Sunday, April 07, 2013

Ontario Spring Weekend Getaways & Maple Syrup Festivals

Ontario Weekend getaways to attractions and Spring Maple Syrup Festivals.


Need accommodation? Check the last-minute weekend getaways and day trips for April 2013.


Maple Syrup Festivals North of Toronto

Find a selection of Maple Syrup Festivals in rural Ontario resort destinations north in cottage country. Discover sugar bush tours with pancake barns and fresh maple syrup.

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Featured Maple Syrup Festival

Wye Marsh Sweet Water (Maple Syrup) Festival
Saturday and Sunday April 6, 7 2013 in Midland Ontario

Sweet Water Harvest 2013

Taste, smell, and learn all about traditional maple syrup. Enjoy the aromas of maple sap boiling and bannock cooking over an open wood fire as the sounds and smells drift through the Marsh’s maple sugar bush.
Activities include:
• All-day Pancake Breakfast (10:00 to 3:30)
• Sugar Shack Demos and maple taffy tasting
• Live music and vendors
• Bannock Roasting
• Maple kids zone: Face painting, crafts & pioneer toys
• Snake, Frog, and Turtle displays with a naturalist
• Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
• Chickadee Feeding
• Wye Marsh Woodcarvers exhibition
• Visit to the Birds of Prey in our new Bird Barn
• Observe the magnificent Trumpeter Swans
• Learn techniques for Cooking with maple syrup
• Nature Walks
Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm (Saturday and Sunday) Cost: $5.00 per person (Children under 5 are free)( *pancake breakfast is an additional $5.00)

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



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Featured Resort Destinations & Events


ALGONQUIN HIGHLANDS TRAILS

Algonquin Highlands Trails|
Where Adventure Awaits!

~ Haliburton Highlands Water Trails – Frost Centre and Poker Lakes
~ Back ountry Camping, Canoeing and Kayaking
~ 38kms of Hiking Trails, Hundreds of kms of ATV trails
~ Canoe rentals
~ Excellent fishing for Trout, Bass and Whitefish
~ Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower – Best view of Fall colors in the highlands!
~ Ontario’s only full size historic Log chute

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Minden, ON Haliburton, ON
More information on Algonquin Highlands Trails 

 


  
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BLUE MOUNTAIN / COLLINGWOOD

Blue Mountain Village
Blue Mountain Village

Celebrate Spring at Blue Mountain Village.  Throughout Ontario’s largest pedestrian Village you’ll find . five hotels, 40 shops cafes & restaurants, Plunge! Aquatic Centre, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Crock A Doodle Pottery and now open the NEW Woodlot Low Ropes course.




Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels  Blue Mountains/Collingwood, ON


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BARRIE


MacLaren Art Centre
April 5, 2013


Youth Spring Coffeehouse:  Marcie's Birthday Bash.   Celebrate by enjoying music and spoken word performances by local Simcoe County youth, while enjoying a great cup of coffee or hot chocolate. This is an all-ages event.  Proceeds from this event go towards MacLaren's ArtFuse Fund, an art class bursary programme.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels  Barrie, ON

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HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS DESTINATION



Sir Sam's Ski & Bike

Sir Sam's Ski & Bike-Haliburton
Sir Sam's Ski & Bike is now CLOSED for the ski season.  Mountain Biking Starts in May 2013.
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS: Purchase next year's Season Pass by April 30, 2013 to receive these FANTASTIC SAVINGS:
Save $300.00 off Family Season Pass

Save $150.00 off Individual Season Pass

Save $50.00 off Books of Eight Tickets

Email info@sirsams.com or call 705-754-2298 to take advantage of these HUGE DISCOUNTS!


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Maple Syrup Production in the Haliburton Highlands
Wintergreen Maple-Every Weekend in April .

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Haliburton, ON  Minden, ON
More information on the Haliburton Highlands Destination


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MIDLAND

Books2Eat
Midland Library
Local chefs and food artisans create spectacular, edible creations inspired by their favourite books. You vote which one is best, then eat the rest! The event is perfect for adults and kids and for those who love to read, eat and have some fun!

