THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THIS Great Fall Drives ontariotravel.net/falldrives 1-800-ONTARIO Unique gesture commands for simple navigation short cuts at your fingertips “Super” suction cup mounts within easy reach on your dash or windshield Extra-large, high resolution 4.8” touch screen LCD display (NVU83T) NVU83T Position Plus maintains the GPS signal between trees and tunnels (NVU83T) NVU73T a clear view to your destination Sony’s nav-u™ portable navigation systems make the road easier to explore. You can find the nearest gas station, restaurant or campground quickly and easily. Mount the nav-u to your dash or windshield within easy reach thanks to the super suction cup. DualView™ screen gives you close up views of all turns and intersections. Touch the “Blocked Route” icon and the nav-u can redirect you if a road is closed or under construction. Simple gesture commands let you zoom in on the display or direct you home at the touch of a finger. Sony nav-u … navigation for you. Visit www.sonystyle.ca/nav-u for more information. Available at Sony Style stores, on-line at www.sonystyle.ca, the Source by Circuit City, Best Buy and other retailers across Canada. Sony, DualView and nav-u are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. A.E.&O.E. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THIS FOR CAPTURING FALL’S COLOURS WIN ! A Getaway for four Daring Divas! Girlfriends know how to have fun. What better way for you and three friends to relax and rejuvenate than an outdoor adventure amid the stunning beauty of the Madawaska River! Join ten-time National Whitewater Kayaking champion Claudia Kerckhoff-Van Wijk and her team at Canada’s premier whitewater adventure centre. PRIZE INCLUDES: Make this Fall your season to capture the colours! Cycle or hike your way through the splendour. Capture the moment with your camera or paint brush! Discover how, and where, by exploring our Outdoor Getaway section online to begin planning your next Great Ontario Outdoor Adventure! •whitewater canoeing and kayaking instruction •yoga sessions •sports massage •athletic therapy assessment •nutrition seminar •wine and artisan cheese afternoon by the lake. Approximate value: $7,500 Visit ontariotravel.net/getaway for complete details. Fort Severn Great Fall Drives Peawanuck 17 AMAZING EXCURSIONS Attawapiskat Lake PAGE 1 The North Shore: Lake Superior 7 2 Agawa Canyon: Sault Ste. Marie – Wawa 8 9 6 The Opeongo Line: Ottawa Valley 12 7 Rideau Heritage Route: Kingston – Ottawa 14 8 Taste Trail: Prince Edward County 15 9 The Rolling Hills: Northumberland 20 10 Heritage Hamlets: York-Durham 21 The Hills of Headwaters: Headwaters Sioux Lookout Lake of the Woods Dryden Sioux Narrows Nestor Falls Ignace Rainy River Rainy Lake International Falls Fort Frances Atikokan 24 14 Southern Exposure: Windsor, Essex, Pelee and Chatham-Kent 26 15 Ontario’s South Coast: Norfolk-Elgin-Haldimand 28 16 Grand Adventure: Fergus – Port Maitland 29 17 The World’s Prettiest Drive: Niagara Parkway and Wine Country 30 Hearst Nipigon Manitouwadge Terrace Bay Marathon es Cochrane Chapleau Crown Game Preserve CN Ra Timmins Kirkland Lake Wawa Chapleau Duluth 2 s Kapuskasing Gogama Temiskaming Shores Ce nt ral Railway 23 Bards and Bounty: Shakespeare to Shoreline Geraldton Algoma Tip of the Escarpment: Grey-Bruce 13 1 Thunder Bay Nekina Pigeon River 22 12 Lake Nipigon Moosonee r E xp 11 Armstrong Lac Seul Kenora ONTARIO Bear Waterway Wonders: Kawartha Lakes Pickle Lake Polar 5 Lake St. Joseph ay Dynamic Hues: Sudbury – Killarney A Palette of Colour: Algonquin and The Highlands 10 Red Lake ilw 3 4 11 Attawapiskat Winisk Lake Temagami Sudbury Sault Ste. Marie Elliot Lake Blind River Espanola 3 637 Killarney Sault Ste. Marie Lake North Bay Nipissing Algonquin Provincial Park South Baymouth Tobermory To help plan your fall getaway, visit ontariotravel.net or call 1-800-ONTARIO to order your complimentary Ontario Official Road Map or download a PDF version at mto.gov.on.ca Owen Sound 12 Barrie 89 Orangeville 11 Toronto Goderich 23 13 Lansing Port Huron Detroit • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 26 Collingwood 10 Hamilton Stratford Sarnia 16 6 London Port Dover 14 Chatham Windsor 15 Pembroke Hawkesbury Parry Sound Ottawa Lancaster Barry’s 6 Huntsville Bay 4 Haliburton Merrickville Cornwall Gravenhurst 7 QEW 35 5 Peterborough 7 7 37 Lansdowne Kingston 12 Prescott Alexandria Bay 9 8 33 10 Port Perry Port Hope Picton St. Catharines 17 Niagara Falls Fort Erie Buffalo Rochester Syracuse Ontario Shows Its True Colours Fall is all about reconnecting with the people who matter most, so set aside a weekend for fun with family and friends. Indulge in a luxurious getaway at a few of Ontario’s many relaxing inns, resorts or B&Bs. And marvel as summer’s lush greenery has transformed into magnificent shades of red, orange and yellow. LOOK FOR THESE SYMBOLS ON THE ROUTE MAPS IN THIS GUIDE, INCLUDING OUR NEW SCENIC LOOKOUT ICONS National Parks Ontario Travel Information Centres Provincial Parks This guide will take you through 17 scenic touring routes, chosen for their spectacular fall colours, and fascinating attractions and activities. Regional Travel Information Centres Scenic Lookouts Take a daylong train tour through the Agawa Canyon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Rideau Canal, or hike among 1,000-year-old cedar trees once painted by the Group of Seven in Bon Echo Provincial Park. Indulge your inner gourmand and tour wineries, cideries, cheese factories and chocolatiers; savour fresh and flavour-filled culinary creations matched with the perfect Ontario vintage. Bid farewell to the fluttering monarchs of Point Pelee National Park as they begin their migration to Mexico. And take in Ontario’s prized Greenbelt, making sure to stop and explore its many trails and parks. Tour Ontario this fall and we’re sure you’ll agree: there’s no place like this. Go online and enrich your Fall Driving Tour All prices