{"id":2194,"date":"2020-05-17T19:23:08","date_gmt":"2020-05-17T19:23:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/?p=2194"},"modified":"2021-09-26T20:17:50","modified_gmt":"2021-09-26T20:17:50","slug":"6-one-of-a-kind-picnic-spots-in-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/6-one-of-a-kind-picnic-spots-in-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"6 One of a kind picnic spots in Ontario"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"b12171e95ca29a06569361a76d0dc3e3\" data-index=\"1\" style=\"float: none; margin:10px 0 10px 0; text-align:center;\">\n<script data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6144103376590397\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Although at this time we are still indefinitely practicing social distancing and we are still being encouraged to stay home as much as possible, the province has announced that opening some outdoor spaces will be part of the first phase to reopen the province. With the warm weather upon us, a simple gathering with family and friends that so many of us took for granted not too long ago all of a sudden feels like a special occasion and something to fondly look forward to. Although some parks and business\u2019s will start to re-open, social distancing will be the new norm for a while and something we must all keep in mind when out and about this Summer. For now we do not know exactly when business\u2019s will reopen and to what capacity, but for when the time comes, we have compiled a list of 6 gorgeous and unique\u00a0picnic areas to lay out a blanket and enjoy some epic views. Please make sure to check their websites before attending for up to date hours of operation and COVID precautions and for those on the list that don\u2019t open this summer, put it on your list for next year!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Royal Botanical Garden (GTA)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2195\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-3.14.54-PM.png\" alt=\"Trees and green lawn\" width=\"260\" height=\"141\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbg.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">The Royal Botanical Gardens<\/a>\u00a0is the largest botanical garden in Canada, consisting of 2700 acres of stunning gardens &amp; sanctuaries and home to the world\u2019s largest collection of lilacs. Enjoy all\u00a0 5 cultivated garden areas open year-round and stroll along 27kms of scenic walking trails to find the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while spotting beautiful art sculptures, rare species of flora &amp; migrating birds along the way.\u00a0\u00a0 Although they do not allow BBQ\u2019s, you may bring outside food to enjoy at the many different themed gardens all with amazing views, vistas and photo opportunities. Admission prices do apply and select special events such as their Garden Music Series do not permit outside food so check their website first for their event calendar when planning your day.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Rideau Hall (Ottawa)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2196\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-3.14.48-PM.png\" alt=\"Building and flowers\" width=\"264\" height=\"140\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The historic grounds of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gg.ca\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Rideau Hall<\/a>\u00a0offer a great opportunity to mix history with a beautiful landscape for a picnic.\u00a0\u00a0The grounds are made up of lush green lawns, gardens, forest and walking paths.\u00a0\u00a0There are more than 10,000 trees, some of which are ceremonial trees planted by heads of State and other dignitaries, such as John F Kennedy. Visit the totem pole, sit and enjoy your picnic in the rose garden.\u00a0\u00a0Reservations can be made for a free tour of the residence\u2019s State rooms.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gg.ca\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Rideau Hall<\/a>\u00a0is the official residence of the governor general, the representative of the Queen in Canada. The tour also starts off with a fascinating look through their Dare to Dream exhibition showcasing breathtaking photographs of Canada taken from space and items from Governor General Payette\u2019s personal collection.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Pelee Island Winery Pavilion (SW)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2197\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-3.14.42-PM.png\" alt=\"Food and drinks on a table\" width=\"268\" height=\"139\" \/><\/p>\n<p>At the southernmost point of Canada, you\u2019ll find 10,000 acres of picturesque vineyards, farms, beaches, parks and forests. This option is for the wine connoisseur\u2019s and involves taking a ferry so it\u2019s best to plan for a day trip, so you have enough time to enjoy it all. If your visiting on a Saturday in the Summer, drop by the Pelee Island Farmers Market in the Quarry before making your way to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/visitwindsoressex.com\/places\/pelee-island-wine-pavillion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Pelee Island Winery.