Ontario's Finest Inns WOW Award Winners

Goderich, Ontario……………..Spring 2008. More than 35 members of Ontario’s Finest Inns & Spas attended the Annual WOW Awards ceremony last week at the Benmiller Inn in Goderich, Ontario. Awards of excellence were presented by MPP Carol Mitchell and the Honourable Peter Fonseca, Minister of Tourism.

Eleven of the 35 member inns and spas received WOW awards in a number of categories. Ten inns received ‘Top Marks’. “Approximately 500 criteria are applied in the detailed evaluation process conducted by a secret shopper every 18 months.” says Kathy Nichol, Executive Director of Ontario’s Finest Inns & Spas.

The 2007 “WOW” winners are:

Gananoque Inn – beautiful grounds
Not a spider web or a geranium needing dead-heading to be found. The grounds and gardens are impeccably kept and beautifully presented.

Rosemount Inn –breakfast
The only place I’ve ever been offered an amuse-bouche for breakfast – and “good for you” chocolate at that! The breakfast service and presentation were impeccable and the food was delicious.

Vintage Goose Inn – cleanest Jacuzzi jets
It really can be done! This Jacuzzi is not new yet the jets were perfectly clean! Kudos to the hardworking housekeepers!

Rawley Resort –amenity offering
From powder puffs to luxurious body lotion. These amenities from London, England are over the top indulgent.

Idlewyld –F&B service
Never feeling rushed, having every question answered with grace, enjoying a sense of humour and barely noticing the attentive service – that makes any dining experience extra special.

Millcroft –dinner experience
The menu, the food, the presentation, the atmosphere, the service levels... this dining experience is second to none.

Shaw Club –‘over the top’ luxury
What every man needs – a television set discreetly into the mirror in the bathroom!

Harbour House –reception/hospitality
From the reservation to the check-in to every single interaction with staff to the wine tasting offered to guests, to the check-out; the service was warm, friendly and professional.

Rosemount Spa –service
Suzie is the epitome of the ideal service provider; genuine, warm, gentle and confident. And she builds excitement for the guests with her passion. She attends to all the little details that make a spa experience exceptional.

Elemental Embrace –treatment rooms
Beautiful pictures on the ceilings and motivating words on the walls. What a treat for guests to have something pleasant to look at while they wait for the service provider to return.

Elemental Embrace - Treatment
Shirodhara – warm medicated oil streams continuously on your forehead (third eye) while two service providers massage your whole body in unison. The state of being this creates is euphoric.

Water Spa at Sir Sam’s – Unique spa amenity
This waterspa features sensory stimulation from tiny bubbles to jets to waterfalls, with underwater music, tonal rhythms, lights and selected projections to sustain you in a dream-like state as you float in body temperature salinized waters.
The ten‘Top Mark’ properties can be viewed at the Ontario’s Finest Inns and Spas.

Ontario’s Finest Inns & Spas started in 1991 and initiated their first WOW awards in 2007. They have grown from an initial group of 10 Inns to 43 inns and 20 spas. Membership criteria is based on providing the distinct character and the finest hospitality in the Province of Ontario through the rigorous annual quality assurance program.

Additional Information on Ontario’s Finest Inns & Spas can be found at www.OntariosFinestInns.com or by calling 1-800.340.4667.

Ontario Travel to Earth Day Celebrations North of Toronto

Earth Day celebrations at a variety of locations, venues with some story links about earth day north of Toronto.

centralontariogeocachers.com - Home

During the October COG pub night held in Orillia, the Central Ontario Geocachers announced the .... Come and help celebrate EARTH DAY 2008 a few days early! ... www.centralontariogeocachers.com/ - 49k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Georgian Bay Tourism Group > Spring Events and Festivals

Spring Awakenings: Events & Festival along Southern Georgian Bay ... Heritage Dinners, National Wildlife Week activities, Earth Day clean-ups, ... www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca/NewsDetails/08-04-03/spring_events_and_festivals.aspx -

