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Recreation:
Short & Long Day Trips |
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What is there to do in Ontario?
Back in 2005, we had included a small list of local 'Things to Do' to SayItCornell.com and, although we didn't hear that the information was useful, we certainly heard an outcry when we removed it! The attractions were originally in place to help new residents in the area explore their rich new environment. Since then, we have had numerous suggestions to add to this list, and we relaunched as a fuller resource for our readers. New to SayItCornell.com for this season, Caves and Trails and Suspension Bridges.
Enjoy our oultline of recreational locations that suit families, couples, and tourists in the areas surrounding Markham. If we are missing anything, let us know and we will gladly add it on! For main Markham Attractions, follow this link >> |
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Amusement / Theme Parks
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
 Contacts: 210 Princes' Boulevard, Exhibition Place, Toronto
 Tel: 416.263.3600 | Fax: 416.263.3838 | Send Email | Launch Website
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is an 18-day fair taking place every August concluding on Labour Day. Over its 128 year history, the CNE has grown to be the largest annual fair in Canada and the fifth largest in North America attracting approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.
Contacts: Tel: 416.203.0405 | Send Email | Launch Website
Centreville Amusement Park is nestled in over 600 acres of parkland just across the harbour from Toronto city. With over 30 rides and attractions and more than 14 food outlets, there's something for everyone at Centreville.
Contacts: 7657 Portage Road, Niagara Falls
Tel: 905.356.8250 | Launch Website
MarineLand brings together shows and attractions featuring sea creatures, zoo exhibits with land animals, and amusement park rides. Opened in the early 1960s, the park has an old-school, slightly funky vibe.
Contacts: 10 Dufferin Street, Exhibition Place, Toronto
Tel: 416.260.1234 | Alternate: 1.888.WE.JOUST | Launch Website
The Toronto Castle opened in 1993. Located in the former Arts, Crafts and Hobbies building of Exhibition Place, the 110,000 square foot facility is the largest Castle in the Medieval Times family. The Grand Ceremonial Arena offers seating for 1,400 guests. The Castle, located near the Dufferin Gates, is a permanent, year-round attraction. Unique features include a medieval-themed Convention Hall available for all types of corporate, school, team and other special events. The Knight Club, offering full bar service, comes to life each evening after the final performance giving guests the opportunity to meet the show cast, take pictures, get autographs and dance to selections from the medieval jukebox.
Contacts: 955 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto
Tel: 416.314.9900 | Alternate: 1.866.ONE.4.FUN | Fax: 416.314.9989
Send Email | Launch Website
Ontario Place is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The complex extends throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront. Ontario Place opened in May 1971 and featured a five pod pavilion complex, The Forum, pedal boats, a marina, restaurants and the world's first permanent IMAX® theatre, the Cinesphere.
Contacts: 9740 Jane Street, Vaughan | Tel: 905.832.8131 | Launch Website
There's something for everyone at Canada's Wonderland, but to ensure you get the most out of your day. Families with kids under 6: With KidZville, Hanna-Barbera Land and Splash Works, Canada's Wonderland is the perfect place for families and children. Families with kids 7-11: It's never a dull moment at Canada's Wonderland from exciting attractions to thrilling special events and shows, there is something for everyone. Teens 12-18: Canada's Wonderland has over 60 rides with the the greatest variety of roller coasters in North America. With over 330 acres of fun including 20 acres of water park, Wonderland is a great place to spend the summer! Adults: Looking for the ultimate thrill? Some great entertainment? A quick spin? A cooling splash? From mild to wild we've got it all! |
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Camping for Families & Groups
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 20237 Kennedy Road, Sharon
Tel: 905.473.6060 | Alternate: 1.888.373.9124 | Fax: 1.888.373.9125
Send Email | Launch Website
Bare Oaks is a year-round park with traditional naturist values. It is a place where the entire naturist family can experience naturism. Our varied modern facilities are set among the natural wilderness of the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine. Bare Oaks offers day-use memberships and seasonal campsites but also welcomes visitors and travelers.
Contacts: 15014 Ninth Line, Stouffville | Tel: 905.642.1700 | Launch Website
Cedar Beach is conveniently located just minutes from Toronto, on the north shores of beautiful, spring-fed Musselman's Lake. Offering shaded picnic areas, a swimming area with sandy beach and camping facilities, it is ideal for group and family events picnics and reunions.
