ON THE TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY IN ONTARIO – We were pulling into a lock north of Peterborough after a few days navigating the Trent-Severn waterway in southern Ontario. We’d passed through the same lock maybe 72 hours earlier on our way north in our 42-foot Le Boat craft, and one of the Parks Canada lock workers recognized us on our return journey. “Hey, guys! It’s Jim and Barbara, right? How’d it go?” There are many things I’ll remember about our five-day, 20-lock trip on the Trent-Severn: my wife admitting she was scared to death at the idea of me piloting a Read more
Peterborough
The kids may be going back to school in three weeks (sorry kids), but there are still roughly 40 days of summer left in Ontario. Late August and early September are great times to visit the province, with cooler weather and fewer crowds than July or early August. Here are some top spots from my travels around the province. DURHAM REGION I had a great trip to this area two summers ago. Less than 90 minutes from Toronto, Beaverton has a wonderful spot called the Underground Bake Shop with outstanding croisstants, quiche and other treats. The Sunflower Farm is great Read more
A FINE EVENING AT CHELSEA HOTEL TORONTO (AND LES MISERABLES) We had tickets for Les Miserables at Mirvish’s Princess of Wales Theatre on Friday night. The show was ending at 10:30, which is a little late for me. But we had been given a night’s stay at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto, so we were able to grab a quick uber after the show and be at hotel by 10:45. A match made in heaven, you might say. We couldn’t check in until 5 p.m., but we managed a half-hour rest in our lovely 25th floor room (a corner room, 2583). Read more
As the summer warmth fades and leaves begin their vibrant transformation, Resorts of Ontario welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in the splendour of autumn. It’s the perfect time to indulge in delectable culinary experiences and embark on outdoor adventures that define the true Canadian spirit. “Autumn is a wonderful time for a drive on scenic roads to take in Ontario’s fall colours and enjoy outdoor experiences, from hiking to cycling, world-class golfing and even photography,” says Kerri King, Executive Director of Resorts of Ontario. “Whether it’s a cottage experience or a fully-equipped spa that you’re looking for, Ontario resorts have Read more
For my next “Canada Shorts” item, here’s a brief look at a truly amazing and inspiring outdoor art gallery near Peterborough, Ontario that displays Zimbabwean stone carvings. Truly magnificent, and so unexpected. One of the truly amazing attractions in O ntario is the Zim Art Rice Lake Gallery in Bailieboro, south of Peterborough. I was asked to check it out a few years ago and had no idea what to expect. I turned down a shady, quiet country road not much bigger than a standard SUV and there it was, a lush green lawn filled with polished, black sculptures of Read more