in Canadian dollars. Prices and package details subject to change. Please call or go online for details. Taxes and gratuities additional. Check hours of operation for attractions before setting out. Click on our new interactive maps to discover more about great scenic lookouts, special fall packages and to receive updated fall colour reports; use the getaway finder to plan your idea of a perfect escape; and order Ontario’s Official Road Map – an essential trip planning tool. For more information on other great experiences in Ontario, and to find hours and locations of Ontario Travel Information Centres, please visit ontariotravel.net or call 1-800-ONTARIO. Cover photo: Niagara, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation Design and Layout: FUEL Advertising Inc. © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2008. Produced by Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (an agency of the Government of Ontario). © 2008 Printed in Canada Printer: Quebecor World E&OE 07-08-300M-2718-2008 ontariotravel.net/falldrives ontariotravel.net/falldrives•• Savour the Harvest CHEFS CELEBRATE THE LOCAL BOUNTY Michael Blackie Brookstreet, Ottawa Fall harvest is the ideal time to enjoy Ontario’s bounty at its freshest! Plan your own fall drive to discover local producers and shops that pride themselves in offering fresh and fabulous foods with a local flavour. Take time to explore with these suggestions from some of Ontario’s top chefs. • Sandra Salmins, from Wild Parrot Delectables in Almonte, grows the most unique and cleanest greens I have ever seen. • Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Foods in Merrickville: OK, who loves mustard? Try about 14 different varieties! My fave: balsamic cracked pepper. Randy Spencer LEFT – RIGHT: Michael Blackie; Randy Spencer; Michael Hoy; Christopher Smythe. Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant, Huntsville • My #1 producers are the folks at Brookland Farms in Bracebridge, the most amazing produce you will ever come across. • St. Lawrence Market in Toronto for all that is great about Ontario foods. • The Country Market in Orillia for offering unbelievable products. Michael Hoy Claramount Inn & Spa, Picton • Unearthing the true essence of flavour is what Ed and Sandi Taylor strive to do year-round at Honey Wagon Farms in Picton. • Betty Chambers’ Northport Produce French filet beans have the sweetest and most complex flavour I have ever experienced. • Rod Potter’s Warkworth-based Century Game Park produces tender, lean, and succulent bison. Christopher Smythe Riverbend Inn & Vineyard, Niagara-on-the-Lake • I use local farmer Dave Perkins of Wyndym Farm; who I work directly with to plan my menu. • We have a great beef supplier, Kerr Farms (north of Toronto), who raises its Angus beef using traditional methods. • I must include Monforte Dairy out of Stratford, and Upper Canada Cheese in Jordan Station, for their delicious cheese offerings. For these and other Insider Tips, and to sign up for our enewsletter, visit ontariotravel.net/insider • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 1| The North Shore Along the way Giant Digitals – $429 LAKE SUPERIOR (410 km/255 mi.) • The raw, rocky, northern coastline of Lake Superior, with its thundering waters and gnarled forests, has a history of drawing the compelled and the curious. Start your drive at the roaring Kakabeka Falls – the ‘Niagara of the North’. Explore the region’s rugged canyons and waterfalls, cross Canada’s longest suspension footbridge and continue on a short drive to Thunder Bay to visit the site where Terry Fox ended his courageous Marathon of Hope. Then participate in the living history program at Fort William Historical Park, depicting the fur trade activities of the North West Company from 1803–1821. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay; Sleeping Giant Provincial Park; Chapples Golf Course, Thunder Bay. TIP Standing on Canada’s longest suspension footbridge, in Dorion, is a great way to view the fall colours. Lake Superior Visits Let Lake Superior, the Sleeping Giant, Fort William and a professional photographer advance your nature, landscape or outdoor portrait photography skills. 1-866-688-9990 Autumn Golf Getaway from $142 City of Thunder Bay Tee off at Thomas McBroom’s most northern course in Ontario, Whitewater. 1-800-964-1121 Superior’s Falling Waters from $239 Lake Superior Visits Discover the vivid fall colours of Lake Superior’s autumn hues along lakeside trails and roaring waterfalls. 1-866-688-9990 For travel information call North of Superior Tourism at 1-800-265-3951. ontariotravel.net/falldrives • Along the way 2| Agawa Canyon Agawa Canyon Fall Colours from $161 Agawa Canyon Tour Train A daylong train tour into the rugged and beautiful Agawa Canyon to enjoy spectacular fall scenery. 1-800-461-6020 Wawa WOW! from $85 Best Northern Motel and Cottages Relax overlooking the beautiful Michipicoten River and discover our northern beauty. 1-800-434-8240 The Power of the Lake – free SAULT STE. MARIE – WAWA (225 km/140 mi.) • Between 1918 and 1923, Group of Seven members were so inspired by this rugged Algoma landscape that they painted here, gaining access to the wilderness via a rented railway boxcar that was shunted to choice painting locations. Today it continues to attract leaf peepers intrigued by the awesome granite rock and mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. The roadway hugs the scenic shoreline of Lake Superior. A daylong Agawa Canyon train tour provides unparalleled fall scenery and includes a trip to the very heart of the canyon. Seek out the Aboriginal pictographs at Agawa Rock or stop at Batchawana Bay for a fresh lake trout and whitefish dinner at the Voyageur Lodge & Cookhouse. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Sault Ste. Marie; Batchawana Bay; Agawa Canyon. TIP Don’t forget your camera! In fall, the red maple is a brilliant red counterpart to the sugar maple – it is smaller and has bright red stems. Lake Superior Visitor Centre Discover the influence of the world’s largest freshwater lake on the landscape, climate, flora, fauna and people who have travelled here. (705) 856-2284 For travel information call the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association at 1-800-263-2546 or Tourism Sault Ste. Marie at 1-800-461-6020. • ontariotravel.net/falldrives • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 3| Dynamic Hues Along the way Sudbury Flight-Seeing Aerial Tours from $60 SUDBURY – KILLARNEY (130 km/81 mi.) • The Sudbury Basin is believed to be the remnants from a meteorite impact that occurred 1.85 billion years ago. Take your fall colour touring to new heights with a fantastic aerial tour over the Basins, Science North and the Big Nickel. Great fall colour viewing and hiking trails can be enjoyed at Onaping High Falls’ A.Y. Jackson Lookout. Killarney Provincial Park is to the southwest – a spectacular wilderness with plenty of great hiking, paddling and camping opportunities. Hike to The Crack to see quartzite boulders – many as large as houses. And enjoy spectacular views down the historic French River from a new footbridge that is easily accessible from Highway 69. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Onaping Falls; Killarney; Laurentian Lake Conservation Area, Sudbury. TIP Trembling aspen is one of the most common trees you’ll see in Northern Ontario. Just look for bright yellow leaves and listen for the unmistakable rustle of its foliage. Sudbury Aviation View spectacular fall colours from the seat of a Beaver or Cessna bush plane. (705) 983-4255 Onaping Falls Self-Guided Geological Tour – free Sudbury Tourism Examine magnificent and unique geological structures, and enjoy spectacular scenery and trails from Onaping Falls to the Killarney Mountains. 1-800-708-2505 Cinéfest Sudbury Film Buff Weekend from $10 Sudbury Tourism & Cinéfest Select from more than 120 screenings at one of Canada’s top five film festivals. 1-866-451-8525 For travel information call Sudbury Tourism at 1-877-304-8222. ontariotravel.net/falldrives • Along the way 4| A Palette of Colour Some Like it Hot! from $455 Yours Outdoors Warm up to the artist in you with an introduction to glassblowing and blacksmithing in the Haliburton Highlands. (705) 754-3436 Find the Neighbours from $240 Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network Take up this autumn geocaching adventure, which combines modern technology with an old-fashioned scavenger hunt. (705) 489-4049 ALGONQUIN & THE HIGHLANDS (305 km/190 mi.) • Algonquin Provincial Park is Ontario’s oldest and best known park and has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years. Fall colours along the Highway 60 corridor provide a panoramic palette and the Visitor Centre’s art gallery features regular shows depicting the region. See the landscape in a new way: learn painting and photography or try your hand at glassblowing and blacksmithing. Take a walk along the suspended canopy boardwalk that winds through the tree tops 20 m (66 ft.) above the forest floor in Haliburton Forest’s old-growth forest. In Dorset, the view from the Scenic Lookout Tower is not to be missed, nor is Robinson’s General Store. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Algonquin Provincial Park; Haliburton Forest; Algonquin Provincial Park. TIP Add some ‘life’ to your driving tour by passing through spooky ghost towns in the Bancroft area. Haliburton Highlands Hidden Gems from $100 Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network Enjoy an entertaining audio tour of four unique locations, each with its own history and activities. (705) 489-4049 For travel information, call Haliburton County at 1-800-461-7677. 10 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 5| Waterway Wonders Along the way The Call of the Loon from $285 KAWARTHA LAKES (300 km/187 mi.) • The historic Trent-Severn Waterway meanders through Kawartha’s scenic countryside. Lock stations are great stopping places; stretch your legs and watch the passing boats. View more than 900 Aboriginal rock carvings on a beautiful marble rock face at Petroglyphs Provincial Park and follow a hiking trail through the surrounding forest. Great fall colour cycling is yours to enjoy along the Victoria Rail Trail, or hike the Minden Water Trail to admire the raw beauty of the Gull River’s whitewater rapids. Discover the rich history of the canoe at The Canadian Canoe Museum and enjoy freshly baked apple treats and mulled cider at Lang Pioneer Village’s Applefest in October. Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism Paddle the waters at Irwin Inn and visit The Canadian Canoe Museum to discover the history of this iconic watercraft. 1-800-461-6424 Awaken Your Artisan from $310 CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Jackson Creek; Kawartha Lakes; Peterborough. TIP Take the back roads to view sugar maples; early settlers planted them for their beautiful gold colour. Scotsman Point Resort Take part in an Arts in the Wild soapstone carving or landscape painting workshop, visit Whetung Ojibwa Crafts and enjoy scenic drives in and around Lakefield. 1-800-461-6424 Autumn Colours and Victorian Charms from $100 City of Kawartha Lakes Tourism Experience the world’s highest hydraulic liftlock, the Museum of Temporary Art, Canada’s smallest limestone jail and a Victorian inn. (705) 324-9411 ext. 232 Revisit Bobcaygeon’s Colonial Route from $90 For travel information call Peterborough and The Kawarthas Tourism at 1-800-461-6424 or the City of Kawartha Lakes at 1-866-397-6673. City of Kawartha Lakes Tourism Hike the Victoria Rail Trail, tour the shores of the Trent-Severn Waterway and browse a showcase of local history and art. (705) 324-9411 ext. 232 11 Along the way 6| The Opeongo Line What a Girl Wants from $300 Serendipity on the River Combine your fall touring with gourmet chocolate, an in-room manicure and private shopping at this charming shop and inn. (613) 628-9559 Backcountry Adventure from $22 Backcountry Adventures at the Peaks Guided hikes, canoeing and cycling adventures are designed to help you explore the rugged nature and beauty of the Calabogie wilderness. 