VOLUME ONE • ISSUE ONE #DISCOVERON

THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 1 Keep warm in transit and on cool summer evenings with a patterned shawl by Ontario textile designer Virginia Johnson. BORN IN ONTARIO virginiajohnson.com Travel gear and souvenirs that originated right here 2 Eco-friendly Green Beaver sunscreens and skin- and hair-care products keep you By Kat Tancock moisturized and protected without potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates and triclosan. greenbeaver.com

3 Mini Mioche children’s wear is CELEB-CRED manufactured from organic cotton and other Amy Poehler sustainable materials. Celebrity fans include Halle Berry Halle Berry and Amy Poehler. minimioche.com

4 Limited-edition Fernando by Heys-FVT 2 hard-shell luggage features Canuck icons 3 such as the CN Tower, Mounties and Ottawa’s Parliament buildings. shop.heys.ca

1 5 Sunglasses by Botany Co. Eyewear are made 4 of eco-friendly bamboo. botanycoeyewear.com

6 Classic brand Roots built its reputation on quality handmade leather goods, like this sleek 5 6 wallet and mobile-phone holder with wrist SEE THE SITES, strap. roots.com 7 Joe Fresh, designed and launched in by Club Monaco founder Joe Mimran, has developed a following of devotees for its SAVOUR THE MOMENT. affordable take on trends, like these striped boat-neck tees, a perennial summer favourite. joefresh.com

8 Parkdale, Kensington or The Beach? Show allegiance to your Toronto district of choice with 7 Tuck Shop Trading Co.’s City of Neighbourhoods collection. tuckshopco.com

9 A brand recommended by Oprah herself, Lug travel gear includes pack-friendly bags and 10 colourful accessories like luggage belts and 9 11 tags. luglife.com

10 The Kobo e-reader is a travellers’ must- have, best stocked with CanLit favourites by 12 Ontario authors such as Margaret Atwood and 8 Nobel Prize-winning Alice Munro. kobo.com

11 Freshen up shoes and boots for spring with stylish coloured laces by , the From touring historic sights such as to indulging in Stolen Riches modern iteration of a family business started in urban delights, Ottawa is a quick, easy getaway that will feed your 1915. stolenriches.com passion for arts, culture and culinary experiences—and surround you in scenic beauty and natural wonders. Come join us! Check our 12 Cute handbags by Ela fit all the essentials CELEB-CRED event calendar and book hotels and special offers online today. and have been carried by the likes of Gwyneth Gwyneth Paltrow Jordana Brewster Paltrow and Jordana Brewster. elabyela.com † STARTING RD 13 , ’s oldest FREE JUNE 2nd Hudson’s Bay Company 3NIGHT at participating hotels retailer, started selling wool blankets with its distinctive coloured stripes in 1780; today they 3rd consecutive night free valid only at some participating hotels from June 2 to September 1, 2014. Call or visit our website for details. 13 † grace everything from canoes to umbrellas. thebay.com THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 3 1-888-OTTAWA-8 • WWW.OTTAWATOURISM.CA Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) Ontario Ministry THE ANNUAL of Tourism, Culture and Sport Design and Layout: FCB Toronto, BEST Fuel Advertising OF ONTARIO Editorial Direction: Globe Edge, The Globe and Mail CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES For editorial enquiries please contact [email protected] THIS ISSUE 1 2 3 ADVERTISING SALES Please visit tourismpartners.com 03 Born in Ontario 18 Summer Playlist (click on partnership opportunities). Score cool souvenirs and travel- Get in tune with music festivals Or call Nicole Papineau, OTMPC – Sales Toll-free 1-888-365-4422 or 416-212-1886 friendly gear, made right here and inspired lyrics Email: [email protected] 07 Ontario Picnic 21 First Resort ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION 4 5 6 7 For additional travel information on Ontario, Basket Find big nature and small visit ontariotravel.net/travelcentres or please Eat like a locavore with these luxuries, for couples and families call the following numbers: Ontario-made favourites 23 Just Beachy From Canada, Continental U.S.A. and Hawaii English: 1-800-ONTARIO or 1-800-668-2746 08 Around the World Choose sunsets or sports, From Canada: French: 1-800-268-3736 Globe-trot close to home via sandcastles or kites: it’s all here Teletypewriter – TTY/Telecommunications 23 Ontario’s worldly attractions Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-888-908-8825 27 Take the Bait 8 9 10 11 10 Algonquin and Go fishing for some fun We provide information to assist in teeming lakes, rivers travellers with disabilities. Accessibility Beyond information is collected to address a variety Love our most famous park? and streams of special needs. Please call the toll-free line We’ve got 300 more 1. Kat Tancock writes and edits for 6. Adam Stanley is a freelance writer based and counsellors will assist you with the details 28 What’s Brewing publications including The Globe and Mail in Ottawa and Toronto. He’s a journalism you need to plan and enjoy travel throughout 12 Rainbow is the Tap into craft beer and nosh on and Food & Drink. She can often be found graduate from Carleton University who Ontario. New Black some artisan burgers at her local Toronto food co-op searching loves music, golf (and, yes, beer). INTERNATIONAL ENQUIRIES Take pride in diverse and for the latest Ontario products. Contact the appropriate Canadian embassy or 34 Wee to We 7. Chris Johns is a Toronto-based West- inclusive Ontario pride festivals overseas consulate for information on Ontario. Explore Ottawa as a family or 2. Leanne Delap writes about fashion, food, Coaster who writes about food and travel. For more information, visit canada.ca as a couple! design and travel for Canadian and He has been a restaurant critic for Air International visitors can also obtain 15 The Insider Scoop international publications, including the Canada’s enRoute, Toronto Life and information on Ontario through ontariotravel.net on Summer Toronto Star. She has been the fashion The Globe and Mail. RENSEIGNEMENTS EN FRANÇAIS Families, start your engines: reporter for The Globe and Mail as well as Nous sommes heureux de vous offrir un top intel on 10 fun spots! editor-in-chief of Fashion magazine. 8. Heather Greenwood Davis is an award- service d’information touristique en français. winning freelance travel writer and family- Veuillez composer le 905 754-1963 et il nous 3. Carolyn B. Heller put plenty of mileage travel blogger (globetrottingmama.com) fera plaisir de vous aider. on her hiking boots exploring Ontario’s based in Toronto. Her family was named Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership parks while researching Moon Handbooks: National Geographic Traveler magazine’s Corporation accepts no liability for errors Ontario, a 450-page travel guide to the “Travelers of the Year” in 2012. or omissions. The information and services Kenora 27 province’s attractions. Based in Vancouver, contained in this publication are offered as ONTARIO she has contributed to more than 50 other 9. Scott Earl Smith is a freelance writer a matter of interest and are believed to be correct and accurate at the time of printing. travel and restaurant guides, and her travel and retired police officer living in Thunder Cochrane The inclusion of any advertisement in this features appear in publications ranging Bay. He wrote the popular book Ontario publication does not imply or constitute an Thunder Bay from the Forbes Travel Guide to Perceptive Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide and has endorsement or acceptance by the Province of Travel to lonelyplanet.com. been published in a wide variety of North Ontario of any of the advertisers, products or American outdoor publications. services advertised, and the Ontario Ministry of 4. Doug Wallace is a Toronto-based Tourism, Culture and Sport is not responsible 34 lifestyle writer, editor and media authority 10. Tim Johnson travels almost 300 days for errors or omissions or misrepresentations working in the worlds of food and travel, per year and has visited 91 countries contained in any advertisement. All rights art and design, and fashion and beauty. A and all seven continents. He contributes reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission Sault Ste. Marie member of the international gay media, he regularly to a number of national Sudbury in writing from Ontario Tourism Marketing was part of the press corps at WorldPride publications including The Globe and North Bay Partnership Corporation. 2012 in London, U.K. Mail, Canadian Living, WestJet’s Up! Pembroke magazine, Canadian Family, MSN.ca and Ottawa 5. Catalina Margulis is publisher of Reader’s Digest. 10 Parry Sound beautyrsvp.com and a travel-writing mom to twin toddlers and a well-travelled 11. Amy Rosen is an award-winning 5-year-old son. (She apologizes in advance freelance journalist and the former Food © 2014 Printed in Canada Barrie Kingston to fellow flight passengers!) Her stories Editor at Chatelaine magazine. She won the Printer: St. Joseph Peterborough Vaughan have appeared in Elle Canada, Flare and Canadian Tourism Commission’s inaugural Communications-Print Group, Concord, ON Toronto Travel + Escape. Keep Exploring Award of Excellence in Stratford Hamilton 12 Travel Journalism (2013) for her body of E&OE 06-14-382K-018989 London Niagara Falls proudly Canadian travel stories. Her third cookbook, Toronto Cooks, will be released Front Cover: HTO Park, Toronto in October. Windsor

