Day Trips, Getaways & All Things Fun North of Toronto

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.

Monday, October 08, 2012

Thanksgiving Studio Tours & Art Festivals

Discover the beauty of fall colours plus Ontario's artists on display this autumn art!

2012 Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour
ORO MEDONTE, SCENIC HORSESHOE VALLEY, LAKE SIMCOE SHORES, ORILLIA
October 5-8, 2012
Open 10 am to 5 pm daily (Free Admission 10 am to 5 pm daily)
This highly acclaimed self-guided tour takes you to the studios of some of Canada's finest artists and craftspeople. Over thirty artists and fine crafts people
will exhibit their work over 4 days and 16 locations. You'll find an amazing selection of paintings, pottery, textiles, metal and glass, photography, woodcraft,
jewellery, basketry, clothing and accessories – from fine art and sculpture to home décor and fashion to funky and fun! Don't miss this popular Thanksgiving tradition. You'll discover exceptional art, one-of-a-kind shopping and beautiful fall colours.

More information & accommodation at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Barrie, Horseshoe Valley, Orillia

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Ottawa Valley Rural Ramble 2012
September 1 - October 31, 2012
The Rural Ramble is a celebration of rural living at its best. Every year thousands of visitors flock to the region to bask in the glow of the brilliant fall colours and experience the Ottawa Valley first hand. The 2012 Rural Ramble will be a free event, running from September 1st to October 31st, allowing Rural Ramblers' to customize their own fall touring experience - a free self-guided driving tour featuring four themes: Adventure and Exploration, Agriculture and Food, History and Heritage, and Arts and Culture.
More information & accommodation at Resorts, Hotels, Inns in Barry's Bay,  Pembroke and Petawawa
More information on the Ottawa Valley Destination

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Victoria County 25th Annual Studio Tour
Artists in the beautiful City of Kawartha Lakes
October 6-7, 2012
Come by car or bus to the City of Kawartha Lakes or by boat along the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway during the Fall season and experience the changing colours first hand – and our Artistic interpretation on site with practising and professional artists
More information & Accommodation in the Kawarthas area

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Annual Haliburton County Studio Tour 2012
Haliburton County
September 29-30, 2012 Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 6-7, 2012 Thanksgiving Weekend 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the studios of Haliburton County's artists and craftspeople while enjoying the autumn colours of the Highlands. Visit each studio and experience the creative process. Talk to the artist or watch demonstrations. An abundance of hand.
More information & accommodation at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in HaliburtonMore information on the Haliburton Highlands Destination

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Kinmount & Area Harvest Homecoming Studio Tour
October 6-7, 2012
Thanksgiving Weekend
This tour offers a perfect opportunity for family and friends to spend time together touring beautiful fall scenery and exploring Studios and Artists, all within a 15 km radius of Kinmount.
More information & accommodation at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Haliburton, Kawarthas

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Blue Mountain Tour of the Arts
Blue Mountain, Thornbury, Clarksburg Kimberly, Craigleith
October 6-8, 2012
14 well established locations with 20+ artists and guests in Thornbury, Clarksburg Kimberly and Craigleith. Paintings. Photography. Pottery. Fashion. Sculpture. Jewellery. Wood.
More information & accommodation at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Blue Mountains / Collingwood

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Escarpment Studio Tour
October 6-7, 2012
Thanksgiving Weekend
Bognor, Massie, Queen's Landing, Walters Falls
Spectacular Fall Vistas, Artwork, and Fine Crafts with over 20 artists in and around Bognor, Massie, the Queen’s Valley and Walters Falls

More information & accommodation at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in the escarpment (owen sound, walters falls) area

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Crown & Pumpkin Studio Tour in the towns of Clayton, Blakeney, Almonte, and Mississippi Mills in beautiful Lanark County!
Thanksgiving weekend
October 6-8, 2012
Discover the quality craftsmanship and skill of local artists amidst the vibrant colours that define our fall season. During the Tour, studios are open from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free!
More information on the Ontario's Highlands Destination

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More October Studio Tours

Sunday, October 07, 2012

ThanksgivingFestivals and Fall Fairs Weekend of October 6-8, 2012

Harvest festivals and fun fairs run through the fall and autumn season until the end of October and in some areas into November. Enjoy the fall foliage colors with fall colours (colors) road trips.

