Sunday 21 December 2014

Ontario Kids Introduction to Snow Tubing


What exactly is snow tubing? 
Snowtubing at Horseshoe Resort

According to Wikipedia, it is: 
Tubing (also known as inner tubing or even toobing) is a recreational activity of riding an inner tube, either on water, snow, or through the air. The tubes, themselves, are also known as "donuts" or "biscuits" due to their shape.

One of the most wonderful things about snow tubing is it is an age-less activity. Adults enjoy it just as much as the kids. It is a great activity for blended families or families with mixed ages. You can snow tube with your own biscuit at a toboggan hill or for the more adventurous; you can head to a local ski hill for a bigger hill and the luxury of a ride to the top. 

Winter FUN
No skills are required either, perhaps common sense but that's it. This is also a good activity for large groups. 

What’s the process? How does it work? For starters, you get in the biscuit at the bottom of the hill and are pulled up to the top. This part seems leisurely and is in itself a relaxing ride where you can watch the sky, the snow fall or take in the views as you ride up the hill. Many operators are open for night snow tubing and it's a beautiful site to see the stars and night sky while you lean back and take a breather.

At the top of the hill, you get into a line up or a lane. When it’s your turn, an attendant will direct you and your biscuit to your lane. When it’s your turn and the riders are all safely in the tube the attendant will toss you down the hill! For real. Attendants will ask if you want to spin or what kind of ride you’d like. It’s not just straight down! Whatever your fancy, the adrenaline will flow, the giggles will burst and before you know it, you’re at the bottom of the hill pulling your biscuit over to be pulled up again for more!

Areas North of Toronto this year are picture perfect winter wonderlands. Ontario hills are loaded with fluffy snow and perfect surfaces for snow tubing. Snow tubing is truly a fun and adventurous winter activity. It keeps your family active and you will all have fun while you’re doing it.  

Families can find snow tubing facilities or getaways combined with snow tubing activities here

or Day trip to:

Horseshoe Valley Resort | Snow Valley Resort | Blue Mountain Resort

Click here for Overnight Getaways with Snow Tubing & Snowboarding

Find more FAMILY WINTER ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS on our website.

or

Check out our FAMILY WINTER GETAWAYS!

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Kids and Family Holidays Events & Fun Activities north of Toronto

The wheels to the holidays gather speed as we near the Christmas & Holiday Break!

Events for everyone are taking place all over north of Toronto making the holidays extra special this year. You'll find a great roundup of events below perfect for day trips or if staying in the area. 

You can also find on our website:





Barrie


Christmas With Neighbours (adult event)
November 28, December 6 & 13
Snow Valley Resort
Snow Valley is proud to offer a festive evening of Dining, Dancing & Festive Cheer! 


December 13
Hardwood Ski & Bike
Looking to buy? Or just want to try? Come out to Hardwood Ski and Bike to test the latest from Fischer, ONE WAY, Rossignol and Salomon equipment before you buy. You can take the skis out for approximately 30 minutes and that lets everyone have a chance to try what’s new. What a way to spend a winter Saturday! No other special requirements other than a trail pass. 

December 29
Hardwood Ski and Bike
The Southern Ontario Division Night Race consists of skate skiing laps on the 1.5km lit trail.
Those born between the years 2003 - 2000 will race 2 laps for a total of 3km, Those born between 1999 - 1997 will race 3 laps for a total of 4.5km,and those born in 1996 or before (open category) will complete 5 laps for a total of 7.5km. There will be some amazing draw prizes sponsored by ONE WAY SPORT also!


Blue Mountains


Jingles & Joy
December 1 - 31
Blue Mountain Village
Tis the time for Jingles & Joy in Ontario’s largest Village. Join Blue Mountain Village throughout December for family Joy! As they celebrate with free family fireworks display every Saturday in December at 8pm plus visits from Santa weekends 1-4pm, Horse & Wagon rides weekends 1-3pm and strolling carollers creating a festive shopping atmosphere weekend afternoons and some evenings. All month long! Christmas Eve fireworks also at 8pm and 40 restaurants and shops open daily 365 days a year.

