March Break Signals Time for Summer Vacation Plans

As the Spring March Break starts many families and couples will be deciding on the many Ontario resort destiantions for their annual holiday and family vacation north of Toronto. Long holiday Spring weekends offer shorter holiday times for Easter Getaways in April, the Victoria Day weekend in May. The summer vacation season starts in June and Canadians are looking forward to warmer weather, and the holiday season for their annual one or two weeks summer vacation.

Ontario Spa Getaways: Stress relief during tough times!!

The first of its kind Global Consumer Study on spa behaviour (released in February) indicates that stress is the number one reason for visiting a spa. The study was conducted by Research International in conjunction with the International Spa Association.

Photo: St. Anne's Spa Northeast of Toronto

The study compared consumer trends in 15 countries including Canada. The study claims to be the most thorough and up-to-date information on why people spa. “And hands down, in every single country, the number one reason people go to a spa is to relax and relieve or reduce stress.”

Visitors travelling north of Toronto can be assured that the level of stress reductions starts the moment you drive into the many rural and lakeside settings in the resort destinations in the many towns, villages, and communities in Ontario’s rural heartland.

Ontario Travel North of Toronto identifies a number of Ontario Spas, as well as more than 30 spa packages for day visits or a mini holiday combined with overnight accommodation. Girls spa weekends have become popular for girlfriends getaways where spa treatments create a level of bonding and friendship renewal in a relaxed atmosphere of more pristine environment away from city life and day-to-day tasks. Many of the spa locations operate on a year round basis offering spa treatments by spa professionals in a soothing lake side setting
"We've known stress relief was the primary reason why Americans (Canadians)visited spas. Now, with the ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study we know stress is the number one reason people visit spas worldwide," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "Stress affects more than just our lives at work and at home, it affects our health. So take time to de-stress, by getting a massage; it could end up saving your health down the road."

Other key findings from the ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study include:

• Worldwide, massage is the most popular treatment.
• In North American & Europe, roughly 50% of spa-goers used a gift card.
• The top motivators for visiting a spa are recommendations from family, friends or health care practitioners, and price incentives.

The ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Study is available at www.experienceispa.com.

About ISPA
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

About Ontario Travel North of Toronto
The Ontario Travel North of Toronto website specifically identifies rural resorts and resort destinations, inns, hotels, lodges, and accommodation properties providing access to Ontario’s outdoor environment for leisure time activities including adventure travel, family travel, romantic getaways, and spa getaways, winter outdoor sports, eco friendly travel, summer beach destinations and year round vacation opportunities

March Break Getaways and Maple Syrup Festivals

Winter Carnivals Maple Syrup Festivals

Maple syrup festivals sugar bush tours and maple fests start this weekend in various locations throughout Ontario. March should continue to be a cause for celebration for skiers, snowmobilers, ice skaters, snow tubing enthusiasts and snowboarding and snowshoe outdoor adventurers. Ontario Travel to "Romantic getaways" family winter spring resort destination fun events and winter carnivals. Plan ahead now for your your spring break March Break getaways. Ontario Tourism News: The first Day of Spring is less than a month away.

Ice Fishing Lake Simcoe Feb. 14 2009

Ice Fishing on Lake Simcoe During Family Fishing Weekend at Homebuilders
tournament, near Barrie on Kempenfelt Bay.

Ontario Travel 2009 Family Day North of Toronto

February is an “All Canadian” Family Month in Ontario

Travel North of Toronto Ontario Canada…....February 1, 2009. When the Ontario Government announced the new Family Day last year it coincided with one of the busiest winter carnival and fun festival event months in Ontario. Residents gain an extra long weekend for a much deserved family getaway vacation. The planning was strategic as the Monday holiday; the third Monday of February (February 16, 2009) coincides with, the beginning of Ontario Heritage Week (February 16-22) and Canada Heritage Day.
Winter Carnivals

A selection of more than 25 winter carnivals are available at Ontario Travel North of Toronto, where the snow is whiter, the ice thicker and the air is always fresh. Winter carnivals offer great outdoor getaway to experience Ontario heritage and culture during the winter months

Winter Family Getaways

Many Ontario resorts, inns and lodges have family getaway packages throughout the month of February. Special activities for children included many outdoor recreation activities from ski lessons, snow tubing, ice fishing, indoor kids games and activities. Reserve your preferred weekend early. See Ontario Winter Getaways.