1-800-669-4861 OTTAWA VALLEY (205 km/128 mi.) • Explore the historic settlements and natural setting of the Ottawa Valley and you’ll find beautiful artistry, seasonal agriculture and lush wilderness. Algonquin Provincial Park’s Barron Canyon, a 100 m (328-ft.) deep canyon accessed by a 1.5 km (0.93-mi.) interpretive trail, gives you unforgettable panoramic views – some of the best in the park. Stroll atop Shrine Hill in Wilno, Canada’s oldest Polish settlement, or ascend to Ontario’s highest populated point, Foymount, for stunning views. The panorama from the gondola ride at Calabogie is breathtaking. Nature’s tapestry sets the scene for fall studio tours and some of the best hiking in the province. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Wilno Heritage Park; Home Fires Park, Petawawa; Calabogie Peaks. TIP Visit Pembroke on a Wednesday or Saturday through October, and pick up fresh produce and whimsical crafts from local vendors at the Farmers’ Market. Outdoor Art Walking Tour – free City of Pembroke Visit Pembroke and discover Canada’s largest outdoor art gallery, where 31 full-scale murals depict the city’s rich history. (613) 735-6821 ext. 1501 For travel information call Ottawa Valley Tourist Association at 1-800-757-6580. 12 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives FIND YOURSELF IN A QUIET CAFÉ. Gatineau Park Escape to Ottawa this autumn for a burst of colour and a taste of local fare. Canada’s capital is a city of landmark national sights, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, all wrapped up in a relaxed urban vibe. And this autumn, come experience Savour Ottawa, as many fine restaurants feature ingredients fresh from our local harvest, plus other special culinary events including Feast of Fields, La Vendemmia, Tastes of ByWard and more. Visit online for information and to book hotels and getaway packages including our Sip, Savour and Spa package. Parliament Hill 1-888-OTTAWA-8 WWW.OTTAWATOURISM.CA Along the way 7| Rideau Heritage Route Rideau Treasures from $275 Rideau Canal Boat Tours Cruise the canal between Chaffeys Lock and Jones Falls with Colonel By and enjoy the hospitality of two great inns. 1-800-567-4667 Rideau Magic from $120 Green Woods Inn Mix and match an autumn experience to suit your style, with history, a harbour cruise and culinary delights. 1-866-878-1884 KINGSTON – OTTAWA (265 km/165 mi.) • Canada’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 202 km (126-mi.) Rideau Canal is an engineering masterpiece – featuring beautiful lakes and rivers stretching from Kingston to Ottawa, connected by man-made canals and locks. The locks are operated much as they were in 1832. Explore quaint villages and immerse yourself in historic limestone architecture. The 9 km (5.6-mi.) stretch of the Rideau Trail between Merrickville and Burritts Rapids is an easy afternoon walk to stretch your legs and enjoy the rustle of leaves beneath your feet. Sample Chef Riding’s delicious regional cuisine at Sam Jakes Inn in Merrickville. Hear ghostly tales on a haunted walk in Kingston’s Fort Henry, then cycle the day away on Ottawa’s Capital Pathway, with more than 170 km (106-mi.) of trails to enjoy. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Rock Dunder, Morton; Rideau Canal Boat Tours, Chaffeys Lock; Rideau Canal, Ottawa. TIP The myriad long-pointed leaves on a central stalk of staghorn sumac turn bright red in fall. This shrub is one of the first to grow in abandoned fields and its bark is very fuzzy – like a stag’s antlers. Walk with Nature – free Ferguson Forest Explore this 2.3 km (1.4-mi.) selfguided walking trail under the fall canopy, which interprets forestry in Eastern Ontario; pack a picnic to enjoy along the way. 1-888-258-4838 For travel information call Sam Jakes Inn at 1-800-567-4667. 14 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 8| Taste Trail Along the way Wine and Dine from $236 PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY (100 km/62 mi.) • “Rich and cheery” was how Samuel de Champlain described this island in 1615. Its ability to constantly reinvent itself has been demonstrated since then as its fortunes have relied variously on shipping, the barley trade, cheese factories and, most recently, picturesque wineries. This is a perfect place to celebrate the harvest. Sample your way through cideries, wineries, cheese factories and chocolatiers. From the fabled Lake on the Mountain you can catch a view of the Glenora Ferry to Adolphustown. A thriving artisan community lives here and their annual studio tour was proclaimed ‘one of the best in Ontario’ by Canadian House and Home magazine. The new Arts Trail is now open year-round. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Waupoos Orchard; Black River Cheese Company; Grange of Prince Edward. TIP On the outskirts of Picton, Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area’s diverse woodlands are abruptly broken by a steep escarpment. Hikers will find outstanding views of Picton Bay and the surrounding countryside here. Taste the County Tour the Taste Trail, tantalize your taste buds with regional cuisine, picnic on the grounds of a winery or sample exceptional wines. 1-866-845-6644 TASTE! A Celebration of Regional Cuisine from $253 Taste the County Savour the experience of the County’s regional wine and food festival, TASTE! 1-866-845-6644 Arts Trail from $169 Taste the County Spend a weekend exploring the rich arts and culture of this island amid the spectacular canopy of autumn. 