Fall Fairs Week of October 1-7

Harvest Festival -Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival, with Arts and Crafts Show
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Midland, ON
October 6 and 7
Showcasing over 35 exceptional artisans and craftspeople during this two-day festival. Fun activities for the whole family. On the historic site, families can decorate pumpkins, try teas and cornbread in the cookhouse, sample historic foods, and enjoy a corn roast.

Accommodation at inns, resorts, hotels in
Midland, ON

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Apple Harvest Festival -Blue Mountain Village

Apple Harvest Festival
Blue Mountain Village, Thornbury & Clarksburg
Thanksgiving Weekend
October 5-8, 2012
Every thanksgiving, celebrate the harvest in Ontario's largest apple growing region
There's no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving Weekend and no better place to explore the countryside, harbour towns and fall colours! Free activities throughout the Blue Mountain area from the Village to Thornbury & Clarksburg. Live Music, The Apple Pie Trail, street performers, hiking, biking, trails, gallery tours and much, much more!
Accommodation at inns, resorts, hotels in Blue Mountains / Collingwood

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Ottawa Valley Rural Ramble 2012
September 1 – October 31, 2012
The Rural Ramble is a celebration of rural living at its best. Every year thousands of visitors flock to the region to bask in the glow of the brilliant fall colours and experience the Ottawa Valley first hand. The 2012 Rural Ramble will be a free online event, running from September 1st to October 31st, allowing Rural Ramblers' to customize their own fall touring experience - a free self-guided driving tour featuring four themes: Adventure and Exploration, Agriculture and Food, History and Heritage, and Arts and Culture.

Book your hotel and resort accommodation in Barry's Bay, Pembroke and Petawawa
More Information on Ottawa Valley Destination

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Elmvale Fall Fair
Thanksgiving Weekend
October 4-6, 2012
Enjoy the midway or the tractor pull. Watch the competition in the cattle or horse rings. Browse through the award winning baked goods, crafts, needlework, school displays, preserves, field crops, photography or floral exhibits. Come enjoy the Heavy Horse, Cattle and Sheep Shows along with the Farm Animal Display and the Small Animal Show.
Accommodation at inns, resorts, hotels in Barrie, Wasaga Beach

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Norwood Fair
Thanksgiving Weekend
October 6-8, 2012
Accommodation at inns, resorts, hotels in in Peterborough area.

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More October Fall Fairs

Saturday, October 06, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012 Fall Studio Tours, Festivals, Fairs, Ski-Snowboard Swaps October 5-7, 2012

Your source for last-minute getaways and day trips for Fall 2012 vacations in Ontario resort destinations.

ONTARIO STUDIO TOURS

Featured Studio Tour:

2012 Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour
ORO MEDONTE, SCENIC HORSESHOE VALLEY, LAKE SIMCOE SHORES, ORILLIA
October 5-8, 2012
Open 10 am to 5 pm daily (Free Admission 10 am to 5 pm daily)
This highly acclaimed self-guided tour takes you to the studios of some of Canada's finest artists and craftspeople. Over thirty artists and fine crafts people
will exhibit their work over 4 days and 16 locations. You'll find an amazing selection of paintings, pottery, textiles, metal and glass, photography, woodcraft,
jewellery, basketry, clothing and accessories – from fine art and sculpture to home décor and fashion to funky and fun! Don't miss this popular Thanksgiving
tradition. You'll discover exceptional art, one-of-a-kind shopping and beautiful
fall colours.

