Chilling in Cottage Country: Muskoka Chills
WORDS BY ANDREW HIND Kids love ice cream, don’t they? Two teens loved it so much that they opened their own ice cream shop, which has quickly become a go-to place in Muskoka on a hot summer day. While most teens spending
Family fun – Safari Niagara
When we think of Niagara, we think of the thundering falls or the bright lights of kitschy Clifton Hill. But Niagara is exceptionally diverse, offering an incredible range of attractions. Venture beyond The Falls and its environs for a memorable afternoon
Destination: 200 Years of History and an Afternoon of Fun Awaits at Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum
The sun has that special spring warmth while the world is showing signs of emerging from its long winter dormancy. You and the kids alike feel the urge to get out and do something. Hop in the car and take
All Aboard, The Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride with Santa
Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride with Santa Date: Dec. 23 Cost: $5 per person. muskokaheritageplace.ca Telling the story of a young boy aboard a magical train bound for the North Pole, the Polar Express has become a holiday classic. The experience isn’t confined to film.
Away from the Lake: Summer Events in Cottage Country
Summer days at the cottage, resort, or camp are blissful. But there are times when you want to, you know, do something. Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly summer events throughout cottage country. SWS Water Ski Shows (Windsor Park, Bala) Grab a lawn
Family fun – Fort in the Forest: Fort Willow
We’re all familiar with Toronto’s Fort York, but less than an hour north of the GTA one finds another fortification, the 1812-era Fort Willow, which offers an entirely different experience. When war was declared in 1812, America confidently predicted a quick
Spring Fling in Muskoka: Muskoka Maple Trail
Set the clocks forward… spring has arrived. The warmer days bring with them not only excitement for pleasant days ahead, but also the onset of maple season. And there is no place that embraces the season better than Muskoka. In years
Summer Lingers at Temiskaming Shores
The vacationing throngs are gone, nights begin to subtly cool, and there is the first hint of colour in the leaves. Fall is just around the corner. But there’s still life left in summer yet, just enough time for a
Family fun – There’s lots going on at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology
If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family this summer, the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology is a great place to visit. Located on Woodward Avenue by Queen Elizabeth Way, this historic landmark is the oldest
Presqui’ile Lighthouse and Lighthouse Interpretive Centre
Presqu’ile Provincial Park is perhaps best known for summer days spent swimming and sunning on one of Lake Ontario’s longest beaches. But those in the know will tell you there’s much more to the park than just frolicking in the
Destination – Find the perfect family vacation escape in Muskoka
Let’s face it. You don’t want an OK family holiday – you want an OMG one. We knew we’d found one when, only a few hours after arrival, our daughter hugged the personable resort employee she had quickly come to befriend.
Have kids; will travel: Master vacationing with young children
Prior to having children, few adults would bat an eye at spontaneous weekend excursions or discounted red-eye travel deals that required little more than a hastily packed carry-on bag and passport in hand. Once adults make the decisions to expand
A Cut Above: Avalon Lavender Farm
When you think about lavender, it’s the sun-kissed hills of France that springs to mind. But you don’t have to go nearly so far away to enjoy the delicate scents and heavenly hues of this purple herb that heralds the
Falling for Indian Falls
Evidence has mounted about the mental health benefits of being in wild spaces. Add a short but brisk hike and the reward of a stunning natural spectacle and you have the making of a perfect family outing. The site and sounds
Destinations – Holly Jolly New Additions to Santa’s Village
Santa’s elves have been busy. Not only have they been tirelessly crafting toys at their North Pole workshop for good little girls and boys (and really, aren’t they all good?), but they’ve pulled double shifts the last two years, working
Road Trip Muskoka
There’s a lot of uncertainty about the coming summer. What will be open, what events will go forward, how can we remain safe while still enjoying the season. One thing we can be sure of: as did last year, so
Explore Friday Harbour
Friday Harbour, a 600-acre, $1-billion waterfront resort at Lake Simcoe’s Big Bay Point, is one of Ontario’s newest and most exciting developments – an ‘urban cottage lifestyle’ destination 20 years in the making. Minutes from Barrie, the four-season resort’s centrepiece is
Living with your family in a new country
By Marlene Eisner Note to readers: I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Baeumler before the outbreak of the coronavirus made sure we are all staying put for the next little while. So, although travelling is not on anyone’s agenda
The Sweet Spot: Experience Maple Syrup Season in Muskoka
By Andrew Hind The nights remain frosty and snow still blankets the ground, but the daytime sun has a special warmth. Icicles drip as they melt, streams begin to run and birds sing a happy song. It’s that in-between time that
Stress-free flying with little ones
By Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Flying with babies and toddlers can be stressful. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to reduce some of the stress. Based on my own experiences, as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve pulled together