Ontario Summer Fun Newsletter – Things to do in Ontario

Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

MAY 5, 2021

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What are YOU going to do this weekend?

The best places in Ontario to see spring flowers!

Take a deep breath…ahh, do you smell that? April showers have brought us May flowers! Wherever you are in Ontario, things are surely budding and blooming around you. Now that it’s warming up and we can spend more time outdoors, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to get a glimpse of beautiful spring flowers. Whether you need to stretch your legs after a long week of virtual school and work, or you’re just need a change of scenery – these vibrant spring flowers are sure to cheer you up.

Canada’s Largest Botanical Garden (Niagara Region)

Although currently closed due to the stay at home orders, we are hoping that come the end of the month we will once again be able to visit Canada’s largest botanical garden, the Royal Botanical Garden to see Magnolias, Witch Hazel, Irises, Coral Bells & Hydrangeas this spring. Located within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, there are 5 distinct gardens within the 1100-hectare nature reserve. With 27 km of nature trails, you will see so many types of beautiful blooms that it might make you want to skip. Check out their website to see what is currently in bloom!

Awenda Provincial Park (Northern Ontario)

Awenda Provincial Park is located on Lake Simcoe on 2900 hectares of land. With 330 campsites and 31 km of trails, you could turn your visit into an unforgettable destination trip. During the Spring check out Ontario’s official flower – the white Trillium - in its wild element! Also blooming in the Spring is the vibrant purple other-worldly Fringed Polygala. Immerse yourself in nature on a hike and breathe in the fresh spring smells for some much-needed rejuvenation.

Canadian Tulip Festival (Ottawa Region)

The Canadian Tulip Festival began as a celebration of the Royal gift of tulips following the Second World War from the Dutch to Canadians. They are seen as a symbol of international friendship and the Tulip Festival has been celebrated yearly since 1953. This year, with stay-at-home orders in place, the festival has gone online – where you can see the flowers in all of their glory during a virtual walking tour. With over 100 varieties of tulips, your eyes will enjoy a feast of colours. If you’re interested in purchasing photos of the tulips, they’re also available on the festival’s website.

Trillium Woods Park (Southwestern Ontario)

In Beachville, Ontario – between Hamilton & London is Trillium Woods Provincial Park. Hikers, campers and nature lovers will love walking along the trails in Trillium Woods Park. Living up to its name, there is a stunning groundcover of Ontario’s provincial flower – the Trillium. You’ll be able to catch sight of special variations in the colour of the Trilliums at this park, making it a quintessential Ontarian’s Spring flower destination!

Lochland Botanicals (Greater Toronto Area)

Pick your own flowers and herbs at this magical family-owned farm in Milton. Lochland Botanicals has 150+ plant varieties on acres of land, they offer tons of experiences from pick-your-own-bouquet, tours, workshops, a storefront and essential oil distillation. Opening this year in June, Lochland Botanicals offers you a unique experience while supporting a local family who keeps health and happiness as their core missions!

Centennial Park Conservatory (Toronto)

Centennial Park Conservatory is located in Etobicoke, Ontario and features year-round greenhouses with 12,000 square feet of plants including a tropical house and a showhouse that has seasonal displays. Although currently closed, once open the spring show features hyacinths, tulips, hydrangeas and Easter lilies. The grounds of Centennial Park are beautiful to roam around on for a weekend walk, and if you’re from Toronto – it’s a very short trip to get your fill of Spring flower beauty! Enjoy those deep breaths!

Featured Events

Sport chek mothers day run, walk and ride (virtual)

May 7 – May 9, 2021
Virtual Event

This year, anyone across Canada can take part in Sport Chek’s Mother’s Day Run, Walk & Ride because it’s going virtual! Between May 7-9, register to walk, run or ride either 5K or 10K. What better way to spend time with Mom then outside, in your own neighbourhood!

mayworks festival 2021

May 1 - 31, 2021
Virtual Event

The Labour Arts Festival, Mayworks, is back in Toronto for a month-long virtual festival. The festival is in its 36th year and features an online programme including exhibitions, film screenings, dialogues, music, workshops, artist talks and performances. This Festival celebrates diverse artists and workers and is happy to be accessible to a wider audience online this year.

MOTHER'S DAY TEA: VICTORIAN TEA & TREATs

May 8-9, 2021
Ireland House Museum, 2168 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON (Virtual Event)

Join a virtual Mother’s Day Victorian Tea and Treats from the Ireland House Museum in Burlington. Pick up your package on May 8th and join a virtual experience on May 9th. Tickets include a Victorian Dessert Trio (Victorian sponge cake, currant scones, and lemon shortbread), three 20g samples of Monarch Tea Co. loose leaf tea, and a 45-minute tea tasting led by certified Tea Sommelier, Katie Cyr. Treat Mom (and yourself) this year!

Feature: ONroute

ONroute is the operator of Ontario’s most recognizable and premier roadside plazas. With 23 plazas located along Highways 400 and 401 in Ontario, they are the most convenient and fully loaded locations for drivers. ONroute locations are designed to offer travellers with gas, many fresh and delicious food and beverage options, other shopping experiences and amenities that provide you comfort and convenience on your travels. Each location has restaurants, a 24-hour market, Wi-Fi and gas. Come the end of May, be sure to pick up your printed copy of Summer Fun Guide at any ONroute location on your next highway stop for a list of Ontario attractions, events and accommodations!

ONLY IN ONTARIO

Largest privately owned botanical gardens in Southwest Ontario. Folmer Botanical Gardens is the largest private botanical garden in Southwest Ontario. Brian Folmer found and purchased this 96-acre property in 1996 and moved his landscaping and gardening business there. This was when he started focusing in on the botanical garden. Over the years, with lots of love and care, his wife and kids have helped grow the gardens to the point that they’re at now, they look like they’ve been there forever! The gorgeous garden has been featured in books and magazines, and now tours and packages are offered for visitors to enjoy the stunning property too.

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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Contact Natalie at news@summerfunguide.ca

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