Several Ontario Parks extend season into the fall; stargazing at Killarney Provincial Park and Canada lynx sighting

   One-Tank Trip for Aug. 31/19

 

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Some Ontario provincial parks want to squeeze more out of the fleeting days of summer as they extend fall camping.

   There’s no holding back fall after a fast-moving summer and that certain nip in the air.

   Ontario Parks is announcing that six parks will extend their camping season, said spokesman Jeff Brown.

The hills will soon be a kaleidoscope of colours at Bass Lake Provincial Park near Orillia. (Jim Fox photo)

    Visitors to Bass Lake, Mikisew and Rushing River provincial parks will find the gates open until Oct. 15.

   “Those looking to stay at Presqu’ile Provincial Park, Balsam Lake and Sandbanks provincial parks will be able to do so until Oct. 21,” he said.

   They join several other parks that are open late into October or beyond. Check out the list of park dates at ontarioparks.com/operatingdates/2019

   Another harbinger of the changing season is the return of fall colour reports coming soon.

Algonquin park will soon display its vibrant colours with the fall leaf spectacle. (Barbara Fox photo)

Knock, knock who's there? It's Doors Open Ontario for the fall 2019

   One-Tank Trip for Aug. 24/19

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Have you ever wondered what goes on behind usually closed doors?

   Satisfy your curiosity as the popular Ontario-wide program called Doors Open enters its final phase for the year.

   “The endless adventure of Doors Open Ontario continues this fall over seven weekends and 24 events,” said Edward Dodd of the sponsoring Ontario Heritage Trust.

   It’s a taste of “road-trip inspiration,” checking out the great outdoors and discovering the amazing architecture of the province, he added.

   This free program “lets you look behind the scenes of buildings, gardens and other historic places across Ontario.”

The London Model Railroad Group will put on a show depicting the 1970s.

    Here are a few interesting examples:

   An historic fish-and-chip shop in Woodstock; the Hamilton Road Tree Trunk Bus Tour in London; Port Stanley Terminal Rail rides; Fairbanks Oil Fields, Lambton; and the Ancient Mariners Canoe and Cambridge Rowing clubs.

Aviation Fun Day review; Bomber Command, Brantford and CNE air shows upcoming - 2019

   One-Tank Trip for Aug. 10/19

   (c) By Jim Fox

   “Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird . . . it's a plane. . .”

   There will be a lot of aviation action upcoming on the ground and in the air.

   This includes a static fun day in the Kitchener area, a wartime Berlin Blitz virtual reality at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the Brantford air show.

   The Region of Waterloo International Airport (1-4881 Fountain St. N.) in Breslau held its fifth Aviation Fun Day on Aug. 17.

The RCAF Waterloo Warbird will be on display at the Aviation Fun Day.

    This fifth annual event on the outskirts of Kitchener-Waterloo let visitors get up close to vintage aircraft, airport equipment and classic cars.

   “Grab your walking shoes and explore the airport on foot at this free family event and learn how the aviation industry works,” organizers said.

"Let's go to The Ex, Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show and other fairs

   One-Tank Trip for Aug. 17/19

  

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Many fairs are almost as old as Canada – some even older – dating back to the 250-year-old Hants County Exhibition in Windsor, Nova Scotia.

   It holds the title as the oldest continuously run fall fair in North America and remains true to its roots in promoting agricultural awareness.

   They harken back to the 1700s in Britain, meshing the agricultural improvement society with the traditional trade fair and carnival.

   Canada’s first society was formed in 1765 in Nova Scotia while Ontario’s began in 1792 in Niagara-on-the Lake.

The Midway at the Ex is always a popular and packed place. (Jim Fox photo)

   Perhaps one of the most-recognized, along with the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, is the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) founded in 1879.

   It’s on now until Sept. 2 at Exhibition Place along Toronto’s Lake Ontario waterfront and has had many nicknames in its 140 years.

   This started as the Toronto Industrial Fair and Exposition, the “Grand Old Lady by the Lake,” the CNE, The Exhibition and more recently “The Ex” with the slogan “Let’s go to The Ex.”

Celebrate 75 years of nature education at Ontario Parks on August 10 (2019)

(News Release)

This year marks 75 years of education programs at Ontario Parks. We are celebrating with a new program name and a special day of guided hikes and drop-in events on Saturday, Aug. 10 (2019).

Meet the Ontario Parks Discovery Program.