More information & accommodation at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Barrie, Horseshoe Valley, Orillia
More October Studio Tours

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FEATURED THANKSGIVING HARVEST FESTIVAL, ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival, with Arts and Crafts Show

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Midland, ON
October 6 and 7
Showcasing over 35 exceptional artisans and craftspeople during this two-day festival. Fun activities for the whole family. On the historic site, families can decorate pumpkins, try teas and cornbread in the cookhouse, sample historic foods, and enjoy a corn roast.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Midland, ON
More October Events

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FALL FAIRS

Harvest festivals and fun fairs run through the fall & autumn season until the end of October and in some areas into November. Enjoy the fall foliage colors with fall colours (colors) road trips.

Ontario Travel to Thanksgiving Harvest Festivals & Fairs Week of October 1-7, 2012

More October Fall Fairs

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SKI and SNOWBOARD SWAPS

Collingwood Area
Collingwood Ski and Snowboard Swap
Thanksgiving Weekend Oct 4-8, 2012
Blue Mountain Resort's Southbase Lodge

Haliburton Area
Sir Sam's Ski & Bike
Sir Sam's Ski Swap Thanksgiving Weekend SATURDAY Oct. 6, 2012
From 11:00 - 4:30 pm. Scenic chairlift rides, complimentary food, drinks and draws. Great savings on season passes and books of 8 tickets. Don't miss out on these great savings and fun filled day.

Huntsville Area
Hidden Valley Ski Area Ski & Snowboard Sale
Thanksgiving Weekend, October 6th & 7th
Buy and sell new and used Nordic, Alpine and Snowboard Equipment!

More Ski and Snowboard Swaps Information

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BARRIE, Ontario

Pumpkin Festival and Haunted Adventure
Chappell Farms
Barrie, ON
September 22 -October 31, 2012
Pick your own perfect pumpkin! Experience the corn maze, wagon rides, haunted barn, Magic shows, live entertainment and more.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Barrie, ON
More October Events

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BLUE MOUNTAINS - COLLINGWOOD, Ontario

Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Festival
Blue Mountain Village
Blue Mountains, ON
OCTOBER 6-8
Top 100 Ontario Event
There’s no better way to spend Thanksgiving Weekend than surrounded by the fall colours of the Blue Mountains. Enjoy free activities including live music, pumpkin carving, buskers, hiking, biking, and fall driving tours throughout Clarksburg, Thornbury and Blue Mountain Village.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Blue Mountains / Collingwood
More October Events

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HALIBURTON, Ontario

Sir Sam 's Ski & Bike
Haiburton, ON
Huge Savings at Open House 2012 Thanksgiving Saturday
*Save on Season Passes, Books of 8 Tickets & Lesson Programs*

ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
Saturday Oct 6th from 11:00am-4:00 pm
Complimentary refreshments and snacks, scenic chairlift rides, free draw. Algonquin Outfitters will be offering great discounts on ski equipment and clothing as well as mountain bikes and accessories.
Purchase you Family/ Individual Season Passes and save !!!
Save $200.00 off Family Season Pass & $100.00 off individual season passes
Also save an additional $25.00 off of books of 8 tickets
Save 10% off lesson programs

Season pass holders receive a Value Voucher worth approximately $300.00 in savings !!!

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Haliburton, Ontario
More information on the Haliburton Highlands destination
More October Events

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MEAFORD, Ontario

Scarecrow Invasion
Meaford
September & October, 2012
Thousands of scarecrows inhabit Meaford from mid-September to mid-October.

Featured Meaford area Accommodation & Outdoor Experiences:

More October Events

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HUNTSVILLE & OWEN SOUND, Ontario

Canadian Spirit: 2012
Owen Sound
April 4- October 30, 2012
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Tom Thomson's First Trip to Algonquin Park, with event at participating community partners from Owen Sound and Huntsville.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Owen Sound, Huntsville
More October Events

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LAND O' LAKES DESTINATION

Taste Fest at Sharbot Lake Farmers Market
October 4, 2012
Enjoy a day sampling local vendors wares! Many samples are available throughout the season, but for Taste Fest, every vendor goes all out to provide samples of their wares and end the season with a festive flair.

