BY MYNEWWATERFRONTHOME.COM
From festivals that feature every type of music imaginable — rock to rockabilly, and rap to reggae — to world-class art galleries, maritime museums and wine tours, Ontario's waterfront communities have something going on year-round.
If you wanted to, you could plan an entire 365-day road trip across Ontario and drop in on one waterfront community after another, to take in the many events and attractions.
For those who might decide they want to do just that in the days and weeks ahead, here are some of our favourites from among the dozens of events on offer across Ontario’s waterfront communities.
Happy trails!
Now until May 20
Take a trip to beautiful
Stratford on the Avon River for a taste of life on the fringe. The annual
Spring Works
Indie Theatre and Arts Festival offers one-hour performances where you
can enjoy award-winning playwrights, choreographers, musicians,
performers, and visual and media artists do their thing. The festival is
held at Factory163 on King Street.
While you’re in the area: Stay in
Stratford and take in a
Shakespeare production, go shopping for one-of-a-kind items, dine at one
of Stratford’s award-winning restaurants, and visit the city’s famous
swans on the Avon River, a short walk from all the action.
Now until May 21
Join birders from around the world at Point Pelee National Park in
Leamington for the annual
Festival of Birds.
Hosted by the Friends of Point Pelee, the festival is a great way to
celebrate spring and to experience the avian migration phenomenon from
Canada’s southernmost mainland. Grab binoculars and a camera and head
out on your own, or register for a guided bird hike. The festival also
features daily workshops where you can learn birding tips and tricks.
Support the Friends when you purchase your morning coffee and bagel at
the birder breakfast and lunch located behind the park’s Visitor Centre.
While you’re in the area: See the countryside by taking a
self-driving wine tour around Essex County. Nearby wineries include
Mastronardi Estate Winery and Pelee Island Winery in
Kingsville, Colchester Ridge Estate Winery in
Colchester, and Viewpointe Winery and Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery in
Harrow. The Southwestern Ontario Vintners Association has a
downloadable map of area wineries.
Now until May 21
A rite of spring in
Ottawa, the
Canadian Tulip Festival
is celebrating its 60th year with a feast for the senses: more than
three million colourful tulips, delicious international food and musical
entertainment for all ages are on offer. Festival events will take
place in the ByWard Market, Little Italy, Chinatown and other popular,
core business areas. From live music in the streets, to the Great
Canadian Tulip Treasure Hunt, to a garden party and the ever-popular
International Pavilion — held in Little Italy this year — there’s
something for everyone. Don’t forget to drop by Commissioner’s Park,
Dow’s Lake and Major’s Hill Park behind the Château Laurier Hotel to
check out the star attraction: tulips!
While you’re in the area: While checking out the tulips across the Ottawa River in
Gatineau,
stop by the Canadian Museum of Civilization. For the younger set,
there’s a children’s museum sure to please and a postal museum for
adults, along with interesting permanent exhibits, including the First
Peoples Hall. While you’re at the museum, take in an IMAX film.
Now until May 27
The
Niagara Folk Art Festival in
St. Catharines
is a fun multicultural affair featuring music, dance, art, food and
more. It all takes place in Montebello Park. New this year is a
children’s festival featuring entertainers, cultural games, inflatables,
storytelling and a meet-and-greet with Dora and Diego.
While you’re in the area: Take a tour of
Niagara wineries. There are dozens of them from Grimsby to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Don’t forget to visit the historic village of
Jordan,
located amid the wineries of the Niagara Escarpment in Twenty Valley,
just off the Queen Elizabeth Way. Jordan is a great place to go
antiquing. There are also galleries to visit and plenty to choose from
on the culinary side.
Now until June 17
If you love fishing, you’ll find heaven on
Rice Lake. The Rice Lake Spring
Fishing Festival,
an event that invites you to catch tagged perch, walleye, crappie and
bluegill and win cash and prizes. There’s a free Family Fishing Day on
June 2.
While you’re in the area: Explore beautiful
Rice Lake, which
writer Catharine Parr Trail described as “a fair and lovely spot.” The
Rice Lake region is home to a rich history going back more than 2,000
years. Quaint villages and hamlets including
Gores Landing,
Harwood,
Roseneath,
Baillieboro and
Keene
share the landscape of shoreline and rolling countryside with two
native reserves. Go out and explore! And don’t forget to stop in at
Rhino’s Roadhouse in Bewdley for some home-cooked food and great views
of the lake.