Bracebridge


December 20, 21, 22 & 27
Santa's Village
11:00am until 4:00pm daily - Come celebrate winter and the joy of the season with Santa and his Elves!Admission is $8 per person and children under 2 are free!


Midland


Annual Tree Lighting
Thursday, November 27
Beside the Midland Public Library

Annual Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 29
King Street, Downtown Midland

November 27 - 30
Downtown Midland
Girls Holiday Shopping Weekend, Tree Lighting, Customer Appreciation Specials & Santa Claus Parade! What a weekend.

First Light
November 27-29
Sainte Marie Among the Hurons
Now in its 15th year, Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” is a must-see event with a great line-up of family activities and performers, all amidst the spectacular glow of over 5,000 candles.

Festival of Trees
Nov. 12 - Dec. 12
Midland, multi-locations.
Links to: Midland Cultural Centre, Tourism Midland, Downtown Midland
Christmas in Nashville
December 13
Midland Cultural Centre
“Welcome to Nashville” is a tribute to the wonderful world of Country Music that began in Nashville, Tennessee, almost one hundred years ago. 

Midland Cultural Centre
Family scene at the MCC SCREEN Monday, December 15th Show: 1:00pm Afternoon movie screenings that are fun for the whole family! Third Monday of every month this fall.

Family Scene presents Chris McKhool in Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village
December 20
Midland Cultural Centre

Santa's Wilderness Wonderland
December 7
Wye Marsh
Santa will be dropping by Wye Marsh for his annual visit Sunday December 7th. This year Santa will be bring Mrs. Claus along to explore the trails and visit the birds. Bring the family to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus from 11-2pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring to their wish lists and cameras.
While at the Marsh, explore the trails, feed chickadees and warm up by the fire while roasting bannock (10:30am to 12:30pm). There will also be a birds of prey show at 1pm.

Skating With Santa
December 13
Huronia Museum
Huronia Museum invites you to join them for Skating with Santa! 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Tay Community Rink in Port McNicoll. $1 And a Non-Perishable Food Item. Kids can also bring their letters for Santa and deliver them to him in person.



Haliburton Highlands


Santa Claus Parade
Friday, November 21
Haliburton Village, The Haliburton Village BIA and the Haliburton Lions Club are pleased to present a wonderful evening parade! Back this year: the Kawartha Kavaliers, the Kawartha Drum and Bugle Band and the Silver Flutes!

Gravenhurst Christmas Farmers' Market
Saturday, December 6
Gravenhurst Legion - Perfect gifts for all your christmas shopping. Free Admission but a donation for the local food bank is appreciated.

Hit the Hill Early and Save with half-price lift tickets. Ski/board for 50% off the regular price of lift tickets up to and including December 24. 2014. Opening weekend is Saturday December 6/Sunday, December 7. Also open December 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. Closed Christmas Day. Open from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4, 2015.




Ontario's Lake Country


Christmas in Craighurst
Friday, November 21
Bring the entire family along to get your picture taken with Santa and enjoy special discounts, offers, treats, and tours at local businesses.

Children’s Candlelight Parade & Tree Lighting
Friday, November 21
Hundreds of children, led by the Town Crier, carry glow lights and carol through Downtown Orillia to turn on the giant Opera House Christmas tree and light the way for Santa!

Orillia Santa Claus Parade
Sunday, November 23
One of the largest Christmas parades north of Toronto! Over 100 floats, bands and Santa himself!

Orillia Fairgrounds Winter Farmers' Market
Saturday, December 6, 13 & 20
Fairgrounds Road, Ramara


Tweed


Annual Festival of Trees - December 4 - 7
Location: Tweed Hungerford Agricultural Building, 617 Louisa St., Tweed

Annual Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, December 6
12:30pm

For more holiday related fun activites or getaways visit -

December Getaways | Christmas & New Year's Getaways | More Santa Claus Parades
More Craft Shows & Bazaars | Winter Farmers' Markets

Thursday 16 October 2014

Super Scary and Fun Halloween Events North of Toronto


Bonus, Halloween is on a Friday this year! You know what that means...a whole weekend of ghoulish possibilities! While some events are the weekend before and some the first weekend of November, there are some seriously scary fun events taking place north of Toronto.


