Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto August 1-4 | August Long Weekend is here!

Another long weekend is upon us! Monday August 4 is Civic Day in Ontario and is a great chance to have some family fun!

Larger festivals and special events are always a good bet when planning a family day trip or weekend getaway. Areas north of Toronto are rockin' summer right now with some really fun events for kids that adults not only can handle but will find themselves having fun at too.

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.



BARRIE

Summer Shredders
Hardwood Ski and Bike
The NEW 4-Week Summer Shredders Starts Saturday July 26. Every Saturday for 4 Weeks (July 26, Aug 2, Aug 9, Aug 16) from 10am - 11:30am. The program is for children 6-11 years old and will be focused on trail riding with some games and skill building included. Only $89 (trail pass included)!


BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

Annual Village Beach Party
Blue Mountain Village
The summer’s hottest all-ages party! Reggae & Calypso music featuring LAZO, patio parties, interactive drumming, hiking, scavenger hunts and live performers.
*Catch Movies Under the Stars in the Village on Thursdays and Monday night. Free outdoor movie!
 

HALIBURTON


Tour de Forest
With 20 Artists and 8 Studios in 2014, the Haliburton Tour de Forest is a growing artistic community experience for all to enjoy.

Haliburton Try Its with Intro to SUP
Haliburton Try Its with Intro to SUP @ August 1, Head Lake Park 10am-2pm.

KAWARTHA LAKES

SUP n' Swim
Fenelon Falls
SUP & Swim the Bay in Fenelon Falls @ 5pm.

MIDLAND

Little Lake Park
Sunday music at the park bandstand.


ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Rotary Fun Fest & Other Celebrations

Downtown Orillia
Fun for the whole family including a midway, games, vendors and so much more! Also check out the Festival of Banners.


TWEED


TWEED STAMPEDED & JAMBOREE
The TS&J has grown to be one of the largest and most prestigious single events in the Area with Animals & Agriculture, Family Entertainment, Live Music, Food & Shopping! Trudeau's Park in Tweed, Ontario is excited to announce that The RAM Rodeo Tour will makes it's return this coming August Long Weekend.


Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto July 26-27

Larger festivals and special events are always a good bet when planning a family day trip or weekend getaway. Areas north of Toronto are rockin' summer right now with some really fun events for kids that adults not only can handle but will find themselves having fun at too.

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.



BARRIE

Summer Shredders
Hardwood Ski and Bike
The NEW 4-Week Summer Shredders Starts Saturday July 26. Every Saturday for 4 Weeks (July 26, Aug 2, Aug 9, Aug 16) from 10am - 11:30am. The program is for children 6-11 years old and will be focused on trail riding with some games and skill building included. Only $89 (trail pass included)!


BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

20th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival
Blue Mountain Village
All hail the King! In cooperation with the Collingwood Elvis Festival, the Village will host the hottest Elvis entertainment. Thank you very much!


HALIBURTON


Six Hour Challenge
Sir Sam's Ski and Bike
Get a team together for this 6 Hour Challenge on Sat. July 26, 2014 .This annual cross country race for solo to 4 person teams generates a lot of fun & excitement. Most 5 km laps win. Prizes for all categories- $50.00 entry fee includes end of race BBQ .

MIDLAND

Family Discovery Day
Discovery Harbour

Family Discovery Day features children’s activities, toy ships, games, and pirate hats in the on-site Children’s centre, quill pen writing, pioneer baking, musical entertainment, and the swashbuckling Captain Corbin! Adult $7.00 Senior and Student $6.25 Youth 6-12 $5.25 Under 5 Free.

Watercross Racing
Little Lake Park
Little Lake Park in Midland is hosting a watercross race July 26th! First race is at 9:00am. Watercross involves snowmobiles competing against one another as they try to glide across the water and navigate through a marked course.

Little Lake Park
Sunday music at the park bandstand.



ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Orillia Beatles Celebration and Street Festival
Downtown Orillia
Celebrating the world's greatest band, come and enjoy two days of Beatles tribute artists, films, vendors, outdoor stages, street dance and more!
We also recommend visiting any or maybe all of our Featured Farmers' Markets and Farms

More...



Have a fun weekend! 

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Wye Marsh - Naturally A Good Time for Kids!

Photo Credit: Wye Marsh
Simply Natural or Naturally Simple, the Wye Marsh is a wonderful place to cool down this summer and connect with nature. Located in Midland, only 90 minutes north of Toronto, it's a perfect day trip activity or visiting place when visiting the area.

This gem Ontario attraction is 3,000 acres of wetlands, fen and forest near Georgian Bay. The Centre includes an amphibian and reptile display hall, hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking routes, an observation tower and boardwalks, birds of prey display, education classroom, event facilities, gift shop and the nicest and most knowledgeable Naturalists on staff.