More information on the Land O' Lakes Destination
More October Events

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ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS DESTINATION

Wheelers Maple Bush Fall Colour Celebration
September 15 – October 25, 2012
McDonalds Corners
Visitors can enjoy a walk on the nature trails through the 730 acre maple bush as the leaves change. Hearty pancake meals are served inside the heritage log chalet.
National Family Week -October 1-7
Family Festival BBQ

Petawawa Heritage Village
October 4, 2012
Come join us for a BBQ and lots of other goodies. Come watch the fiddlers, go for pony rides (Hope Reins Equine Assisted Therapies), get your photo taken at the antique photo booth, visit the carpenter, blacksmith and voyageur shops, join in on old time crafts plus much more!

More information on Ontario's Highlands Destination
More October Events

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OTTAWA & OTTAWA VALLEY DESTINATION

Ottawa Valley Rural Ramble 2012
September 1 – October 31, 2012
The Rural Ramble is a celebration of rural living at its best. Every year thousands of visitors flock to the region to bask in the glow of the brilliant fall colours and experience the Ottawa Valley first hand. The 2012 Rural Ramble will be a free event, running from September 1st to October 31st, allowing Rural Ramblers' to customize their own fall touring experience - a free self-guided driving tour featuring four themes: Adventure & Exploration, Agriculture & Food, History & Heritage, and Arts & Culture.

Book your hotel and resort accommodation in Barry's Bay, Pembroke and Petawawa

Heritage Mica Festival
Perth
June 24–October 6, 2012
Activities include Voyageur Canoe trips, Communty Theatre presentations, guided trips into the Silver Queen Mine, a 10 km Fun Run, music, heritage display, children's programs, Heritage Walk Mine Tour and Thanksgiving Dinner at the Miners’ Bunkhouse.

More Information on Ottawa Valley Destination
More information on Ontario Highland’s Destination
More October Events

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FISHING TOURNAMENTS

Barrie Bassmasters open Balsalm Lake Bass
Balsalm Lake Provincial Park, Coboconk, ON
October 7, 2012
Live release bass tournament
More Fishing Tournaments

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Fall Studio Tours & Art Festivals Week of September 24-30, 2012

Discover the beauty of fall colours plus Ontario's artists on display this autumn art!

Ottawa Valley Rural Ramble 2012
September 1 - October 31, 2012
The Rural Ramble is a celebration of rural living at its best. Every year thousands of visitors flock to the region to bask in the glow of the brilliant fall colours and experience the Ottawa Valley first hand. The 2012 Rural Ramble will be a free event, running from September 1st to October 31st, allowing Rural Ramblers' to customize their own fall touring experience - a free self-guided driving tour featuring four themes: Adventure and Exploration, Agriculture and Food, History and Heritage, and Arts and Culture.
Book your hotel and resort accommodation in Barry's Bay,  Pembroke and Petawawa
More information on the Ottawa Valley Destination

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Bancroft and Area Autumn Studio Tour
September 29-30, 2012
Enjoy the rugged landscape and spectacular autumn colors while driving to visit the artists and artisans on our tour! 15 fascinating artists at 11 stops featuring pottery, bath products, ink pointillism, ornamental ironwork, jewelery, oil, acrylic, digital & water colour paintings, wood furniture, photography, stone sculpture, stained glass and leather goods.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Bancroft, ON

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Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour
September 29-30, 2012
The Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour is proud to continue its rich legacy of the arts presenting scores of diversely talented artists. Conceived by one individual three decades ago, the idea of giving people a glimpse into the studios where raw materials are transformed into superb art pieces still holds its appeal. This informative and rewarding experience bridges the gap between creator and patron, as visitors witness the artistic process at work through demonstrations and displays. The Muskoka landscape and the artists who draw their inspiration from it extend a special welcome to visitors on this glorious weekend in Autumn.
More information & Accommodation in the Muskoka area