Here's our featured list of Halloween themed events -

BARRIE & AREA

Pumpkin Mania at Rounds Ranch
Elmvale
Weekends until October 26
Pick your own perfect pumpkin! Wagon rides, animals, fun rides and toys and every kind of pumpkin activity you can dream of!

Fun with Monstrous Tales!
Barrie Public Library
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 7:00pm to 7:45pm
Join library staff as we have some monstrous Halloween fun at the Library! Children of all ages are welcome to come in costumes or pajamas for some monster storytelling and other activities.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels in Barrie


COLLINGWOOD & AREA

The Haunted Hill
Blue Mountain Village
October 24-26
Halloween comes early at Blue Mountain Resort! For three days only, Blue will transform into The Haunted Hill where ghosts and goblins run free through Enchanted Forests, Haunted Putting Courses and Hikes on Haunted Hill. Face your frights in a weekend full of Halloween-themed fun for the whole family, if you dare!

Fright this Way – Black Harvest Returns!
Downtown Collingwood
October 25
The tradition of Halloween and the Black Harvest Festival continues in historically Chilling Downtown Collingwood this October, with Witches (and Warlocks) of the 'Wood taking over the town. Mark Saturday October 26th on your calendar and prepare to come downtown to see what is brewing.

See Collingwood Resorts and Attractions


HALIBURTON

HALLOWEEN HORROR FOR KIDS with Sharon Lynch
The Art Hive
October 11 - 10:00 am
Kids can also create a scary clay decoration in time for this Halloween! Choose between a screaming face or pair of monster eggs with body parts emerging between the cracks. Great for scaring your family and friends on Halloween! You will use easy hand-building methods then add colourful underglazes. Pieces will be clear-glazed and fired twice. Ready for pick-up in time for Halloween.

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


HUNTSVILLE | MUSKOKA

Great Pumpkin Trail
Muskoka Heritage Place
October 31
Annual favourite where trick or treaters follow the lit footpaths to decorated pioneer buildings where they receive their treats. All this in a vehicle free environment.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Huntsville, ON


LAKEFIELD

Pumpkinfest
McLean Berry Farm
McLean Berry Farm is a family owned and operated strawberry and vegetable farm located in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes Area in south-eastern Ontario. Visitors are welcome to visit the farms and take part in the delicious Ontario tradition of seaonsal berry picking (and eating!). Festival runs the last three weekends of October.


MIDLAND & AREA

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS and MARSH MONSTER MYSTERY
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
October 25 (Saturday Only)
The Wye Marsh is hosting a variety of spooktacular events. All Guys and Ghouls welcome and activities include: Haunted House, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, pumpkin bowling and more. If you are up for the challenge, stick around Saturday evening for the Marsh Monster Mystery, who will help us solve it this year


Haunted Harbour
Discovery Harbour
October 23 - 25
Discovery Harbour hosts its third annual “Haunted Harbour” event evenings October 25, 26 and 27, promising a fun and spooky evening for the entire family. Discovery Harbour’s evening atmosphere is perfect for the haunting season. Little ghosts, goblins and their families arrive at Discovery Harbour’s main entrance in full costume. They proceed along a candlelit path through the famous historic properties, with costumed staff on hand to assist. During the stroll, visitors can peer into various heritage buildings to see what lurks! By popular demand, the “Haunted House” feature will return to the event, allowing all those willing to meander through a maze-like walkway inside the building for a higher level of “scary”. Beware what lurks in the shadows! To wrap up the evening, a special “hands-on” ghostly Halloween craft activity is available in the North Visitor Centre. Visitors can check out the “Creepy Canada” episode that features ghost stories from Discovery Harbour. The “Haunted Harbour” family event runs for three evenings, October 23, 24, 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is just $7.00 per person with a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Midland, ON

Link to: Midland Tourism


ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS

Terror On Wonderland Road ... Halloween Haunt & Food Drive
Haliburton
October 25
Terror on Wonderland Road - Halloween Haunt & Food Drive, Saturday October 25th & Friday October 31st. Shows start at 4pm and go until the last man is standing.