4 – #DISCOVERON *Download the official map of Ontario at mto.gov.on.ca THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 5 ONTARIO

PICNIC BASKET Spirit Tree Cidery’s apple and pear cider (sweet/non-alcoholic) from Pack a basket full of local goodness with these treats Caledon is a consistent award winner in competitions. spirittreecider.com By Kat Tancock Sample and pick a favourite maple syrup at The Farm Pantry at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. stjacobsmaplesyrup.com

Kingston’s Pan Chancho Bakery (founded by Lovin’ Spoonful’s Zal Yanovsky) makes chewy, flavourful bread (including gluten-free). panchancho.com

Ottawa-based michaelsdolce™ Jams feature Ontario produce with bold flavours (think: rhubarb-black pepper, peach-cardamom). michaelsdolce.com

Dark, juicy raisins from Reif Estate Winery are kiln-dried red grapes – try them topping Kawartha Dairy Company vanilla ice cream. reifwinery.com kawarthadairy.com

Kernal Peanuts located in Vittoria, Canada’s largest peanut grower, Sleep under produces peanut butter and other nutty treats. kernalpeanuts.com

Stock up on Ontario’s signature butter the stars! tart from bakeries along the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour. kawarthasnorthumberland.ca

Toronto’s Stasis Preserves turns Ontario’s fresh bounty (cherries and blueberries, walnuts and wine) Our beautiful northern summer nights and dark skies into spreads, sauces and vinegars. stasispreserves.com make for an amazing RV and tenting experience. Evelyn’s Crackers are made in Toronto from Ontario organic heritage grains; Settle in at our campground this summer and join us after dark at the David Thompson great with the brand’s own hummus Astronomical Observatory as we take you on a journey through the cosmos. The campground and baba ganoush. evelynscrackers.com at Fort William Historical Park is equipped with its own astronomy centre! While you’re here, enjoy a tour of our historic site, experience our recreational activities, and do much, much Find Monforte Dairy’s sheep and goat more! Visit www.fwhp.ca to see what’s happening during your planned stay! cheeses, yogurt and ice cream at its Stratford flagship store and province- wide locations. monfortedairy.com Our Serviced Thunder Oaks Cheese Farm in Thunder Fort William Historical Park Bay makes Ontario’s only true Dutch- Campsites Include: style Gouda cheese. cheesefarm.ca 1350 KING ROAD • THUNDER BAY • ONTARIO • CANADA CHEF RECO Acclaimed Toronto chef • 20/30/50 amp hook-ups Noah Martin’s Country Store summer and dumping station Jamie Kennedy loves Kozlik’s TO BOOK A CAMPSITE CALL 807-473-2344 Mustard for sandwiches sausage from St. Jacobs has been • Showers and washrooms and souvenirs and Norman called “the best sausage ever” by Hardie’s Chardonnay. foodie fans. • Gift shop and restaurant mustardmaker.com heidelbergfoods.com • Free Wi-Fi normanhardie.com Paid for by the Government of Ontario • Pets are welcome! THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 7 Scotland England AROUND THE Golf fans can imagine themselves swinging on the Travel back to Shakespeare’s era as the Globe most famous links in the world in one afternoon Theatre from London arrives in Prescott with at Wooden Sticks golf course in Uxbridge, which its production of Hamlet at the St. Lawrence includes a replica hole from the birthplace of golf Shakespeare Festival in August. And don’t miss in Scotland, St. Andrews. Other Ontario Scottish- more of the Bard’s productions at the Stratford style links include Hockley Valley (designed by Shakespeare Festival (April to October). Thomas McBroom) Heathlands Links and Angus stlawrenceshakespeare.ca Glen North (by Doug Carrick). stratfordfestival.ca woodensticks.com hockley.com ospreyvalleygolf.com/heathlands Paris angusglen.com For a world-class shopping spree, go to Toronto’s WORLDWe offer so much within our borders, a trip through Yorkdale Shopping Centre, celebrating its 50th Ontario can feel like a trip around the world anniversary this year (with Canada’s largest Apple Store, boutiques by Mulberry, Ferragamo and By Leanne Delap Burberry and Canada’s only Tesla sports car showroom). Or open your wallet at the so-called Mink Mile on Toronto’s Bloor Street West (Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci). Hollywood Memphis Caribbean Africa yorkdale.com Toronto rolls out the red It’s like making a pilgrimage From mid-July, the Families will have a roaring bloor-yorkville.com carpet for the crème de to Elvis’ home, Graceland. Scotiabank Toronto good time at the African la crème of cinema each This year marks the 20th Caribbean Carnival – Lion Safari near Hamilton. Denmark September for the Toronto anniversary of the Collingwood a Mardi Gras-like cultural It’s a reserve with 1,000 International Film Festival Elvis Festival, a gathering of extravaganza of music, exotic birds and animals, The Vaughan outpost of the famous Danish toy ® (TIFF). With 300 films open international Elvis tribute cuisine and performing including big cats. Drive brand LEGO is a brightly coloured fantasy world ® to the ticket-buying public, artists (July 24–27) featuring arts – culminates with the through in your own vehicle, built brick by plastic brick at Legoland Discovery the entire city is swept an array of free and ticketed Grand Parade August 2, aboard a safari tour bus or Centre. The attractions include a factory tour, a 4D ® up in a glamorous frenzy performances around with costumed dancers the African Queen boat. cinema, a LEGO Racer build-and-test centre, a fire ® around festival time. downtown Collingwood. Don’t and live music. lionsafari.com academy, a construction site and a Duplo village ® September 4–14. miss out on this year’s special torontocaribbeancarnival.com for the youngest LEGO fans. tiff.net guest, Priscilla Presley. legolanddiscoverycentre.ca collingwoodelvisfestival.com China Hundreds of precious historical objects from the Beijing Palace Museum are on display in The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors (through September 1) at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. rom.on.ca

