Ontario Summer Fun Newsletter – Things to do in Ontario

Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

JUNE 13, 2019

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What are YOU going to do this weekend?

Spend father’s day, or any day, with the Animals

This weekend (June 16) is Fathers’ day and that is a great excuse (as if you needed an excuse) to go to the zoo or animal farm. There are a whole bunch of places in Ontario to spend time with animals, not just zoos, and we’ve highlighted a few below but there are loads more if you click here.

Zoos

When you think about animals, the first thing that always comes to mind is the zoo. The best thing about the zoo is that there are so many animals to see, all in one place. Most zoos have a complete range of animals, from lions and tigers and bears, to monkeys, reptiles, birds and more. Here are just a few of Ontario’s zoos: Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world with over 5000 animals. Brantford Twin Valley Zoo has exotic animals, reptiles, petting area & great staff. Elmvale Jungle Zoo has 25 acres filled with lions, tigers, jaguars, monkeys, lemurs and more. Killman Zoo has over 30 species of animals on a 33-acre site.

Farm Animals & Petting Zoos

One of the things that is really fun about a farm with animals or a petting zoo is watching small kids getting up close and personal with animals, feeding and touching them. It is a different experience from seeing large animals through a fence. Promise Land Family Fun Farm (Belleville) lets kids interact with farm animals in a safe, fully fenced, open concept space. The Big Apple Attraction may be known for its apple observatory and its pies, but it also has a petting zoo. Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm has an interactive mix of friendly exotic & domestic animals available for hand feeding & petting.

Specialty Animal Places

Instead of having a wide range of animals, birds, reptiles etc, some places specialize in just one type of animal. It is cool to really learn about a single type of creature. Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls is the world's largest indoor free-flying aviary. Scales Nature Park in Oro-Medonte has >300 animals of 60 species in an indoor reptile facility; the most complete live collection of Canadian species in Canada. Little Rays Reptile Zoo has critters from around the world and has shows throughout the day. Toronto’s Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has over 20,000 aquatic animals. Aquatarium in Brockville has a 33,000 sq ft Aquarium & Discovery Centre, with interactive, hands-on experiences.

Other Animal Experiences

Can’t get to Africa? That’s ok because you can go on safari at home! Parc Omega near Ottawa is home to wildlife and you can also feed carrots to 'safe' animals who come up to your car for treats. Safari Niagara is a 150-acre nature park, home to more than 1,000 native and exotic mammals, reptiles & birds. Want to check something cool off your bucket list? Hawkeye Falconry Experience in Acton lets you fly a Bird of Prey yourself! Learn about Falconry and enjoy incredible flight demonstrations.

Featured Events

Mississauga Waterfront Festival

June 14-16, 2019
Memorial Park, Port Credit, Mississauga (GTA)

This family fun festival is a blast for everyone! It is now in its 23rd year and takes place in the picturesque village of Port Credit. The festival is chock full of musical performances, live shows, vendors, food, & innovative activities geared towards families. In addition, as part of being responsible community members, they invite 6000 less-fortunate families to attend the 3-day festival as their guests. So grab your family & friends and head out to enjoy the festivities this weekend.

Alvinston Pro Rodeo

June 14-16, 2019
Alvinston, Ontario (SW Ontario region)

On Father's Day Weekend, come out for Entertainment, music, food, a beer garden, & vendors. This Pro Rodeo show hosts > 200 professional cowboys/cowgirls from the International Professional Rodeo Association. 7 PM shows on June 14 & 15 followed by a cowboy dance. 2 PM show on June 16. Adults: $15 in advance, $20 at gate, Adult weekend pass $40. Exciting entertainment for all.

Festival Franco-Ontarien TekSavvy

June 13-15, 2019
Major's Hill Park, Ottawa

Join the biggest francophone celebration in Canada’s capital region! Renowned artists and up-and-coming musical talent present a one-of-a-kind show that is unique and electrifying! Family program includes children’s entertainers, face painters, games & activities. Musical entertainment for all ages.

Featured adventure: Hornblower Niagara Cruises

If you want to get up close and personal with Niagara Falls, Hornblower Niagara Cruises is Canada’s only Niagara Falls boat tour. You can’t imagine how close you can get to the incredible flow of water, power & mist of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls & Horseshoe Falls. Just be prepared as you’re going to get wet!

ONLY IN ONTARIO

Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat & Heritage Village
Did you know that the world’s largest polar bear enclosure is located in Ontario? It is situated on 70 acres of boreal forest and also features a spring-fed lake that provides an ice platform for up to seven months of the year. These bears face extinction from climate change and the facility not only looks after bears in need of human care, but also helps protect them in the wild through education and research. The habitat is open to the public for tours, experiences and talks.

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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