Now until Oct. 28
Enjoy an entertaining historical interactive play that includes walkabouts in historical cemeteries and a canoe trip on River Canard in
LaSalle/Amherstburg. Learn about where the first shots of the War of 1812 were fired, about the meeting of Tecumseh and Brock and their seige of Detroit, about the Underground Railroad and the rumrunners. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 7 p.m. The cost of the two-hour tours from the River Canard Canoe Club is $20, which includes the canoe ride. Call 519-978-3762 for reservations.
While you’re in the area: Continue your history tour by heading to downtown
Amherstburg to explore Fort Malden Historic Site on the shores of the Detroit River. The 4.5-hectare site includes remains of a circa 1840 earthworks and four buildings, including a restored and furnished 1819 brick barracks. An orientation centre and interpretation centre with exhibits will help you to discover the fascinating history of this outpost of the British Empire. While in Amherstburg, don’t forget to stop in for an ice cream cone at 229 Dalhousie St.
Now until Oct. 31
Love ghosts? Head to
Niagara-on-the-Lake for a candlelit guided
walking tour through haunted Fort George. Thrill to accounts of
real-life experiences with spirits. Dress for the weather and wear
comfortable shoes — the walk is up to two hours. The
ghost tours
— held on Sundays in May, June and September, and on Sundays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August — leave from the parking lot
of Fort George, just off the Niagara Parkway, at 9 p.m.
While you’re in the area: Take a leisurely wine tour, including a visit to the historic village of
Jordan,
located amid the wineries of the Niagara Escarpment in Twenty Valley,
just off the Queen Elizabeth Way. Jordan is a great place to go
antiquing. There are also galleries to visit and plenty to choose from
on the culinary side.
May 18-19
If you love night fishing — along with prizes and merriment — bring the family to the village of
Hastings on the Trent River for the annual Midnight Madness fishing contest. The Hastings Historical Society celebrates the start of the season with a fishing contest for all age groups. Meet at the Hastings Bridge at Lock 18 outside Banjo’s Grill at 11 p.m. The contest starts at midnight. Organizers promise there will be fun and prizes for everyone, from the first fish to the largest fish.
While you’re in the area: Visit nearby
Campbellford and enjoy a couple of hours of shopping for unique artisan goods. If you love cheese and chocolate, don’t forget to visit Empire Cheese, the only cheese factory left in Northumberland County, and the World’s Finest Chocolate outlet store. Just on the outskirts of Campbellford, you’ll find Church-Key, a microbrewery located in a former church — the Holy Smoke Scotch Ale is an award-winner.
May 18-27
Eat the fish you catch at the
27th annual Fish Kincardine Derby. Everyone is invited to try their luck at salmon and trout fishing, with special days set aside for seniors, kids and women. When the fishing’s done, enjoy musical entertainment at various local establishments, trivia, fish fries and more. Camping will be available at Reunion Park for the event.
While you’re in the area: Explore heritage
Kincardine, which is home to amazing sunsets over Lake Huron. Head along the lakeshore to the stunning Kincardine Rock Garden, a heritage treasure that regularly attracts both locals and visitors alike to the beauty of the blooms all season long. The garden, located at the base of Durham and Saugeen streets, was built in 1931 using 190 tonnes of stone. On the north side of the harbour, just past the Rock Garden, you’ll find landscaped Lover’s Lane, the perfect setting for a peaceful, romantic stroll along the waterfront.
May 19-20
Join the bird-watching craze during the Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend at Presqu’ile Provincial Park in
Brighton. The annual event celebrates the spring migration of the smaller birds, such as warblers, and the shorebirds like the whimbrel, that annually stop down at Presqu’ile on their way north. Take part in naturalist-led walks at 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from the Lighthouse Centre, which is also home to a gift shop. Also, volunteer naturalists with Friends of Presqu’ile Park will be in the lighthouse area from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to point out to visitors what birds are around. Don’t miss the highlight of the weekend — a bird-banding demonstration at the Owen Point Trail parking lot from 8 a.m. to noon. Events are free, but the regular park entrance fee applies.
