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.