Annual Girls Night Out
April 4, 2013
The Rotary Club Of Midland Presents the 3rd Annual Girls Night Out! Manicures! Massage! Tarot Card Reading! Henna Tattoos! Hair Tinseling!  Complimentary hors d'oeuvres & TONS of prizes.



Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels  Midland, ON

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 ONTARIO'S HIGHLAND'S DESTINATION


Click here for events and more information on Ontario Highland’s Destination








 

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 ORO STATION

Hardwood Ski & Bike2013-14 Winter Super Early Bird Season Passes on Sale!

Winter Season Passes on Sale at Super Early Bird prices.  Now is the time to get your next year's pass for the lowest price.  Super Early Bird pricing ends April 30th. 
You can buy your pass online today. Buy your pass online now!

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OTTAWA AND OTTAWA VALLEY DESTINATION


Spring Cottage Life Show-International Centre-Mississauga-April 5-7, 2013.  Booth 411.   Pick up a travel guide, road map and other useful information about cottage rentals, things to do and places to see in the Ottawa Valley.  Whether looking for a waterfront cottage rental or something nestled amongst the tall pines,or investment property, the Ottawa Valley is your cottage destination.

Owling Night-Wilberforce Twp Park-April 6, 2013. 
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels near Ottawa, ON 
Ottawa Hotels on-line
More information on the Ottawa Valley Destination


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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Ontario Easter Weekend Getaways, Easter Egg Hunts, Maple Syrup Festivals, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing Events

Ontario Easter Weekend getaways to attractions, Maple Syrup Festivals and Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing Events with Easter Egg Hunts


Need accommodation? Check the last-minute weekend getaways and day trips for March 2013.


Easter Getaways and Delicious Easter Brunches



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Maple Syrup Festivals North of Toronto

Find a selection of Maple Syrup Festivals in rural Ontario resort destinations north in cottage country. Discover sugar bush tours with pancake barns and fresh maple syrup.

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Featured Resort Destination Events


ALGONQUIN HIGHLANDS TRAILS

FROST CENTRE SKI & SNOWSHOE TRAILS
~ $30/person+tx includes skis, boots, poles, snowshoes and trail passes for the day (A $53 value!).

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Minden, ON Haliburton, ON
More information on Algonquin Highlands Trails 

 


  
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BLUE MOUNTAIN / COLLINGWOOD

Blue Mountain Village
Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt in the Village! 
Kick off spring with a kids Easter egg hunt at Blue! FREE family fun includes live music, face painting & horse and carriage rides throughout Ontario’s largest pedestrian Village.




Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels  Blue Mountains/Collingwood, ON



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BARRIE

 

Snow Valley Resort
Snow Valley Resort

Snow Valley wraps up its 60th season on the Easter Weekend.  The Easter Bunny is coming to Snow Valley and the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt begins at 9:00 am on Easter Sunday morning.  On the Easter Weekend,Snow Valley’s lifts will be operating from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  All three days will be Passholder Bring a Friend Days where Snow Valley Passholders may bring a friend for only $20.00.



Horseshoe Resort
Horseshoe Resort
March 29-31, 2013

Snowcross National Championships. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

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HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS DESTINATION



Sir Sam's Ski & Bike

Sir Sam's Ski & Bike-Haliburton
Easter weekend: Hop on Your Skis or Boards for Easter Weekend: Superb Spring Skiing Conditions. Open Friday, March 29, Satuday, March 30 & Sunday, March 31. Closed Monday, April 1, 2013. There will be an ON-HILL EASTER EGG HUNT on Saturday. Who knows... the Easter Bunny may even make an appearance ?



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Yours Outdoors-Haliburton

Book ahead for  The Art and Syrup of Maple March 28 2013 (3 days)



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Haliburton Highlands

Made in Haliburton-Spring Exhibit-March 16-31, 2013.  The Art Hive.



Sugar Shack Shuffle-Lloyd Watson Centre.  March 30, 2013.  See how sap turns to syrup; gather a little information and experience the real sugar high that comes from caching in the Geo caching Capital of Canada.


Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Haliburton, ON  Minden, ON
More information on the Haliburton Highlands Destination


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MIDLAND

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Easter at the
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

Easter Spring Fling-March 30-31 10am-4pm
Enjoy a very hoppy Easter here at Wye Marsh! We have a variety of activities throughout the weekend.
  • Easter egg hunts
  • Kids zone crafts
  • Spring stride guided nature walks
  • Scavenger hunt with prizes
  • Chickadee Feeding
  • Live reptile and bird of prey demonstrations.


Bowling with the Easter Bunny
March 30
, 2013
Bayshore Lanes Midland
All lanes glow in the dark & every child receives an easter treat!
Activities: Face Painting * Photo with the Easter Bunny * Silent Auction *






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Ontario's Highlands Destination

 ONTARIO'S HIGHLAND'S DESTINATION


Click here for events and more information on Ontario Highland’s Destination

 

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OTTAWA AND OTTAWA VALLEY DESTINATION

Ottawa Valley Destination

Valleylicious -March 1-31, 2013.  Experience fare at Valley restaurants through fixed-price dinner menus.


Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels near Ottawa, ON 
Ottawa Hotels on-line
More information on the Ottawa Valley Destination


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Weekend Ski and Snowboard: Easter and end of season updates as of March 31

Ski and Snowboard Resort Snow Report 

From Ministry of Tourism Barrie March 31 

"Happy Easter!! The ski season is winding down with many resorts closing after operations today however Blue Mountain will continue to be open into April. Snow surfaces are machine groomed granular snow turning soft as the temperatures rise. Expect an overcast day in ski country with temperatures reaching around +10 degree Celsius.." Detailed Ski and Snowboard Report for March 31 2013

From Snow Valley 

The best Skiing in 60 years continues at Snow Valley!  
Easter Weekend Finale
Snow Valley wraps up its 60th season on the Easter Weekend.  According to John Ball, Snow Valley’s General Manager, “It’s been a fantastic season, over 100 days—culminating with one of our best ever March Breaks.  We still have excellent snow conditions, and we will be offering all our runs for skiing, snowboarding, and Snow Tubing on the Easter Weekend.”  The Easter Bunny is coming to Snow Valley and the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt begins at 0900 on Easter Sunday morning. On the Easter Weekend, Snow Valley’s lifts will be operating from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
All three days will be Passholder Bring a Friend Days where Snow Valley Passholders may bring a friend for only $20.00.


X-country ski at Hardwood Ski and Bike

Publisher's Note:  It is likely that ski and snowboard resorts will be operating right through until Easter Monday!  Book your Easter long weekend getaways

Featured 2013 Ski & Snowboard Resort Events

Blue Mountain Village-Events
Hardwood Ski and Bike- Calendar
Horseshoe Resort-Events
Snow Valley-Events
Sir Sam's Ski and Bike-Kids Ski Camps


More Ski Links For Ski Country

Ontario ski areasKids ski free program

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Spa ideas for "Moms" and 'Girlfriends Getaways"

The Art and Syrup of Maple

Spa foot treatment included


March 22, March 28 2013  (3 days)

Maple Package Details
Experience the world of the maple tree and its bounty with this “sweet” Three-day  adventure in the Haliburton Highlands.

Discover the art and science of producing maple syrup by participating in traditional and modern day maple syrup operations, exploring a sugar bush on snowshoes, dining on maple cuisine, visiting Moon Shadow Estate Winery to taste their signature maple wine. Indulging in a Maple Sugar spa foot treatment, and creating your own maple syrup pitcher and amber coloured glass art in a glassblowing workshop at Artech Studio.


Ontario Resort Spas, Inns, Lodges and Resort-Hotels


Ontario Spa packages for relaxing getaway vacations weekends, holidays or a stress free day-away.  Outdoor sports such as hiking, mountain biking,  x-country skiing, snow shoeing, canoeing & kayaking and golfing can be enjoyed followed by a relaxing massage. Additional locations for spa options are Full Service Spas On SiteDay Spa Getaways, and Wellness Getaways.


