Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

JUNE 27, 2019

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Ontario Beach Towns Rock!

When you think about Ontario, you tend not to think…hmmmm, let’s go visit a beach town on our vacation. However, that thinking is dead wrong!  Ontario has loads of gorgeous beaches and some of them have charming, fun beach towns that have grown up around them. Here are just a few to visit.

Wasaga Beach (Central)

article1june272019.jpgWasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world with 14 km of safe, sandy shore and lots more. It has outstanding paddling routes on the Nottawasaga River, fishing, a ranch with horses and ziplines, mini golf,  fabulous year round events like the Waterfront Festival, Giant Inflatable Festival, Main Street Market, Jazz in the Park, Summer Fireworks, Canada Day celebration & more.

Sandbanks (Eastern)

article2june272019.jpgSandbanks Provincial Park has the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world and 3 huge sandy beaches that are among the best in Canada. Because it is a provincial park, the only accommodations are camping and a couple of cottages. Most people stay in nearby places like Picton, a town incorporated in 1837. Picton has wineries, cideries and breweries, artisanal foods, the Picton Fair & Picton Art & Craft Sale, (Aug 1st, 9am-7pm) beautiful small inns and a lovely small town feel!

Sauble Beach (SW)

article3june272019.jpgSauble Beach means Beach of Sand (in French) and it is the 2nd largest freshwater beach in the world! The beach is located in the town of South Bruce Peninsula but a lot of the fun things to do are near the beach. There is an aerial park, arcade, gardens, the Sauble Speedway, plus lots of festivals like the Sauble Beach Classic Car Show and Sauble Beach Sandfest. Don’t forget about birding too – its home to the endangered Piping Plovers, small shorebirds that scurry along the water's edge or nest on the beach.

Bayham (SW)

article4june272019.jpgBayham has stunning beaches but while you’re there, take advantage of other things to do as it has lots of options. It has several unique family festivals (EdisonFest/Canada Day/Beachfest/Watermelon Fest), tours of the HMCS Ojibwa, Canada’s first Oberon Class submarine, birdwatching, fishing, boating, cycling/hiking trails, an 1840 Historic Lighthouse, and more. Don’t miss eating Lake Erie perch served at a local restaurant too!

Mattawa (Northern)

article5june272019.jpgMattawa has beautiful sandy beaches but it is also a place for year-round adventure. From VMUTS, Mattawa’s world class 300 km multi-use trail system, to wilderness outfitters for canoe tripping, to lakes and sunsets, Mattawa is a destination for outdoor activities. It also has the  Mattawa Museum and Bonfield-home of CPR’s first spike.

Port Colborne (Niagara)

article6june272019.jpgNiagara’s southern coast has outstanding white sand beaches and Port Colborne, a  vibrant, active & fun community nearby. You can learn about the Welland Canal and watch ships pass through one of the world’s longest canal locks. Visit the century old farmers’ market and maker’s market, take a trail ride in the woods and quarries of Wainfleet Wetland CA. Go fishing, scuba diving or cycle the 140 km Greater Niagara Circle Route.  Enjoy festivals like its signature event: the famous Canal Days.

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Featured Events


Redpath Waterfront Festival

June 29 - July 1, 2019
HTO Park West: 375 Queens Quay West

HTO Park: 339 Queens Quay West

Harbour Square Park: 25 Queens Quay West

featured_events1_june272019.jpgCelebrate Canada Day weekend with a visit to Toronto’s waterfront! See a fleet of majestic tall ships docked from Bathurst to Bay and take advantage of the deck tours that these incredible vessels are offering. Enjoy music, food, entertainment & nautical activities for the whole family!

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

June 23-Aug 24, 2019 at 10am daily
On Parliament Hill, Ottawa

featured_events2_june272019.jpgHeld each morning on Parliament Hill in Ottawa from late June through late August, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a colourful spectacle of pomp, pageantry and music. The ceremony begins on Parliament Hill at 10 am sharp each morning. It’s free! Hint: for best viewing, arrive on Parliament Hill at 9:45am.


1000 Islands Family Ribfest

June 28-30, 2019
Gananoque Town Hall Park, Gananoque (Eastern Ontario)

featured_events3_june272019.jpgIf you’re a fan of sizzling gourmet meats on a smoking hot grill, this is the place you want to be thisweekend!  Bonus – it’s locate in the heart of the 1000 Islands!  There’s live music, shopping, kids’ activities, entertainment and, of course, plenty of delicious ribs. Take the family and head over for some fun & food. It’s Free.

Featured region: South Dundas & South Stormont

featured_june272019.jpgDiscover where Ontario began! There are so many things to do in South Dundas and South Stormont including stunning parks & beaches, waterfront trails & camping and the Long Sault Parkway, a series of 11 islands that were created during the construction of the Seaway in the 1950's. Don’t miss the museums & historical sites, wineries, breweries, fabulous fairs & festivals and  the Waterfront Trail too!

 

ONLY IN ONTARIO

onlyinont_june272019.jpgGeorgian Bay Islands National Park
Did you know that the world’s largest freshwater archipelago is located right here in Muskoka, Ontario? This beautiful nature preserve features windswept white pines and the granite shores of the Canadian Shield. It’s no wonder it served as the inspiration for the Group of 7’s iconic artwork! You can spend a day, weekend or week at this park and never run out of things to do. Hike, bike, boat, camp and more. Let it inspire you.

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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