<\/a>\u00a0This is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch in their wine garden which obviously involves sipping wine as you take in the incredible views of the vineyards, Lake Erie and enjoy the live entertainment on weekend afternoons. You can choose to BBQ your own food but if you didn\u2019t bring a picnic don\u2019t fret, they sell uncooked BBQ items such as burgers, sausages and kabobs as well as a variety of pre-made picnic salads and of course cheese plates that will be perfectly paired with your wine. There are plenty of picnic tables to choose from and since you\u2019re on-island time stay and enjoy a wine tour and learn about Pelee Island, it&#8217;s history and its connection to wine making.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park (Northern ON)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-3.14.36-PM.png\" alt=\"Bridge over a waterfall\" width=\"263\" height=\"139\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Also known as \u201cNiagara of the North,\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontarioparks.com\/park\/kakabekafalls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Kakabeka Falls<\/a>\u00a0is the second highest waterfall in Ontario with year round access for viewing and magnificent picnic spots showcasing a thundering cascade of water that drops 40 metres over sheer cliffs into a deep gorge. Get an up close view of the falls and gorge from the boardwalk that wraps around the top of the falls and with 6 hiking trials ranging from easy to strenuous there is an adventure that awaits for all skill levels. On those hot summer days make your way to a small beach located in a sheltered area up river of the falls on the Kaministiquia River for swimming and more picnic spots and explore the 1.6 million year old fossils at the bottom of the falls.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Scarborough Bluffs (GTA)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2199\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-3.14.29-PM.png\" alt=\"Cliffs bordering a body of water\" width=\"262\" height=\"138\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of Toronto\u2019s best kept secrets,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.toronto.ca\/explore-enjoy\/parks-gardens-beaches\/scarborough-bluffs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Scarborough Bluffs<\/a>\u00a0is a picturesque spot with beautiful white 100 meter cliffs that border lake Ontario, clear blue water, beautiful views, and a wide sandy beach perfect for a beach picnic or a BBQ at Bluffers Park. Take a dip in the cool waters (blue flag by the way) and Hike the 4.7 km Scarborough Bluffs Trail, a very easy loop from Bluffer\u2019s beach to Bluffer\u2019s park. Here you can spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun watching the sun melt into night then pitch a tent and spend the entire night stargazing. Accessing the bluffs is best done by car and although Bluffer\u2019s Park at the bottom of Brimley Road provides access to the base of the Bluffs, Cathedral Bluffs Lookout is where it\u2019s at for breathtaking views from the top. Honestly this is a place where you will wonder if you are still in Toronto!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>\u00a0Niagara Glen Gorge (Niagara Region)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-17-at-3.14.22-PM.png\" alt=\"Trail beside a body of water\" width=\"261\" height=\"139\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Although the perfect picnic spot can be found right in the area around the entrance to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaraparks.com\/visit\/nature-garden\/niagara-glen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Niagara Glen Gorge park<\/a>, for the more adventurous picnicker a hike along two-and-a-half miles of stunning paths that wind through this pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest, past prehistoric geological formations, wild flora and fauna will lead you deep into the Niagara Gorge, where you\u2019ll find epic picnic spots at practically every turn.\u00a0 After your picnic make sure to check out the self-guided tour along the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niagaraparks.com\/visit\/attractions\/white-water-walk\/?ref=l_bonappetit_web_us&amp;ord=69644469\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">White Water Walk<\/a>\u00a0where you can feel the power of the class 6 white water rapids from their river edge viewing platforms.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to check with all attractions and parks before you attend to get updated COVID-19 hours precautions and hours of operation.<\/p>\n<p>Natalie &amp; Phil  <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"font-size: 0px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0; padding: 0; clear: both;\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although at this time we are still indefinitely practicing social distancing and we are still being encouraged to stay home as much as possible, the province has announced that opening some outdoor spaces will be part of the first phase to reopen the province. With the warm weather upon us, a simple gathering with family&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2194","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-niagara-region"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2194"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2194\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3664,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2194\/revisions\/3664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}