Facility includes swimming, 2 water trampolines, fishing, canoe,
paddleboat rentals, large picnic areas with shelters, splash pad, playgrounds for all ages, 41 tent sites with power and water hook-ups, seasonal and transient camping, 2 swimming pools and 1 hot tub, sports fields, basketball, beach volleyball, badminton,
tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes, licenced restaurant, and camp store.
Contacts: Trent Hills and Ferris Park is located just two hours east of Toronto.
Follow Highway 401 east to Exit 509 (Campbellford/Brighton exit)
and follow scenic
County Road 30 north for 15 minutes.
Tel: 705.653.3575 | Launch Website
What have you been missing? If you've never been to Ferris Provincial Park, the answer is easy – lots Located just outside of Campbellford Ontario, Ferris Provincial Park is camping the way you remember it. With large spacious sites, and unspoiled acres of woods and river banks to be explored. Trails open summer and winter. Local townspeople make your visit one that you will want to repeat.
Contacts: RR 2, Grand Bend | Tel: 519.243.2220 | Alternate: 1.888.Ont.Park
Launch Website
Towering Oak trees, sun flecks on a golden carpet of leaves, shrubs & wildflowers and a rich abundance of unique and rare organisms; to many, this is Pinery. Pinery Provincial Park contains much of the remaining Oak Savanna woodland to be found in North America. Explore this unique ecosystem, along park roads, trails, beaches or quiet reaches of the Old Ausable Channel.
Today an Oak Savanna ecosystem rests atop an undulating sand dune topography that began forming over 6,000 years ago as glaciers retreated, leaving dunes more than 100 feet high. The panoramic view from lookouts presents a seemingly endless forest canopy, meeting Lake Huron's brilliant blue waters on the horizon.
Whether you want to quietly explore the woodlands along a trail, dip a paddle in the Old Ausable Channel, ride along the bike trail, or slide across crisp snow on a ski trail, Pinery is a special place year round.
Contacts: RR 1, Picton | Tel: 613.393.3319 | Launch Website
Sandbanks features 549 campsites in five campgrounds. There are 140 campsites with electrical service, and each campsite has a picnic table and fireplace grill. Drinking water taps are close to all sites. Washrooms with showers are scattered throughout the campgrounds. The Park also offers recreational activities to include swimming, canoeing, hiking, cycling, boating, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The are is gated off season. |
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Caves and Trails
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 260/280 Scenic Caves Road, Collingwood
Tel: 705.446.0256 | Launch Website
Explore a labyrinth of caves and crevices. Search near Ekarenniondi for the shadows which marked paths to the mysterious underworld. Explore the hidden natural fortress which sheltered the Petun people from their enemies. Descend into the ice cave - a crevasse so deep and cold that snow and ice often remain here through early summer.
Step to the edge of the limestone cliff to look down on 10,000 square kilometers of beautiful countryside and the deep blue expanse of Georgian Bay, over 300 meters below.
The Niagara Escarpment has been designated a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Beneath a canopy of sugar maples and red oak, admire each season's display - clusters of white birch, forest berries, wildflowers, trilliums and such rarities as the Maidenhair fern. |
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Conservation Areas
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 16500 Highway 50, Caledon | Tel: 905.880.4855 | Launch Website
Albion Hills is the outdoor enthusiasts dream. In winter, 27 kilometers of skiing trails are groomed for cross country skiers while skaters take to the lake and toboggans come flying down the hill. In the summer months, Albion Hills plays host to the Chico 24-Hours of Summer Solstice and the Caledon Canada Day celebrations. There is no shortage of things to do at Albion Hills, including Camp (tent and trailer), Cross country ski, Fish, Hike, Mountain bike, Rent a pedal boat or canoe, Swim, Toboggan, or just lay on the beach and soak up the sun.
Contacts: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto | Tel: 416.736.1733
Send Email | Launch Website
To visit Black Creek Pioneer Village is to journey back in time to discover life in early Ontario. The Village is an example of a typical crossroads community found in the Toronto area during the 1800s. Here you will do much more than just learn about history. You will taste it, smell it, touch it, hear it and walk through it. As you explore 40 carefully restored heritage homes, shops & gardens, history will come alive as interpreters and artisans in period dress help you discover how settlers lived, worked and played.