The Lindsay Post - Ontario, CA

Apr 18, 2008 ... On Tuesday April 22 better known as Earth Day an another Green day planned. ... To end off the Earth week at Weldon Friday April 25, ... www.thepost.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=990661 - 83k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA | UR Northumberland

Apr 18, 2008 ... SCHOOLS FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT DURING EARTH WEEK ACTIVITIES ... forming the words Earth Day 2008 on the school yard will also take place. ... www.northumberlandtoday.com/Community/NewsDisplay.aspx?c=5018 - 77k -

The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

TORONTO (March 4, 2008) – Earth Day Canada, in partnership with Cascades ... in 2004 as the top environmental education organization in North America by the ... www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplayGenContent.aspx?e=5274 - 69k -

White Squall - Sea Kayak the 30000 Islands of Georgian Bay ...

White Squall takes you by kayak to Georgian Bay’s 30000 islands in Ontario, ... National Geographic Adventures Best Outfitters on Earth - White Squall - 4th ... www.whitesquall.com/ - 31k -

More earth day and earth week activities can be found at

Earth Day Canada: Events - Search for an event

Apr 22, 2008, North Bay, Go Green, Sacred Heart School. Apr 22, 2008, Smithville ... Apr 22, 2008, Toronto, Earth Day Awareness Yoga, Sri Sri Rani Yoga ... www.earthday.ca/pub/events/search/shell_summary_public.php?prov=Ontario&accessibility=public Wye Marsh - Events Join us on Earth Day for Team-up to Clean-up from 9:00 am to noon in partnership with Georgian Bay Islands National Park . Meet in the Wye Marsh parking lot ... www.wyemarsh.com/events.html - 20k -

Ontario Travel Maple Syrup Festivals March Break North of Toronto

Barrie, Ontario.....................March 3, 2008. A plethora of events, activities and getaways await in the resort destinations north of Toronto. Day trips and kids camps, resort family vacations, Easter getaways and egg hunts, and of course lots of Maple Syrup harvests, sugar shacks, sleigh rides, maple taffy in the snow, pancakes, and sausages.

Ontario Travel North of Toronto has assembled four "must see" lists of activities for the month of March, 'March Break Getaway' Packages', 'March Break Kids Camps', 'Maple Syrup Festivals' and 'Easter getaways'.

March Break Getaway Packages

Guests can select from a variety of getaway packages at hotels, motels, cottages, resorts or cabins where they can build an igloo, enjoy a sleigh ride, participate in snow tube races, kids games and activities, skiing downhill or cross country, ice skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Several Ontario Resorts are providing sugar bush tours where they will be making maple syrup. http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-march-break.html

Maple Syrup Festivals and Events

See first hand the boiling of the sap, (sweet water) and the making of the maple syrup. Enjoy fun family events at any one of the maple syrup spring festivals listed http://www.400eleven.com/maple-syrup-festivals.html

March Break Kids Camps

A number of resort destinations north of Toronto have special one day, or week long programs for kids during the March break period. Barrie, Haliburton, Midland, Ottawa, Durham, Collingwood-Blue Mountain all have kids programs lined up. So while mom and dad ski or engage in fun winter activities the kids are taken care of in one of the many March break day camps http://www.400eleven.com/march-break-day-camps.html

Easter Getaways

With Easter falling in March, kids will feel like they are on a month long March Vacation. Many Ontario Resorts and accommodation properties north of Toronto have lined up fun Easter weekend activities for families. http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-easter.html

Ron Taylor Publisher of Ontario Travel North says, "Maple syrup is one of the driving forces that remind all Canadians, who we are, where we live, and how good that first taste of boiled sap-- tonic called Maple Syrup. I can feel a fresh bounce of spring, as I contemplate putting the winter boots away."

400ELEVEN.COM Ontario Travel North of Toronto is one of Ontario's leading travel and tourism websites promoting destinations north of Toronto.

PHOTO: Maple Taffy at Wintergreen Maple Syrup Barn in Haliburton Ontario.