The Wye Marsh offers entertainment to families and people of all ages from 1-99!

Their specialty is nature - and tons of it - right at your fingertips, or in your dip net, right down to microscopic bugs. Critter loving kids will want to move in. It's a great place to toddle along the boardwalk and chase a butterfly or for older children, ride a bike, canoe or kayak.

Wye Marsh is known for great events. This summer you can celebrate the great outdoors at the Get Outdoors Festival August.

Get Outdoors Festival - August 9-10


Explore one of Ontario's largest wetlands by foot, boat or bike. There are over 25km of scenic forested trails, floating boardwalks and canoe channels that let you escape into the Wye Marsh and connect with the wildlife that call it home. Escape on your own or with a naturalist on a guided canoe tour or walking tour. Experience hummingbird banding and monarch tagging demonstrations, or take part in an interactive workshop on birding or backcountry camping. See birds of prey soar and learn how to identify native Ontario turtles and snakes in a live animal show. Experience the best of the outdoors at the Get Outdoors Festival.

Click here to Enter to Win a Free Pass to the festival.

There are lots of workshops, some for adults, some for kids. Summer Camp will tire your kid and make new friends. The Wye Marsh can guarantee an appreciation for nature you can't get from an APP or a screen. 

Upcoming Workshops: Habitat Gardening August 23

Photo Credit: J. Jankowski

The Wye Marsh is a great place for parents to find value entertainment and teach their kids about nature and the environment. As part of their development, kids need to experience the basics and beauty of nature and the Wye Marsh is a perfect place to spark and inspire a young mind. 

Find the Wye Marsh:

Address:


Midland, Ontario

Telephone:
705-526-7809

Website:

Find: Midland Area Accommodations & Other Things To Do

Weekend Family Events July 18-20

Larger festivals and special events are always a good bet when planning a family day trip or weekend getaway. Areas north of Toronto are rockin' summer right now with some really fun events for kids that adults not only can handle but will find themselves having fun at too.

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.



BARRIE

Canadian XC Mountain Bike Championships
Hardwood Ski and Bike

Cross Country Mountain Bike races for all levels of riders as well as the Canadian Championships and Challenge events bringing together Canada's Top Mountain Bike Riders - Come Race, Come Watch, or Both!

Warrior Dash
Horseshoe Resort
Warrior Dash is the world’s largest obstacle race series, held on the most rugged terrain in more than 50 locations across the globe. Bring the family to watch and cheer!

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

Blue Mountain Village
Celebrating families with Juno award winner Fred Penner, live music, interactive drumming, magic shows, guided family hike & gondola ride and one million smiles! 

ELMVALE

Rounds Ranch
Grab the gang together from 11 am - 5 pm and challenge our "Farm , Fun Facts" Maze. 


MIDLAND

Bike Week
Little Lake Park

The inaugural 2014 Southern Georgian Bay Bike Week will take place at Little Lake Park.

Little Lake Park
Sunday music at the park bandstand. 

We also recommend visiting any or maybe all of our Featured Farmers' Markets and Farms

More...



Have a fun weekend! 

Monday, 7 July 2014

Cottage Country North of Toronto Summer Family Playlist

Summer means cottage time and time outdoors day tripping and getaway-ing your way through the school break! Ontario has beautiful forests, beaches, trails and fun attractions that are great places to cool down, have fun and enjoy all the recreational fun that comes with summer.

Find the best of summer vacations packages at your favorite resort here:

Super Summer Getaways




This summer's 'PLAY LIST'...
KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES BY AREA



These attractions and activities are within 1-4 hours north (or so!) 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 in or within proximity and close to much of Ontario's 'cottage country'.

~Featured Markets & Farm~


Wednesdays: Gravenhurst Farmers' Market


Thursdays: Lakefield Farmers' Market


Saturdays: Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers' Market, Orillia Farmers' Market, Bracebridge Farmers' Market, Penetanguishene Community Market

Sundays: Midland Farmers' Market (Town Dock)

Featured Farm: McLean Berry Farm (open for U-pick berrie or for sale)

More Details below or click here.


~ GTA~

TREETOP TREKKING
Spend an unforgettable day at one of Treetop Trekking's four Ontario zip line and aerial game parks! Feel the rush as you fly across ziplines, and climb like a monkey on balance logs, cable traverses, hammock nets, wooden bridges and Tarzan swings suspended high in the forest canopy. GTA Locations in Brampton and Stouffville.