Contacts: 8739 Islington Avenue, Woodbridge | Tel: 416.667.6299 | Launch Website
Boyd Conservation Area, located in the City of Vaughan along the picturesque Humber River Valley, offers wonderful activities and experiences. The steep-sided Humber River Valley and tall trees provide a quiet refuge where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Opened in 1957, Boyd Conservation Area is TRCA's most popular picnic destination, usually selling out a year in advance!
Some of Boyd Conservation Area's many amenities include 17 picnic sites, 7 kiliometers of hiking trails (one which circles the conservation area),two bocce courts, a soccer field, and a sand volleyball court.
Contacts: Stouffville Road (3 km east of Hwy. 404), Stouffville
Tel: 416.667.6299 | Launch Website
Bruce's Mill Conservation Area is a popular destination for residents of the City of Toronto and York Region. Amenities include 10 kilometers of hiking trails, 11 picnic areas, a driving range, open playing fields for soccer or baseball, and pool available for private rental.
Bruce's Mill Conservation Area will be part of the future Rouge Park Trail Network. The area houses several wetlands, grassy areas and mature woodlots and is home to more than 50 species of birds.
Bruce's Mill Conservation Area is also home to the TRCA Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival, which runs from early March to mid-April. Approximately 20,000 people visit the festival each year where they learn about the traditional and modern methods of maple syrup production, take a wagon ride and enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup.
Bruce's Mill Conservation Area is also home to the York Region Safety Village and hosts the annual York Region Water Festival.
Contacts: 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge
Tel: 416. 661.6600 | Fax: 905.832.8238 | Launch Website
Kortright Centre combines a natural oasis with some of the most leading edge sustainable education programs and events in Canada. Since 1982, the Kortright Centre has been a centre of excellence in the field of sustainable technology. The sustainable technology education programs are anchored around The Power Trip Trail, a 1.6 kilometre trail which links a variety of demonstrations on renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste water treatment and sustainable building design.
Discover the Kortright Centre's beautiful trails all season long, great for hiking, cross-country skiing and much more. Walk the Power Trip Trail and see Canada's largest educational demonstrations of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Take your energy education one step further and participate in one of the Kortright Centre's energy workshops and learn how to conserve energy and save money!
Contacts: 120 Bayview Parkway, Newmarket
Tel: 905.895.1281 | Fax: 905.853.5881 | Launch Website
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority invites you to pursue a wide range of recreational opportunities in the conservation areas. By having picnics, hiking, fishing, swimming, and cross country skiing in these areas you can experience first hand the benefits of a healthy environment: Beaver River Wetlands, Scanion Creek, Sheppard's Bush, Whitchurch, Pangman Springs, Rogers Reservoir, Maber Davis, Wesley Brooks Memorial, Fairy Lake, and Thornton Balse (The 99 Steps).
Contacts: 1100 Whites Road, Pickering | Tel: 416. 661.6600 | Launch Website
Petticoat Creek Conservation Area offers an incredible view of the bluffs. The centre piece of the area is a 1.25-acre supervised swimming pool the largest outdoor pool in Ontario where you can escape the summer heat. Change rooms and a refreshment booth are part of the pool complex. Petticoat Creek Conservation Area also offers 11 great picnic sites, children's playground, and hiking along the Waterfront Trail.
Contacts: 2500 Kossuth Road, Cambridge | Tel: 519.653.1234 | Launch Website
Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory opened January 26, 2001 and is a privately owned Canadian Corporation. Wings of Paradise is situated on a 117 acre site which includes the environmentally sensitive Kossuth Bog. The 25,000 square foot facility includes a 10,800 square foot indoor tropical garden featuring 1000’s of free flying butterflies from around the world, over 75 different varieties of tropical plants, waterfalls, streams, reflecting pools, tropical finches, chinese painted quail and red-eared slider turtles.
