Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

MAY 17, 2018

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What are YOU going to do this weekend?

What to do this long weekend?

The May long weekend traditionally represents the beginning of summer, and we are all for getting summer kicked off! It was a looooong winter that lasted well into spring and if May long weekend means warm weather, sunny skies, some summer vacation and visits to cottage country, sign us up! There are a few suggestions for things to do this weekend, but trust us, https://www.summerfunguide.ca has so many more!

Visit the islands – the 1000 Islands!

article1_may172018.jpgWhen we think of places to visit in Ontario, Toronto and Ottawa often come to mind first. But Brockville and the 1000 Islands region is a gorgeous place to visit, especially once the weather turns warm. See Boldt Castle and breathtaking views of the beautiful 1000 Islands from the air with an exciting ride aboard 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours or climb 400’ up and look down from the 1000 Islands Observation Tower. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Aquatarium’s Aquarium & Discovery Centre is worth a visit or check out Canada’s First Railway tunnel.

Go North Young (wo)Man!

article2_may172018.jpgThere is really cool stuff to see and do in Ontario’s Northern Region. Fort William Historical Park is one of N. America’s largest living history attractions & the world’s largest fur trade post, with 57 heritage & modern buildings on 250 acres. Thunder Bay Art Gallery is the only public Gallery between Sault Ste Marie and Winnipeg, with a focus on the contemporary art of Indigenous & NW Ontario artists. Thunder Bay has loads to offer with the world’s largest fresh water lake at its doorstep, the Sleeping Giant, and lots more! Northern Ontario is still one of the best places in the world to go fishing: Sudbury Aviation Fishing Adventures has fly in fishing outposts where you can experience the remoteness of a wilderness retreat that is unforgettable & lots of other fishing adventures can be found here. https://www.summerfunguide.ca/fishing-and-hunting.html

Visit a Market

article3_may172018.jpgMany of the fruit and vegetable markets open in May – you can see many market options here: https://www.summerfunguide.ca/fun-farms-u-pick-markets.html. However, some are actually open year round, such as White Meadows Farms  in St Catharines which lets you enjoy maple...year round! And Covent Garden Market & Outdoor Farmers’ Market in London which not only has market items, but entertainment too. And Orillia Farmers' Market  which is one of Ontario’s longest running farmers' markets. And Welland Farmers' Market - open Saturdays 6am-12pm (yr round) since 1907. And don’t forget about the 400 Market which has 105,000 sq ft with >500 vendors inside & more outside. And Aberfoyle Antique Market  in Guelph is Canada’s oldest antique market.

Bad Weather? Enjoy indoor fun!

article4_may172018.jpgIf the weather isn’t good, Ontario has lots of indoor options to keep you busy. Visit one of Ontario’s Museums and Galleries or Attractions. Or how about an indoor amusement centre? The Rec Room in Toronto (also London) has games, eats & entertainment, under one roof! The Factory in London is Canada’s biggest indoor adventure park. Wave Pool is Richmond Hill’s indoor wave pool. Playdium has games, batting cages, bumper cars & more. Midway Family Fun Park is Ottawa’s largest indoor amusement park. K1 Speed Toronto is Canada's Premiere indoor electric karting centre.

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Featured Events

Christie Antique & Vintage Show

Saturday May 26, 2018
Christie Lake Conservation Area, Dundas  (SW Ontario region)

featured_event1_may172018.jpgHere’s a great excuse to spend the day outdoors wandering the grounds of Christie Lake Conservation Area. It may bring back memories and it’s sure to put a smile on your face. Browse 10 Acres of Antiques with hundreds of dealers showcasing treasures big and small just waiting to be discovered!

CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL

Lansdowne Park, Commissioners Park & ByWard Market, Ottawa
Until May 21, 2018

featured_event2_may172018.jpgDid you know that what is now the world’s largest tulip festival first started in 1945 when the Dutch royal family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa as a thank you to Canadians for having sheltered the future Queen Juliana and her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands? Today the Tulip Festival is an international celebration of friendship and peace. Set aside some time to visit Ottawa and see over 1,000,000 colourful tulips in bloom, over 1,000 artists & performers and over 100 activities & attractions. A feast for the eyes and a treat for all ages.

Artfest Toronto at the Distillery

May 19-21, 2018 (Victoria Day Weekend) 11am to 6pm daily
Distillery District, Toronto

featured_event3_may172018.jpgArtfest Toronto is happening all weekend long in the historic Distillery District. Stroll the cobblestone lanes and enjoy exhibits that celebrate painting, photography, sculpture, fine craft, live music and more. Free admission & free art workshops for kids all weekend.

Featured boat attraction: Hornblower Niagara Cruises

featured_may172018.jpgHornblower Niagara Cruises is Canada’s only Niagara Falls boat tour.  It is the best way to get up close and personal with the thundering roar, awesome power & drenching mist of the Mighty Falls. You know you’ll get wet when you sign up for a “Full Mist boat tour” but that is part of the fun! Book early if you are interested in their exciting (“Light Mist”) Evening Boat Tours, Falls Illumination Cruises or Falls Fireworks Cruises as spaces are more limited for those evening/night time experiences.

 

ONLY IN ONTARIO

onlyinont_may172018.jpgRipley’s Aquarium of Canada
Did you know that Canada’s largest indoor aquarium houses 16,000 aquatic animals and has North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel? If you haven’t been yet, it’s definitely worth a visit. If you’ve already been, you know how great it is! Don’t wait for out of town guests to visit this attraction. Book your tickets online and enjoy. You are guaranteed to “ohhh & ahhhh” through it all. Note: not just for kids – adults of all ages love the experience and it’s a great date place.

Print Edition

img19.jpgPick up your FREE copy of the NEW & updated edition of Summer Fun Guide at ONroute Centres & other locations around Ontario while supplies last or email info@summerfunguide.ca to have one mailed to you. View a digital version of the print edition online here: https://www.summerfunguide.ca/print-edition.html

 
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Discover Eastern Ontario

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Contact Natalie at news@summerfunguide.ca

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