Halloween at Petawawa Heritage Village
Petawawa Heritage Village
November 1
Bring pumpkins, costumes! Free event for the whole family! We are also looking for young people or families who wish to take part. Hot drinks for the children at the Leder Haus.

Link to: Ontario's Highlands Tourism

ORILLIA

Halloween Howl
October 25, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park
The Halloween Howl Fun Run/Walk is an annual event that promotes being healthy and active - and having fun. There are prizes for fastest times in various age divisions as well as for best costume.You can participate by doing a 5-kilometre run or walk, a 10-kilometre run, or a 10- kilometre team relay.

Link to: Ontario's Lake Country Tourism

Make a whole weekend out of it and stay at local accommodations

Monday 22 September 2014

Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto September 26-28

Fall Colour Road Trips for fun day trips or weekend getaways are where it's at right now. Mother Nature is showing off her colours with foliage and sunsets! Photo-Ops full of scenic beauty offer great pre-winter family fun.

in Cottage Country and resorts towns 'north' of TO! 

September 26-28, 2014

BARRIE

Fall Epic 8 Hour Relay
Hardwood Ski and Bike
September 27
The Epic 8 Hour Mountain Bike Relay is all about the camaraderie, sportsmanship and the gritty, hard-core enjoyment of riding with friends. The events is a personal and team challenge to complete as many laps as possible.




BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD
Fall Colours Touring
Blue Mountain Village
It’s country road and river touring time! Enjoy local wine and cider tasting, guided hiking, Ontario’s only open air gondola and many artisan stops along the Apple Pie Trail.


BRACEBRIDGE

Bracebridge Farmers' Market
Saturdays 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Downtown Bracebridge


HALIBURTON

OCUP Downhill Biking Race

Sir Sam's Ski and Bike
Participate in this Downhill point series race. Food service and camping is offered for this event.

Experience Haliburton
Find out what's happening in #MyHaliburtonHighlands. Lots to do and see in one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Ontario! Events this weekend include farmers markets, heritage happenings at the museum and a ghost walk in Minden.


MAGNETAWAN

Artscape Studio Tour

MIDLAND & AREA

PA Day Camp (Friday)
Huronia Museum

Each camp will run from 9 to 5 at a cost of $22 per child. Each day we will have fun games and crafts to keep your children busy and entertained. We will also have as much outdoor play as the weather allows, even spending time in the park and our Wendat village when we can.


Franco Ontario Day (Sept. 25)
Sainte Marie among the Hurons
A celebration of French culture in Ontario with special exhibits and activities.

Singer / Songwriter Workfest & Open Mic
Sept. 13 & 20
Midland Cultural Centre
Open Mic at the MCC's Cafe Roxy. Saturdays from 1pm - 4pm. Free Admission.

7 Nights in Havana
Midland Cultural Centre
A new photographic exhibition of the UNESCO designated World Heritage city Havana, Cuba will be on display at the Midland Cultural Centre from September 26 until October 31. Entitled Seven Nights in Havana, the exhibit is a collaboration of three local photographers and a joint presentation of Quest Art and the MCC. Admission price for the evening is $15 with all proceeds from the exhibition donated to the Midland Cultural Centre. 

Opening Reception: September 26. Seven Nights In Havana Opening Reception. Official opening of the Exhibition including an evening of live Cuban Music and Dancers plus hors d’oeuvres and refreshments with a Cuban flare. Family Friendly.
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Garth Baker, a local citizen scientist and bird bander will be banding northern saw-whet owls at Wye Marsh.

