Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
Take in a play or build a sandcastle on the beach in Grand Bend (www.grandbend. com ). Explore charming shops and an historic mill in Elora (www.grandand gorgeous.com), enjoy a spa day in Cobourg (www.cobourgtourism.ca ) or unwind at one of Almonte's many festivals (www. lanarkcountytourism.com ). And delve into Ontario's intriguing history at sites like The Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum in Carp ( www.diefenbunker.ca ), the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope (www.warplane.com ) and the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village in Kingsville (www.ctmhv.com ). ENJOY WATERFRONT VIEWS When Ontarians say "cottage country," they generally mean any of a number of rural regions dotted with clear lakes perfect for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, waterski- ing . . . or just admiring from the shore while ensconced in a comfortable ham- mock. Bring your camera and binoculars, as you may well spot deer, loons or coyotes. Popular cottage areas include Muskoka ( www.discovermuskoka.ca ), the Kawarthas (www.thekawarthas.ca), Ontario's Highlands (www.ontarioshighlands.ca) and the Rideau Valley (www.rideauheritage route.ca). Pamper yourself with a restful weekend at one of Ontario's summer resorts (www.resortsofontario.com). WHAT'S NEW? The Polar Bear Express, a train to Moosonee on the shore of James Bay, will fi nish a major upgrade of its coaches (www.ontarionorth land.ca/en/refurbishment/polar-bear-express). One of Canada's largest aerial adventure and zip-line parks, Skywood Eco Adventure, opened near Brockville in 2016 (www. skywoodzip.com). And the new WildPlay MistRider Zipline lets you "fl y" 67 m (220 ft.) above the Niagara Gorge for thrilling views of Niagara Falls ( www.wildplay.com/ niagarafalls). Saks Fifth Avenue opened its fi rst two Canadian stores in Toronto last year, including a store at Sherway Gardens with a Saks Food Hall by Pusateri's ( www. saksfi fthavenue.com). Cineplex is scheduled to open The Rec Room, a 3,716-sq.-m (40,000-sq.-ft.) arcade game and live entertainment complex, near Toronto's Rogers Centre and Ripley's Aquarium ( www.cineplex.com). Here's something you can only do in Ontario: have dinner below a raised 20-m (65-ft.) hydraulic lift lock on the Trent- Severn Waterway. The Under Water Dining at Lock 21 experience will be available in Peterborough this year ( www.the kawarthas.ca/uwd). Ottawa's National Arts Centre is scheduled to have a glittering new entrance and an upgraded main theatre by Canada Day, as part of a $225-million renovation ( www.nac-cna.ca/en/). CITY LIGHTS Toronto is a magnet for cosmopolitan travellers. Browse for merchandise in fl agship international stores along Bloor SPECIAL EVENTS JANUARY • WINTER SLEDDOG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, HALIBURTON FEBRUARY • VOYAGEUR WINTER CARNIVAL, THUNDER BAY • WINTERLUDE, OTTAWA MAY • CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL, OTTAWA JUNE • LUMINATO, TORONTO JUNE – JULY • TD OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL JULY • HONDA INDY, TORONTO • RBC ROYAL BANK BLUESFEST, OTTAWA JULY – AUGUST • TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL AUGUST • FERGUS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES • SIEGE AT FORT ERIE SEPTEMBER • FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS, EASTERN ON • NUIT BLANCHE, TORONTO • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL • WESTERN FAIR, LONDON OCTOBER • ALGOMA FALL FESTIVAL, SAULT STE. MARIE • INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS, TORONTO • KITCHENER-WATERLOO OKTOBERFEST • PUMPKINFERNO, MORRISBURG AND SUDBURY NOVEMBER • GREY CUP, OTTAWA • ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR, TORONTO NOVEMBER – DECEMBER • FIRST LIGHT AT SAINTE-MARIE AMONG THE HURONS, MIDLAND • RIVER LIGHTS WINTER FESTIVAL, AMHERSTBURG NOVEMBER – JANUARY • WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, NIAGARA FALLS www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU, GAY PRIDE PARADE, TORONTO • SHUTTERSTOCK/STUDIOLASKA TAKE A SMALL-TOWN BREAK Amble along lanes lined with locally-owned shops. Linger over dinner at a table overlook- ing a waterfall, lake or canal, then unwind in a quaint B&B. Ontario's many small towns and cities are havens of relaxation. ON 86