Canadian Tourism Industry News, Issues and Opinions: A Haliburton High For Snowmobilers in the Haliburton Highlands

Canadian Tourism Industry News, Issues and Opinions: A Haliburton High For Snowmobilers in the Haliburton Highlands

Willow Beach Cottages

Ontario Heritage Week Kicks Off on Family Day February 18, 2008

Canada’s Heritage Day Signals Start to Week Long Heritage Events in Ontario.

North of Toronto…………….February 2008. The week staring Monday February 18 is the time to celebrate and remember our past, our rich history and many cultures. The Monday February 18 a time to enjoy Ontario’s first family day along with Canada’s Heritage Day.

Railroad Buffs, story tellers, foodies, boating enthusiasts, families wanting to educate their kids in a fun environment will find intriguing elements during Ontario’s Heritage week activities. A number of historical attractions, museums, historical associations and communities will be celebrating Heritage Week and Family Day in Toronto as will areas north of Toronto. Here are a few suggestions, however more can be found by visiting Heritage Week Activities north of Toronto.

"Family Day gives parents an excellent opportunity to get outside with their kids explore Ontario's cultural attractions and have some fun

together," said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll earlier this week in Toronto.  Carroll adds, "Communities across the

province are planning special events that will make this first February long weekend a memorable one for families."

The popular Ontario Travel North website has put together several suggested locations for the ardent historical buff, but equally as interesting for the budding historian who has an interest in Ontario’s past development and culture or just a fun educational family outing.

Road Trip Barrie to Barrie and Minesing

to visit the Simcoe County Museum on Family Day to take part in some old fashioned snowshoeing, one of Canada’s earliest modes of transportation. Free Admission on Monday 18.

Road Trip to Brockville’s Fullford Place

on Wednesday, February 20, 11 a.m. – Beth Anne Mendes from the Ontario Heritage Trust will speak on "Telling Ontario's Stories: Commemorating Community Heritage through Provincial Plaques." For over 50 year, provincial plaques have commemorated and interpreted significant people, places and events in Ontario.

Road Trip Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre-Gravenhurst
on Saturday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to visit the archives of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre will be open to the public for their viewing pleasure. Come and view our historical videos, see some rate artifacts and bring the entire family for a "History Day."

Road Trip to Huntsville Ontario
Wednesday, February 20 from 10 a.m. to Noon to visit the Huntsville Town Hall where a Captain Hunt Display will provide visitors with a glimpse into the life of Huntsville's Town father – Captain George Hunt – appropriately displayed in the unique heritage foyer of the 1927 town hall in town bearing his name: 705-789-7576

Road Trip to Haliburton Village, Haliburton County

Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre to view Two short films – Railway days in Haliburton Saturday, February 23 at 4 p.m.

The railway forged a vital link between Haliburton's remote wilderness and civilization to the south. Author/historian Leopolda Dobrzensky tells the story in a 10-minute documentary by award-winning Ryerson University film student Charles Taylor. Local residents share personal recollections in the second film "Old Rails, Remembered Tales," captured at a live event by Highlands Media Arts. Screening aptly takes place in the restored train station, now a public gallery and arts centre. Telephone: 705-457-4767

For more up-to-date events and activities please check the Ontario Heritage Trust website http://www.heritagefdn.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/nts_1_9278_1.html listing the towns, villages and cities hosting major events.

More Ontario Family Day getaways north Toronto and packages can be found at Ontario Family Getaways http://www.400eleven.com/getaways-family.html

FREE FUN FAMILY DAY ACTIVITIES AT WYE MARSH MIDLAND

Save on Family Day Fun Kids Activities at Ontario’s Wye Marsh

Midland, Tay Township……….February 2008. Wye Marsh would like to extend an invitation to everyone to enjoy this new holiday by participating in a variety of activities. One child admitted FREE with the purchase of one adult admission. Also included during the day are:

Ø Free snowshoe rentals for all children 12 and under

Ø Free cross country ski lessons at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm

Ø Meet the Creatures Live Animal Shows at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm

Get active and spend some quality time with your family at Wye Marsh. Record Georgian Bay area snowfalls will provide a favorable outdoor winter environment to help visitors discover the best of Ontario outdoors on the first Family Day. Note: Cross country ski rentals & adult snowshoe rentals are available for a nominal fee

Date: Monday, February 18^th Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: One child admitted FREE with the purchase of one adult admission

Wye Marsh offers many winter outdoor family activities including winter ecotours, dog sledding and more.

