Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

FEBRUARY 9, 2021

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Family Day Fun in Ontario

One of the most important lessons learned in 2020 was the importance of family. More than ever, whether in our bubbles or from afar, we know how important it is to keep connected to our loved ones. This February 15 celebrate your family whether indoors in your bubble or outside. Here’s our roundup of the activities available for Family Day fun across Ontario and plenty of ideas for Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, too!

Ottawa

article1feb92021.jpgLace up your skates and glide along Canada’s most iconic skating canal, the Rideau Canal, with your nearest and dearest this Family Day. Remember to visit during off-peak times, wear a mask while skating, avoid crowds, and bring a bag to carry your personal belongings. Don’t miss the last 5 days of online fun with the Winterlude Festival and the work of the sculptors taking part in the first-ever virtual Winterlude National Ice-Carving Competition held simultaneously in Yellowknife, Banff/Lake Louise, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Gatineau, city of Québec and Halifax. If you’re staying in, support your local restaurants with a take-out meal at home. Try a new cuisine your family has never tried before like Burmese, African, or Sri Lankan from one of the many ethnic restaurants in Ottawa.

GTA

article2feb92021.jpgThere’s a lot going on in the GTA that will keep you and the fam jam active this month! Cozy up with your family at home and celebrate Black History Month with the Toronto Black Film Festival online. The festival runs from February 10-21 and features more than 150 titles from 25 countries. Specifically, on Family Day (February 15), there is a children’s festival online with fun-filled activities including yoga, Afro-Caribbean dance, storytime, and arts and crafts. Typically held at the Harbourfront, Kuumba will be a virtual festival this year exploring black music and culture with their special event series. For the kids, pre-register for a pony ride and animal viewing at Lionel’s Farm in Stouffville. Also, don’t miss out on regular happenings at the Stackt Market including Crokicurl, outdoor design installations and exhibits, and virtual cooking demonstrations and classes.

Northern & Central Ontario

article3feb92021.jpgPack up the family for a weekend getaway adventure in the wilderness with Voyager Quest’s Algonquin Park Adventure. You’ll have a ton of fun trying out skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing in the gorgeous backcountry of Algonquin. After a long day of activity, you’ll be able to indulge in your meals fireside. The Beaverton Legion is celebrating Family Day proper on Feb 15 for its annual ice fishing derby. Gather the family for some ice fishing fun followed by a delicious fish fry from your catch of the day!

Southwestern Ontario

article4feb92021.jpgChoose your own adventure with the multitude of activities at this year’s Winterloo winter festival in Waterloo! Enjoy outdoor time and exploration with your family whether it’s the Waterloo Park Art Walk, gazing at snow sculpture installations (until Feb 20) or finding different murals about town. For the foodies, Londonlicious enables you to try new restaurants at a discounted price in its delivery/take-out edition until February 28th. Ontario’s Southwest is also a birder’s haven, where over 300 birds flock to in the winter. Look here for more ways to learn about birding and hotspots to go with your family (where safe).

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Featured Events


TSO Beethoven Septet

Online (GTA)
Feb 12 - March 4, 2021

featuredevents1feb92021.jpgFrom the comfort of your home, you and your loved ones can enjoy classical music from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with their On Demand series! A special treat, 17 musicians from the orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Septet, String Trio in B‑flat Major, D. 471, by Schubert, and more in the 60-minute performance.


Birds on the Niagara

Feb 12 - 14
Online - Niagara

featuredevents2feb92021.jpgConnect virtually this Valentine’s Day weekend with birders across Canada and the U.S. to celebrate the winter birds that flock to the Niagara River. Various topics include how to photograph winter birds, urban planning, and diversity. Check out http://www.birdsontheniagara.org/ for the complete schedule.

IglooFest Online

Feb 13 - March 13, 2021
Online (Montreal, Quebec)

featuredevents3feb92021.jpgThe iconic Montreal winter dance party held in the city’s old port will be streaming online from February 13 to March 13. Revellers will be able to livestream the events each Saturday for the entire month in some of the city’s most notable venues, featuring Quebec’s most celebrated electronic and rap artists, including Mistress Barbara, Lou Phelps (produced by Kaytranda), Anjunadeep, and Jacques Greene. It’s one way to quell the wanderlust!

Featured region : Kincardine, ON

featuredfeb92021.jpgKincardine  - On Lake Huron
Just north of London and Kitchener, Kincardine is located on the shores of Lake Huron in the heart of Bruce County. There’s plenty to do in this bustling municipality known for its Scottish heritage and dubbed Ontario’s Scottish destination. When it’s safe to do so, make sure to look for the traditions of Pipe Band parades, highland games, and folks dressed in tartans in the cobblestone streets downtown. This is definitely the place to be on Robbie Burns Day! In the winter, make use of the trails at Stoney Island Conservation Area, slightly north of Kincardine. There’s over 5km of snowshoe trails and plenty of space to cross country ski and go bird watching! If you’re brave and adventurous enough proceed with caution and catch a wave surfing on Lake Huron by Station Beach. While you’re at it, get some tips from the Local SurfShop, Surfsup Eco Shop, located in Downtown Kincardine. In the summer, stroll along Station Beach’s famous boardwalk and don’t miss one of Lake Huron’s famous majestic sunsets, from Walker’s Lookout or grab a seat on one of its big blue beach chairs. The Kincardine Lighthouse would be a fabulous backdrop for those sunset photos.

 

ONLY IN ONTARIO

onlyinontfeb92021.jpg Toronto Inukshuk Park
Did you know that the Inukshuk sculpture is one of the largest of its kind in North America? Composed of piled stones, the sculpture stands 30 feet high and its arms span 15 feet, originally built to commemorate World Youth Day in 2002. Found in the arctic landscape, the Inukshuk is a known symbol of the Intuit and serves as a guide to travellers on land and sea, providing comfort, advice and as a navigational tool for orientation. Make sure to continue on the path from this park to Trillium Park along the lakeshore for epic skyline views, whether on bike or foot.

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.

 
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