Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

DECEMBER 15, 2020

Home /Archive

Follow us on:

What are YOU going to do this weekend?

Plan a Guys’ Getaway This Winter in Ontario

Who says weekend getaways are just for the girls? If you’re looking to plan a guys trip this winter please make sure to always check https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-information for up to date COVID -19 restrictions and protocols.  Whether you are planning a guy’s trip with family or friends, despite the many restrictions there are still many great activities and adventures to be had. Try something new and daring like ice climbing, ice fishing or snowmobiling. Book a resort that lets you hit the slopes and do apres ski after or relax at a spa for some well needed R&R. Bonding time is always a welcome way to bring in a new year and an excuse to get outside in the chilly winter months.

Resorts & Spas

article1dec152020.jpgYes, you can still book a resort with your bubble and do it safely! Try Blue Mountain in Collingwood, for their ski and stay packages. Hit the slopes during the day and order room service at night for apres ski. Blue Mountain also has an extensive spa where you can indulge in the ultimate R&R after a long day on the hills. Nearby, winter offers a different backdrop for a day at the thermal baths at the Scandinave Spa to relax those sore muscles after skiing. Make sure to book well in advance. Near Orillia, Horseshoe Resort is an ideal place for a variety of activities on offer for your crew. Not only are there 29 downhill ski and snowboard runs as well as 30km of cross country ski trails on offer day and night, there is so much more. Fly off tubing hills, glide on slopeside skating trails, go fat biking and snowshoeing, or try a guided snowmobiling tour through a forest trail via Yamaha adventures. The resort has also renovated its 44 Slopeside condos, which are fully furnished with a gourmet kitchen and fireplace, overlooking the ski hills. For those Muskoka-bound, Deerhurst Resort is your base and offers a slew of activities including your classic Canadian sports, snowmobiling tours, a ski hill next door at Hidden Valley Highlands, and new to the resort, Fat Tire Biking, where you off-road on a bicycle with oversized tires.  Cozy cabin-like rooms await you after a full-day of winter exploration.

Dog Sledding

article2dec152020.jpgFor a truly unique Canadian winter experience, make your way out to Muskoka and try a dog sledding tour, which is perfect for small groups. North Ridge Ranch located in Huntsville is a family-run business where their guides take you out into the forest led by their Alaskan huskies for a magical day of exploring! In Parry Sound, try an overnight at Ahmic Lake Resort where you can choose from dog sledding, snowmobiling, or even a sleigh ride during the day.

Ice Climbing

article3dec152020.jpgGet the adrenaline pumping with your group for an adventure ice climbing in some of Ontario’s most beautiful destinations. A little over an hour away from Toronto, head to One Axe Pursuits in Elora where you’ll climb 60-foot ice climbing routes. Expert instruction, belay, and full equipment are included. At Kushog Lake in Bracebridge, you’ll have two different climbs at 70-100 vertical feet in the gorgeous forests of Muskoka with the popular Liv Outside guides, ideal for beginner and intermediate climbers.

Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, and More

article4dec152020.jpgThis is the year to hit the slopes! Try a new hill or go to your favourite with your boy bubble. Hockley Valley in Mono offers 16 ski runs and two terrain parks. 20 minutes north of Barrie, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is one of the most popular ski resorts in Ontario and is ideal for beginners. It offers 36 slopes, 9 chair lifts, and 3 magic carpet lifts. For advanced levels, the resort offers 6 black diamond hills. Make it a weekend with the boys at Arrowhead Provincial Park. Not only do they have 28 km of classic ski trails, 8km of snowshoe trails, and a tube hill, they are also best known for their ice skating trail. Skate through the magical forest of their 1.3 km skating trail and don’t miss out on their Fire and Ice Night where you can skate in the night lit by tiki torches. Make sure to visit during a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.  Near Ottawa, Calabogie Peaks features a 761 foot vertical drop and a long green trail, ideal for beginners. 25 minutes west of Kanata, check out Mount Pakenham, known for its great conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails. Get off the beaten path at Hiawatha Highlands in Sault Ste. Marie to ski and skate along 50km of trails that are lit until 10 p.m. Snowshoeing and fat biking are also available.