Find more Spa Resorts in Ontario 

  

Monday, March 11, 2013

Ontario Travel News Updates March 2013 North of Toronto GTA

Current March 2013 Tourism and Travel News 

 



There's No Place Like Ontario For March Break



Ministry of Natural Resources
From one-day arts activities and science discoveries to outdoor recreation and overnight camping, Ontario's attractions and parks have everything families need for a fun and affordable March Break.  There are hundreds of drop-in activities for the whole family and children's camps taking place during the week:
See complete news release,
or find March Break Overnight Packages

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Snowboard park for tykes

New Burton Riglet Park at Blue Mountain lets kids as young as 2 learn to snowboard. by Christopher Shulgan Toronto Star

Toddlers and pre-schoolers once considered too little — and too weak — to learn how to snowboard can now carve and ride just like their parents.  More on snowboarding in Ontario

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Legoland Opens north of Toronto first week of March 2013

A must stop when heading to cottage country will be the new Logoland store and Discovery Centre at Vaughn Mills just off Highway 400 north of Highway 7 in Toronto

 

Related Stories:   Why Graeme Dymond quit his bank job to build Lego

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Thursday, February 28, 2013

VACATION MARCH BREAK GETAWAYS NORTH OF TORONTO

VACATION GETAWAYS NORTH OF TORONTO

Plan now for the end of winter March Break holiday season for the best getaways for cross-country skiing, downhill boarding and skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Questions? Contact Us


Romantic Ontario Getaway Pick

Touchstone on Lake Muskoka - Bracebridge, Ontario

Touchstone on Lake MuskokaTouchstone on Lake Muskoka - Experience Muskoka Dining at its Finest January 1, 2013-December 30, 2013 Allow our expert culinary team at Taste Dining to awaken your taste buds with this all-inclusive accommodation package. This winter season, don't miss out on this great value to experience Touchstone on Lake Muskoka!

Couples Romantic Getaways north of Toronto 

Spa in Ontario Pick

Cranberry Resort, The - Collingwood, Ontario

Cranberry Golf ResortCranberry Resort, The - Hot Stone Massage Relax and rejuvenate with a hot stone massage! Package includes: One night hotel accommodation (2 doubles, 2 queens, or 1 king bed, based on availability) One hour hot stone massage per person. Hot buffet breakfast per person. Package Starting at $295. Price per room; Subject to availability; Rates based on double occupancy; Applicable taxes and gratuities not included; Subject to change without notice

Spa Getaways north of Toronto

Family Vacation Getaway Pick

Sandhaven Cottage - Haliburton, Ontario

Sandhaven CottageSandhaven Cottage is located on beautiful Lake Kashagawigamog, in the Haliburton Highlands. This newly renovated 1,900 sq. ft. vacation home has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and new 1,200 sq. ft. cedar deck with Hot Tub for your relaxation. Excellent swimming, boating and fishing on this 5 lake chain. Loads of activities in area including 6 golf courses, miles of hiking/biking trails, skiing, snowmobiling, ATV trails and more. Visit www.sandhaven.ca for additional cottage info and photos.

Family Getaways in resort destinations

Ontario Resorts Pick

Evergreen Forest Resort B&B - Georgian Bluffs, Ontario

Evergreen Forest Resort B&BEvergreen Forest Resort B&B - The Bruce Peninsula's hidden secret: Evergreen Forest Resort B&B! We offer VERY private accommodation AND seasonal fun: canoe-bike tours, dog-sledding, ski lessons, and dark sky astronomy! Have a GREAT time here for SO much less! We're probably just 2 or 3 hours from YOU right now; deep in the forest, FAR away from bright lights, among the whispering conifers. Sleep comes fast under a starry dome, as you snuggle into our 1020-count sheets. Year-round, we offer:
February Getaways north in Ontario

Ontario SnowmobilingGetaway Weekend Pick

Bristlecone Lodge Resort - Dwight, Ontario

Bristlecone Lodge ResortBristlecone Lodge Resort Our resort is located on Sno 7 Route offering miles of excellent trails, in addition Back Country Tours is located 2 minutes away offering Snowmobile and ATV rentals and tours. We have ample parking for snowmobiles and trailers at the resort. Rates starting at $270.00+hst with discounts available on snowmobile rentals (Feb to April 1st),
Snowmobiling Getaways north of Toronto