1-866-845-6644 For travel information call The Taste Trail at 1-866-845-6644. ontariotravel.net/falldrives • 15 2008| Fall Studio Tours THROUGHOUT THE FALL, professional artists and craftspeople welcome visitors to their studios where they create original works: paintings, fine jewellery, glass art, stained glass, sculpture, quilts, woodworks, papier mâché and pottery. Plan a day trip or two. It’s a great time to start your holiday shopping! Use our online Event Finder to search for artisan tours at ontariotravel.net/falldrives. BELOW: Prince Edward County. RIGHT, TOP – BOTTOM: Erin; Ottawa Valley; Elora. 16 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 16 Get out your calendar August 30 – September 1 Inroads Studio Tour, Sharbot Lake (613) 335-2073 September 13, 14 Northumberland Hills Studio Tour (905) 342-3344 Seaway Autumn Studio Tour Prescott (613) 925-3987 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour Peterborough (705) 743-9179 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, Bracebridge (705) 687-6521 Norfolk Studio Tour, Simcoe (519) 583-1101 Studios of Brampton (905) 874-2919 Tweed & Area Studio Tour (613) 477-2039 October 4, 5, 11, 12 Haliburton County Studio Tour (705) 489-3177 October 10–13 September 19–21 Sudbury Studio Tour (705) 675-2933 Prince Edward County Studio & Gallery Tour, Picton (613) 476-4811 September 27, 28 October 4, 5 September 20, 21 Bancroft & Area Autumn Studio Tour 1-800-244-0745 Harvest Homecoming Studio Tour Kinmount (705) 488-2201 Headwaters Arts Festival (519) 943-1149 October 11–13 Uxbridge Studio Tour (905) 852-5472 September 26 – October 5 Crossing Borders Studio Tour Thunder Bay 1-800-244-0745 Merrickville Artists’ Guild Studio Tour & Sale (613) 269-2229 September 27, 28 Victoria County Studio Tour Lindsay (705) 887-1340 Caledon East Studio Tour (905) 857-1583 Deer Trail Studio Tour Elliot Lake (705) 848-8164 Elora-Fergus Studio Tour (519) 846-8292 Georgina Studio Tour & Sale (905) 989-0972 Hills of Erin Studio Tour (519) 855-6320 October 3–5 Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour Horseshoe Valley (705) 835-6213 October 11, 12 Perth Autumn Studio Tour (613) 267-5237 Rideau Lakes and Westport Fall Colours Studio Tour (613) 273-3530 October 17–19 Guelph Studio Tour (519) 824-0974 Autumn Leaves Studio Tour Grey County 1-888-445-4312 October 18, 19 October 4, 5 November 1, 2 Dundas Studio Tour (905) 628-6886 Rural Routes Studio Tour New Hamburg (519) 634-8143 Madawaska Valley Autumn Studio Tour, Wilno (613) 756-7890 Stouffville Studio Tour (905) 642-1721 CANADA’S FIRST ARTS TRAIL Take a sensuous journey on Prince Edward County’s new Arts Trail and discover artists whose work colour the lives of all those who come to know it. Travel at your leisure – you'll find beautiful art and a warm welcome at every stop. 1.866.845.6644 WWW.ARTSTRAIL.CA 17 Perfect THE BEST PLACES TO SAMPLE This is the best time of year to tantalize your taste buds. A selection of winery restaurants and welcoming inns invite you to savour delicious harvest menus matched with exceptional Ontario wines. Our renowned wine and agricultural regions enjoy the perfect mix of temperate climes and rich soils that conspire to create an abundance of flavourful vintages and fresh produce. Relax with friends on an outdoor terrace overlooking picturesque vineyards. Indulge 18 your taste for culinary excellence in the intimacy and charm of celebrated inns. Here fresh, local ingredients are celebrated by passionate chefs and sommeliers. Elevate your palate and seek out wonderful Ontario regional cuisine as part of your fall touring excursions. Visit ontariotravel.net/harvest for easy links to sample menus for these dining rooms. THE BOUNTY OF THE HARVEST Eganridge Inn, Country Club & Spa Fenelon Falls 1-888-452-5111 Falls Inn Walters Falls 1-866-204-0814 Gananoque Inn & Spa Gananoque 1-800-465-3101 Inn on the Twenty Jordan (905) 562-5336 Kettle Creek Inn Port Stanley 1-866-414-0417 Little Inn of Bayfield Bayfield 1-800-565-1832 Merrill Inn Picton 1-866-567-5969 Millcroft Inn & Spa Village of Alton-Caledon 1-800-383-3976 Peller Estates Winery Restaurant Niagara-on-the-Lake 1-888-673-5537 Sam Jakes Inn & Spa Merrickville 1-800-567-4667 Sir Sam’s Inn & WaterSpa Haliburton 1-800-361-2188 Terroir La Cachette Restaurant at Strewn Winery Niagara-on-the-Lake (905) 468-1222 The Restaurant at Oak Heights Winery Warkworth (705) 924-9625 The Restaurant at Peninsula Ridge Beamsville (905) 563-0900 Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant Vineland 1-888-846-3526 Vintage Goose Inn & Spa, Jack’s Restaurant Kingsville (519) 733-6900 The Woodlawn Inn Cobourg 1-800-573-5003 19 Along the way 9| The Rolling Hills Drive, Dine & Dream from $76 Best Western Cobourg Inn Take to the roads with our Driving Tours booklet and discover the best of the Northumberland Hills. (905) 372-2105 Ontario Food, Wine & Spa Weekend from $675 The Hillcrest – A Valenova Inn and Spa Two days of harvest dining, cheese and wine pairings, and relaxing spa indulgences. 1-888-253-0066 NORTHUMBERLAND (200 km/124 mi.) • Explore communities once linked by Lake Ontario’s stagecoach route – now the Apple Route – with a wonderful variety of orchards and roadside fruit and vegetable stands. Rich farmlands to the north are part of Ontario’s Greenbelt and offer more than 20 hiking and cycling trails. Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parr Traill, two of Canada’s most important 19th century writers, once travelled these twisting roads; today motorcyclists favour them. Specialty outlets featuring chocolate, cheese and candles offer shopping fun. Antique shops are yours to enjoy in historic Port Hope and Warkworth. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is on a major migratory bird flyway and a staging point for Mexico-bound monarch butterflies. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Pieter’s Appleyard, Colborne; Northumberland County; Flindall’s Farms, Brighton. TIP Since this region is home to a Canadian world-champion maple syrup producer in Warkworth, it is a given that the colours abound on maple trees, which flourish throughout the interior. You get double the sweetness! Northumberland Hills Art, Wine and Culinary Getaway from $250 The Victoria Inn Plan your personalized studio tour to see potters, painters, sculptors and glassblowers, and savour delicious regional cuisine. 