8 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 9 Bruce Peninsula National Park Best for: Canoeing or kayaking between pink granite cliffs and swimming at sandy bay Best for: Exploring unique- beaches. What else to do: Check out park nature programs, including “snake talks” in-Ontario landscapes, with featuring live reptiles. Most romantic sunsets: See them from Sunset Rocks or Harold’s limestone cliffs plunging Point. Did you know? Killbear’s peak time for fall colour is early October. Where to stay: down to the Caribbean-blue Killbear has 881 campsites, but if you’re not a camper, sleep in Parry Sound, less than waters of Georgian Bay. an hour’s drive. What’s nearby: Sounds of music take over Parry Sound during the popular Great hikes: Canada’s oldest annual Festival of the Sound (July 18 through August 10). Hungry? Tuck into Georgian and longest marked hiking Bay pickerel or whitefish at Gilly’s Snug Harbour Restaurant. route – the Bruce Trail – ontarioparks.com/park/killbear extends from Niagara to the festivalofthesound.ca Bruce Peninsula. Day hiking? gillyssnugharbour.com Walk to the dramatic rock formations at the Grotto. Best beach: Singing Sands on the Lake Huron shore. Did you know? More than 40 varieties of orchids bloom in the park. Where to stay: Settle into a park yurt or camp overlooking Cyprus Lake. What’s nearby: The town of Tobermory has plenty of motels, shops and places to eat. Hungry? Tobermory’s Little Tub Bakery has decadently gooey butter tarts. pc.gc.ca DISCOVER facebook.com/LittleTubBakery MORE AT #DISCOVERON