Events across Ontario

Twenty-seven parks will host a guided hike at 10:00 am on August 10. Our specially-trained naturalists will take visitors along a trail to explore the unique heritage features along the way. These hikes are in honour of Professor J.R. Dymond, who organized the first guided hikes at Algonquin Provincial Park in 1944, and the many years of education programs that have followed his contributions.

Battle of Georgian Bay – War of 1812 Grand Tactical Re-enactment and Tall Ships Festival Aug, 10 and 11th (2019).

(News Release)

 Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene -- Midland and Penetanguishene become the focus for this amazing event. Five tall ships will rendezvous in Midland Harbour.

Tall Ships HMS Tecumseth and Bee and visiting vessel Huron Jewel along with over 650 military re-enactors will converge on Discovery Harbour the same weekend.

Assaults and attacks will happen throughout the area beginning in Victoria Harbour, Main Street on Wednesday August 7^th at 7pm. On Thursday August 8^th at 7pm, a skirmish will break out in Balm Beach with American and British troops descending upon the waters edge.

 

The Pride of Baltimore II will visit Midland Aug. 9 to 11

The attack of Midland Harbour will take place on Friday August 9^th at 7pm and will see the troops rally to help save the Mayor of Midland, but to no avail. Happening on Main Street, Penetanguishene, a parade and pillaging of the down town merchants will happen on Saturday August 10^th at 11:00am. Spectators will see barricades set up at different intersections and hear musket volley and canon fire!!   

Indulge in your favourite Caribbean cuisine at Toronto’s Grace JerkFest 2019

 (Media Release)

Top 5 things not to miss at this year’s festival from Aug. 9-11 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke

TORONTO – The festival with all the flavour is headed back to Toronto this August for another year of tasty jerk cuisine and hip-swaying entertainment.

Celebrating 18 years of Caribbean food, culture and music, the 2019 Grace JerkFest, Presented by TD, will take place August 9 to 11, 2019 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Guests can enjoy the unique flavours of traditional jerk-style cooking while taking in authentic R&B performances throughout the weekend.

“Festival weekend is just around the corner and we can’t wait to bring the flavours and energy of the Caribbean to Toronto,” says Anthony Plummer, Executive Director of the Festival. “This year will feature new acts, new food and new experiences. It’s definitely a weekend you won’t want to miss.”

Roll out the barrel for lots of craft beer fun; Oktoberfest zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi

   One-Tank Trip for Aug. 3/19

   (c) By Jim Fox

   What do Fat Tire, Big Rock, Von Bugle, All or Nothing, Common Good, Left Field and Shawn & Ed have in common?

   They’re among the craft brews being featured at a Toronto festival Aug. 9 and 10.

   The Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival showcases beer “brewed in small batches using artisanal styles and all-natural, undiluted quality ingredients.”

A tasty sampling of various craft beers is offered at beer fests. (Jim Fox photo)

   Hosted by Steam Whistle Brewing, one of Canada’s leading independent craft breweries, the fest happens in its Roundhouse Park (255 Bremner Blvd.).

   “The festival gives beer lovers a chance to enjoy some of the finest craft brews in this province,” said Tim McLaughlin of Steam Whistle.

   The festival has become more than just a chance to drink beer, he said, noting there will be live music, a movie night, backyard games and food trucks for a “great party, in a great park setting.”

   While some of Ontario’s best craft beers remain in the spotlight, the festival is building an all-new program around these independents.

Another craft beer coming up at the Toronto fest.

   This year will feature 40 craft beer vendors, food trucks, a music lineup curated from the NXNE festival and lawn games.

For the latest Out to Sea cruise travel feature on 50 years of cruising for Princess in Alaska, go to our sister site:

https://outtoseatravel.blogspot.com/2019/07/50-years-of-cruising-in-alaska-for.html

Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene, welcomes Pirates of the Bay

(News Release)

Penetanguishene, Ontario -- Calling all swashbucklers and horn swagglers, Pirates of the Bay is this weekend, Saturday August 3 (2019) at Discovery Harbour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The historic site becomes one massive Pirates Lair. Amazing activities and crafts  for the whole crew.

There are also pirate duels, sail pasts, board the tall pirate ships, sword and cutlass demonstrations and visitors get your pirate name or a pirate tattoo.

There will be roving pirates everywhere. We even have Pirate inflatables. Check out the exotic animal petting zoo and stop by the  Scallywag Tavern for a wee light refreshment or Jack’s Nasty Face Tavern for something more piratey.

There are also free shuttles available at Penetanguishene Town Dock and Huronia Park on Fox Street, all day, and for King's Wharf Theatregoers as well. 