1-866-257-1158 For travel information call Northumberland Tourism at 1-866-401-3278. 20 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 10| Heritage Hamlets Along the way Briars Fall Harvest from $165 YORK–DURHAM (250 km/155 mi.) • The rolling hills of Ontario’s Greenbelt on Toronto’s eastern doorstep offer up scenic fall touring opportunities and fresh, farm gate products. Renowned for its devotion to Canadian art, Kleinburg’s McMichael Canadian Art Collection showcases almost 6,000 works by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. The gallery’s grounds have long trails perfect for hikers, naturalists, walkers and mountain bikers. Stop by Archibald Orchards estate winery to sample delicious fruit wine and enjoy wonderful harvest-time events. Some of Canada’s best golf courses can be played in these hills. While away the day shopping and antique hunting in quaint Unionville, Kleinburg, Port Perry and Tyrone. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: McMichael Canadian Art Collection; Richmond Hill; Kleinburg. TIP The spice bush is a medium-sized shrub that prefers damp areas such as riverbanks. Crush its yellow autumn leaf and enjoy the complementary lemony aroma. The Briars Resort & Spa Explore this farm estate-turnedresort. Walk trails and savour fresh regional cuisine, including a selection of Briars’ gourmet products. 1-800-465-3276 Gates Open: Savour Durham – $10 Discover culinary finds to sate your appetite for fresh, fabulous flavours – with growers, farmers’ markets, butchers, shops and cafés – all dedicated to providing fresh Durham-grown products. 1-800-413-0017 Explore Durham’s Regional Trails – free Reconnect with nature and get active on Durham’s trails – walk, jog, hike, bike and in-line skate amidst the beauty of the region’s spectacular changing leaves. 1-800-413-0017 For travel information call Durham Tourism at 1-800-413-0017 or York Region Tourism at 1-888-448-0000. ontariotravel.net/falldrives ontariotravel.net/falldrives••21 21 Along the way 11| The Hills of Headwaters Fall Colours & Art INNdulgence Getaway from $218 The Millcroft Inn & Spa Explore The Williams Mill and Burdette Gallery, stay at a heritage inn and savour award-winning regional cuisine. 1-800-383-3976 HEADWATERS (220 km/137 mi.) • Spectacular scenery and high-end boutiques make this a favourite destination for shoppers. Old mills are key features of this area, known for its fast-flowing streams and rushing rivers. Alton’s 1881 knitting mill is now impeccably restored as the Millcroft Inn, while the ruins of an abandoned power plant – with its dramatic waterfall – can be seen in Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. Williams Mill in Glen Williams is home to more than 30 artisans and studios. The Bruce Trail draws serious walkers, but many gentler paths also offer great Niagara Escarpment scenery. Mono Cliffs’ Cliff Top Trail has great lookouts and spectacular fall colours. Picnic in the Dufferin County Museum gardens and enjoy charming countryside views. Spa-ntaneous from $187 Hockley Valley Resort Unwind, surrounded by the majesty of Hockley Valley’s fall panorama. 1-866-462-5539 CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Headwaters Golf Trail; Terra Cotta; Caledon. TIP The Hockley Hills between Mono Mills and Orangeville, near Glen Cross, are a stunning opportunity for fall colour viewing – with scarlet and gold maples and brilliant red sumacs. The Suite Escape from $160 Caledon Country Club & Best Western Orangeville Inn Play 18 gorgeous holes strategically intertwined along the Credit River, with the beauty of fall colours as your backdrop. 1-866-216-1988 For travel information call The Hills of Headwaters Tourism at 1-866-881-8862. 22 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 12| Tip of the Escarpment Along the way Come Home to the Country – $10 GREY–BRUCE (390 km/242 mi.) • A great place to start this tour is at the base of Kincardine’s historic lighthouse. From there, discover the diverse ecosystem of MacGregor Point Provincial Park, including rare plants and reptiles, and take a tour of local lighthouses. Try out the Bruce Peninsula Mountain Biking Adventure Park trails north of Wiarton – it’s suitable for all skill levels. Heading east to Owen Sound and Thornbury, be sure to stop at fish ladders to watch thousands of salmon migrate to the headwaters. This is apple country – stop for delicious farm-fresh apples at roadside stands. Finish off your tour at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Collingwood, which has a spectacular treetop view down Blue Mountain and across Georgian Bay. Motorcyclists love this route for touring. Bruce County International Plowing Match This September, Bruce County plays host to Canada’s largest outdoor agricultural exhibition; experience rural life and downhome hospitality. 1-877-476-2008 Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport – free CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Inglis Falls, Owen Sound; Scenic Caves, Collingwood; Bruce County. TIP From the lookout at Old Baldy Conservation Area near Kimberley, you can see most of the Beaver Valley and one of Ontario’s most spectacular displays of fall colours. Bruce County Tourism Find all 12 hidden locations throughout Bruce County and you could win great prizes. 1-800-268-3838 Motorcycle Tour Special from $89 Days Inn & Conference Centre Hit the open road with your bike in the splendour of Grey County’s countryside. 1-877-775-2614 Getaway to Grey Pocket Guide – free Grey County Tourism Explore the scenic beauty of the Beaver Valley, the stunning Georgian Bay shoreline and the Saugeen River watershed. 