That sweet taste of spring is here! Areas north of Toronto not only produce some of Canada's finest maple syrup, but they know how to celebrate it too. People of all ages just love maple syrup, with good reason too, it's one of the tastiest things in the whole world and can be so much more than just a pancake topper.Perhaps the best part of spring for kids is a visit to a maple production bush. Wagon rides, sap bucket collection, kettles of steamy boiling maple sap and warm maple taffy on snow are all unique Canadiana experiences any child in Ontario should experience and learn about.
Active families looking to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or snow tube should definitely consult directly with ski operators for current conditions. Some have already announced this will be their last weekend of the 2014 ski operations. However, mother nature is ultimately the decision maker there!
More good spring news includes announcing and updating the best of our spring family getaways to resorts, accommodations and featured destinations. Parents can find great weekend packages that include maple bush visits, biking, hiking, nature shows and fun at local attractions and markets. Pretty sure resort and small town areas north of Toronto have the best mud puddles, so pack those rubber boots!
This weekend's 'PLAY LIST'...
KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:
These events are within 1-3 hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip, or stay at any family friendly accommodation and extend the fun. These events would also be within proximity or close to many of Ontario's 'cottage country'.
~FEATURED MAPLE FESTIVALS~
Ontario's Lake Country
Filled with a variety of different stops throughout the region, the Tap into Maple route will get your senses flowing and your mouth watering. Come and experience our maple history, taste our local maple cuisine, and create your own maple products.
McLean Berry Farm
At Maplefest, there are a tons of fun activities for the entire family. Whether it's going for a wagon ride, eating pancakes with fresh maple syrup or seeing how the sweet stuff is made, there is something to do for everyone!!
SWEETWATER HARVEST FESTIVAL
Wye Marsh, Midland
Celebrate a uniquely Canadian tradition in a distinctively Canadian landscape. Escape to a time when maple syrup was made over an open fire, experience our history and explore nature at its best.
SNOW VALLEY RESORT
Celebrate winter with your family at Snow Valley. Choose from a great variety of outdoor recreation activities. There is truly something for every member of the family. Fun for all ages activities include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing and they also offer lessons, as well as racing and school programs.
*check directly with SVR re: current condition and operations*
* Sunday March 30 - Snow Valley Puddle Jump*
* Sunday March 30 - Snow Valley Puddle Jump*
HORSESHOE RESORT
Rediscover winter fun in Ontario this season at Horseshoe Resort. With 26 runs, a terrain park and 35 km of groomed Nordic ski trails, Horseshoe has your ski and snowboard needs covered! A variety of activities await you this Winter season at Horseshoe Resort's Adventure Park such as snow tubing and fat biking!
*check directly with HS re: current condition and operations*
* CSRA Snowcross *
Hardwood is a full service nordic ski centre providing trails for all levels of skiers or snowshoers. They are open seven days a week and offer rentals, retail nordic ski, lessons, cafe and children's programs.
*Spring skiing hours are now 8am-5pm, Monday through Sunday. Hardwood is looking to be able to stay open for skiing until Sunday April 6th depending on the snow and weather conditions. After that date they will see what the snow conditions are like before they make a decision to stay open any longer.
Browse BARRIE HOTELS
~THE BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~
SCENIC CAVES NORDIC CENTRE
Winter activities include groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and traversing 420 feet over Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. See natural Ontario forrest as a beautiful winter wonderland!
Winter activities include groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and traversing 420 feet over Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. See natural Ontario forrest as a beautiful winter wonderland!
March 29 and April 5, 2014 (weather permitting) As the sun sinks below the horizon and the afterglow of daylight slowly fades into twilight, sunset is a magical time of day to strap on your snowshoes. Enjoy a quiet early evening tour to witness the daily spectacle of the spring sky ablaze in a stunning array of colours. Catch a glimpse of wildlife busy with their evening feeding routines. Professional staff members guide your group on a 1 ½ to 2 hour romp through a shimmering landscape beginning at 6pm. Experience beautiful trails that wind through a mature forest of 100 foot tall trees, magnificent views of the countryside from the Suspension Bridge and breathtaking lookouts from the top of the Niagara Escarpment. No experience is required and the pace is moderate. Recommended for ages 8-10 and older.
Click here for the latest snow conditions. Be a part of our biggest winter ever with new terrain in the Orchard – six new trails to be exact – and a brand new high-speed chairlift. The increased terrain brings the total skiable acres to 364 with a grand total of 42 trails – the most at any resort in Ontario.
*check directly with BMR re: current condition and operations*
BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE - ACTIVITY CENTRAL
Browse Haliburton Attractions & Accommodations
~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~
DOWNTOWN SHOPS AND DOCKS
Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! Walk about and strolling fun for kids and check out one of the largest outdoor mural collections in North America.
HURONIA MUSEUM
Huronia Museum is a fun place for taking the kids and is located in Little Lake Park, directly across from the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre and behind Campbell's Tobaggan hill. Fun exhibits for the whole families and be sure to check their website for specials events and activities.
MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE
Drop in to see what's going on or visit our website for the latest programs. Cafe Roxy is open for hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments, light meals and snacks, wine and beer. Open Mic at the Cafe on Saturday at 2pm.