While you’re in the area: Go antique shopping in
Brighton — there are plenty of shops here to keep you busy. Then relax with lunch or dinner on the waterfront. And check out Art in the Park, held each week in Memorial Park beginning the May long weekend. Sponsored by the Brighton Arts Council, it’s a chance to get out and meet local artists.
May 19-21
The Blue Mountain
Tour of the Arts, now in its 17th year, will take you up close with 20-plus local artists at 14 locations in
Thornbury,
Clarksburg,
Craigsleith and
Kimberley. Painters, potters, traditional photographers, woodworkers, iron and glass artists, jewellery makers — they will all be there to welcome you from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s all free!
While you’re in the area: Continue your art theme in nearby
Collingwood, where you can combine a walk through the town’s heritage core with a mural tour. Recently, four large murals, including Busy Wagons by John Hood, Heading Dockside by Beverley Smith, Ski Train by Richard Gill and the Our Community mural were restored to their original glory. If you’re hungry after your walk, Collingwood is known for its superb restaurants.
May 19-21
Enjoy the scenic St. Lawrence River and country lanes while on your way to meet local artists during the
Up the Garden Path studio tour, celebrating its 20th year.
Gananoque and
Rockport are among the waterfront communities on the free self-guided tour of artists homes, studios and gardens. Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Download the brochure online.
While you’re in the area: Stay to explore
Gananoque, a pretty resort town in the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River. It’s the perfect spot to relax at a spa, shop and enjoy an evening of fine dining. If you’re feeling lucky, there’s also a casino to visit. But don’t leave town without booking a cruise of the islands and a tour of Boldt Castle.
May 25-27
The
Lindsay Lilac Festival, located on the banks of the Scugog River, is a treat for the eyes, the ears and the tastebuds. More than 600 lilacs and more than 120 varieties will be on display, and you can even buy some of your favourites to take home. Held in Logie Street Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival includes refreshments and entertainment, including live music and a special kids’ zone. Tea and scones will be served in the tea garden among the lilacs.
While you’re in the area: Take a scenic one-hour drive east to
Peterborough and visit the Canadian Canoe Museum. Experience the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft, and learn how the canoe has defined the Canadian character and spirit.
May 25-27
Take a trip around the world in
Mississauga at the annual
Festival of Cultures. Experience the tastes and sounds of 60 cultures while visiting 26 pavillions at what has been dubbed the largest multicultural Festival in Ontario. There’s something for the whole family, including children’s entertainment and sports. Passports getting you in to all the pavilions are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Children 12 and under are free, when accompanied by an adult passport holder. To help you get around, transportation on MiWay, the new Mississauga Transit, is free during the festival for passport holders.
While you’re in the area: Head to
Port Credit, Mississauga’s “Village by the Lake.” Port Credit, tucked along the shoreline around where the Credit River enters Lake Ontario, is known for its boutique shopping and art studios, all within walking distance of the water. There are plenty of parks and trails to enjoy, along with fabulous lake views.
May 25-28 and May 31-June 3
If you love birds and the great outdoors, head to the
Port Elgin area for the 15th annual Huron Fringe
Birding Festival. Sponsored by the Friends of MacGregor Point Park, there are birding and wildflower trips around the park and farther afield such as Cabot Head, photography workshops and more. Register online as events fill up quickly.
While you’re in the area: Visit nearby
Southampton — if you feel up to it, you can ride your bike from Port Elgin along the scenic lakefront Miramichi Bay Road or along the RailTrail, which will take you through Southampton’s Memorial Gardens. Once in Southampton, enjoy walks along the boardwalk or book a guided tour by boat to Chantry Island, home to a famous bird sanctuary, which can be seen from the top of the 100-foot Imperial Lighthouse, which was built between 1855 and 1859. Reserve your Chantry Island tour in advance by calling toll 866-797-5862 toll-free.
May 26-27
Train lovers unite! The annual model train show in
Midland features more than 20 operating model railroad displays, covering an entire arena floor. There’s a special layout for kids to operate, so bring the whole family to the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre off King Street. The exhibition runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for children.