1-877-733-4739 For travel information call Grey County Tourism at 1-877-733-4739 or Bruce County Tourism at 1-800-268-3838. ontariotravel.net/falldrives • 23 Along the way 13| Bards and Bounty Fall for Lake Huron Shores from $229 Hessenland Country Inn Experience old-world charm and hospitality along Lake Huron’s spectacular shoreline, dining on local harvest menus. 1-866-543-7736 Fall Harvest Idyll – $190 Fieldstone Farm Bed and Breakfast Share a round of golf and then tour the farm before dining on a special organic harvest dinner, complete with a basket of treats from Fieldstone’s fields. 1-866-393-6649 SHAKESPEARE TO SHORELINE (240 km/149 mi.) • Small-town charm combined with an array of artisans, antiques and markets make this a great fall drive. Start in Stratford and enjoy world-class theatre. With more than 36 years of traditional candy making and more than 100 different confections, Rheo Thompson Candies is bound to delight. Follow the signs to Millbank, then north to Newton, home of the Ontario Corn Maze, a fabulous fall adventure. Pick up an historical walking tour booklet of Goderich at their visitors’ centre. Don’t miss Bayfield for excellent shopping or pretty St. Marys’ limestone architecture. Farm foodies will enjoy discoveries along the Huron Harvest Trail and Wellesley’s annual Apple Butter and Cheese Festival in late September. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Rheo Thompson Candies, Stratford; Maitland Trail, Benmiller; Bayfield. TIP Hike high above the Maitland River on the Menesetung Bridge in Goderich for superb views of the harbour, Lake Huron to the west and the river valley to the east. Fall Coastline Getaway – $700 Brentwood on the Beach Retreat to a private oasis by the lake, for two nights, complete with hot apple cider, campfires on the beach and a harvest basket of goodies. (519) 236-7137 For travel information call Tourism Stratford at 1-800-561-7926 or Goderich Tourism at 1-800-280-7637. 24 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives Feast your eyes on Stratford Ahhhh…autumn in Stratford! Applaud the dramatic colours of Shakespeare, food festivals and Amish culture set in a countryside ablaze in burnished gold, russet and crimson. Stroll hand-in-hand through historic streets and gardens at the pinnacle of their splendour. Wander country lanes – by foot, cycle or car – exploring harvest scenes, visiting Amish craftshops and workshops or savouring local artisan foods. Stratford celebrates slow food throughout the fall with culinary festivals, distinctive menus featuring the freshest of the season – even a Garlic Festival. Come stay for a few days and rest in quality hotels and motels or share a heritage inn or bed and breakfast with that special someone. We look forward to hearing your “ahhhhhhhhhhhs” in Stratford this autumn! www.fallforstratford.com/getaway Along the way 14| Southern Exposure Couples Getaway from $99 Chatham-Kent Tourism Enjoy a fabulous weekend of wine tasting and picnic lunches in the great southwest. 1-800-561-6125 Follow the North Star to Chatham-Kent from $55 Chatham-Kent Tourism The Underground Railroad is still taking families on a remarkable journey; come learn the story at two heritage sites. 1-800-561-6125 Historic Indulgence from $450 WINDSOR, ESSEX, PELEE & CHATHAM-KENT (215 km/133 mi.) • If you love shagbark hickory, tulip trees and oak savannah, then make your first stop Rondeau Provincial Park – a World Biosphere Reserve. Nearby, the tiny green oasis of Point Pelee National Park is internationally known for its stunning autumn monarch butterfly migration. This area is also home to Canada’s oldest winemaking region; harvest is the perfect time to enjoy tours and tastings. Stop at Jones Popcorn just outside of Leamington to pick up fixings for your next movie night. Tucked away in every corner of Windsor are haunting tales of intrigue – a free self-guided tour booklet is available from the visitors’ centre. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Wine Route; Chatham-Kent; Point Pelee National Park. TIP The tulip tree’s distinctive leaf may have as many as six points and becomes a brilliant yellow in fall. Look for it in Southwestern Ontario. Ye Olde Walkerville Bed and Breakfast Make the stately turn-of-the-century neighbourhood in the historic Walkerville area of Windsor your fall colour touring base. (519) 254-1507 Perfect Pelee from $469 Pelee Days Inn Discover three great south coast wineries as you tour the harvest landscape of Pelee, Canada’s oldest winemaking region. 1-800-300-2696 For travel information call Chatham-Kent Tourism at 1-800-561-6125 or the Windsor, Essex & Pelee Island Visitors’ Bureau at 1-800-265-3633. 26 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives I N D U L G E Y O U R PA S S I O N for Local Cuisine Savour Ontario restaurants are dedicated to serving the best and freshest Ontario has to offer. Our province’s bounty of fine foods and wines are just waiting for you to savour. Use our restaurant finder to locate dining options that are sure to enrich your next getaway with the flavours of our regional cuisine. www.savourontario.ca Along the way 15| Ontario’s South Coast Lighthouses, Leaves and a Taste of the County – $189 At Play Adventures Explore the Lake Erie shoreline, farmers’ markets, festivals and back country touring, and stay in a Long Point cottage. (519) 586-2301 NORFOLK-ELGIN-HALDIMAND (490 km/305 mi.) • Sparta’s rich Quaker history is evidenced in many of its restored buildings that date back to 1825. Today it is dotted with antique and specialty gift shops, art galleries, and a lovely tea room. Antique hunters will delight in the treasures found in Delhi, Port Rowan, Simcoe, Port Dover and Waterford. Waterford also puts on a colourful festival for all ages: Pumpkinfest, held each October. Stop by the Long Point Bird Observatory and do a little birding in the local woods and then watch bird banders at work. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, then find your way through the corn maze at Birtch Farms, just north of Woodstock. Dunnville’s Farmers’ Market runs Tuesdays and Saturdays until late October. Riverside Charm – $199 Lalor Estate Inn Charming Dunnville is your destination for fall golf, great dining and shopping in the heritage district. (905) 774-5438 CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Lake Erie; Port Dover; Southern Ontario. TIP Backus Woods, just north of Port Rowan, is Canada’s largest Carolinian forest. Hike the interpretive trails and learn to identify many uncommon, southern hardwoods. Rural Rambling and Retreats from $80 County of Elgin Tourism Visit Canada’s smallest jail, shop for antiques and local art, and enjoy warm hospitality. (519) 773-2318 For travel information call Norfolk Tourism at 1-800-699-9038. 28 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives 16| Grand Adventure Along the way Gardens, Gateposts & Gourmet from $190 FERGUS – PORT MAITLAND (185 km/115 mi.) • One of the first waterways in Ontario to be designated a Canadian Heritage River, the Grand River is rich in natural and cultural diversions. In Wellington North, discover tastes and treats as you drive the Butter Tart Trail. Or for spectacular views, explore the caves, cliffs and waterfalls of the Rockwood and Elora Gorge conservation areas. Shoppers will love browsing the quaint shops of St. Jacobs, Fergus and Elora. Spend a day canoeing the river or cycling the Trans-Canada Trail through Paris and on to Brantford. Tour Ruthven, a Greek Revival mansion at Ruthven Park; the grounds are open daily for hiking, birdwatching and picnicking. The region’s rolling farmland offers up a variety of fresh produce – stop at one of many roadside markets. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Butter Tart Trail, Arthur; Grand River; Bell Homestead, Brantford. TIP Be sure to stop at the Elora Gorge to view its rock ledges, caves, waterfalls and the 25 m (82-ft.) gorge. Benjamin’s Inn & Restaurant Enjoy a taste of rural Ontario, from orchard stores to chocolatiers, and the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. (519) 664-3731 Guelph Harvest Cuisine Getaway from $249 Delta Guelph Hotel Savour the taste of local foods from Guelph and Wellington County and get lost in a five-acre maze. 1-866-520-4552 Grand Times and Grand Memories from $200 The Alexandra B&B Make this century-old B&B your base for exploring the Grand’s cultural attractions, farmers’ markets and quaint shops. (519) 758-8077 Lake Erie For travel information call the Grand River Conservation Authority at 1-866-900-4722. ontariotravel.net/falldrives • 29 Along the way 17| The World’s Prettiest Drive Taste the Season from $100 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Savour delicious wine and food pairings and true Niagara hospitality at each of 18 area wineries. 1-888-619-5985 Niagara Wine Festival from $90 Niagara Wine Festival Toast the grape harvest and enjoy 10 days of celebrations along Niagara’s famous Wine Route, Septemer 19 to 28. 1-888-619-5985 45th Annual Heritage House Tour from $80 NIAGARA RIVER PARKWAY & WINE COUNTRY (200 km/124 mi.) • Referred to by Winston Churchill as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world,” the Niagara River Parkway leaves little to be desired. Here, the rock faces of the Niagara Gorge and War of 1812 monuments meet lush orchards and vineyards. Many stops, including Jordan and Niagara-on-the-Lake, are rich in scenic views, shopping, golf and heritage. Fall is a great time to visit local wineries – go midweek so you can take your time. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area has great picnic spots; its Thanksgiving Festival brings together more than 140 artisans, living history demonstrations, and musicians beneath a fall canopy. Look for Canada’s largest maple tree, the Comfort Maple, just outside of Pelham, estimated to be more than 500 years old. CLOCKWISE, TOP – BOTTOM: Niagara; Niagara River Parkway; Vineland. TIP The best vantage point in the Niagara Peninsula to observe the annual hawk migration, Beamer Memorial Conservation Area just south of Grimsby, has a panoramic view of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. Niagara Foundation Enjoy a delightful harvest-time tour of heritage homes, September 12 to 14, in the heart of bucolic wine country. 1-888-619-5985 For travel information call the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-619-5985. 30 • ontariotravel.net/falldrives Come on up to our place... ... and let your senses fall in love. Fall in Ontario is a feast for all your senses ... breathtaking vistas emblazoned with fiery colours of crimsons, reds, golds and more... Indulge yourself at an Ontario resort or inn this Fall, where an amazing array of packages such as Fairways and Getaways, Wine'n’Dine packages and celebrations can be enjoyed with those closest to you for just that special reason. Just a short drive away, often only three or four turns from where you are. For a taste of Fall, browse through our web site at www.resortsofontario.com Ask for your FREE year round GREAT ESCAPES GUIDE today! GIFT CERTIFICATES—Give the gift of a getaway to that special someone—available on our web site! Sign up on our web site for our E-NEWSLETTER for great stories and packages! www.resortsofontario.com | escapes@resortsofontario.com | 1-800-363-7227 Enjoy the Journey ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED Experience the culture and history of Ontario's regions or just take time to enjoy life's pleasures at these distinctive inns and spas. COMPLEMENT YOUR EXPLORATION Gracious Ambiance • Nurturing Spas Regional Cuisine • Elegant Accommodations Over forty member inns and spas are scattered throughout the countryside, towns and cities of the province. Look to these fine properties for packages and inside information on unexpected pleasures along your journey. Unexpected pleasures can sometimes be the sweetest. MAKE TRIP PLANNING A PLEASURE. Call for your complimentary guidebook and map. Gift Certificates available. 1-800-340-4667 • WWW. O NTARIOS F INEST I NNS .COM • WWW. O NTARIOS F INEST S PAS .COM