{"id":2955,"date":"2021-04-09T14:47:23","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T14:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/?p=2955"},"modified":"2021-10-22T16:44:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T16:44:39","slug":"6-unique-off-the-beaten-path-experiences-in-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/6-unique-off-the-beaten-path-experiences-in-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"6 UNIQUE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH EXPERIENCES 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>Ontario has it all; nature, specialized events, incredible food, and a deep history.\u00a0 We know that Ontario\u2019s popular hot spots are always crowd pleasers, but what about the hidden gems just off the beaten path? With lockdowns going in and out of effect in various regions, you might be looking for something to do that isn\u2019t the norm.\u00a0 This week, we are exploring 6 unique experiences that you may not have heard of yet, right here in Ontario. There is so much to discover so without further ado, check out our list!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontarioparks.com\/parksblog\/quetico-international-dark-sky-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Stargaze at Ontario\u2019s Official Dark Sky Viewing Park (Northern ON)<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2958\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-04-09-at-10.38.20-AM.png\" alt=\"Starry night sky\" width=\"258\" height=\"141\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Along the Canadian Shield, close to the border of Minnesota lies the rugged <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontarioparks.com\/parksblog\/quetico-international-dark-sky-park\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Quetico Provincial Park<\/a>.\u00a0 While it\u2019s worth a visit just for the iconic natural beauty alone, there\u2019s something that makes this park really unique.\u00a0 It\u2019s been designated by International Dark Sky Association as an International Dark Sky Park.\u00a0 This means they\u2019ve dedicated a significant portion of the park to be light pollution free for night sky gazing.\u00a0 Visitors can look up at the starry northern Ontario sky and see what millions of people from past eras saw.\u00a0 This definitely makes for an incredibly awe-inspiring experience that truly can only be had at very few locations in Ontario!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.martelloalley.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">A Majestic French-Inspired Art Alleyway in Kingston (Eastern ON)<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2956\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-04-09-at-10.38.32-AM.png\" alt=\"Courtyard with table and chairs\" width=\"260\" height=\"138\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re in Kingston, it\u2019s definitely worth a visit to one of the most unique alleys in Ontario.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.martelloalley.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Martello Alley<\/a> has been painted and decorated to look and feel like La Rue du Tr\u00e9sor in Qu\u00e9bec city.\u00a0 Local artist David Dosset has painted cobblestone and brick onto the existing alleyway in this imaginative art space.\u00a0 Not only does it create an immersive experience, but you can also purchase gorgeous art and prints.\u00a0 This is definitely a unique gem to behold hidden within Kingston.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/hihostels.ca\/en\/destinations\/ontario\/hi-ottawa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">A Night in Jail Without the Crime (Ottawa Region)<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2957\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-04-09-at-10.38.26-AM.png\" alt=\"Girl walking through a corridor in a jail\" width=\"262\" height=\"135\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re sure you never intended to spend a night in jail, but now you can &#8211; minus the crime.\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/hihostels.ca\/en\/destinations\/ontario\/hi-ottawa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Hostel International<\/a> has a hostel in Ottawa within the 150-year-old former jail walls.\u00a0 It is even rumoured to be haunted.\u00a0 Sleep alone in the solitary confinement cell or get a room within the stone walls and iron bars.\u00a0 The building itself is absolutely beautiful so if your heart isn\u2019t up to staying the night, why not organize a tour of death row for your group.\u00a0 Now when you play never-have-I-ever with your friends, you can say you\u2019ve been to jail.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pc.gc.ca\/en\/amnc-nmca\/on\/fathomfive\/activ\/flowerpot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Pretend You\u2019re on a Mediterranean Island Without Ever Leaving Ontario (Southwestern Ontario)<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2959\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-04-09-at-10.38.13-AM.png\" alt=\"Rocks and clear blue water\" width=\"258\" height=\"140\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pc.gc.ca\/en\/amnc-nmca\/on\/fathomfive\/activ\/flowerpot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Flowerpot Island<\/a> is a 2KM island located in Georgian Bay\u2019s Fathom Five National Marine Park.\u00a0 This off-the-beaten-path destination (literally \u2013 it can only be reached by boat) is open May-October, weather permitting.\u00a0 While you\u2019re on the island there\u2019s plenty to do.\u00a0 Check out the 12,000-year-old caves, hike, have a picnic while taking in the incredibly clear blue water, or snorkel to explore the underwater rocks and cliffs.\u00a0 There\u2019s even a lighthouse on the island.\u00a0 You can camp overnight or opt to do a day trip to Flowerpot Island.\u00a0 You\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re in the Mediterranean without being far from home!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ostrichlandontario.com\/welcome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Hang Out with Ostriches at This Sustainable Ostrich Farm (Niagara Region)<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2960\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-04-09-at-10.38.08-AM.png\" alt=\"Three ostrich heads\" width=\"258\" height=\"142\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a farm with a twist, head out to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ostrichlandontario.com\/welcome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Ostrich Land <\/a>in Lincoln, Ontario.\u00a0 Get up close and personal with the big birds as this sustainable farm where you can meet the chicks and see 3 species of Ostriches.\u00a0 These birds are a rare sight and at Ostrich Land you can even touch and feed them.\u00a0 Facilities include a picnic area, playground, snack bar, smart garden, and souvenir shop.\u00a0 Make sure to book your visit in advance.\u00a0 We dare you to look at these silly faces and NOT smile.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Graffiti_in_Toronto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">An Explosion of Colour &amp; Culture in this Historic Toronto Alleyway (Greater Toronto Area)<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2962\" src=\"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Screen-Shot-2021-04-09-at-10.37.54-AM.png\" alt=\"Art graffatti\" width=\"258\" height=\"139\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Treat yourself to a feast for your eyes on a walk in this colourful alley with a just-as-colourful history.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Graffiti_in_Toronto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Graffiti Alley<\/a> was formerly the home of unsanctioned graffiti until the Queen West Business Improvement Association fought to have this alley designated as an area of municipal significance.\u00a0 The alleyway runs on Rush Lane along 3 city blocks.\u00a0 Check out Toronto\u2019s vibrant street art scene and culturally significant murals.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t know where to look, you might pass right by it making this one of Toronto\u2019s coolest hidden gems.<\/p>\n<p>There is definitely no shortage of unique and interesting things to do in Ontario while you plan your staycation this year. \u00a0These are just a few of many new experiences that await you this summer!<\/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>Ontario has it all; nature, specialized events, incredible food, and a deep history.\u00a0 We know that Ontario\u2019s popular hot spots are always crowd pleasers, but what about the hidden gems just off the beaten path? With lockdowns going in and out of effect in various regions, you might be looking for something to do that&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-central-ontario-region"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2955","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\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2955"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3679,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2955\/revisions\/3679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.summerfunguide.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}