Where to stay: Book a waterfront Best for: Canoeing past rocky site – or a yurt – in family-friendly Algonquin cliffs, waterfalls and pine forests, George Lake Campground.­ Or many accessible only via the choose a lodge or B&B in the town Take the Parkbus park’s 2,000 lakes. Great view: of Killarney. What’s nearby: If you’re You don’t need a car to reach many of Ontario’s Climb the French Falls Trail to the new to outdoor adventuring, try parks. Ride the Parkbus, a non-profit transportation cascades. Where to out the Learn to Camp or Learn to service that runs from Toronto to Algonquin, AND BEYOND stay: Sleep in a yurt, or choose Fish programs at nearby Grundy Killarney, Bruce Peninsula and other provincial from more than 100 campsites Lake Provincial Park. parks on select summer weekends. at Dawson Trail Campground on ontarioparks.com/park/killarney parkbus.ca 5 Great French Lake. Special events: During ontarioparks.com/learntocamp Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most popular wilderness escapes: Wilderness Weekend (June 27–30), learn about orienteering, kayaking Frontenac Provincial Park a 763,000-hectare (1,884,610 acre) expanse of pine forests, lakes and rivers and canoe-tripping. What’s nearby: Best for: Day hiking the 100-plus offering some of the province’s best hiking and canoe trips. But with In Thunder Bay, visit Fort William kilometres of trails along the rocky “The lakes are all interconnected, so it’s 300 provincial parks, 5 national parks and 2 national marine conservation Historical Park, a living history . Great hikes: really just one big flatwater playground.” experience of 19th-century fur- Watch for beaver ponds on the areas, Ontario has lots more destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, whether Kayaker Adam van Koeverden has won four Olympic trading days, or order a plate of Bufflehead Trail. For a lakeside medals (one gold, two silvers, and a bronze). you’re an experienced back-country adventurer or a novice outdoorsperson. traditional Finnish pancakes at hike, follow the Doe Lake Loop. When this Ontario-born Olympian is not training Here are 5 of our favourite places to get outdoors Hoito Restaurant. Special events: Refresh your or competing, you can often find him at his rustic ontarioparks.com/park/quetico outdoor skills at a wilderness cabin in Algonquin Provincial Park. By Carolyn B. Heller queticopark.com workshop – try introductory canoe ESCAPE TO tripping, first aid or outdoor ONTARIO PARKS Killarney Provincial Park gourmet cooking. Where to stay: Discover 5 more phenomenal Packages from $80, Best for: Hiking spectacular granite Frontenac has 48 back-country Ontario parks and read the includes site and full interview with Adam van and quartzite mountain ridges. campsites. Find less rugged equipment Koeverden. Download the tablet ontariotravel.net/ Swimming or paddling in the accommodations in Kingston, packages and mobile versions today! 50-plus clear lakes. Great hike: less than an hour’s drive. #DISCOVERON Make the challenging climb ontarioparks.com/park/frontenac through massive boulders at The frontenacpark.ca 10 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 11 Crack for panoramic views. tourism.kingstoncanada.com Capital Pride, Pride London Capital Pride July 19 to 27 August 15 to 24 Stay: Hotel Metro is a Stay: ARC The.Hotel Ottawa boutique delight (rainfall is Canadiana-chic, with a showerheads, Aveda hopping lounge at cocktail amenities) within walking hour. Funky, well-located KUDOS distance of everything. Eat: Hotel Indigo scores high with ARC The.Hotel Blackfriars Bistro has farm- in-the-know travellers on Yelp! rated high on fresh, seasonal nosh, with and Trip Advisor, partly for its Trip Advisor and Yelp! craft beer to wash it down. great indoor pool! Eat: Hip and RAINBOW At fun, friendly Church Key, casual Wellington Gastropub they make their own brisket brews its popular Stock Pot Ale for the famous Corned Beef “Bad Moon Rye’s In” on the is the new black and Cabbage. premises. pridelondon.ca capitalpride.ca hotelmetro.ca arcthehotel.com blackfriarsbistro.com hotelindigo.com Pride celebrations are coming soon to a gay-friendly community thechurchkey.ca thewellingtongastropub.com near you in Ontario. And Toronto hosts WorldPride this year, an even bigger reason to get in on the fun. Make Ontario your holiday Pride Fest destination this year for a party – or two – you won’t soon forget Windsor-Essex By Doug Wallace August 8 to 10 Stay: What happens in Windsor stays there! Head to Caesars Windsor for a dash of Vegas glam and a flirtation with Lady Luck. Eat: Toscana Restaurant & Wine Bar has authentic Italian, a sushi bar and a killer wine cellar. Home-cooking – Pride Niagara Hamilton Pride with a twist – at The Twisted Now to June 7 June 9 to 15 Apron, recently earned a visit Stay: Recuperate from all the Stay: The Best Western Premier from Food Network Canada’s Pride action with a luxe spa C Hotel by Carmen’s on Stone You Gotta Eat Here! package at White Oaks Resort Church Road East gets great windsorpride.com & Spa, which has rightfully reviews on travel-booking sites. wepridefest.com earned a prestigious Four Eat: Hip and healthy Earth June 20 to 29 caesarswindsor.com Diamond rating by CAA/AAA KUDOS to Table: Bread Bar is a café The fourth biennial WorldPride is hosted by Toronto toscanawindsor.com and Five Stars from Canada White Oaks by day and pizzeria (try the this year, the first time the international festival has thetwistedapron.com Resort & Spa Select. Eat: At family-owned Vampire Slayer with garlic, brie been in North America. Following in the footsteps Wellington Court, we love that CAA/AAA and béchamel) by night. Eat Four Diamond of London’s 2012 shindig, Ontario is ready to Chef Eric Peacock’s fresh, your way through 60 burger Rating celebrate activism, education and the history and locally inspired menu changes toppings and nine poutines (we Pride festivities in Toronto usually culture of the global LGBTTIQQ2SA communities draw 1.2 million people, so this almost weekly. like the short rib) at Chuck’s (representing identities such as, but not limited prideniagara.com Burger Bar. to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, year, the party is expected to be whiteoaksresort.com pridehamilton.ca queer/questioning, intersex, two-spirited and allies). bigger than ever. And with human wellington-court.com book.bestwestern.com rights such a hot topic around the With 10 open-air stages, expect a melting pot of breadbar.ca world, it’s a great time for diverse chucksburgerbar.com music styles, with something for the whole family. Deborah Cox and Melissa Etheridge headline a list and inclusive Ontario to shine. of entertainers that also includes Martha Wash and DJs David Morales and Quentin Harris. The Human Rights Conference will gather activists, Kingston Pride policy-makers and educators. Special guests Now to June 15 RAINBOW include Frank Mugisha from Uganda, Masha Gessen HIGH Stay: Promoting an “unplugged from Russia, Canada’s own Stephen Lewis and the urban” experience, The VACATIONS world’s first openly gay head of government, former (2–4 nights) Frontenac Club Inn offers old- Prime Minister of Iceland Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir. Packages from $249 world charm on the waterfront. worldpridetoronto.com ontariotravel.net/ Try the Residence Inn by seetorontonow.com packages Marriott Kingston Water’s ontariotravel.net/LGBT Edge Hotel on Earl Street. Eat: Nothing beats summer on the SCHEDULED HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: secluded patio at Chez Piggy: order the Duck Confit Poutine or the Angry Hot Lamb Burger. 20 25 25-27 26 27 27-29 28 29 29 kingstonpride.ca frontenacclub.com Opening WorldPride Gala WorldPride IGM Human Trans Street Fair and Dyke WorldPride Closing marriottresidenceinnkingston.com Ceremony and Awards Human Rights Rights Reception March Arts & Culture March Parade Ceremony chezpiggy.com

JUNE Conference Festival 12 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 13 The insider scoop on summer By Catalina Margulis 10 family-friendly attractions for fun in the sun – Your curious plus tips on how, when and what to see belongs here

From The AstraZeneca Human Edge exhibition to a real rainforest to KidSpark, when you visit the Ontario Science Centre, you open the door to all kinds of wonder.

2014 : EYE-OPENING EXHIBITIONS

June 11 to October 26, 2014 November 19, 2014 to March 22, 2015

The Science of Rock ‘N’ Roll is organized by Elevation Productions Brain: The Inside Story is organized by the American Museum and distributed by Exhibits Development Group. of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org).

Our Premier Partner

THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 15 ontariosciencecentre.ca 6

1 CN Tower (Toronto) 1 6 CALYPSO (limoges) See Toronto’s incredible views, from Just 30 minutes from Ottawa and boasting 346 metres (1,134 ft.) at the LookOut Canada’s largest wave pool and the highest Level and through the tower’s glass floor. waterslide tower in North America, Calypso On the Himalamazon motion theatre ride, has more than 35 waterslides and 100 feel the wind and water of the imaginary water games. Kongo Expedition is the new land where Super-Trees grow. TIP: Book African-themed adventure river; Zoo Lagoon early for EdgeWalk, a harnessed stroll on appeals to the littlest visitors. TIP: Buy the ledge around the tower’s main pod – tickets online and download a park map to it can sell out. beat lineups. Only personal flotation devices cntower.ca are permitted for children (no water wings). calypsopark.com 2 Canada’s Wonderland (Vaughan) The new Wonder Mountain’s Guardian is 7 SCIENCE NORTH (SUDBURY) a 4D fantasy ride ending in a dragon’s In Science North’s 30th year, learn to lair! Dinosaurs Alive! is one of the world’s fly a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane (in a largest animatronic dinosaur parks, with simulator), catch To Space and Back at more than 40 life-sized animatronic the Planetarium and watch Wonders of the dinosaurs in a Jurassic-themed setting. Arctic 3D in the IMAX theatre. Visitors can