Ontario Heritage Week Activities

A variety of activities are taking place in the towns, villages and municipalities north of North of Toronto, The Wye Marsh in Midland is conducting a Falconry Workshop; Family Day at the Joseph Schneider House in Kitchener, Voyageur Winter Carnival in Thunder Bay. More indoor and outdoor activities available throughout the week February 16-22 at the Ontario Heritage Week Activities North of Toronto

Canada Heritage Day Theme

Heritage and the Environment: Saving Places Built to Last Is the theme for 2009. A number of resources are available to assist communities to develop a program around this theme whether it is to celebrate the inherently green credentials of historic buildings, highlight how they have been upgraded to more environmentally friendly standards, or to offer information on how to green a heritage building. Canada Heritage Day is sponsored by The Canadian Heritage Foundation

For more information on Family Day fun and Heritage Day and Week activities go to Ontario Travel North of Toronto

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Winter Getaways--Winter Fun North in Ontario

Enjoy winter getaways, winter fun north of Toronto. Ice skate-make snowmen-women, ski, snowshoe,icefish, fly a kite.

 
 
 
 

Ontario Resort Destination News Week of Feb. 1, 2009

Barrie Ontario:


MacLarenArtCentre Puck Painting Performance at Winterfest Take Your Best Shot-Puck Painting
Platt will encourage everyone at Winterfest to pick up a hockey stick and make their mark with a simple wrist shot or slap shot, using pre-painted pucks in blue, red and yellow — the colours of local hockey team favourite, the Barrie Colts. More Details on Barrie Winterfest. Where to stay in Barrie Area: Barrie Accommodation.

Ontario Travel News Jan 23, 2009

Ontario Resort Becomes First to Offer Carbon Offsets Cedar Grove Lodge, an Ontario resort with a solid reputation for leadership in environmental responsibility, and Planetair, Canada’s premier provider of Gold standard carbon offsets, form a partnership to offer environmentally conscientious resort guests

February Is Winter Carnival Month In North Simcoe Experience North Simcoe's Winter Wonderland Winter is here and North Simcoe Southern Georgian Bay is celebrating with four (4) unique Winter Carnivals during the month of February.

The Rosseau, Canada's First JW Marriott Resort and Spa, Celebrates The 250th Anniversary of Scotland's Most Famous Bard MINETT, ON, January 21, 2008 - This weekend, guests of The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa will experience Scottish culture and tradition at the Resort’s Robbie Burns 250th anniversary celebration.

New Georgian Bay cruise added to summer line-up--early bird savings Honey Harbour, Ontario, Canada………….January 20, 2009. Visitors staying at the historic Delawana Inn Spa & Conference Resort this summer will be treated to two Georgian Bay cruise options. The Miss Midland, a-300 passenger vessel, will now take guests out for a 1 ½ hour sunset cruise on Mondays as well as Fridays.

New Port Severn Innkeeper Appointed Award Winning Innkeeper Wolfgang Stichnothe Moves to The Inn at Christie's Mill in Port Servern Ontario. The Inn is a member of Ontario's Finest Inns and Spas....

Ontario Ski and Snowboard Destinations Gear Up for National Ski Week Canada's National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week Kicks off Saturday January 17-25 with many specials on lift tickets, lessons and r

Winter Carnivals North of Toronto in 2009

Winter in Ontario traditions continue north of Toronto. Family outdoor fun is one of the characteristics of the Canadian spirit which is often captured at one of the many of the winter carnivals, snow fests, winter fests, ice festivals and winter light festivals north of Toronto-skating, dog sledding, ice carvings, outdoor ice slides, ice mazes, snow tubing, toboggan rides, wood splitting, wood burning fires, axe throwing, lumberjack antics, snow tubing, hot chocolate, hot cider, face painting, clowns, smash-up derbies With the second year of the new long weekend family day on February 13 -16 more Ontario residents will have a greater opportunity to get outdoors in Ontario and experience winter.

