Ontario Summer Fun Newsletter – Things to do in Ontario

Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

MAY 2, 2019

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What are YOU going to do this weekend?

Galleries to visit around the province

May 12 is Mother’s Day and what better way to celebrate than to go gallery-hopping around Ontario? Ontario has a wide range of galleries, ranging from National galleries to smaller, local galleries. Check the Galleries category on Summer Fun Guide.

Ottawa/Eastern

Ottawa has almost all of Canada’s national museums and galleries, so if you are looking for a major gallery, you might want to take a visit to the National Gallery Of Canada. It has new Canadian and Indigenous galleries, a Canadian Photography Institute & world-class European & contemporary art. It has a broad range of items while Madonna House Pioneer Museum in Combermere (Eastern ON) has authentic artifacts, art, & collectibles including a working Player Piano, that show the life of local pioneers.

Southwestern Ontario

There are several galleries in SW Ontario. Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest & largest art museum in Southern Ontario and has one of Canada's best collections of Canadian, contemporary and international art. Windsor Sculpture Park has 31 large-scale, internationally recognized works of contemporary sculpture by world-renowned artists in its gallery without walls along the Windsor waterfront. The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo has free admission and is the only Canadian art gallery exclusively dedicated to ceramic, glass, enamel & stained glass.

GTA

When you come to Toronto, there is lots to do, but don’t forget to visit its many galleries. There are several gallery districts with private galleries including the Yorkville/Hazelton area but Toronto’s public gallery scene is where it’s at – it is world class! Art Gallery Of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto has over 100,000 works of art, including the Group of Seven’s signature works, & cutting-edge contemporary art. McMichael Canadian Art Collection in beautiful Kleinburg has an iconic collection of Canadian art, including Tom Thomson, First Nations, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists, all on 100 acres of woodland. Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives is housed in 150 yr old historic Peel County Courthouse and Jail. It features outstanding exhibitions and hands-on programming for all ages.

Central and Northern

When you think about central and northern Ontario, you think about nature and outdoor beauty. But what you may forget is that all of that natural beauty also inspired some of Ontario’s most famous artists. Maclaren Art Centre is a public art museum in downtown Barrie with year-round contemporary art exhibitions, community art projects, family art workshops & more. Thunder Bay Art Gallery is the only public Gallery between Sault Ste Marie and Winnipeg, and focuses on the contemporary art of Indigenous and Northwestern Ontario artists.

Featured Events

FUNTASTICAL! an event in support of SickKids

Saturday May 11, 2019
Markham Fairgrounds 10801 McCowan Rd, GTA

This is the inaugural year of what is sure to be a hugely successful family event. We know the organizers and they are fabulous. So bring the family and have some fun in support of Sick Kids. Showstoppers include Fred Penner Dan the Music Man, CBC Kids Thrillusionists, Girl Pow-R, Marlowe & the MiX, Duffle Bag Theatre, and so many more! There are amazing vendors, lots of sweet treats and good eats, food trucks, a raffle, silent auction and a fun filled day for everyone! This year's fundraising focus is on children’s Cancer Treatment and Research.

Ottawa Children's Festival de la Jeunesse

May 8-12, 2019
Ottawa

Be inspired by the best in live performing arts from around the world! It is well known that arts such as dance, music, theatre and the visual arts allow children to express themselves more effectively and explore new ideas in a more creative manner. They ultimately learn more effectively too. Bring your kids to the Ottawa Children’s Festival and watch as they enjoy crazy acrobatic stunts, playful theatre, free activities and so much more! It’s good for them.

Niagara Folk Art Festival

If you haven’t been to Canada's oldest heritage festival yet, this is the year to go. It is a remarkable blend of Canada’s many cultures. You will experience the uniqueness of these cultures with a glimpse into each one’s traditions, art, music, food, dance, live entertainment and more. The Festival’s website says: “The world is at your door step, come out and embrace it!”

Featured museum: National Air Force Museum of Canada

The National Air Force Museum has a fully restored WWII Halifax Bomber (one of a kind in the world), but that’s not all! Discover aviation valour & tradition through exhibits & displays. Don’t forget to visit the 16 acre Airpark that displays historic & active aircraft too.

ONLY IN ONTARIO

CJ’s Skatepark
Did you know that the world’s largest Not-For-Profit indoor skateboard park serving ALL kids, including at-risk youth & those with special needs, is located right here in Ontario? Kids learn, have fun and make friends in a safe & encouraging environment. Skateboard, Scooter Riding, Inline Skating drop-in, lessons, birthdays & camps. All ages & skill levels! Check out their fabulous new 28,000 sq ft facility in Mississauga for yourself!

Print Edition

Pick 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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Your Plans For The May Long Weekend

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Contact Natalie at news@summerfunguide.ca

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