Contacts: Tel: 905.895.1231 | Launch Website
The Regional Municipality of York has owned the York Regional Forest since 1924. Under the management direction of the Ministry of Natural Resources (1924–1998), the forest has become one of the most successful restorations of a degraded landscape in North America. |
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Drive-in Movie Theatres
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 134 Line 4 South, Barrie | Tel: 705.487.2212 | Launch Website
Since its founding in 1971, Stinson Theatres has grown from its original two-screen drive-in theatre in Barrie, Ontario, to 30 screens in six indoor locations and five screens at two drive-in locations today.
The success of Stinson Theatres is based on a strong commitment to serving the local communities in which we operate. We are determined continue to earn the patronage of our friends in all of our markets.
Contacts: 893 Mount Albert Road, Sharon | Tel: 905.836.4444 | Launch Website
The North York Drive-In Theatre has been operating at the same location by the same family since 1955. It began with one screen on Mount Albert Road just west of Sharon, Ontario and later expanded to three screens and a newer, fully stocked snack bar. There are three ticket booths to help speed your entry into the theatre. Gone are the days with speakers on your car window and heaters too! All screens feature both AM and FM stereo sound so movie-goers can listen to the movies over their own vehicle radios. There is a children's playground for the youngsters under the watchful supervision of their parents. It is very common to see the very young in their pyjamas - just as their own parents were brought to the theatre when they were that age by their parents. |
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Fishing
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 13077 Highway 48, Stouffville | Tel: 905.640.2928 | Launch Website
Burd’s Family Fishing is well known for the great park-like scenery located in Stouffville, Ontario. Rainbow trout fishing at Burd’s is a great sport for the young/old and amateur/professional; we offer Rainbow trout fishing for everyone. This budding industry is looking to attain the designation of largest Rainbow trout fishing in Ontario and look forward to dishing up the fish you catch on a platter in the near future.
Burd’s Family Fishing is situated in Stouffville, Ontario on 6 acres of bounded countryside. The business has been highly regarded since 1965. Twin half acre ponds were man made and fed by a natural artesian spring. Burd’s Family Fishing was initially introduced to the community 40 years ago. In 2005 the business was sold and Burd’s Family Fishing is under innovative management to maintain and strive to advance in the trade.
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Galleries
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
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Gardens
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 19 Horticultural Avenue, Toronto |
Tel: 416.392.7288 | Launch Website
Of horticultural significance since 1858, the original Toronto conservatory burned down in 1902 and was later replaced by the Palm House – a stunning structure created in the tradition of the great Victorian greenhouses. Complemented by a statue of poet Robert Burns, the six greenhouses of Allan Gardens, open year-round, feature a magnificent collection of tropical plants, as well as colourful seasonal displays.
Contacts: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
Tel: 416.923.1171 | Fax: 416.923.5734 | Send Email | Launch Website
We invite you to explore the spectacular grounds of Toronto's premier historic landmark, Casa Loma. The Gardens of Casa Loma portray a wide variety of specialty garden areas in a unique and balanced setting. The formality and elegance of the perennial borders provide a distinct contrast to the vibrant show of spring wildflowers. Artistic displays of annuals find strength in their colour schemes while the many flowering shrubs and trees provide an impressive array of foliage, texture and form. The ever-changing colours of this brilliant floral mosaic allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Casa Loma Gardens all season long.
Contacts: 270 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa
Tel: 905.433.4311 | Fax: 905.721.4765 | Send Email | Launch Website
The Parkwood Gardens have references to the great gardens of England and Europe, but with a 20th-century spirit. Much of the landscape design draws inspiration from the English Arts & Crafts gardening movement. This style called for a high degree of formality near the house, dissolving into less formal presentation with distance from the house, including a broad expanse of immaculate lawn.
Contacts: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Tel: 905.527.1158 | Alternate: 1.800.694.4769 | Fax: 905.577.0375
Send Email | Launch Website
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) enjoys a worldwide reputation based on its first-class horticultural collection and natural lands. It is Canada’s largest botanical garden and one of the country’s premier cultural, education, and scientific institutions. It has extensive educational programs and serves as an outdoor laboratory for scientific research.
RBG was established as an independent entity in 1941 by an act of the provincial government, but the project traces its origins to the late 1920s when the City of Hamilton began acquiring land for the beautification of the city’s northwest entrance. In the 1920s, under the chairmanship of Thomas Baker McQuesten, the Hamilton Board of Parks Management recognized the need for a counterpart in southwestern Ontario to Canada’s two botanical gardens – the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa and the University of British Columbia Gardens in Vancouver. McQuesten was a student of plant cultivation and garden design and he convinced the Board of Parks Management to include a botanical garden in the redevelopment plan for the city’s northwest entrance.