Contact the Wye Marsh by calling 705-756-7809 or visit the web site

http://www.wyemarsh.com/prog_family.html

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Editors’ Notes:

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is located 35 minutes northwest of Barrie Ontario in the heart of Southern Georgian Bay’s Historic Resort Destination in the Wye Valley, in Tay Township, next to Midland. The Centre continues to provide outdoor experiences and environmental education for school groups, Scouts and Guides, and international visitors. The centre is open year round, seven days a week, allowing seasonal outdoor experiences in the winter, spring, summer and fall. Media wishing to write travel stories on Ontario’s great outdoors should contact Denise Brophey (705) 526-7809 to arrange for dates and times.

A Haliburton High For Snowmobilers in the Haliburton Highlands

A “Snowmobile High” North in the Haliburton Highlands

February, 2008. Abundant fresh snow, spectacular winter scenery, 580 km of trails, groomed to their best by dedicated snowmobile association members, interesting dining stops, and getaway packages offering rentals, have moved Haliburton Highlands to the forefront as one of the favourite locations for sledding in Ontario. A variety of trails offer challenges for the avid snowmobile enthusiast, while there is plenty of novice and beginner trails to test snowmobiling skills.

Peter Zahn, Vice President of (HCSA) says, “Snowmobile Reports are updated several times per week and we encourage members and visitors to check the latest information before they head out.”

Visitors can find additional detailed trail conditions and snow reports at the Haliburton County Snowmobile Association (HCSA)

The entire Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) consists of 240 clubs that make it the biggest user pay trail system in the world! There are trail links to Haliburton from adjacent counties.

Zahn adds, “The HCSA is only one club and the only thing that keeps it together and working as well as it does are volunteers that take time away from there family and friends simply because they love the sport and the only thing they get in return is pure satisfaction.”

The OFSC boasts more than 7000 Ontario volunteers.

Zahn is one of the volunteers in Haliburton County and has a tremendous enthusiasm for the sport and says, “Snowmobiling is one of the most invigorating and definitely one of the best ways to explore central and northern Ontario during the winter months. There is no other feeling like traveling through a beautifully groomed snowmobile trail while taking in the incredible scenery the Highlands have to offer. It’s an amazing experience!!”

Winter Cookouts, Poker Runs, Races

A stop with a winter cookout on the trail can provide for some interesting wildlife viewing. Areas of the Haliburton Highlands are magnets for deep snow right into the spring as the higher elevations in the Highlands keep the snow longer.

Poker runs are taking place on February 9, 16, 23 at Tall Pines, Haliburton Forest, and West Guilford.

Snowmobile Races are taking place at Elephant Lake Lodge through until mid March, and the Highland Cup Snowmobile Races take place March 1, 2 in Haliburton Village.

Several Haliburton accommodation properties are offering snowmobile packages and rentals with on-site trails and can be viewed by going to the Haliburton County Website http://www.haliburtonholidays.com/Winter

Visitors can obtain area trail guides at the Tourism Information Centre just south of Minden on Highway 35.