Ontario Travel news Updates North of Toronto

Ontario Travel Tourism News

Ontario Ski and Snowboard Destinations Gear Up for National Ski Week Canada's National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Week Kicks off Saturday January 17-25 with many specials on lift tickets, lessons and rentals. Many ski areas are hosting.....

The Briars Resort & Spa "New Beginnings" This intimate weekend of self-discovery returns January 23-25 to help you start the year off right, taking your body and soul on another relaxing journey towards greater self-awareness and peace.

Sourthern Georgian Bay 2009 Visitor Guide The 2009 visitor Southern Georgian Bay Visitor Guidebook is available for Ontario Travel to the region of Georgian Bay form Penetanguishene, to Port Severn and Honey Harbour including Midland, Tiny Township Tay Towniship along the shores of Georgian Bay.

Ice and Snow Safety Conditions for Ice Fishing Ice Fishing quick links and tips on ice and snow safety, conditions, ice fishing regulations, getaway packages for ice fishing,Donna Cansfield urges Ice Fishing Anglers " to play it safe"............

2009 Links to Snow Reports, Ski reports Road Reports, Snowmobile Reports Snow and road reports are in one location. As the snow continues to fall north of Toronto and the lakes turn to ice, snow and winter enthusiasts can get all of their snow news before heading out on a winter vacation, ski or snowboard trip, snowmobiling getaway, snowshoe adventure, visit to an Ontario Provincial Park, family cross-country ski outing or romantic getaway. Links to a variety of Ontario snow, ski, trail and weather conditions north of Toronto.

Ice fishing Getaways and Packages North of Toronto

Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe is freezing over. This may provide an
early start to the icefishing season north of Toronto. Check out the many
ice fishing getaways and packages north of Toronto.

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.

Ontario Travel to Christmas New Year Getaways

Kiss Your Way to 2009 with December, Christmas, New Year Getaways North of Toronto North of Toronto………. December 2008. The arrival of snow has initiated some of the earliest openings for the ski and snowboard enthusiasts in the Snow Belt areas north of Toronto. Families are excited about snow tubing, and outdoor winter fun and a good base of snow for the many outdoor winter activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Ontario Ski and Snowboard reports are adding more destinations daily to the lists of resort destinations with snow and outdoor winter recreation north of Toronto. Many of the areas are offering early bird discounts before the Christmas season gets under way. A sample of the more than 100 Christmas New Year and winter getaways available on the Ontario Travel North of Toronto follows:
MISTLETOE KISS @ SAM JAKES INN: Guests receive their own piece of mistletoe as they are treated to two night holiday romance package! Two night package includes a gift of mistletoe, walking tour flyer, VQA wine basket, $50 spa credit, shopping coupons, 2 course a la carte dinner, country breakfast, special occasion treat. From $264 per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes & gratuities are extra.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" CHRISTMAS ESCAPE @ THE CRANBERRY RESORT Bring family and friends and begin a tradition of moments that matter. Enjoy a hot chocolate by an open campfire; take a snowshoe walk along the Georgian Trail, Package starts at 139. per person double occupancy includes: Two nights hotel accommodation applicable taxes and gratuities not included; December 24th and 25th Christmas Day Brunch Christmas Gift Cranberry Activity Dollars (Value of over $330).
FOUR FRIENDS NEW YEAR CELEBRATION @ WOODLAND ECHOES Includes a personal four person hot tub, Cottage with 4 person hot tub and fireplace, Champagne, Fireworks, Irish coffee warm up, 2 nights accommodation in a 2 bedroom cottage, special New Years Eve surf and turf dinner, Welcome basket with party favours, starting at $150/person/night + Taxes and Gratuities
See more Christmas New Years getaways for additional locations north of Toronto. Also see a selection of special Romantic Getaways for couples traveling north of Toronto. Families looking for getaways in 2009 can select a variety of winter getaways including special snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing (x-country & downhill), snowboarding, snow tubing, ice fishing, ice skating in Ontario’s winter resort destinations north of Toronto -30-

Ontario Ski report. November 23, 2008

Ontario Ski and Snowboard Update!!

from Jack Lynch, Ministry of Tourism

Date: Sunday November 23, 2008

9:00a.m.