Royal Botanical Gardens is the only Canadian botanical garden to have maintained consistent growth and development. Moreover, it is the result of the joint effort of talented landscape architects, botanists and plan curators, thereby reflecting a historical and aesthetic character that is distinct in Canada. |
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Mini Golf
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 855 Bloomington Road East, Richmond Hill | Tel: 905.773.1936
Contacts: 2740 Highway 9, RR 1, Kettleby (Newmarket)
Tel: 905.841.7378 |
Fax: 905.841.3511 | Send Email | Launch Website
Contacts: 10411 Kennedy Road, Markham |
Tel: 905.888.TREE | Launch Website
Two Locations:
Contacts: 9625 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
Tel: 905.508.8222 |
Fax: 905.508.6645 | Send Email | Launch Website
Contacts: 75 Consumer Drive, Unit 4, Whitby
Tel: 905.430.3206 |
Fax: 905.430.8364 | Send Email | Launch Website
Contacts: 260/280 Scenic Caves Road, Collingwood
Tel: 705.446.0256 | Launch Website
Contacts: 12772 Ninth Line, Stouffville |
Tel: 905.642.5174 | Launch Website
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Museums
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
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Science Centres
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: PO Box 360, Station A, Richmond Hill
Tel: 905.884.9562 x232 | Fax: 905.884.2672
Send Email | Launch Website
DDO is the site of the largest (1.88 m. or 74 in.) optical telescope in Canada. The Observatory is a research centre of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto and also carries out public education and teaching programmes.
Contacts: 122 Big Nickel Mine Road, Sudbury
Tel: 705.523.4629 | Alternate: 1.800.461.4898 | Fax: 705.522.4954
Send Email | Launch Website
Dynamic Earth, a Science North attraction, is a geology and mining centre that opened in Sudbury, Ontario in 2003. Dynamic Earth is also home of the famous Big Nickel.
Contacts: 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Tel: 416.696.1000 | Alternate: 1.888.696.1110 | Launch Website
The Ontario Science Centre's mission is to delight, inform and challenge visitors through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology.
Contacts: 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury
Tel: 705.523.4629 | Alternate: 1.800.461.4898 | Fax: 705.522.4954
Send Email | Launch Website
Science North is a science centre and family attraction that opened in Sudbury, Ontario in 1984 and has since welcomed millions of visitors from around the world. |
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Ski / Tubing / Snowshoeing
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: Tel: 1.613.637.5507 | Launch Website
A tranquil escape of serenity and seclusion, the Adventure Lodge is a place to unwind and explore. Enjoy lounging in quiet relaxation or fill your days with outdoor wilderness activities. The Adventure Lodge is located along the boundaries of Algonquin Park nestled amongst the whispering forests. Adventure Lodge is a fifteen minute walk from the charming town of Whitney, and only five kilometers from the breathtaking and beautiful Algonquin Park.
Contacts: Tel: 1.866.241.2189 | Launch Website
The Americana is Niagara’s great value Waterpark resort. The indoor Waterpark is a tropical 84º all year round, with wave pool, water slides, tipping bucket, kiddie pool and much more. Themed events on weekends and daily during major school breaks. The resort also offers 200 beautiful guest rooms, including bunk bed suites and romantic jacuzzi and fireplace suites. Luxury spa, restaurant and bar, free parking, great package deals.
Contacts: Tel: 1.800.461.0243 | Launch Website
Getaways at Bayview Wildwood are FUN! Enjoy the best of winter with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or skating.