Fridays 3:30 - 7:30 pm
Veterans' Lane, Victoria Harbour

Saturday 8 am - 1 pm
Town Dock - Main Street

Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm
Across from the Town Dock

Link to: Midland Tourism



ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS

Bancroft and area autumn Studio Tour
Drive the route and visit the artists at their studios in north Hastings. Pick up a descriptive brochure at many local businesses, art gallery of Bancroft or Chamber of Commerce September 20, 21 and 27,28.

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Coldwater Fall Fair
Demolition Derby, remote controlled vehicles, Antique & Stock tractor & stock truck pulls, children's events all weekend.

Culture Days
Culture Days is one of the largest ever public participation campaigns undertaken by the arts and cultural community across Canada. Whether you are looking for a workshop, class, performance or exhibit, it gives the public a unique opportunity to connect with arts and cultural providers in their community through free, hands-on, and often introductory activities. Add your creative flare to one of our public art projects, conduct one of our local bands or get advice on your latest literary triumph from a published author. The choice is yours on how you will TAKE PART in this coast to coast to coast celebration.

Port Severn Fall Colours Cruise
Midland Tours Inc. offers 2 ½ hour fall colour tours on the Trent-Severn Waterway departing from Lock 45 in Port Severn, Ontario. The Serendipity Princess cruises to the Big Chute Marine Railway – it is the only marine railway of its kind in North America still in use.

Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm
4500 Fairgrounds Road just off of Hwy 12 W.

Saturdays 7:30 am - 12:30 pm
Orillia Public Library

Weekend Pastel Autumn Workshops
Dave Beckett Art Gallery
Sept. 20-21

For adults or art interested teens.

Link to: Ontario's Lake Country Area Tourism


OTTAWA VALLEY


Rural Ramble
Now until October 31

Organized by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA), the Rural Ramble is a free, self-guided driving tour set against a backdrop of beautiful fall colours. One of only two regions in the world with the unique combination of climate and topography that results in brilliant fall foliage, the Valley is a magnificent destination to enjoy throughout the autumn months. Glorious colours and crisp, cool weather make it an excellent season for exploring the countryside.

TWEED

Family Fun Events in Tweed and area!
The Municipality of Tweed is located half-way between Toronto and Ottawa.  Known for being the gateway to both the Bay of Quinte and Land O’ Lakes Tourist region;  we have an abundance of outdoor experience right here in Our Backyard.  We invite you to come visit our area and experience world-class musky/black crappie fishing, events, culture and heritage, hiking, atving, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and so much more.

Find other events in Tweed and Ontario's Highlands Tourism Destination


Tuesday 9 September 2014

Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto September 12-21

Whether you're staying at a nearby resort or cottage, live in the next town over or are looking to get out of the hot city, we recommend heading to cottage country for these featured events.

in Cottage Country and resorts towns 'north' of TO! 

September 12 - 21, 2014

BARRIE

OCUP XC Championship
Horsehoe Resort
September 21
Horseshoe Resort welcomes the Ontario Cup back!  While the Provincials will remain physically challenging, some of the steep climbs will be re-worked and courses for all races will be more established. The amazing accommodations and incredible spectating, food services and all the amenities you come to expect at a world class resort finish off another spectacular season of riding! .

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD
CENTURION Cycling Canada
Blue Mountain Village
September 12-14
North America’s most exciting cycling event open to all! Ride or race in the 25, 50 or 100 mile race, kids fun race or watch top international riders compete for the title in the Village Criterium.



Sears Great Canadian Run 
Blue Mountain Village
September 20
Making an impact. Making a difference. The Relay to End Kids Cancer from Toronto to Blue Mountain. Solo runners and teams of up to 20 people unite for an exciting, challenging and heartwarming experience.

HALIBURTON

Sir Sam's Ski and Bike

Have you heard about our Sunday Special ... for only $22.12 (+ tax) for lift ticket & lesson & $13.27 (+ tax) for bike rental you can Discover Mountain Biking! Available from 1:00 - 3:00 . Must be booked in advance - call 705-754-2298 ... includes bike rental, lift pass & lesson! What a deal!

