Monday, 19 June 2023
Enjoy a Stay-cation in the GTA
We all love a good vacation. That time where we can just forget about our worries, relax and enjoy the experience with our family, friends or even just our partner. But, there is no need to go far away to enjoy all the benefits of a vacation. Why not have a stay-cation right here in the GTA? Just what exactly is a staycation anyway? Well, a staycation, or “holistay”, is a holiday spent in your own home country, or one involving day trips to local attractions.
Think about all the benefits there are of a stay-cation! Close and lock the door behind you and your holiday begins. No heading to the airport at unearthly hours of the morning, 3 hours ahead of your flight time and no airport stress. It is also easier and more practical, to factor in a weekend away at the last minute. You can be spontaneous, book and enjoy a relaxing break, even for one night. I love international travel as much as the next person, jetting off to discover new countries, but with a stay-cation there is no time difference which means no jet lag. A great benefit of a staycation is that you can end up with more actual quality time, as you cut down on traveling time, waiting time and flight time.
Here’s some Stay-cation Ideas you can so in the GTA this Summer:
Take a ferry to Ward's Island in Toronto
There are lots of cute trails to wander around and feel like you've escaped from the city for an afternoon, pack up a picnic and dine outside or spend some time at the beach.
Royal Ontario Museum
Take your family to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The kids will love the touch-friendly Discovery Gallery which is designed to encourage tiny hands to go exploring. Not to mention, there are plenty of exhibits for adults to enjoy as well. It’s great for all ages. Who doesn’t like Dinosaur bones?
Ontario Science Centre
Nurture your budding scientists by taking them to the Ontario Science Centre, which features over 600 interactive exhibits, daily programmes, and films in Ontario's only IMAX® Dome theatre.
Casa Loma
Did you know that there is a castle in Toronto? Casa Loma is making your fairytale dreams come true this summer. The iconic castle has transformed its majestic grounds into an outdoor dining experience called The Gardens at Casa Loma, with views of the castle, the city skyline, and the colourful garden all at once.
Lazy river tubing at Elora Gorge
This awesome spot is only about a 1.5-hour drive outside of Toronto. Be brave and tube the fast rapids or just lounge in the relaxing area of the stream. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous sights of the surrounding river and the beautiful cliffs above.
Friends: The Experience
Attention “Friends” Fans! The Friends experience that has popped up in cities around the U.S. has opened in Toronto. There is things likeset recreations and original props and costumes. You’ll get to dance in front of the fountain, step into the show and explore 12 rooms of set recreations, pose on the couch and take photos to your heart’s content.
Niagara Power Station
Check out the 2,200-foot-long tunnel in a glass-enclosed elevator and learn how it expelled water back into the Niagara River, at the base of Niagara Falls.
Short Hills Provincial Park
Covering 660 hectares of land, Short Hills Provincial Park is the largest in the Niagara Region. It spans seven trails including the Paleozoic Trail, which offers a spectacular view of Swayze Falls. The park also contains a wide variety of animal and plant life including deer, wild turkeys, and many species of birds.
Niagara Glen
With pathways leading to the edge of the Niagara River, rich flora and fauna, natural marvels and more! You can hike your way through the several fascinating trails in this nature reserve.
Niagara Parks - Botanical Gardens
Located in Niagara Falls just a ten minute drive north of the Falls, on the scenic Niagara Parkway, lies 99 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. The Botanical Gardens’ serene garden setting is home to the Butterfly Conservatory and serves as the unique outdoor classroom for students attending the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. Be sure to visit its world-famous rose garden.
Dufferin Islands
If you’re looking for a good spot to take a peaceful stroll or an afternoon picnic, you can’t beat the Dufferin Islands. These man-made islands are teeming with life and offer quiet seclusion just a kilometer south of the Horseshoe Falls.
Balls Falls
Home to the Ball’s waterfalls, the conservation area spread over 200 acres is also rich in flora and fauna. The area has structures dating back to the 19th century when it was a small village where the Ball Family lived and worked. You can still see some of the structures including: blacksmith shop, lime kiln, flour mill, restored church, original family home of the Balls
The GTA has so many amazing spots to visit! Give me a call if you need some more fun ideas on what to do this summer. I'd love to tell you my favourite spots.