Contacts: Launch Website
Ontario’s Winter Playground! The best way to enjoy an Ontario winter is to get out and play! Whether you crave an adrenaline-filled day on the slopes or a relaxing stroll through a welcoming Village, Blue Mountain is the place to be. Downhill enthusiasts enjoy 34 trails across the Niagara Escarpment, ranging from beginner to double black diamond. Maximize your on-snow time with 13 lifts, including four high-speed six-person chairs, and plenty of action after the sun sets, with 22 trails and 10 lifts under the lights. If you’re looking for something to do off the slopes, take the family to Plunge! Aqua Centre, enjoy a romantic spa experience at Le Scandinave or visit Activity Central to organize an off-site excursion like dog sledding or cross-country skiing. The Village at Blue Mountain is the centre of the resort, where you can kick back in our luxury accommodation ranging from slope-side hotel rooms to luxury boutique-style village suites, indulge in fine shopping and dining and enjoy a host of winter events and entertainment.
Contacts: Launch Website
Located only 1 hour north of Toronto, Carriage Ridge Resort offers you the best access to winter recreation in Central Ontario. Enjoy our ski-in ski-out location on the ridge of Horseshoe Resort and easy drive to Mount St Louis Moonstone. Hardwood Hills Nordic ski trails, Snowmobile adventure tours and Winter Tree Top Trekking are only minutes away. Your condo-suite provides all the comforts of home and resort facilities include an indoor pool, hot tub, games room, daily activities and more!
Contacts: Tel: 1.800.461.4393 | Launch Website
Two hours from Toronto, escape to Deerhurst Resort’s powdery-soft duvets, glowing fireplaces and soothing spa. Satisfy your appetite for adventure with snowmobiling, skiing and dogsledding. Get your groove on at live shows. Or just throw off your parka and relax.
Contacts: Launch Website
Horseshoe Resort is nestled in the heart of beautiful Horseshoe Valley and is your ideal resort destination for the whole family. At just under an hour north of Toronto - and with the longest ski season in Southern Ontario - Horseshoe Resort is a favourite destination. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of The Inn at Horseshoe Resort and relax in one of our 102 well appointed guest rooms, pamper yourself in luxury with a treatment at the Spa & Salon, complete your day by savouring an exquisite dining experience.
Contacts: Tel: 1.800.704.8633 | Launch Website
Frosty Fun! Winter at Mountain Springs Lodge has many wonderful activities to enjoy. The woods are laced with kilometers of trails to explore by snowmobile, cross-country skiing or snow shoeing. Participate in a scenic afternoon sleigh ride with family or alpine ski at Ontario’s largest mountain resort, Blue Mountain. After a day on the slopes come inside and relax and enjoy your hot toddy curled up in front of your fireplace or sitting mountainside in our 12 person outdoor hot tub.
Contacts: 260/280 Scenic Caves Road, Collingwood
Tel: 705.446.0256 | Launch Website
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Ontario boasts 22 kilometers of groomed beginner and intermediate cross country ski and snowshoe trails winding through a 200-year-old forest rich with wildlife. Winter owls and a wide variety of other birds will beckon to you from the 100 feet maple, beech, and oak canopy while deer and many other animals can be seen in the forest. A warm-up hut and future log cabin located in the forest offer a place to pause and enjoy the beauty.
Contacts: Tel: 1.800.387.8100 | Launch Website
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Strawberry Picking / Farms
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 10539 Kennedy Rd, Markham | Tel: 905.887.1087 | Launch Website
Relax, enjoy time on the farm reconnecting to your rural roots at Forsythe Farms. Create memories, create traditions in a fun, friendly environment. Enjoy the basics of farm life- delicious, home-grown food and time spent together with family and friends.
Located just 30 minutes north of Toronto on Kennedy Rd. in Markham.
Contacts: 10825 9th Line, Markham | Tel: 905.640.4568 | Launch Website
Strawberries, Sweet Corn, Field Tomatoes, Flowers, and Pumpkins. Staff bakes delicious fruit pies, tarts, cookies, crisps and other items throughout the season Bakery is open Mon-Sat, every day that the Farm is open for season.
Contacts: 8100 Steeles Avenue East, Markham | Tel: 905.294.3275 | Launch Website
Whittamore's Farm is a large 220 acre fruit and vegetable farm nestled beside the Rouge River Valley in Markham, Ontario. A wide variety of activities occur on our farm during the year, including pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins. Our Farm Market is one of the largest in Ontario featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables. Whittamore's Fun Farm Yard is open everyday from May through until September. There's lots for the family to see and do, including the farm animals, sand toy lot, barn bouncer, tractor tire climb, straw pyramids, pedal tractor track, nature trail, giant treefort, and much more. Our Pumpkinland opens the last full weekend in September and runs through until October 31st. The farm is transformed into a Hallowe'en and harvest wonderland of 1000's of pumpkins and activities for the whole family to enjoy. We invite you to visit us at Whittamore's Farm. |
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Suspension Bridges
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: Trent Hills and Ferris Park is located just two hours east of Toronto.
