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Still not sure what to do this summer? |
Whichever direction you head in this summer, our corner of Southwestern Ontario has just what you’re looking for, whether it’s family fun, a girls’ day out or, for young parents, the rare and much-cherished weekend without the kids.
To the south, Port Stanley is a great destination for families, friends, or a romantic getaway. The beach at Port Stanley has been the classic summer retreat since the early 1900s. Just half an hour away from London, even on a weekday you can head out after work and the kids can catch the last of the afternoon sun on Lake Erie with a famous Mackie’s Orangeade and foot-long hotdog.
Port Stanley is much more than a beach destination. To make a whole weekend of it, check in to one of the charming inns, stroll through the shops, enjoy a fabulous meal at the Kettle Creek Inn and take in a show at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. A hint to those young parents out there: go ahead and take the grandparents up on their offer of a free weekend of babysitting.
Growing up as a tomboy, I recall my dad theorizing that “there are those who camp and those who don’t.” (This was delivered from his air-conditioned den, during a commercial break, so you can imagine how much camping we did.) For us outdoors types (apparently it’s not genetic), we have at our disposal some amazing provincial parks and natural areas along the Lake Erie shore.
Port Burwell is a beach-goers paradise, with wide stretches of sand, warm summer waves and great family camping.
Recognized by the United Nations as a world biosphere reserve, Long Point delivers glimpses of rare migrating birds and plant life along the edge of a world-renowned wildlife refuge. Enjoy being lulled to sleep by the lapping waves while stargazing from one of the sandy beach-side campsites.
Just a short trip northeast takes you to the Grand Bend area for some of the best of Ontario summer living.
Pinery Provincial Park has kilometres of hiking and biking trails, bike and watercraft rentals, and sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. Plan on spending the day, whether your idea of fun is lounging on the beach or a picnic riverside and a hand scooped ice cream cone. Or how about an energetic bike ride around the 14 km loop, followed by a cool dip in the lake?
And for those like my dad, a day of “outdoor living” on the Lake Huron shoreline could consist of meandering through the shopping and dining district of lovely historic Bayfield, a drive past the area marinas, followed by a play at renowned Huron Country Playhouse. Or a round of golf, ending his day not with campfire smoke and a stiff back, but with a massage and well-appointed suite at Oakwood Inn Resort.
I think we all take for granted the world-class destinations just outside our doors. I’ll admit it, I’m just as guilty as the next. Tourists come from around the world to visit the Stratford Festival, but when was the last time I was there? (No, the bus trip in Grade 10 doesn’t count.) Granted, as much as I would enjoy a matinee of Twelfth Night, neither my kids nor husband are clamouring for an afternoon of the Bard. The good news is that there’s much more to the Stratford theatre experience than Shakespeare. With tours and age-appropriate theatre for kids over 10, you can dose them with a little education and culture without them even realizing it, let alone protesting. This summer, learn a number from The Music Man with the company members, or check out the Stratford website for some other great day trip ideas, at www.welcometostratford.com.
Into every summer a little rain must fall. On those less-than-sunny afternoons, head east and make your destination the Wings of Paradise butterfly conservatory in Cambridge. Inside the enclosed rainforest, surrounded by gorgeous tropical birds and butterflies, you’ll forget the rainy-day gloom in no time. Stop in for some shopping at the Southworks Outlet Mall, or take in the Cambridge Galleries and Cambridge Centre for the Arts.
Girlfriends, turn that rainy day trip to Cambridge into a weekend getaway with a luxury stay at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa. You can’t see the rain clouds with cucumbers on your eyelids, and by the time you’re finished your facial and gourmet meal, you’ll be so relaxed you won’t care whether the sun is out or not.
Rain or shine, London offers some great stuff to do in the summer, whether you live in the city or within a short drive. Not called the “Forest City” for nothing, there are beautiful parks, green spaces, and trails scattered across it. Take the kids to a sunny splash pad or community pool, or canoe down the Thames and enjoy a shady picnic under one of those namesake trees. With summer festivals like Sunfest and the Home County Folk Festival, Victoria Park becomes a great destination for music, food and fun. Museum London offers an afternoon of art, culture and fine food, while the Grand Theatre boasts tours, dinner packages, and even the Theatre for Young Audiences program. Nothing says summer like baseball, so support the local team and take in a game and a bag of popcorn with the London Majors.
Look around you! Almost every nearby village and town celebrates a seasonal fair or agricultural festival during the summer or early fall. Learn some local history, support the community and sample some homegrown food, talent and fun.
Or, with a little extra time and gas money, you’ll come across some great destinations within a couple of hours driving distance. Head southeast to Petrolia to enjoy the parks, walking tours and shopping in the quaint heritage district, and take in some theatre at the Victoria Playhouse. Heading northwest will bring you to Blyth, for the well-known Blyth Festival theatre and unique shops.
A little to the east is the beautiful historic town of Elora – a great spot for shopping, dining and galleries. The scenery is spectacular, whether you explore the town or head out to hike the parklands around the famous gorge. Join the celebration at the Elora Festival until Aug. 3, with music, food and fun.
With the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky, head south for a science lesson disguised as a day at the beach. Point Pelee National Park can offer some once-in-a-lifetime experiences: stand at the tip of the point for bragging rights of being the southernmost person on mainland Canada. Or watch the trees turn orange with the spectacle of the monarch butterfly migration. Paddle or hike the marshlands for glimpses of rare birds, plant life and nifty looking bugs and reptiles. Stop on the way at Leamington’s Colasanti’s Gardens and enjoy the acres of greenhouses, shopping and a kids’ area with petting farm. Sample the fruits of our southern climate with a wine tour and tasting at one of the 13 regional wineries. Whatever you do, be sure to stop at one of the many roadside stands or farms for amazing fresh local produce, especially those famous Leamington tomatoes!
Once those hot and lazy days of late summer are in full swing, going anywhere farther than the grocery store to restock on ice cream may seem like a chore. Maybe the last thing you want to see on a weekend is a long stretch of steaming hot black asphalt. Homebodies unite and make some fun in your own backyard this summer!
Backyard gatherings and block party barbecues are the stuff of family lore and neighbourhood legend. Make your own memories this weekend. Light up the barbeque, fill a kiddie pool with ice and cold drinks, and invite the neighbours over. Rent a projector and screen movies on the back of the garage for the kids. Have everyone turn off their lights and stargaze together on the front lawn.
Or invite your girlfriends over for a girls’ night out – outside that is. Cater in a backyard dinner party, complete with candles, light finger foods, and a bottle or two of great wine.
Whether you hang around at home, explore your own community or head out on the road, you’ll find loads to do this summer.
Enjoy!