Winter in Ontario Pick

Sherwood Inn - Port Carling, Ontario

Delta Sherwood InnSherwood Inn- Winter Weekend Special This winter visit Sherwood Inn for the perfect weekend getaway. Book a 2 night stay for Friday and Saturday night until  April 26, 2013 and receive 50% off Friday night of your stay and receive late check-out on Sunday morning of 1 pm. This special is perfect for those who want a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, and want to escape to a peaceful winter wonderland.
Winter Getaways north of Toronto



Attractions Ontario Pick

Snow Valley Resort - Minesing ON

Snow Valley ResortSnow Valley Resort - Stay & Play Barrie Ski & Snowtube Packages. Plan a Family Getaway! Located just 5 min west of Barrie we are just a short distance to all the shopping, dining and accomadations you come to expect on your ski, board or tube getaway. We have numeous "stay & play" packages available through a number of local hotels. Packages start at just $54.50 (pp/dbl occupancy) and includes 1 night accomodation, breakfast and a ski or snowtubing pass.
Ontario Attractions north of Toronto



Ontario Tourism Destination of the Week

Township of Algonquin Highlands Trails DepartmentAlgonquin Highlands Trails (http://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/)
Where Adventure Awaits!
~ Haliburton Highlands Water Trails – Frost Centre and Poker Lakes
~ Frost Centre Ski and Snowshoe Trails
~ Backcountry Camping, Canoeing and Kayaking
~ Canoe, Ski and Snowshoe Rentals
~ 38kms of Hiking Trails, Hundreds of kms of Snowmobile and ATV trails
~ Excellent fishing for Trout, Bass and Whitefish
~ Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower – Best view of Fall colors in the highlands!
~ Ontario’s only full size historic Log chute
~ Group of Seven Outdoor Murals
~ Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival
Just 2.5hrs from Toronto, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands
Visit www.algonquinhighlands.ca Call 705-766-9033 for info
Ontario Resort Destinations north of Toronto



Ontario Cottage Resort Pick

Algonquin Woods - Emsdale, Ontario
Algonquin WoodsAlgonquin Woods - Your family lakeside Cottage Resort near Algonquin Park and Huntsville, Muskoka, Ontario. 10 clean, cozy cottages and a small campground on beautiful Clear Lake. Most have magnificent views of the water. Activities include a wide variety of water craft free for guest use, horseshoes, ping pong, shuffleboard, Rave Bongo (July & August) & lakeside campfire with wood provided. First class golf nearby. For the winter we are close to downhill and cross country skiing, dogsledding, snowshoeing, skating, horse drawn carriage rides, ice fishing and other activities. In the fall our magnificent fall colours can not be beaten.
Ontario Cottage Resorts north of Toronto

Friday, February 15, 2013

Canada's Flag Day Kicks Off Historic Family Day Weekend in Ontario


February 15 is historic as it is Canada's official 'Flag Day' as designated by the federal government. National Flag Day of Canada started in 1996.

In addition to National Flag Day of Canada  several provinces will begin what has become known as the Family Day Weekend.



The 3 day long weekend will start on Friday February 15th through until Monday February 18, 2013. Canada Heritage Day falls on February 18, and coincides with many February holidays.such as  Manitoba's Louis Riel Day, and in Prince Edward Island, Islander Day is the public holiday.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Last Minute Valentines Day--Start your weekend on Thurs. 14

Quick Links to Romantic Getaways

Romance the snow north of Toronto GTA with more than just flowers this Valentines Day.

Dining in a lakeside resort setting

Westwind on the Lake: Buckhorn
Discover many of the culinary delights waiting at Ontario's full service resorts,  resort hotels, cozy lodges and romantic inns and dining establishments.

See Resort country culinary getaways

More on food events and  culinary happenings north in Ontario

 

 

A Valentines Day long weekend holiday 

Village Inn Lakefield
Thursdays are good days to start a long weekend! With the public holiday for Family Day on the 18th, a perfect time for a 4-night weekend away February 14-18.

Go to February For Lovers for a selection of romantic resorts, charming country inn, and cozy lodges.