Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

JUNE 27, 2020

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Tropical Beaches in Ontario

Summer is here and you cannot have a summer without the beach!! We were literally down on our knees praying to the beach gods that beaches would open and our prayers have been answered! Hallelujah! Okay, so now that beaches are open and that summer holiday vacation you had planned has been cancelled, lets discuss Ontario beaches.  Not just any ordinary beach, I’m talking tropical beaches with white sand, turquoise water and yes even palm trees! With Canada Day around the corner forget your passport and start planning an Ontario Staycation.

Southampton Dunes Beach

article1june262020.jpgEvery summer the town of Southampton transforms into the perfect beach oasis.  Only a couple hours from Toronto you will find sandy shores stretching for kilometers that border clear blue waters and sand dunes.  One unique and whimsical feature about this spot is their beach swings, that offer the perfect setting to sit and take in the famous sunsets setting against Lake Huron.

Port Dover Beach, Sand Hill Park

article2june262020.jpgBe transported to the tropics with palm trees, clear warm water and soft shores.  Sand Hill Park is located on the North shore of Lake Erie in Port Burwell just a couple hours from Toornto.  Towering more than 100 metres above the white sandy beaches are massive sand dunes that offer incredible views to take in a panoramic sunset.  These sand dunes are actually Ontario's largest and tallest and is known as one of Ontario's natural wonders. If you have more time spend the weekend at one of the hundreds of camping sites available.

Bruce Peninsula National Park- Indian Head Cove & The Grotto

article3june262020.jpgLocated a four hour drive north of Toronto, in Tobermory this beach is known for its turquoise crystal clear lakes and rugged limestone coasts. A short 30 min hike through the forest will lead you to Indian Head Cove a small beach surrounded by cliffs and rocks. This is a popular area for ciff jumping.  In this area you will also find The Grotto, a sea cave that you can climb down into filled with bright blue sparkling turquoise water that looks like its glowing! Insider tip, go in Septmeber when its less busy.  Parking space is also limited and quickly fills up so use their reservation system in advance at www.reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE.

Canatara Beach

article4june262020.jpgThis blue flag beach located within Sarnias Cantara Park features a kilometer of beautiful sandy beach, clear waters and fun for the whole family.  There is so much to do here besides suntan like explore the nature at Cantara Park, visit the animal farm or hit the BMX bke track, it’s a great option that everyone will love.

Sugar Beach

article5june262020.jpgThis white sand beach is an urban oasis right in downtown Toronto on Lake Ontario at Lower Jarvis.  Although you can not swim at this beach it is the perfect rest spot to sit and relax from a busy day touring the streets of Toronto.  The white sand, Muskoka chairs and perfectly placed pink umbrellas gives it an almost resort like feel.

 Elora Quarry

article6june262020.jpgA true tropical oasis, Elora Quarry is an hour northwest of the Toronto so the perfect day trip if you live in that area.  These clear 2-acre turquoise waters are surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs which are great for cliff jumping from the smaller 15ft cliffs and the shallow end allows safe fun in the water for the little ones. Insider tip, don’t jump from the higher cliffs or you will get booted from the park and go early in the morning to snag a spot as the beach is not huge and capacity is low.

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Featured Events


Virtual Canada Day Celebration – July 1st

featuredevent1june262020.jpgCanada Day is going virtual to celebrate our 153rd birthday.  Celebrate with Canadians from all over the country through the morning, afternoon and evening live stream programs.  Enjoy music, dance, comedy, virtual fireworks and over 50 performing artists.  Celebration Kits are also available for free and include Canada-themed crafts, games, recipes, outdoor activities and more.

VIRTUAL PRIDE PARADE Jun 28, 2020

2PM - 4PM

featuredevent2june262020.jpgPride parade this year may be cancelled but that won’t stop the celebrations as the LGBTQ honours their courageous  history and recognition for how far they have come! This virtual Pride will bring surprise guest performances and of course a Pride Party on Zoom.


Rooks to Cooks: Foodie Family Cooking Classes

June 26 5PM

featuredevent3june262020.jpgBring your family together to create a delicious meal using pantry staples and easy-to-access ingrediends.  A digital recipe booklet is provided for download and the chef instructor will be there to help you with any ingredient substitutions along the way. At the end of the class enjoy your meal with your family and new found culinary skills that you will be able to re create at any time! Classes are $25 and the next recipe on the menu is Coq Au Vin with potato gratin and green beans almondine.

Featured attraction: Hornblower Niagara Cruises

featuredjune262020.jpgIf 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

onlyinontjune262020.jpgPukaskwa National Park
Did you know that Pukaskwa National Park is home to the longest stretch of undeveloped coast line in the Great Lakes! You can also find boardwalk trail through marshes, suspension bridges, and incredibly clear blue waters! The only wilderness national park in Ontario, Pukaskwa protects 1878 square km of an ecosystem that features boreal forest and Lake Superior shoreline and is one of the most remote and wild parks in Ontario.  Discover Indigenous history along the trails and theres a good chance you will run into some of the many wild life that inhaibit the area such as beaver, moose, lynx, wolves, caribou and black bears.

Print Edition

img20.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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