Infromation

Accommodation of the Week Bayview Wildwood Resort - Severn Bridge, Ontario Bayview Wildwood Resort - Take the time to enjoy an amazing summer vacation in Port Stanton! Whether it's watching your children water-ski for the first time, making sand castles on the shore, or just savouring special family time. Bayview Wildwood Resort is the perfect summer getaway for your family. Severn Bridge,Ontario, Infromation

Attractions of the Week Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd. - Haliburton, ON Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd The Outdoor Education Programs at Haliburton Forest are designed to fully engage participants in the Outdoor Experience. Our teaching philosophy is simple: people learn best by doing. In addition, taking the time to reflect on the experience is a very important component of the learning process. Haliburton, Ontario, Information Haliburton, Hotels On-Line

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. Timmins, Ontario, Information Timmins, Hotels On-Line

Attractions of the Week Muskoka Wildlife Centre - Severn Bridge, Ontario Muskoka Wildlife Centre, A 100 acre wildlife park, featuring exhibits of live animals including moose, wolves, eagles, bears and much more. Everyday, enjoy "Meet the Creature" presentations. Located 20 minutes north of Orillia, right on Highway 11 North. Severn Bridge, Ontario, Information

Beach of the Week Bruce Peninsula, Beach The Bruce Peninsula is an Ontario treasure and a one of a kind destination that every Ontario resident and tourist should experience. As your proceed further up the Bruce Peninsula, it will Narrow so driving to the Lake Huron side is a lot closer. We have selected the back roads from Owen Sound to Tobermory as a first stage trip of the Northern Bruce Peninsula. If you have the time you can start with our shorter day trip from Owen Sound around the back roads to Wiarton of the South Bruce Peninsula road trip.

Ontario Travel North Supports Tourism Week--Win Gas Voucher

Win a Road Safety Kit and $25. 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

Ontario Travel to Spring Getaways, Country Dining, Wildlife Viewing, Road Trips,

KA…..BLOOM WITH SPRING COLOURS

North of Toronto, Ontario…………….Spring, 2008. Ontario's spring colours are blooming north of Toronto with shades of greens, yellows, reds and all the colours of the rainbow. A variety of more than 100 overnight spring getaway packages are available at resorts, and various accommodation properties which can be viewed at http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-spring.htm

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. See Algonquin Park area

Dining-Day or Overnight Trips

Consider a romantic trip or country drive to one of Ontario’s dining experiences in quiet spring romantic atmosphere such as the Millcroft Inn overlooking the falls. See Dining locations north of Toronto

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 Ontario’s seasonal historical, cultural and natural attractions are opening for the season over the next month. As an example Sainte-Marie among the Hurons re-opens on April 28, and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Collingwood will be opening on the first May weekend.

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 Algonquin Park area and deer throughout Ontario. A walk in the woods to see the masses of Ontario’s flower the Trillium blooming is a must for every visitor to Ontario. 400Eleven has assembled nine suggested spring travel routes with directions and places to stay and visit along the route. http://www.400eleven.com/colour-report-spring.html.

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 Toronto, contact us with your questions. We will do our best to get back to you within the day. http://www.400eleven.com/contact.html.

Ontario Summer Travel to Lake Simcoe Tourist Destination

Lake Simcoe is one of the closest resort destinations north of Toronto. Lake Simcoe is considered to be the fourth largest lake in the province and one of the worlds largest fresh water lakes that freezes completely in the winter. Lake Simcoe has been designated by many as a perfect summer destination of Ontario. Barrie and Orillia are the two major cities on Lake Simcoe. The regions of York, and Durham all provide access to Lake Simcoe.