Contacting Haliburton Highlands Tourism Information Centre at (705) 286-1777 or Toll Free: 1-800-461-7677

Ontario Winter Resorts, Carnivals, Family Day Getaways

Winter Carnivals, Igloo Building, Snowshoeing Featured On Family Day Weekend in Ontario North of Toronto-
Family Day Holiday Helps Tourist-Resort Destinations North in Ontario

Tourist destinations north of Toronto will be looking forward to the new long weekend resulting from the Family Day Holiday designation on February 18. Many resorts, hotels, cottages, inns, north of Toronto have put together getaway weekend packages or special one night package rates, daily events, suggested day trips for family fun activities. Many winter carnivals have extended the dates to include the holiday Monday, and many attractions are hosting one day special events for families.

The NEW holiday will take place on the third Monday of every February staring in 2008.

Ron Taylor Publisher of Ontario Travel North of Toronto says, “This is great news for the many families that will get out and explore Ontario’s Great outdoors during the winter months. The extra holiday allows for a longer weekend. There is no doubt that this will encourage visitors to head north into cottage and resort country as well as visit destinations like Ottawa and Sudbury.”

Winter Carnvials

Winter carnivals are taking place in Ottawa, Haliburton, and Penetanguishene. See Ontario Winter Carnivals

GETAWAY PACKAGES FOR FAMILY DAY

The Clarion Resort Pinewood Park Spa in North Bay is offering Family Day Long Weekend with one Free Night. Stay for both Friday February 15th and Saturday February 16th and stay for free on Sunday February 17th! Some restrictions apply. http://400eleven.com/getaways-family.html#clarion

Deerhurst Resort near Huntsville will appeal to Aspiring stars and fans of High School Musical and other pop hits get to join the LIVE at Deerhurst cast for drumming, singing and dancing workshops to rehearse for a special pre-show performance at Canada Rocks. http://400eleven.com/getaways-family.html#deerhurst

Best Western Highland Inn & Conference Centre in Midland is offering a 30/30 rate - Thirty reasons to extend your stay for $30.00 - if you are a guest in the hotel extend your stay from an 11:00 am check out to a 6:00 pm check out for $30.00 plus taxes. Room rate special for Sunday February 17th $85.99 for a traditional room plus taxes. http://400eleven.com/getaways-family.html#bwmidland

MORE WINTER GETAWAY PACKAGES

Additional family day accommodation getaways for North of Toronto locations please see Ontario Family Getaways http://400eleven.com/getaways-family.html

The Ontario Government reminds Shoppers and merchants that under the Retail Business Holidays Act (RBHA), Family Day, February 18, is one of nine days per year when most stores in Ontario must be closed.

See additional Ontario Holiday Long Weekends. This year is the first time that Family Day will be celebrated. The holiday will take place on the third Monday of every February.

For couples wanting a really long weekend see February for Lovers for romantic getaways. Start on
Thursday February 14, and return to work on Tuesday February 19. A Nice 5 day weekend getaway.

Adding Family Day to the calendar would give Ontario workers and families a total of nine statutory holidays per year, putting the province on par with Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. In addition, although not recognized as a statutory holiday under the Employment Standards Act, the first Monday in August is observed as a civic holiday in many Ontario municipalities.

Ontario Tourism Industry News--Toronto-Niagara Falls

This story is an excellent critical review as to how Ontario government is misspending our tax dollars.

Snow globe really a snow job; Review writer amazed Ontario ...

Niagara Falls Review - Niagara Falls,Ontario,Canada
That's right, as a way to remind us how great winter is, something called
the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation - who answer to the
<http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=876601>

Some major posiitve news about Tourism in Toronto. Are we seeing a turn around that could Impact on the rest of the Province?

More tourists trek to Toronto
Toronto Star - Ontario, Canada
Tourism Toronto compiles the visitor numbers from Statistics Canada data
and its own research. Visits from the US dropped steeply in the first half
of 2007 ...
<http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/299353>

This is an interesting view of the tourism industry in the Niagara Region with a challenge to the Private Sector!!

The right message for the wrong crowd; And by the way, ditch the ...

Niagara Falls Review - Niagara Falls,Ontario,Canada
Friel, the former head of the Glasgow tourism board in the 1980s, led the
transformation of what had become "an industrial dark slum" into one of
Europe's ...
<http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=884925>