While you’re in the area: Visit
Midland’s Huronia Museum and Huron/Ouendat Village in scenic Little Lake Park. Huron-Ouendat Village takes visitors back more than 500 years ago, with portrayals of native life as it was before the arrival of Europeans. You can check out longhouses, sweat lodge and shaman’s hut. Huronia Museum, beside the village, contains a collection of nearly one million objects and receives about 20,000 visitors a year. The Gallery of Historic Huronia displays the works of various artists, including A.Y. Jackson. There’s also a gift shop onsite.
May 26-27
Visit the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre for commanding views of Lake Huron and a film on nuclear power development during the
Doors Open event in
Kincardine. Doors Open, a provincewide initiative, invites the public to tour places they may always wanted to see but didn’t — all for free! Also on the waterfront, you can check out the Cottrill Condominiums, built in 1988 overlooking the harbour. Go online for the full list of sites open for touring.
While you’re in the area: Take a drive about 35 kilometres east to the family-friendly village of
Port Elgin, home to 10 kilometres of sandy beaches. Soak in the views, then head to the BMX track, located on Wellington Street behind the Saugeen Shores Community Complex, known locally as The Plex. There’s a 1,000-foot hard-packed dirt track with massive jumps, turns and berms where you can come out to watch racing every Sunday afternoon from May to October.
May 26-27
Summer begins early on the shores of Lake Simcoe in
Barrie when the 8th annual
Waterfront Festival comes to town. Musical performers run the gamut from jazz, R&B and soul, to Latin and rock ’n roll and rockabilly, with street buskers, a midway and plenty of food on hand. Among the musical stars of this year’s edition will be rapper Karl Wolf and rocker Carole Pope, formerly of Rough Trade. It’s all happening in Centennial Park on Kempenfelt Bay. Best of all, admission is free.
While you’re in the area: Head south to
Innisfil, the lakeside town of urban villages and scenic countryside. Inland, you won’t want to miss
Cookstown, just west of Highway 400, where you’ll find antique shops, cafés and beautiful Victorian churches. The Trans Canada Trail passes right through Cookstown, taking you on a leisurely walk out in the country and over bridges crossing streams busy with beavers.
May 26-27
Discover
Brockville and the
Thousand Islands during the
Doors Open event, when the public is invited to come in for a look — free of charge! Your self-guided tour will take you from Brockville to
Prescott to
Rockport and
Lansdowne and places in between. Sites open the public include the Forwarder’s Museum and Dewar’s Inn on the River in Prescott, the Old Stone Mill National Historic Site in Delta, St. Brendan’s Church in Rockport and St. Lawrence Islands National Park near Mallorytown. Go online to check out the full list.
While you’re in the area: Brockville, located on the St. Lawrence River, is the gateway to the Thousand Islands. Take a boat cruise, or stay on land and explore Brockville’s waterfront and its heritage downtown by foot. There are plenty of gorgeous views on offer, along with plenty of boutiques and cafes and pubs to keep you busy.
May 30-June 3
If you have children or grandchildren, or a favourite niece or nephew, you’ll want to plan your trip to
Ottawa for the 27th annual International
Children’s Festival. Established in 1985, the festival is a celebration of the best in live performing arts for children ages four to 15. Events are hosted at LeBreton Flats park and the adjacent Canadian War Museum on the banks of the Ottawa River. While geared to schools, the performances are open to all, especially the weekend events.
While you’re in the area: Look at
Ottawa from the water by taking a cruise of the Ottawa River or the Rideau Canal, a World Heritage Site.
Paul’s Boat Lines offers both. All cruises come with live bilingual commentary, so you can learn about the history of the capital while checking out the sites.
May 31-June 3
Head to the waterfront in
LaSalle for the 25th annual
Strawberry Festival. It’s fun for the whole family with local strawberries, tribute bands, a carnival, fireworks and, new this year, a wine garden featuring Essex County wine from Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. It’s all happening at Gil Maure Park at 1190 Front Rd. on the Detroit River waterfront, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Windsor.
While you’re in the area: Explore the waterfronts of downtown
Windsor and Detroit on a sightseeing river cruise departing from Festival Plaza. Offered by
Windsor River Cruises, you’ll board the 181-passenger Macassa Bay for a 2.5-hour tour that includes audio commentary on the significance of the Detroit River and surrounding area.
MyNewWaterfrontHome.com — Updated May 2012