Follow Highway 401 east to Exit 509 (Campbellford/Brighton exit)
and follow scenic
County Road 30 north for 15 minutes.
Tel: 705.653.3575 | Launch Website
The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge opened on
Wednesday June 23, 2004. This is Ontario's first 300
foot-long suspension bridge and over 30 feet high above the Ranney Gorge.
Contacts: 260/280 Scenic Caves Road, Collingwood
Tel: 705.446.0256 | Launch Website
You step slowly onto the platform and grip the handrail tightly. A gust of Blue Mountain wind sends tremors down the rail and up through the deck. And you begin the long, long walk.
Through the trees, you catch glimpses of the valley floor far beneath your feet. But it seems you're suspended even higher in the air. Far below, Georgian Bay sparkles in the sunlight, and spread before you lies a 10,000-square-kms view.
From your vantage point, over 300 meters above the Bay, you gaze down Blue Mountain toward Collingwood, and across the Bay to Wasaga Beach , Christian Island , and the distant shores of the Penetanguishene Peninsula . You try not to think that a mere 8 centimeters of timber is all there is between you and the ground. |
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Waterplay / Water Parks
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 5685 Falls Avenue,
Niagara Falls | Tel: 905.374.4444 | Launch Website
The Falls View Indoor Waterpark is fun for guests of all ages. From the young to young at heart everyone will have a blast at Niagara's only Falls view waterpark.
Featuring 125,000 square feet of family water fun the Falls View Indoor Waterpark towers over Niagara's premier Falls view tourist district at eight stories in height.
The waterpark offers sixteen thrilling waterslides (some a high a six stories), two oversized adult only Jacuzzis, a massive indoor wave pool, year round outdoor sundeck and activity pool (featuring basketball and volleyball), the mammoth "Beach House" Aqua Play area, Tiny Tots Splash Park, the Planet Hollywood Beach Club for your dining needs, full arcade and much more.
Reservations required.
Contacts: 3950 Victoria Avenue,
Niagara Falls | Tel: 905.354.4888 | Launch Website
Giving new meaning to the term “year-round family resort,” Great Wolf Lodge defies the weather outside with an indoor waterpark experience that has young and old soaking in the fun!
Whether it's 10 degrees below or raining cats and dogs, it's always a balmy 84 degrees inside the resort's mammoth, 103,000 square-foot indoor waterpark. Bear Track Landing puts the emphasis on fun with 13 waterslides, four pools and
a four-story treehouse waterfort. The state-of-the-art facility utilizes nearly 2.5 million litres of water that is splashed, sprayed, waved and played in by both kids and parents alike.
Bear Track Landing is an ideal escape for both parents and kids, offering an environment that allows for both bonding together-time and safe, supervised yet independent kid-friendly fun that gives parents time to relax with children in sight.
Contacts: 5 Hopkins Street, Richmond Hill | Tel: 905.508.WAVE (9283) | Launch Website
Enjoy a day at the beach... all year long at The Wave Pool! Swim and surf in 4 ft. waves, frolic on water mats or try bodysurfing! Ride the thrilling 160 ft. twisting water slide, splash in the shallow area under a make-believe rain cloud or simply relax in our sauna! All this at the only indoor wave pool within the Greater Toronto Area – a year round sun and surf destination. Plan a visit while you're in the area. It's an attraction not to be missed!