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Annual Haliburton County Studio Tour 2012
Haliburton County
September 29-30, 2012 Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October 6-7, 2012 Thanksgiving Weekend 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the studios of Haliburton County's artists and craftspeople while enjoying the autumn colours of the Highlands. Visit each studio and experience the creative process. Talk to the artist or watch demonstrations. An abundance of hand.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Haliburton

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Georgina Studio Tour & Sale
September 29-30, 2012 10am to 5pm
Discover wonderful area artists & other Ontario guest artists on this self-guided tour while enjoying the local Fall colours of Lake Simcoe . Visit our homes/studios and several businesses who are hosting tour artists. Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery.
Stay at The Briars Resort & Spa in Jackson's Point.

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Victoria County 25th Annual Studio Tour
Artists in the beautiful City of Kawartha Lakes
September 29-30 & October 6-7, 2012
Come by car or bus to the City of Kawartha Lakes or by boat along the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway during the Fall season and experience the changing colours first hand – and our Artistic interpretation on site with practising and professional artists
More information & Accommodaton in  Kawarthas area

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The Annual Sudbury Arts Tour will be held throughout the city of Greater Sudbury
September 29-30, 2012
Stay at Resorts, Hotels, Inns in Sudbury, ON

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Saugeen Autumn Leaves Studio Tour
September 28-30, 2012
As you travel through the heart of Grey County (Flesherton, Durham, Markdale) you will find that perfect piece to take home, delectable locations to stop for a meal, and inviting accommodations.
Stay at Cedars of Lake Eugenia Cottage Resort in Flesherton

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Madawaska Valley Annual Madawaska Studio Tour
September 29-30, 2012
Discover the Artists, towns and villages of Combermere, Barry's Bay, Brudenell, Rockingham, Wilno, Purdy

Stay at Resorts, Hotels, Inns in Barry's Bay-Combermere

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Tweed and Area Studio Tour
September 29-30, 2012
Enjoy our fine array of oil, watercolour and acrylic painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, fibre arts, basket making, pottery, glass, woodworking and Santas.
More information on the Ontario's Highlands Destination

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Elora Fergus Studio Tour
September 29-30, 2012
Take a self-guided tour and meet artists where they live and work. Thirty six artists and craftspeople will open their studios for two consecutive fall weekends.

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Merrickville Artists Guild Fall Studio Tour & Sale
September 29-30, 2012
The Merrickville Artists' Guild Studio Tour & Sale presents a perfect excuse to visit this magical village. What better way to spend a weekend than visiting the nationally and internationally renowned artists and craftspeople of Merrickville and surrounding area? Enjoy exploring their studios and galleries, watch then create and leave with your own original.... 10AM - 5 PM

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More September and October Studio Tours

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fall Festivals, Events, Studio Tours, September 21-23 Weekend Events 2012

September Weekend Events, Festivals, Fairs, and Attraction Getaways

Travel north in Ontario to attractions and celebrate family fun weekend events, festivals, fairs and romantic fall road trips to lakeside sunsets.

Your source for last-minute getaways and day trips for Fall 2012 vacations in Ontario resort destinations.

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FALL FAIRS

Harvest festivals and fun fairs run through the fall & autumn season until the end of October and in some areas into November. Enjoy the fall foliage colors with fall colours (colors) road trips.

Ontario Travel to Fall Harvest Festivals & Fairs Week of September 17-23, 2012

More September and October Fall Fairs

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ONTARIO STUDIO TOURS

Discover the beauty of the palettes of fall colours plus Ontario's artists on display this autumn art!
Ontario Travel to Fall Studio Tours & Art Festivals Week of September 17-23, 2012

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