TIP: Purchase a Fast Lane wristband to Photo: Calypso Theme Waterpark also pan for gold and explore mining tunnels skip the lineups. in the Underground Tour at Dynamic Earth. canadaswonderland.com 2 3 7 8 TIP: Kids under 5 will love the TD Canada Trust Toddler’s Treehouse. 3 Art gallery of ontario (TORONTO) sciencenorth.ca The AGO’s new Kids’ Gallery has child- friendly text panels and works hung at 8 FORT HENRY (Kingston) kid height, plus exhibit-related fun like Get a glimpse of 19th-century life at this dress-up and drawing stations. Drop- War of 1812-era fortress, which offers in Playtime for the under-5 set has guided tours, historical demos and great costumes, puppets, blocks, arts and views of the 1000 Islands. It’s part of crafts. TIP: At caféAGO, kids 5 and Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site! under eat free (when a parent spends 4 TIP: Kids love the Ghosts of the Fort tour $12 or more). offered by the Haunted Walk. Don’t miss ago.net Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay 9 and Fort York in Toronto. 4 Ripley’s Aquarium OF CANADA forthenry.com (Toronto) hauntedwalk.com/kingstontours.php This hot new kid magnet has 450 species, fwhp.ca from the largest shark collection in fortyork.ca North America to one of the best jellyfish exhibits in the world. A glass viewing 9 THE Blue MountainS tunnel looks into the shark lagoon. Zip between soaring platforms on Wind TIP: Aim for weekday mornings to beat Rider Triple Zips, and navigate suspension the crowds. Bring snacks or line up early bridges, ladders and nets at Timber Challenge for lunch, as tables are limited. High Ropes or cross a suspension bridge 5 10 ripleyaquariums.com/canada and tour secret caverns at nearby Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Don’t miss the 5 NIAGARA FALLS Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster! TIP: Hours Catch some serious views of the iconic depend on weather, so check ahead! Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region bluemountain.ca from a whirlybird’s-eye-view with Niagara sceniccaves.com Helicopters. For a close-up view of the Falls, get wet on the new Hornblower 10 TORONTO ZOO (Toronto) Niagara Cruises catamaran boat tour. With more than 5,000 animals from 500 TIP: Work in time to visit Niagara Falls species, it’s one of the largest zoos in the trippy attactions, including haunted world. The Gorilla Climb Ropes Course, houses and wax museums kids love. Zoomobile and Conservation Carousel provide niagarahelicopters.com fresh perspective. Camel and pony rides, niagaracruises.com and visits to the polar bear cub, baby gorilla niagaraparks.ca DISCOVER and pandas are kid faves. TIP: Pack light or MORE AT pack right: strollers, wagons and lockers are #DISCOVERON for rent at the entrance. torontozoo.com

16 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 17 NXNE 2014 Digital Dreams RBC Royal Bank Boots & Hearts OVO Fest (June 13– 22) (June 28, 29) Bluesfest (July 31–August 3) (August 3, 4) Where: Toronto. What: Where: Ontario Place, (July 3–13) Where: Canadian Where: Toronto’s Molson A 10-day arts festival Toronto. What: The Where: Ottawa Tire Motorsport Park, Canadian Amphitheatre. with music, film, largest electronic music (15-minute walk from Bowmanville. What: Drake, the King interactive media and festival in Canada is the Parliament Hill). What: Canada’s largest of Toronto and his comedy. Who: More than reigning “Party of the What: A summer staple outdoor country music famous hip-hop friends 800 musicians, from Year” as awarded by celebrating its 15th festival. Who: The close down the Toronto legendary rockers the Toronto Nightclub anniversary. Who: Voice superstar Blake Caribbean Carnival SUMMER Spoon and Juicy J from Awards. Who: Legendary All musical genres Shelton and cowboy weekend. Who: Recently Three Six Mafia leading DJs like Tiesto, Justice represented, with no heartthrob Luke Bryan un-retired rap duo the charge. Insiders: and Deep Dish bring exception this year: are headliners. Insiders: OutKast will headline Bars, clubs and Yonge- the bass to the 19-plus Lady Gaga, the Killers, Don cowboy hat and night one, while Drake Dundas Square will be crowd on Toronto’s Queens of the Stone pack sunscreen. Camp himself headlines night packed: arrive early waterfront. Insiders: Age and 1980s faves overnight, get a day two. Insiders: Much of (badge or wristband Group bottle-service like Foreigner, STYX pass and enjoy eats the star-studded lineup access is key!). packages include and Journey. Insiders: from the food trucks. is unscheduled until nxne.com VIP parking, express Feel free to bring bootsandhearts.com the last minute; last PLAYLIST entry and plush full- strollers, portable chairs year Kanye West, The Our genre-hopping music festivals draw hip crowds and top talent all summer long service seating. and small backpacks. Weeknd and Lil Wayne digitaldreamsfest.ca Pulled-pork sandwiches thrilled fans. and local beer are octobersveryown.com By Adam Stanley among the best eats. ottawabluesfest.ca KUDOS DIGITAL DREAMS Party of the Year Toronto Nightclub Awards

IN TUNE “He was sitting in “I woke up on “Passed under the lounge of the Empire Hotel IN ONTARIO “It was in Bobcaygeon Galbraith Street “There is a town “The glasses they will tinkle “Eating like I’m the moonlight He was drinking for diversion where I saw the constellations Where the houses stood in North Ontario when our eyes begin to twinkle, The diversity of artists who have seated at Swish, Moved out of the searchlight He was thinking for himself Reveal themselves like twins” With dream comfort And we’ll think no more of Inco celebrated Ontario in song – rappers and Sotto, and Joso’s” Open up and spend the night A little money riding one star at a time” memory to spare” on a Sudbury Saturday night” folkies, rockers and jazz cats – is as in Parkdale” on the Maple Leafs” Galbraith Street vast and diverse as the province itself. 5 AM IN TORONTO Bobcaygeon (in his hometown, Helpless Sudbury Saturday Night Here are a few of my favourite songs by DRAKE Parkdale Raised on Robbery, by St. Catharines) by Neil Young by Stompin’ Tom Connors celebrating the good life in Ontario by Metric (on Huntsville) by Ron Sexsmith by Joni Mitchell By Chris Johns

18 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 19 First Resort Where to check in this summer Whether big family adventures or small romantic pleasures are on your itinerary, find it all under one roof at some of Ontario’s best resort properties

By Amy Rosen

Photo: Taboo Muskoka

BIG FAMILY ADVENTURES SMALL ROMANTIC PLEASURES

Elmhirst’s Resort (Keene) Millcroft Inn and Spa (Alton) This resort raises its own Black Angus beef and egg-laying free- A waterfall, stone buildings and manicured grounds greet you range hens, so kids learn about responsibly raised food – and here. Enjoy multiple courses of top food and pampering: An everyone eats royally. All 96 hectares (237 acres) are heated Ofuro spa treatment includes a sugar scrub, Japanese bath and via a special corn-fueled boiler: another lesson in greener living. ylang-ylang massage. Meanwhile, Chef James Buder’s exotic Plus there’s horseback riding, kite-boarding, swimming and Canadiana includes quail egg ravioli with chestnuts, foraged kayaking fun. mushrooms and venison Wellington. elmhirst.ca vintage-hotels.com/millcroft

Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre Taboo Resort Golf & Spa (Gravenhurst) (Little Current, Manitoulin Island) This yin-yang resort is where an award-winning restaurant Not only does this new property have a spirited design (think: meets one of Canada’s top golf courses, and where sleek teepee shaped lobby and Duncan Pheasant acrylic paintings), rooms with flat screen TVs boast picture window views of Lake this is also the hot spot for exploring the traditions of Manitoulin Muskoka. All is in perfect harmony, especially during a couples Island’s Anishinaabe native culture, through canoe trips and escape at Taboo Spa, where exfoliation and handholding meet medicine walks. Bring your friends and colleagues for an extreme relaxation. authentic Aboriginal conference experience. Or, simply relax as tabooresort.com a family over grilled local fish or watching the sunset. circletrail.com/accommodations JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa (Minett) Staying here is like snagging an invite to a friend’s Muskoka Deerhurst Resort (Huntsville) cottage where you have a great Italian meal (at restaurant This freshly renovated property is where relaxed cottage living Teca), then hunker down for a sunset bottle of wine (better still, meets action-packed weekends. Race through the treetops on around the fire pit.) No arguing as to who will be making eggs ropes and zip lines or take aim at paintball. Indoors, chill with a the next morning: Just hit the omelet bar at Cottages. soothing Shizen spa treatment, rock out on the climbing wall – therosseau.com then power snooze in cozy lodges and suites. deerhurstresort.com Discover 4 more resorts to check out this summer. ON YOUR TRAVELS... Download the tablet and mobile versions today! It’s like Christmas in July at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge, #DISCOVERON with rides and outdoorsy fun on the Muskoka River, and Santa waving from his Sleigh Jet Boat. santasvillage.ca THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 21

WORLDART&C

WORLDART&CULTURE

WORLDART&WORLDART&CULTURE 100 YEARS CONTEMPORA

of SHARING CULT CONTEMPORARY

the CONTEMPORCULT CONTEMPORARY JUST WONDER EARTH&SPACE

EARTH&SPACE EARTH EARTH&SPACE BEACHY

EARTH&SPACEARTH EARTH&SPACE BIODIVERSITY BIODIVERSITY

BIODIVERSITY BIODIV BIODIV BIODIVERSITY

BIODIVERSITY BIODIV BIODIVERSITY Whether you’re charmed by a retro

boardwalk or a design-savvy urban TEXTILES&FASHIONS TTEXTILES&FA beach, visit these Ontario stretches of sand for sun and fun this summer TEXTILES&FASHIONS T By Chris Johns

TEXTILES&FAS CANADACAN CANADA CANCANADA

CANADA CANADA CAN

CANADA CANA In the vintage beach town of Port Dover, sun-worshippers recline beneath Plan your visit today at rom.on.ca FOSSILS&EVO FISSILS&EVOLUTION FO imported palm trees and stand-up paddleboarders ply the calm waters. A block away, at the Erie Beach Hotel, The Cove dining room has been serving a legendary Lake Erie perch lunch for much of its 70 years: the crispy-breaded fish is today-fresh but the menu is straight from the Mad Men-era (a salad cart laden with lemon-horseradish jelly, homemade

FOSSILS&EVOLUTION F pickles and a salad of mandarin oranges with pineapple, coconut and sour

cream – just ask for recipes). It’s a taste of Ontario summer on a plate. portdover.ca/tourism FOSSILS&EVOLCUL ANCIENT Centennial Centennial Government Partners Partner ANCIENT CULTURES AN Here are some more not-to-be-missed Ontario beach experiences to chew on this summer 100 Queen’s Park l Toronto, Canada l Museum or St. George subway stop. Images © ROM. The ROM is an agency of the Government of Ontario. ANCIENT CULTURES AN THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 23 ANCIENT CULT Best Urban Beach: Best for Families: Sugar Beach, Lake Ontario (Toronto) Victoria Park Beach, Lake Ontario (Cobourg) Best Party Beach: View: Can you believe, standing on View: “Mom, Dad, there’s a dragon on , Georgian Bay sugar-white sand beside a pink umbrella the beach,” shouts one youngster. His (Wasaga Beach) overlooking Lake Ontario, that this used sister spots a rhinoceros and his parents View: The toughest decision of the day to be a parking lot? In the shadow of point to a nearly life-sized castle, created is whether to set up your chair facing skyscrapers and the Redpath Sugar Factory, by master sculptors at the annual the jet skiers on Georgian Bay, or the world’s first intentional industrial beach Sandcastle Festival (August 2). Complete toward Beach Drive, where cars cruise (no swimming here) has been a big hit with with boardwalk, bandshell and ice-cream past packed patios and the people- design aficionados.Who: Couples stroll along shops, this is the charming small-town watching is sublime. Who: Up to the promenade, kids play in the spray of the beach of your dreams. Who: Kids of all 2 million fun-loving people each year, maple-leaf-shaped water feature and office ages enjoying the splash pad, slides and with some of the best crowds for Beach escapees lunch on the candy-striped rocks. swings; grown-ups dipping into lively, Fest and Kite Fest. waterfrontoronto.ca charming downtown Cobourg. wasagabeach.com cobourgtourism.ca/best-beach.html Best Sunsets: Grand Bend Beach, Lake Huron (Grand Bend) View: With a near-perfect western exposure, the calm surface of Lake Huron seems to catch fire as the massive orange summer sun dips beneath the horizon. Who: Stand at the foot of Grand Bend’s Main Street or on the rocking patio at Gables to watch a communal sunset – or make like the couples and shutterbugs who sneak off for private views along almost 50 kilometres (31 mi.) of beaches. grandbend.com grandbendtourism.com

Best Beach for Water Sports: Best Beach to Have to Yourself: Port Stanley Beach, Lake Erie Katherine’s Cove, Lake Superior (Port Stanley) (Sault Ste. Marie) View: The onshore breeze whips the View: Make a point of seeking out sleek warm waves of Lake Erie into the frothy Bathtub Island, where warm water pools white caps that are like candy to the around the shallow, sandy bottom. Who: You, windsurfers and kite surfers who flock and very few other people: about 90 minutes here. Who: While extreme athletes ply north of Sault Ste. Marie on the north shore the waters of Main Beach, families of Lake Superior is one of Ontario’s most with small children flock to the shallow remote and beautiful beaches. waters of Little Beach. Rail enthusiasts saulttourism.com head inland to catch a ride on a real 1940s London and Port Stanley car. portstanley.net