Contacts: 7855 Finch Avenue West, Brampton
Tel: 416.369.9453 | Alternate: 1.866.794.9453 | Fax: 905.794.1071
Send Email | Launch Website
Wild Water Kingdom offers a number of attractions for everyone in the family. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing dip in the lazy river, or a thrilling ride down one of our exciting slides, we've got it for you – and now it just got even better! Enjoy all of the amazing water attractions and UNLIMITED use of the Bumper Boats, Batting Cages, mini-golf, and rock climbing under a waterfall the Wild Water Wall! Attractions include: Tidal Wave Pool,
Body Flumes,
Speed Slides,
Slides in the Dark,
Screamer Slides,
Dolphin Bay
Adventure Playground,
The Big Tipper,
Water Sprayland, and
Children's Water Slides. |
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Wineries
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: 12442 McCowan Rd., Stouffville | Tel: 905.640.5357 | Launch Website
Applewood Farm offers a chance to get out and experience a real country farm, not far from home. Fine Wine, Apples, Strawberries, Pumpkins, Petting Zoo, Straw Maze, Wagon Rides, and a Winery Gift Shop. We are pleased to offer group tours and wine tasting upon request.
Contacts: 5572 Bethesda Rd. Stouffville | Tel: 905.642.WINE (9463) | Launch Website
The opening of Willow Springs Winery in May of 2001, with its 2400-sq.ft. multi-purpose facility, was the beginning of a dream come true for Mario and Julie Testa.
Originally, Willow Springs produced both fruit and grape wines including a selection of apple wines. However, today the winery has evolved and produces only premium VQA wines having joined the Vintners Quality Alliance in 2001. |
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Zoos
SayItCornell.com is an information resource in Markham and is not in any way affiliated with the Recreational Activities listed below. For more information about each venture, please contact the companies directly:
Contacts: RR #1, Cambridge | Tel: 519.623.2620 | Launch Website
African Lion Safari is a Canadian owned family business created in the name of conservation. Our manner of exhibiting animals is completely different from the traditional approach; that is, the visitor is caged in the car, and the animals roam in 2 to 20 hectare (5 to 50 acre) reserves.
We first opened the gates to the public in 1969 with 40 lions in 3 reserves; today the park houses in excess of 1000 animals of over 100 species. After 39 years we have been successful with breeding 30 species that are considered endangered, and 20 or more species that are considered threatened. The original idea of "maintaining self-sustaining populations of species in decline" is still our priority.
Contacts: 340 King Street, East, Bowmanville | Tel: 905.623.5655 | Launch Website
The Bowmanville Zoo is no ordinary zoo. This is the original Family Zoo, the Children's Zoo, only 45mins east of Toronto and tucked away off the beaten track on the Old Kings Highway. The zoo is located in the historical little Town of Bowmanville in Ontario, Municipality of Clarington, in the Region of Durham.
Contacts: 3667 Concession Rd. 6, Orono | Tel: 905.983.5016 | Launch Website
Jungle Cat World is a wildlife park located on 15 picturesque acres in the Municipality of Clarington in historical Orono, just 45 minutes east of Toronto. Established in 1983 it was first accredited in 1989 by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA ), a non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of and encourage the advancement and improvement of zoology, recreation, education, conservation and science.
Contacts: 150 County Road #19, Wendover | Tel: 613.673.7275 | Launch Website
Papanack Zoo is a family-owned and operated facility that has been breeding exotic animals and birds since the early 1980’s. In 1994, public curiosity prompted us to have a one-year trial opening to the public, and due to the motivating response that we received from our visitors that year, we decided to continue to ‘grow’ Papanack Animal Park, resulting in The Papanack Park Zoo you see today.
Contacts: 361A Old Finch Avenue, Scarborough | Tel: 416.392.5929 | Launch Website
The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier Zoo, known for its interactive education and conservation activities. As a unique wildlife experience, we inspire people to live in ways that promote the well being of the natural world.
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Our Recent Trip to the Toronto Zoo
March 12, 2007 – Believe it or not, we took a day off on Sunday (the whole day off, gasp!) and we headed for the zoo! What a treat it was to see all the animals in the bright sunlight again! The butterflies were fluttering in the Conservation Pavillion, the gorillas and orangutans were active, the wild cats were basking in the sun, and even the usually docile python lifted his head and gave us a nod. And the three-year-old favourite?? The discovery of 'echo' in the Indian Rhinoceros Pavillion! Yup, it certainly feels like spring is approaching and everything is coming alive again. A sure hit for all ages this season, a visit to the Toronto Zoo is only a stone's throw away from East Markham. For more information about the Toronto Zoo, please visit their website >>
Article by SWilson. Photos by S&GWilson
©2007 All Rights Reserved. |
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