"The ski season is gradually getting under way across the province of Ontario and we have several alpine and

cross country centres open today".

These are the alpine resorts open today:

Horseshoe Valley Resort: Open today 8:30am - 4:30pm, open tomorrow, machine groomed granular, 45 cm base, no new snow, yes snowmaking, 4 lifts, 7 slopes, half pipe/tubing closed, terrain park open.

Snow Valley: Open today 9:00am - 4:00pm, closed tomorrow, machine groomed powder, 20-30 cm base, no new snow, yes snowmaking, 3 lifts, 4 slopes, half pipe/terrain park/tubing closed.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone: Open today 8:30am - 4:30pm, open tomorrow, machine groomed powder, 25-45 cm base, no new snow, yes snowmaking, 3 lifts, 10 slopes, half pipe/tubing closed, terrain park open.

These are the cross country resorts open today:

xc Horseshoe Valley Resort: Open today 8:30am - 4:30pm, open tomorrow, machine groomed granular, 10 cm base, no new snow, no snowmaking, 25 km open, track set and skating.

xc Highlands Nordic: Open today 8:30am - 5:00pm, open tomorrow, packed powder, 20 cm base, no new snow, no snowmaking, 9 km open, track set and skating.

xc Hardwood Ski: Open today 8:30am - 5:00pm, open tomorrow, packed powder, 16 cm base, no new snow, no snowmaking, 20 km. open, track set and skating, snowshoeing available.

Ski Season Open Near Barrie

Ontario Ministry of Tourism Reports: . Hardwood Ski northeast of Barrie and Highlands Nordic south of Collingwood have both opened their trails. Hardwood has opened 26 kms of trail and Highlands Nordic has 5 km open today. Several alpine operators continue to make snow and we expect to have a few areas open this weekend. Horseshoe Resort will be open Friday with as many as 3 slopes open.

Early Winter along Lake Simcoe

Snowfalls along Lake Simcoe near Barrie, November 2008 Ontario

Ontario Ski Season Underway

Central Ontario has been blanketed with lots of fresh snow since Saturday evening. Hardwood Ski , located just north east of Barrie, opened their cross country trails.
The Ministry of Tourism reports additional cross country centres to join the list for this upcoming weekend. and an alpine area or so open this weekend. Night time temperatures
will be in the -7 to -9 degree Celsius range this week, which will beideal for snow making . Book winter getaways .

Ontario's Top Destinations North of Toronto

In the recent Toronto Star about Ontario's favourite destinations, the survey identified the top 5 plus honourable mentions to the next five. 8 of the top 10 attractions are north of Toronto. In order they are Algonquin Park, Ottawa/Gatineau, Lake Superior, Killarney Provincial Park, Elora Gorge, Muskoka, Rideau Canal in winter, and the Thousand Islands Gananoque. For the most part the attractions can be accessed by heading north on Highway 400, however several are to the North East, and North West accessible from the 401.

Ontario's First Snow Over Kempenfelt Bay-Lake Simcoe

Ontario Travel to Fresh Snow

Fresh snow over Kempenfelt Bay Lake Simcoe is the first sign of winter north of Toronto. Many winter enthusiasts are busy tuning up snowmobiles, ice huts, skis, and skates for the upcoming winter er sports season.
Many festivals of lights will glisten with the backdrop of fresh snow. See our selection of 100's of winter getaways, festivals of lights and Santa Claus Parades. Be sure to check out winter road conditions before heading north of Toronto.

Winter in Ontario-Chalets, Condos, Cottages

Condo and chalet rentals http://www.400eleven.com/condo-chalet.html
are excellent fall & winter venues for large families, family reunions
or groups looking for the privacy of bedrooms with a common area for
socializing. Ontario winter time is ideal for refreshing activities
that the whole family can enjoy such as cross country skiing, downhill
skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice
fishing, ice skating, relaxing around the fireplace and soaking in the
hot tub or Jacuzzi.
Winter cottages with wood burining fireplaces are a special winter
travel treat when travelling north of toronto into Ontario's famous
cottage country. http://www.400eleven.com/private-cottages.html