Ladies SUP Day
SUPNorth
Sept. 20

Back by popular demand with a new mermaid twist is the 2nd Annual Ladies day Saturday September 20th. The adventure begins at Sir Sam's Inn. Adult Only Event, gather your mom friends, aunts, sisters and gal pals!

Hike Haliburton Festival
Sept. 18-21

Come experience this Signature Hiking Event of the Year! With over 60 guides hikes, that are themed for all ages and abilities.

Experience Haliburton
Find out what's happening in #MyHaliburtonHighlands. Lots to do and see in one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Ontario! Events this weekend include farmers markets, heritage happenings at the museum and a ghost walk in Minden.


MIDLAND & AREA

Midland Cultural Centre
Open Mic at the MCC's Cafe Roxy. Saturdays from 1pm - 4pm. Free Admission.

Sultans of String
Sept. 21
Midland Cultural Centre
2012 JUNO Award nominees and "Canada's ambassadors of musical diversity" Sultans of String thrill their audiences with their global sonic tapestry of Spanish Flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, and French Manouche Gypsy-jazz, celebrating musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity.
Sept. 19
Toronto Soprano, Patricia O'Callaghan has enjoyed a fifteen year career traversing across genres, continents, a range of disciplines and passions. This fall she comes to the Rotary Hall at the Midland Cultural Centre to perform the songs of Leonard Cohen and many more.  Not for young kids, but perhaps musically inclined teens. Parental discretion.

Marche at the Marche
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
September 19
A gourmet experience featuring local and wild harvested food served Marché style throughout the Wye Marsh interpretive centre. Explore the natural beauty of Wye Marsh while savouring the delicious foods of the local region prepared using traditional methods. Experience our natural and culinary heritage while supporting Wye Marsh and their mission to foster environmental stewardship. Not for young kids, perhaps a great option for date night.



Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
September 19
Join renowned naturalist and mycologist Bob Bowles on a walk through the woods to learn more about mushrooms. Learn how they grow, where they grow, how to identify them, what species are edible and their place in the ecosystem. Parental discretion - this event requires good pace hiking and staying within a group.  

Link to: Midland Tourism



ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS

Bancroft and area autumn Studio Tour
Drive the route and visit the artists at their studios in north Hastings. Pick up a descriptive brochure at many local businesses, art gallery of Bancroft or Chamber of Commerce September 20, 21 and 27,28.




ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY


Photo credit: olc.com

Oro World's Fair
The Oro World's Fair is located in the heart of Oro Medonte, between Barrie and Orillia and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Oro World's Fair showcases and celebrates agriculture and rural living. Hundreds of exhibits, a midway, demolition derby, tractor pull and great food make the Oro World's Fair fun for the entire family.

Games, delicious food, exhibit hall, lots of prizes, vendors, lumberjack competition, bouncy castle, heavy and light horse pulls, beverage tent and more! 

Weekend Pastel Autumn Workshops
Dave Beckett Art Gallery
Sept. 20-21

For adults or art interested teens.

Link to: Ontario's Lake Country Area Tourism


OTTAWA VALLEY


Rural Ramble
Now until October 31

Organized by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA), the Rural Ramble is a free, self-guided driving tour set against a backdrop of beautiful fall colours. One of only two regions in the world with the unique combination of climate and topography that results in brilliant fall foliage, the Valley is a magnificent destination to enjoy throughout the autumn months. Glorious colours and crisp, cool weather make it an excellent season for exploring the countryside.

TWEED

Family Fun Events in Tweed and area!
The Municipality of Tweed is located half-way between Toronto and Ottawa.  Known for being the gateway to both the Bay of Quinte and Land O’ Lakes Tourist region;  we have an abundance of outdoor experience right here in Our Backyard.  We invite you to come visit our area and experience world-class musky/black crappie fishing, events, culture and heritage, hiking, atving, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and so much more.

Find other events in Tweed and Ontario's Highlands Tourism Destination