Best Beach for Wildlife: The , Lake Huron (Grand Bend) View: Cyclists might spot fawns cavorting in the forest, beavers busy at work or even a flying squirrel swoop overhead – “Sandbanks Provincial Park is a great beach before catching a sunset that National with spectacular sand dunes – one of the first reasons for tourism in this region, even before Geographic once called one of the the food and wine became a draw. When my 10 best in the world. Who: Zoology and DISCOVER family comes to visit from Europe that’s one of geology buffs (for the tall, freshwater MORE AT the first things that they want to see.” dunes) and sun-seekers alike flock here Alex Fida, co-owner of Angeline’s Inn, to camp, swim and marvel. #DISCOVERON Bloomfield pinerypark.on.ca

Photo: Vivian Lynch 24 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 25 TAKE THE BAIT If you love to dangle a line in the water, there are many places in Ontario where you can enjoy your sport. While some are end-of-trail hotspots, others are mysteriously right beside the busiest highways. Here are some of my favourites

By Scott Earl Smith

Best DIY family vacation: Best end-of-trail adventure: Best fly-fishing mecca: Best luxury fishing: Merkel’s Lodge on Old Post Lodge on Only a couple of hours Treat yourself to Wabigoon Lake is a Highway 599 is about west of Toronto, the a trip aboard the scant kilometre drive as far north in Ontario is a fly- 25-metre (82 ft.) off the Trans-Canada Highway. as you can drive. A shuttle fishing paradise where chunky luxury yacht the Grace Anne II It offers quaint lakeside cabins boat whisks guests across brown trout sip dainty flies while you tour beautiful Lake where you can cook your own Lake St. Joseph to the lodge. off the surface of this easily of the Woods. There’s top-shelf catch in privacy. Great shallow- Great fishing, food, guides and waded, fertile, fly-fishing-only accommodations, dining, and water fishing for plentiful accommodations await you at river. Top guides offer casting of course fishing here: walleye, walleye, pike, bass and musky. this once-historic Hudson’s and catching lessons here. smallmouth, pike and musky I witnessed a 10-year-old catch Bay Company trading post. Adjacent après-fishing activities abound. This trip is on my a trophy smallmouth bass right My daughter, Erin, caught and include tubing the , bucket list! off the dock. released a 104-cm (41 in.) rock climbing at Rattlesnake graceanne.com merkelscamp.com pike there on a fly rod. Point or visiting the Royal oldpost.com Botanical Gardens. Quaint Best historic fishing: bed-and-breakfasts abound. Dr. John Cook Best fly-in-end-of- grindstoneangling.com caught the world- trail adventure: record brook trout The Sutton River Best fly-in fishing: on the Nipigon River in 1915 flows through 95 remote Wilderness North (6.5 kg/14.5 lbs.). The Prince kilometres (59 mi.) of the makes it easy to fly Family of Wales made a junket there a Lowlands through in from Thunder few years later to try to better Polar Bear Provincial Park near Bay to one of five full-service Fishing Week that (he didn’t, but he did Cape Henrietta Maria, where lodges or eight outposts in the From July 5–13 Family Fishing Week catch a bunch of brook trout as Hudson Bay and James Bay remote waters near Wabakimi allows you to sample – licence- long as a royal arm). I’m an old meet. I’ve fished there twice, Provincial Park in Northern free – Ontario’s lakes and rivers. Fun challenges, derbies and learning Nipigon River guide myself and and saw polar bears, seals, Ontario. If you want fine dining events appeal to all ages. can attest to the river’s historic caribou and thousands of geese in an all-frills lodge, pan-frying majesty (but no, the Prince – and caught more fish than your own catch in a remote ontariofamilyfishing.com wasn’t my client). I could count. The best brook outpost, or something in For non-Canadian residents visit mnr.gov.on.ca to learn more about nipigonriveradventures.com trout fishing in the world. between, you’ll find it. fishing licence options. hearstair.com wildernessnorth.com

THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 27 E D I N S M A L A F T L B R A T Perfect Pairings D C C N H Talk about perfect pairings: Beer and burgers were A E H S made for each other. Here are a few favourites By Tim Johnson

The Works: This Ottawa-born gourmet burger The Burger’s Priest: Created by a burger bistro (13 locations) offers seven patties aficionado and onetime seminarian, this cult (beef, cheese-stuffed, chicken, turkey, veggie, Toronto brand (three locations) is “redeeming the mushroom and elk). Signature: Each location has burger one at a time.” Signature: Diner-style thin, local-themed burgers, but the Smokey Mountain is griddled patties with good old processed cheese. a fave: barbecue sauce, jack cheese and bacon. TIP: Order from the secret menu (online). TIP: Try eclectic toppings, from pineapple to theburgerspriest.com purple beets. Weber’s: Now a Muskoka landmark, this spot worksburger.com on Highway 11 has been a busy cottage-country in Eastern Ontario Harper’s Burger Bar: Kingston’s pride, made nosh stop since they first opened their doors with local, sustainable beef and served with back in 1963. Signature: Charcoal-grilled like Yukon Gold fries. Signature: Toss-up between the few remaining places do these days. TIP: Buy a Umami burger with brie and the Smokehouse with “bucket” (12-stack of patties) here, or find them applewood cheddar. TIP: You can replace your at Ontario grocery stores. S What is craft beer? bun with two grilled-cheese sandwiches or get webers.com P S waffle-cut cheese fries on the side. E C E W Ontario craft beer is handcrafted,­ Carrie’s Corner: Long popular with Thunder Bay I A B R harpersburgerbar.com L L O C A L made in small batches with lots of locals, the burgers – and this tiny corner café – care and attention to detail. Using the Reggie’s Hot Grill: Everything from beef to bun are unpretentious, homemade and delicious. By Adam Stanley brewmaster’s own authentic special is local at this Peterborough joint. Signature: An Signature: The Coney Burger is like a recipes, craft beer is brewed using extra-lean beef patty garnished with a fried egg, giant meatball on a bun (order it with cheese). Eastern Ontario has become an epicentre for fine local beer, with more than two all-natural, pure ingredients, with no mozzarella and cheddar plus crispy bacon. TIP: Carrie’s also makes great perogies. additives or preservatives. It’s local. TIP: Food Network’s John Catucci (You Gotta 807-768-1104 dozen artisan breweries (many of them new) in a three-hour driving radius. ontariocraftbrewers.com Eat Here host) loved it! One brewmaster says the Ottawa-area scene is “a brotherhood, a sisterhood… pepper-jack.com it’s for the love of beer.” Here are a few places to whet your whistle

