We’re halfway through one of the hottest summers in Ontario’s history! So many new families have become Great Blue residents in the last few months, so we thought we would give a refresher on all the wonderful things happening around your new #homeawayfromhome! Ontario’s cottage country offers so much to do, it would be a shame not to head out and experience it all!
In this blog entry, we highlight the Top three family-friendly activities around our resorts in Ontario’s prime cottage country, including Muskoka, Perth, Prince Edward County, and the Kawarthas.
Muskoka
Heading north from Toronto will take you to the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka, Ontario. It has around 1600 lakes which makes it a popular cottage destination, only a two-hour drive away from Toronto. Known as the “Hamptons” of Canada, Muskoka is known for its true Canadiana surroundings and luxury amenities. Muskoka is home to Shamrock Bay Resort, Lantern Bay Resort and Bonnie Lake Resort.
Arrowhead Provincial Park is a famous spot that offers natural beauty and a range of activities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and ice skating. It also has three sand beaches on Arrowhead Lake, where people love cooling off during the summertime.
Travel to December 25 as you walk through the gates of Santa’s Village, Muskoka’s Christmas-themed amusement park! Spend your day in one of their three parks Sports land, Aerial Park or go zip lining through the Muskoka woods, all the while singing Christmas Carols at the top of your lungs.
Muskoka Steamships have a lot of history attached to them, as the first coal-fired steamship in North America. The sightseeing cruise will take you around Muskoka Lake. The steamships can also be booked for any event, dinner or other special occasions.
Prince Edward County
Continue heading southeast from our family-friendly Muskoka Resorts and you’ll end up in Ontario’s hidden gem, Prince Edward County (home to Cherry Beach Resort). With so much untouched beauty, historic charm and an abundance of wineries and gourmet options, Prince Edward County has so much to do.
One of the busiest parks in all of Ontario, Sandbanks Provincial Park welcomes over 750,000 visitors every summer! Featuring an abundance of open, velvety sandy beaches, this provincial park sits on the edge of Lake Ontario, offering breathtaking views and endless opportunities for Family Fun.
Experience nature defying geographical and geological theory only minutes away from Cherry Beach Resort. Cloaked in mystery and legend, this one-of-a-kind experience is a source of amazement and sets the perfect backdrop for a picnic or family outing.
The Kawarthas
Just northeast of Prince Edward County lies the Kawarthas; a place where the people are down-to-earth, the beauty is breathtaking, and the activities are endless. Home to our 18-hole Championship Golf Course/Resort, Bellmere Winds Gold Resort, and Woodland Estate Resort, there is much to discover in the Kawarthas!
Experience the gentle sway of the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, Ontario’s first 300-foot-long suspension bridge, over 30 feet high above the Ranney Gorge and located on the Trans Canada Trail. Ferris Provincial Park is the outdoors as you remember it as a kid, nothing but nature.
Woody Burger & Pizzeria is one of The Kawarthas’ most popular restaurants. It offers take-out or eat-in meals from a menu that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, soft ice cream, pizza, and a variety of side dishes and appetizers. It’s THE perfect place to find home-cooked comfort food in the Kawarthas.
The Riverview Park and Zoo offers over 25 exhibits with over 48 different kinds of species. Enjoy meeting yaks, camels, two-toed sloths, wallabies, emus, otters, crocodiles and many more!
Perth
The modern and friendly community of Perth enjoys the old-world charm and is also home to our most eastern resort, McCreary’s Beach Resort. Its gothic architecture, with modern infrastructure and technology, tells the tales of Perth’s glamorous history. The lakes and ponds, surrounded by mauve and crimson blossoms, speak of the town’s tranquillity.
Frontline Paintball and Laser Tag
Don’t worry, we are putting your family’s safety first! Get out onto the field with Frontline “Private”, “Open” and “Scenario” games. Want to enjoy the fun of paintball but with low impact? You can choose SplatMaster or Laser Tag for less intensive, but equally joyful gaming experience. Elders, kids, partners, and everyone among your loved ones can enjoy gaming in the safe and clean environment offered by Frontline.
Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
A heritage site that speaks of the city’s historical grandeur, Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum is your ultimate stop to learn about the town’s history. Its communal culture and historical collection date back to the old times of Canada. There’s so much to explore that you need to reserve a whole day to make the most of your tour.
Who doesn’t love the drive-in? Step back into the traditional ‘watch a movie in your car’ trend at Port Elmsley Drive-in Theatre. Spend a starry, breezy night under the sky with your favourite movies playing on state-of-the-art digital projection. Port Elmsley Drive-in Theatre has been renovated by the Bird family to make it an unforgettable experience for you. Head over soon!
How do I experience all of this?
That’s the beauty of Ontario’s cottage country, there’s ALWAYS something to do. Want to try all of these amazing family-friendly activities in Ontario’s cottage country? Rent at all of our resorts to see which is your favourite.
No matter which resort you choose, you’ll be taken care of by a member of our dedicated and knowledgeable team who will be available to help you every step of the way.