Activity Central is your source for the region’s and the resort’s best year-round activities! Pure adrenaline or simple serenity, we have activities to suit every interest and budget! Currently selling Scandinave Spa packages, Wine tasting, Caving tours and gearing up for winter with Snowmobile tours, snowshoeing and the list goes on.
~HALIBURTON~
SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE
Sir Sam’s hosts twelve main runs and a view from the top that is only matched by the view of the slopes from the chalets panoramic windows and outdoor sun deck. Come and enjoy a great outdoor experience in an un-crowded and family friendly atmosphere. Sir Sam's Super Savings Sunday : Ski/Board every Sunday afternoon from 1:30-4:30 for only $25.00! (Rentals only $15.00). Excellent opportunity to try out the sport . Breakfast served from 9:00-2:00.
~HALIBURTON~
SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE
Sir Sam’s hosts twelve main runs and a view from the top that is only matched by the view of the slopes from the chalets panoramic windows and outdoor sun deck. Come and enjoy a great outdoor experience in an un-crowded and family friendly atmosphere. Sir Sam's Super Savings Sunday : Ski/Board every Sunday afternoon from 1:30-4:30 for only $25.00! (Rentals only $15.00). Excellent opportunity to try out the sport . Breakfast served from 9:00-2:00.
Browse Haliburton Attractions & Accommodations
~MIDLAND | PENETANGUISHENE~
DOWNTOWN SHOPS AND DOCKS
Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! Walk about and strolling fun for kids and check out one of the largest outdoor mural collections in North America.
HURONIA MUSEUM
Huronia Museum is a fun place for taking the kids and is located in Little Lake Park, directly across from the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre and behind Campbell's Tobaggan hill. Fun exhibits for the whole families and be sure to check their website for specials events and activities.
MIDLAND CULTURAL CENTRE
Drop in to see what's going on or visit our website for the latest programs. Cafe Roxy is open for hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments, light meals and snacks, wine and beer. Open Mic at the Cafe on Saturday at 2pm.
* Saturday event "Laugh for H2O" - Sunday event Buy and Swap Musicians Day *
WYE MARSH
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Situated on approximately 3,000 acres of natural property in the beautiful Wye Valley (Georgian Bay), it is that perfect place for a family or group outing. With over 25 km of snowshoeing/skiing trails, an observation tower and boardwalks, visitors can get closer to nature.
* SATURDAY & SUNDAY * Sweetwater Harvest Festival - sweet maple fun for the whole family!
HURONIA FOOD TRAIL
You will find a list of the farmers, producers, restaurants, retailers and accommodations that have identified themselves as advocates of local taste and local products, within the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene & Townships of Tay and Tiny, Ontario through the Huronia Food Trail.
MIDLAND TOURISM
The Town of Midland is a dynamic community situated on Georgian Bay and based in the heart of one of our nation's most beautiful recreational areas. It's perfect for a family fun day trip or overnight getaway.
WYE MARSH
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Situated on approximately 3,000 acres of natural property in the beautiful Wye Valley (Georgian Bay), it is that perfect place for a family or group outing. With over 25 km of snowshoeing/skiing trails, an observation tower and boardwalks, visitors can get closer to nature.
* SATURDAY & SUNDAY * Sweetwater Harvest Festival - sweet maple fun for the whole family!
HURONIA FOOD TRAIL
You will find a list of the farmers, producers, restaurants, retailers and accommodations that have identified themselves as advocates of local taste and local products, within the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene & Townships of Tay and Tiny, Ontario through the Huronia Food Trail.
MIDLAND TOURISM
The Town of Midland is a dynamic community situated on Georgian Bay and based in the heart of one of our nation's most beautiful recreational areas. It's perfect for a family fun day trip or overnight getaway.
BOOKS 2 EAT
Coming March 30th, 2014 the 3rd annual Books 2 Eat Midland is a fun and popular annual event (now in its third year) that challenges local chefs to transform any book of choice into a spectacular edible creation. Each creation is observed, then voted on by guests, and then eaten at the event. To enhance the atmosphere, Books 2 Eat also features wine, hors d’oeurvres, and live music throughout the library.
Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region
Coming March 30th, 2014 the 3rd annual Books 2 Eat Midland is a fun and popular annual event (now in its third year) that challenges local chefs to transform any book of choice into a spectacular edible creation. Each creation is observed, then voted on by guests, and then eaten at the event. To enhance the atmosphere, Books 2 Eat also features wine, hors d’oeurvres, and live music throughout the library.
Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region
~ORILLIA | SPRINGWATER~
Starting on March 1st and running through to May 31st, the Tap into Maple route was created to support and showcase our local maple syrup, maple products and events. Filled with a variety of different stops throughout the region, the Tap into Maple route will get your senses flowing and your mouth watering. Come and experience our maple history, taste our local maple cuisine, and create your own maple products. You can even stay awhile, our local accommodators have some sweet maple packages available for you! Bring your family or getaway as a couple, Ontario’s Lake Country has something for everyone.
Stay in ORILLIA ACCOMMODATIONS
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Are you mobile?
Install the 400eleven.com and 411ontariokids.com APP
This APP conveniently lists events, last minute getaway links, Thing To Do and other fun travel north of Toronto related information. When on the move, this is an easy way to see what's going on! Great for cottagers, day trippers and getaway travellers and even locals! The APP is available from iTunes, GooglePlay and Amazon, you can find links here ~
DOWNLOAD ONTARIO TRAVEL NORTH OF TORONTO APP