Regular Admission rates (plus HST):
Adults: $7   
Seniors/Students: $6.25    
Youth (6-12) $5.25    Children 5 and under FREE
Please USE your SUPER PASSES, Guest Pass, Pirates of the Bay and 'FUN' passes for this event.  No discount coupons will be accepted for this event.

More information at: hhp.on.ca 

Massive international Studebaker Meet cruises into Mansfield, OH in Sept. 2019

 (News Release)

MANSFIELD, Ohio – Auto enthusiasts and Studebaker owners are urged to mark their calendars for an exceptional opportunity this September in Mansfield, when back-to-back international Studebaker events converge at Richland County Fairgrounds, Sept. 9-14 (2019).

The Antique Studebaker Club (ASC) holds its international meet Sept. 9-10, followed by the even larger 55^th Annual Studebaker Drivers Club (SDC) International Meet, Sept. 11-14.

Studebaker owners from across North America and beyond will bring their classic cars to Mansfield for a week of history, fun, bragging rights and comradery. Throughout the event, members show their vehicles, share information and memories and participate in concours judging.

Mansfield visitors and residents who are not Studebaker Club members are invited to the Saturday, Sept. 14 public Studebaker Car Show. For a nominal gate fee of $10 (free to those 15 and younger), the public will enjoy full access to check out all of the cars, exhibits and parts vendors.

Some 400 cars are expected, including original, restored, modified and modern cars, as well as larger, commercial-style Studebaker trucks, which were produced in the U.S. until 1963 and in Ontario, CA until 1966.

There is something different happening at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal

The Montreal skyline from Le Centre Sheraton hotel

New & Newsworthy
As of November 2018, the Centre Sheraton Montreal is the second Sheraton in Canada to undergo a major revitalization according to the new Sheraton brand standards; which positions itself as ‘‘Where the world comes together’’.

The new Sheraton unifies the world. We are for the community over the individual. We believe in the power of the collective. Because we are better together.

The Sheraton Club Life
Allow us to take your travelling experience to another level, the 37th to be precise.
Booking a Sheraton Club guestroom allows you to stay on our higher floors and have privileged access to our hidden gem on the 37th floor.

The Sheraton Club Lounge, offers:
•Deluxe continental breakfast
•Evening appetizers
•All day snacks and non alcoholic beverages
•Complimentary Wi-Fi
•Breathtaking views of downtown Montreal


About Le Centre Sheraton Montreal
Set in the heart of downtown, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal is ideally located within minutes of the dynamic business district and only a few steps away from the shopping area, entertainment and the city’s exciting nightlife.

The luxurious Sheraton Club King room

Accomodation
•825 guestrooms
•167 Sheraton Club guestrooms
•206 Deluxe guestrooms
•25 suites
 
Services and facilities
•Concierge desk
•Foreign currency exchange
•Same-day laundry and valet service
•Indoor parking with 500 spaces
•Café Bar open daily for grab and go breakfast, drinks and dinner
•Bistro Le Boulevard open daily until 2PM for breakfast and lunch
•In-room dining

We Love to Take Care
We are invested in our people, and the TakeCare Wellbeing program is a true testament to our culture and our commitment to taking care of our associates & inspire them to live their best lives. The  three pillars:
 
ME: Living my best life by nurturing my body, mind and career, and building a secure future.
 
YOU+ME: Building genuine and supportive relationships at work and as part of the Marriott family
WE: Joining Marriott in doing good in our communities and promoting well-being around the world.

Pet Friendly
 
We’re proud to be a pet friendly hotel!
 
Because the road to our heart is paved with paw prints, your four legged friend will always be welcome to stay with you at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal. It will be our pleasure to give them the four-paw treatment they deserve!

Outdoor terrace at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal

Creating Healthy Habits
It takes 21 days to break or create a habit.

At the Centre Sheraton Montreal, we’re giving you all the tools to get started or keep going:
•Fully equiped 24-hour Sheraton Fitness Centre
•Indoor, saltwater pool, whirlpool and sauna
•Free weekly yoga sessions with our partners: Lululemon
•Landscaped exterior terrace located on the 6th floor

100% Hockey
Montreal is a city that not only breathes and lives hockey but that also played a central role in the development of this sport.

The first game of regulated, codified and publicized hockey was held on March 3, 1875 at the Victoria Skating Rink, which was right behind where the Centre Sheraton Montreal stands right now. 

It was also the location of the first Stanley Cup playoffs.Today we are located only a two-minute walk from the famous Bell Centre.

Address: 1201 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3B 2L7

Phone: (514) 878-2000

Reservation Centre: 1-888-627-7102