~ BARRIE~

HARDWOOD SKI AND BIKE
Hardwood Ski and Bike has over 80 km of beautiful, rolling trails through hardwood and pine forests for mountain biking. Included in the facility pass is the opportunity to play beach volleyball, disc golf, and utilize the trails for orienteering, hiking, walking, and trail running. Hardwood has expanded our disc golf course to 18 holes so come on out and play this great game on this, fun and challenging course. We have a family special all season - kids 12 and under play free with a paying adult.



HORSESHOE ADVENTURE PARK
Horseshoe Resort is an inviting Ontario destination offering four seasons of fun for thrill-seekers and adventurers alike! This spring, plan your next getaway as active or relaxing as you want it to be. Enjoy golf on two championship golf courses, ride the trails in the Lift Access Mountain Bike Park or kick your adrenaline up a notch in the Adventure Park, with so many outdoor adventures to chose from, what will you do next?



TREETOP TREKKING
Treetop Trekking Barrie is Ontario's original aerial game and zip line park. Located at Horseshoe Valley Resort, come spend an adventure filled day climbing and zipping from tree to tree in the setting of a full service year round resort.



SERENDIPITY PRINCESS CRUISE
The Serendipity Princess is a 265 passenger paddle-wheeler with triple decks featuring a patio on the upper level. Daily sightseeing cruises as well lunch & dinner cruises are available.

Stay in Barrie Hotels

~THE BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD~

ATTRACTION PARK BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
From a sightseeing gondola ride to an alpine hike; from a day in our mountain bike park to an afternoon on the Cascade Putting Course or Ridge Runner Coaster, there's an activity with just the right amount of adventure to suit just about anyone.



PLUNGE! AQUATIC CENTRE
Plunge! is the ultimate, all ages, four season water adventure at the base of Blue Mountain Ski Resort, the largest mountain resort in Ontario, Canada, located near Collingwood - just a 90-minute drive from Toronto.

BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE - ACTIVITY CENTRAL
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.



SCENIC CAVES
All green season activities are currently available: Caves/Caverns trail, Suspension Bridge, Eco Adventure Tour, Thunderbird Twin Zip Line (Wednesday - Sunday), Mini Golf, Gemstone Mining, Adventure Playground, Trout Pond, Snack Bar, Gift Shop and picnic areas. Rocky the Train and the Wagon ride to the Suspension Bridge operate on weekends.

Stay in Collingwood Accommodations


~ BRACEBRIDGE ~

BRACEBRIDGE FARMERS' MARKET
The Market runs each Saturday, 8:30 to 1pm from the Victoria Day long weekend in May, until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. The market located in Memorial Park on Manitoba Street, next to the Norwood Theatre.


SANTA'S VILLAGE & SPORTSLAND
2 Great Parks & 1 Great Campground… All On-Site at Santa's Village Family Entertainment Park. This unique 60-acre attraction nestles in a bend of the Muskoka River. Tour the village
by miniature train or cruise the Muskoka River on Santa’s Summer Sleigh Jet Boat. You can try Rudolph’s Roller Coaster, the Ferris Wheel, and other amusement rides! Visit Santa
Claus and then play at Elves Island or at our beach and splash-pad. You can also enjoy live Amphitheatre shows with clowns, magicians and roving entertainers! Santa’s Village is like Christmas in the summer!The older kids will enjoy Go-Karts, Lazer Tag, Mini-Golf, Batting Cages and the Arcade!

~ ELMVALE ~

Rounds Ranch is the place for families to have a country and western experience with over 18 attractions. Enjoy the large corn & straw mazes, petting zoo, pony rides, water maze, barrel train, shooting gallery, duck races, pedal cart race track, western playground, zip lines, giant jumping pillows, tractor rides, swinging tire horses, bouncy ponies. Season begins June 28.

~FORESTER FALLS | BEACHBURG ~

ADVENTURE RIVER RUN RAFTING WILDERNESS RESORT
For the young and “young at heart”, join us for this gentle water raft trip on the Middle Channel of the river. With just enough whitewater to make it fun there’s plenty to see and learn about this historical river.

~ HALIBURTON & EAST ~

SIR SAM'S SKI & BIKE
Open for mountain biking! We offer both cross country (14 km) and downhill (9km) trails for all level of riders. Ride the trails from bottom to top and back again or use the lift to transport you and your bike to the top. There is something for everyone including a great BMX pump track at the top of the hill. Sir Sam’s is excited to bring this sport to our customers along with the professional instruction to ensure everyone has the skills it takes to be safe and have fun. Bring your own bike or rent one at Sir Sam's.



SUPnorth PADDLE ADVENTURES
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Cottage Country's beautiful Haliburton Highlands. *Requires advanced booking.

