North of Toronto weekend family fun on May 10-12

Hello spring!

What a spring! Sure it took awhile to get here, but no complaints with how gorgeous it’s been since it finally arrived! This warm sunshine and temperature has been ideal for hiking, biking and being outside. If you haven’t shaken those winter cobwebs yet, what are you waiting for?

Families have many choices when it comes to this weekend. They can truly have it all with a family weekend getaway and take advantage of some really cool Mother’s Day weekend getaway promos. It is not being exagerated that cottage country and smaller cities north of Toronto are enjoying beautiful spring weather. Areas who had flooding like Muskoka, Kawarthas, Bancroft, Magnetawan are out of danger and working hard to fix up whatever needs it. Resorts, cottages or cabins and other accommodations all offer great lodgings, delicious food and family fun activities – all in the some of the most beautiful areas of Ontario.

Happy Mother’s Day

Family day trippers can head north for traditional brunches or find great Mother’s Day specials and discounted rates at attractions. Attractions with specials for moms include Wye Marsh, Scenic Caves and MacLaren Art Centre. Saturday May 11 is the Land of the Voyageurs Rubber Boot Festival celebrating maple syrup, First Nations, Francophone, Métis, and Anglophone music. See below for a full list of events or activities suggestion taking place this weekend.

Kids and family events and activities for the weekend ahead, by area:

These events are within one to three hours north of Toronto and are reasonable when considering a day trip. Or you could stay at any family-friendly accommodation and extend the fun.

All Ontario

Mother’s Day brunches: Drool-worthy and made with love by some of the province’s best chefs, Mother’s Day brunch is not only a meal with no work for mom, but it’s big, delicious and it’s a real treat. Locally-grown foods are starting to make their way to the table and are a great way to “taste” spring in Ontario.

Making something together

Barrie

Family Art Workshop: Sunday Workshop – Regional artist Kirsty Wilson leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials. Sign up early on the day of the workshop. Space is limited.

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Coldwater | Port McNicoll

Trail opening: This section of the trail from Coldwater to Waubaushene was completed in 2012 and will connect it with the Tay Shore Trail. The ceremony takes place at the Trail Head in Coldwater on Sturgeon Bay Road.

Pride of history

Opening of SS Keewatin: The SS Keewatin is a historic passenger liner that is five years older than the Titanic. She was built in Scotland in 1905 for CP Railroad. It has recently returned to her home in Port McNicoll, Ont., fully restored and full of historic treasures and beauty. The Opening Ceremony for the S.S. Keewatin wil be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Keewatin Park, 310 Talbot Street in Port McNicoll.

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or

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Collingwood

Scenic Caves Special: Mothers receive FREE park admission with paid child admission (ages 3-17) for caves/suspension bridge/mini-golf package. On Mother’s Day, mothers and each member of the family receive $30-off an Eco Adventure Tour with guided treetop walking and zip cable gliding. Add the new Thunderbird Twin Zip ride for even more adrenaline-pumping excitement. Youth must be 10 years of age or older. Height and weight restrictions apply. Reservations are required for the Eco Tour.

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Midland

Impressive Birds of Prey show

Wye Marsh: Mother’s get in free. The Birds of Prey show starts at 1 p.m.

Huronia Museum: Huronia Museum is pleased to host Elisabeth Bacque’s newest art exhibit from May 11 to June 28. A reception will be held on May 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Additionally, Elisabeth Bacque herself will be available for an artist’s talk on June 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. More suitable for older children or tweens with an appreciation for art.

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Noelville

Canadian Culture

Rubber Boots Festival: Enjoy a foot-stompin’ fun maple syrup & music spring celebration! It starts on May 11 from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Visit the Noëlville arena and enjoy First Nations, Francophone, Métis and Anglophone music. Visit the Rubber Boots Market, while enjoying magic, mediums, games and activities, such as the Grub & Pub Rubber Boots Walk Off with prizes for the best, ugliest and goofiest. Enter a raffle to win Voyageurs chairs painted by local artists and win an early bird prize!

Orillia

Annual Perch Festival: One of Canada’s largest registered fishing derbies! Over sixty tagged Perch worth $500 each, plus thousands of dollars in daily, weekly and grand prize draws! Closing ceremonies take place on May 1 at 7 p.m. at ODAS Park, Fairgrounds Road.

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Featured accommodation in Noelville: The Lodge At Pine Cove

Have an event you’d like help to promote? Please contact us for future event postings.

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Featured family destination area:

Blue Mountain Village:  There is always something to do at Blue!

The Blue Mountain Village is located in the Town of the Blue Mountains, nestled between the charming communities of Collingwood and Thornbury, at the foot of Ontario’s largest mountain resort, Blue Mountain. The Village offers a vibrant social and cultural scene combining unique attractions, dining and shopping experiences. There is always something to do at Blue including five hotels, 38 retailers, 20 cafes and restaurants, year-round award-winning festivals and events, plus Activity Central to book your hiking, biking, caving, climbing, spa, Apple Pie Trail adventures and more!

Planning ahead – so are we! See our website for:

Victoria Day long weekend events and getaways

Have a fun and safe weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

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