One-Tank Trip for
July 2-16
(c) By Jim Fox
Here’s what people
are talking about regarding summer fun getaways.
Make this the
summer to learn how to camp at Ontario Parks.
Register for a guided,
overnight camping experience at one of eight locations, said Sheila Wiebe of
Ontario Parks.
Participating in
southwestern Ontario is Selkirk while Grundy Lake has the program in central
Ontario.
Others near the
Greater Toronto area are Bronte Creek, Darlington, Earl Rowe, Emily, Sibbald
Point and Six Mile Lake.
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| Learn to Camp programs continue this summer. (Ontario Parks photo) |
Through September,
participants can choose either a one-night or two-night experience.
They learn to set-up
camp, cook meals on a camp stove, light a campfire and enjoy recreational
activities.
Provided is all the
equipment needed (except food, bedding and personal items), a site for up to
six people and learning sessions and family friendly activities led by
experienced staff.
Transportation is
available on the Parkbus running from Toronto to Grundy Lake Provincial Park.
Also offered are
learn to fish programs at six parks and camping graduate programs with
additional training and experience for past participants.
The cost per group
is $93 plus tax for one night and $139.50 for two nights. Details: ontarioparks.com/learntocamp
Look, up in the sky
The night skies
burst into colour with fireworks through Oct. 30 every Wednesday, Friday,
Sunday and holidays at 10 p.m. at Niagara Falls.
 |
| Fireworks burst over Niagara Falls through the end of October. |
The “spectacular
fireworks display” takes place from Queen Victoria Park overlooking the Horseshoe
and American falls.
Publicist Stephen
Murdoch says Niagara is an “ideal getaway spot” to mark the Canada Day weekend,
with fireworks, history and boat tours to mark the country’s 149th birthday.
Visit Queenston
Heights park for a picnic or hike along one of its many trails.
Self-guided tours
are available of the Battle of Queenston Heights site including a climb up 235
steps inside the monument to Major-General Isaac Brock, Commander-in-Chief of
British forces in Upper Canada, for a “stunning view” of the Niagara Gorge.
 |
| Niagara Falls is a popular summer getaway spot, with Maid of the Mist boat tours right up to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. |
There are
wet-and-wet wild Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, leisurely rides on the Niagara
Belle, New Orleans-style paddle wheeler, and the Maid of the Mist boats heading
to the base of the falls. niagarafallstourism.com
Arts and more
Festivals and
Events Ontario suggests experiencing the “magnificent intermingling of flair
and creativity” at arts festivals.
“Organizers have
crafted a spectacular blend of art, music, literature, theatre, film, dance and
visual arts uniting communities and drawing visitors from far and wide,” said
publicist Nichole Fogarty.
The highlights
include the Toronto Fringe Festival, now until July 10, with more than 120
productions at 35 venues.
The Buckhorn Fine
Art Festival, Aug. 12-14, showcases gallery quality fine art for sale.
The Toronto
International Film Festival, Sept. 8-18, is an internationally acclaimed event screening
more than 300 films from 60 countries.
Hamilton has the SuperCrawl,
Sept. 9-11, that’s a free arts and music festival. festivalsandeventsontario.ca
All that jazz and tango, too
The 30th edition of
the TD Toronto Jazz Festival winds down Sunday after a 10-day run with more
than 1,500 musicians performing in some 350 concerts.
There’s still
music all around the city with free concerts including venues such as the Distillery
Historic District and Nathan Phillips Square. torontojazz.com
Care to tango? Harbourfront
Centre in Toronto gets down on its outdoor dance floor for Dancing on the Pier,
a free event.
On Thursdays
through Sept. 1, dancers are invited to move to sounds from around the world
performed by a live band.
Featured styles
include flamenco/rumba, Latin, swing/jazz, electro-swing, Celtic,
Latin-Caribbean/dancehall and more, with instructions, too, said Diana Webley, senior
artistic associate. harbourfrontcentre.com
Towering over TO
It’s been 40 years
since Toronto’s CN Tower opened to the public and there’s lots happening there
this summer.
The engineering
marvel that’s 553.33 metres high (1,815 feet, 5 inches) rockets visitors to the top in
58 seconds aboard glass-fronted elevators.
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| Toronto’s sky-high CN Tower is marking its 40th anniversary this summer. (Jim Fox photo) |
There are
spectacular views up to 160 kilometres from three observation levels including
LookOut, the Glass Floor and Outdoor Sky Terrace, and the towering SkyPod.
Inside are three restaurants with great views
at 360 The Restaurant with revolving sights while dining.
Displays and exhibits tell the history and
there’s the KidZone play area, artisan and souvenir shopping, and new live
views on-line. cntower.ca
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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