ALGONQUIN'S HIGHLANDS TRAILS
Where adventure awaits. Just 2.5hrs from Toronto, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands

HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS TOURISM
ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS TOURISM

~ HUNTSVILLE ~

TREETOP TREKKING
Treetop Trekking Huntsville is the most exciting adventure activity in Muskoka! Located in a beautiful setting at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, thrill yourself in our huge aerial game and zipline park.

Stay in HUNTSVILLE ACCOMMODATIONS

~ IROQUOIS ~

MODEL SHIP MUSEUM
Doran Bay Model Ship Museum provides marvel world-class collection of museum quality model ships, including a special exhibit of ships from the War of 1812.



~ LAKEFIELD ~

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!).

~ MIDLAND & AREA ~

KING'S WHARF THEATRE
A beautiful theatre on the shores of Penetang Bay. Many shows are family friendly. Check their website for details.



MISS MIDLAND
Take a sightseeing cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland & experience the sparkling water, the windswept pines & rocky grandeur of Muskoka-Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands – the finest cruising area in the northern hemisphere. The Miss Midland departs from the Midland Town Dock located at 177 King Street, Midland, Ontario.

DOWNTOWN SHOPS AND DOCKS
Check out the shops and docks in beautiful Midland! Walk about and strolling fun for kids - 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. Fun exhibits for the whole family 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.

WYE MARSH
Open year round, the Wye Marsh is an excellent place to get out and get close to nature every day. Guided tours/programs by one of our knowledgeable Naturalists – guided walks, canoe/kayak, ecotours (snowshoeing, canoeing/kayaking), Birds of Prey demonstrations.



DISCOVERY HARBOUR
Discovery Harbour is open Tuesday to Saturday May 20 to June 28. Experience a summer long celebration at Discovery Harbour, as we mark 200 years since our founding in 1814. Special events, program highlights, and activities galore at Discovery Harbour will make the summer of 2014 like no other! In addition to a great line-up of special events, visitors can enjoy above and below deck tours of the replica of H.M.S. Tecumseth based on her 1815 log, and see her original 1815 hull remains in the spectacular new H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre, complete will all-new exhibits and displays.

SAINTE MARIE AMONG THE HURONS
Experience life in one of Canada’s oldest reconstructed European communities, that was shared with First Nations people all the way back to the sixteen hundreds! There are over 25 buildings to explore and the costumed staff will help tell the story of life in Upper Canada. Daily family activities for you to enjoy. Bring a picnic and experience it for the full day!



HARBOUR MARKET
The Harbour Market runs from June through September, on Fridays from 3:30 - 7:30 pm on Veterans' Lane, Victoria Harbour.

PENETANGUISHENE COMMUNITY MARKET
The Penetanguishene Community Market runs from June through October on Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm at the Town Dock.

MIDLAND FARMERS' MARKET
The Midland Farmers' Market runs from June through Thanksgiving, on Sunday from 8 am - 1 pm across from the Town Dock (bottom of King Street), Midland.

MUSIC IN THE PARK
Sunday evening head down to Little Lake Park in Midland for live music! The bandstand if located right beside the play area and is a great evening for families. Play or sit and listen, something for everyone in the 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.

Stay in MIDLAND HOTELS
MORE Midland Tourism Region

~ORILLIA | SPRINGWATER~

ORILLIA FARMERS' MARKET

One of Ontario's longest running markets runs every Saturday from 7:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Orillia Library on Mississauga Street in Downtown Orillia. This is family friendly market that offers kids alot of fun activities and tasty treats.

ORILLIA FAIRGROUNDS FARMERS' MARKET
Over 50 local farmers, food producers, bakers and artisans. Fresh fruit, meat and vegetables, baked goods, cheese, honey, prepared foods, sausages, maple syrup, and live music! FREE PARKING for everyone! COME TO THE FAIR!



ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY Tourism Region
Ontario’s Lake Country is one of Ontario’s most picturesque regions with radiant lakes and rivers and an array of activities for all to enjoy year round, located just one hour north of Toronto, on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. Though Lake Country's assets are plentiful, none are more perfect than its shimmering lakes, rivers, and streams. In fact, some of the best boating and water sports in Canada can be found here, as Lake Country is located on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

~ PARRY SOUND ~

GEORGIAN BAY AIRWAYS

AMAZE at the natural beauty of Muskoka and Georgian Bay by seaplane! Let Georgian Bay Airways make your vacation a memorable experience. We provide many services with our legendary seaplanes including sightseeing tours and flying adventures. Join our nearly 1,000 passengers a year to experience our signature "Fly & Dine" to World Famous Henry's Fish Restaurant.

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