Big Rig Brewery Chris Phillips of the Ottawa Beau’s All Natural Perth Brewery Senators is a part owner Brewing Co. Perth Brewery is enjoying lots Clocktower Brew Pub and of this new brewery and The pride of little Vankleek of early success as an arm of Craft Brewery restaurant in Ottawa’s west Kichesippi Barley Days Hill (population 1,800) Perth Brewing Co. In a can’t- Clocktower Brew Pub in end. He’s not just a silent Kichesippi is hoping to Located in the wine-centric is Beau’s – a craft beer miss location next to a busy Ottawa is concentrating on partner, though: Brewmaster become the official beer of region of Prince Edward trailblazer in Eastern Ontario. eatery on Highway 7 in Perth, becoming a neighbourhood Lon Ladell says the NHL Ottawa. “We’re never going County, Barley Days Brewery The name Beau’s stems from the family behind the venture brewery. Brewmaster Patrick defenceman’s farm in the to be Canada-wide. We want honours the rich agricultural Beauchesne, the surname is hoping to expand the Fiori works with an executive Ottawa suburb of Manotick people to say that if you’re history of the region. One of of the family that owns the brand into several restaurants chef to create beer-infused was home to some hops that visiting from out of town, you its highlights is a vin ale – brewery. The co-founder, in nearby Ottawa, according dishes. Although the brewing were used for one of Big have to have a Kichesippi,” brewmaster Alex Nichols Steve, says Ottawa was to co-owner Cathy Brown. operations are not open for Rig’s seasonal beers in 2013. co-owner Paul Meek says. combines beer and wine hungry for a local brewery It has more than 10 beers tours, restaurant patrons can Patrons of all ages can take a Although beer is the focus, (aged in wine barrels) with when it launched in 2006. available for purchase, and it enjoy upscale pub fare at any peek through large windows it also has a line of sodas champagne yeast. The It’s open seven days a week sponsors many festivals and of the four locations across from the bar or restaurant at available for kids, teens and brewery has a retail shop and for tours and perusing its events in the area throughout the city. the brewing process. non-beer drinkers. offers tours. on-site retail shop. the summer. clocktower.ca bigrigbrew.com kbeer.ca barleydaysbrewery.com beaus.ca perthbrewing.ca

28 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 29 Explore the – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve BEST OF ONTARIO CONTEST

Paddle the Grand – a Canadian Heritage River You’ve read about our best. Now experience our best. GREAT CONTESTS! 2CHANCES TO WIN*†! Hike the Bruce Trail – Canada’s oldest and longest footpath CREATE YOUR OWN CHOOSE YOUR BEST OF ONTARIO BEST OF ONTARIO GETAWAY & RESORT ESCAPE *No Purchase Necessary. Opens May 12, 2014 and closes †No Purchase Necessary. Opens June 3, 2014 and closes 11:59 p.m. (EST), August 31, 2014. This contest is 11:59 p.m. (EST), August 31, 2014. This contest is Unique Canadian adventures are closer than open to legal residents of Canada and the United States open to legal residents of Canada and the United States who are at least 21 years of age or older at the time of who are at least 21 years of age or older at the time of you think in Hamilton Halton Brant. Just a short entry. Value $5,000 CDN. entry. Value $5,000 CDN. drive from Toronto, Niagara and Windsor. Discover offers and trip ideas online. A $1500 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PACKAGE www.ourtruenature.ca ENTER /springcontest NOW! ontariotravel.net/ contest

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LONDON C A N A D A

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32 – #DISCOVERON THE ANNUAL BEST OF ONTARIO 2014 – 33 ONE PLACE TWO WAYS WEE TO WE: OTTAWA TWO WAYS Canada’s capital city boasts easily walkable blocks with architecture that celebrates both the history and modernity of the city

By Heather Greenwood Davis

WITH THE COUPLES KIDS GETAWAY UPTIME DOWNTIME

Always a great time – Kingston’s historic downtown is a vibrant hub of great shopping, superb Grab a The popular places to stay and a buzzing restaurant and bar scene. It’s a sophisticated mini getaway and your “Panwich” Supply and gateway to the world-famous 1000 Islands. at Flapjack’s Demand Food Pancake Shack and Raw Bar food truck is a smart choice Start your trip at www.visitkingston.ca EXPLORE OTTAWA Packages from $128 ontariotravel.net/ packages

Poutine GET HERE Head to is a must at Das Lokal Direct flights from many Spud’s Potato Bar for meals with and Poutinerie U.S. cities; one-hour drive authentic north from Ogdensburg, N.Y., German flair border crossing. ottawatourism.ca

Kids will be The refined enchanted at the DISCOVER luxury of Fairmont 3 MORE Arc the.Hotel is the perfect ChÂteau Laurier Introduce kids to Wee to We hot spots – A host of museums, “just us” stay where money really Muskoka, Haliburton and self-guided street art comes from, at the walks, and dozens of the Kawarthas, Prince hikeable/bikeable Royal Canadian Edward County and Mint trails Stratford. Download await you the tablet and mobile versions today! Exhibits that include hands-on action Live for little ones performances make the at the CANADIAN Museum National OF HISTORY DISCOVER Arts Centre a must-stop 1000 ISLANDS MORE AT #DISCOVERON 34 – #DISCOVERON Luminato toronto’s FestivaL oF arts & Creativity (Luminato FestivaL) June 6-15

north by northeast musiC & FiLm FestivaL June 13-22

Disney’s the Lion King @ PrinCess oF WaLes theatre On-stage until June 15 EscapE to toronto tD CanaDa trust June 19-28 WorLD PriDe + June 20-29 and ExpEriEncE thE summerLiCious July 4-20 ExtraordinarY sCotiabanK Caribbean CarnivaL toronto July 8-august 4 there isn’t anything quite like toronto – our festivals, theatre and honDa inDy toronto July 18-20 sporting events can make every getaway one of a kind. be a part of history at worldpride 2014, or walk through the longest beaChes internationaL Jazz FestivaL July 18-27 underwater tunnel in north america at toronto’s new ripley’s rogers CuP tennis august 2-10 aquarium of Canada! FiFa u-20 Women’s WorLD CuP CanaDa 2014 august 5-24 whatever you choose to do, you can be sure you’ll discover something wonderfully unexpected. CanaDian nationaL exhibition (Cne) august 15-september 1

sCotiabanK busKerFest august 21-24

Cirque Du soLeiL: Kurios — Cabinet oF Curiosities @ the Port LanDs Opens august 28

to plan and book your getaway visit toronto internationaL FiLm FestivaL september 4-14

SeeTorontoNow.com giant PanDas at the toronto zoo exhibit nOw Open

eDgeWaLK at the Cn toWer bOOkings are nOw Open