banner_dec152020.jpg

Featured Events


Jamie Allan’s Illusionarium

Dec 21-Feb 15, 2021
1 Yonge Street, Toronto (GTA

featuredevents1_dec152020.jpgLocated inside the Toronto Star’s historic printing presses, explore the secrets behind the tricks of the world’s greatest illusionists, through a labyrinth of magical rooms. You’ll also be witness to grand-scale illusions, featuring live magicians, 3D projections, and life-size holograms. If you missed or saw and loved the Van Gough exhibition in the summer, this event is for you!

A Country Christmas Nighttime Drive-Through Experience

Until January 3, 2021; 5-9 p.m., Sundays-Thursdays and 5-10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.
Saunders Farm (Ottawa)

featuredevents2_dec152020.jpgLed by Mazey, a young sapling, drive-through the Christmas lights in an enchanted forest on Saunders Farm in search of her Christmas star. Stay a while on the night patio for mulled wine, hot drinks, and seasonal treats or bring home a Christmas tree of your own!

River of Lights

Until Jan. 2, 5 p.m. onwards
Brockville (Eastern Ontario)

featuredevents3_dec152020.jpgEnjoy this interactive and automated programmed light and music show--featuring over 70,000 lights-- with a mix of traditional and modern Christmas music from the comfort of your own car. A family-friendly event, it’s an illuminated way to close out the holiday season.

Featured region : London, ON

feature_dec152020.jpgLondon, ON
One of Ontario’s most burgeoning cities and home to Western University, there is so much to explore in London, Ontario! Discover the many unique neighbourhoods from the hub of Dundas Street (London’s first flex street) to the funky Old East Village, full of interesting vintage shops, coffee shops, and breweries. Don’t miss out on the fun outdoor activity of an art crawl as a way to get your grounding and find new artists. The iconic Covent Garden Market is worth a visit for a quick bite and especially if it’s your first time to the city. Known as the Forest City, check out one of the many hiking trails, accessible for all levels of hikers. Our favourites include the Sifton Bog for its winding boardwalks. The viewing platform of Redmond’s Pond or the Fanshawe Lake Trail for its breathtaking views. There are plenty of activities in the winter as well whether it’s gliding on the magical Storybook Gardens skate trail, shopping at the Merry Market Experience at 100 Kellogg Lane, or getting in a festive drink at the pop-up Miracle at Union Ten. And as a special bonus, select local hotels in London are offering one free night for every two-night consecutive stay for a limited time. Check out the promotion here.  What a way to have an amazing stay-cation!

 

ONLY IN ONTARIO

onlyinon_dec152020.jpg Nordick Spa-Nature
Did you know that Nordik Spa-Nature is North America’s largest spa? Just 10 minutes north of downtown Ottawa in Old Chelsea in Outaouais on the edge of Gatineau Park, you’ll be welcomed into the ultimate interchangeable indoor and outdoor relaxation experience. Focused on the benefits of thermotherapy, the Nordick spa offers 10 outdoor bath, 9 distinct saunas, an infinity pool and a saltwater flotation pool. Need R&R? Try the numerous resting places, and the yoga and meditation room. Add on to your thermal experience with a massage or unique experience such as Banyä, a 4-step Russian ritual, designed to improve blood circulation and eliminate toxins. Need to stay awhile? Four dining options are available in addition to overnight accommodations. Stay tuned for Thermëa’s  spa village --the first of its kind-- coming to Whitby in 2021!

Print Edition

img20.jpgWe've started working on the 2021 edition of Summer Fun Guide but if you are looking for a 2020 edition, 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.

 
NEXT ISSUE, COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
CHECK OUT the next issue

Totally Tubular Winter Fun In Ontario

Questions or comments?

Contact Natalie at news@summerfunguide.ca

Looking for suggestions?

The best suggestions come from others who have been there and done that!


PO Box 47655, 946 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, ON M3C 3S7 416-385-1551 toll free: 1-866-385-1550

 

© Summer Fun Guide. All Rights Reserved