Put away phones, laptops and iPads – explore nature; Challenge yourself and appreciate your full potential, end boredom or surrender to your wild side. Your experience is just a click away … Here are 10 weekend secrets to having a completely amazing fall season in Southern Ontario.
1. Experience a new altitude on an underwater tour – HMCS Ojibwa. Mounted on a specially designed floating dry dock in Port Burwell, this showcase is hard to miss; Standing 5 stories high, the tours inside this decommissioned submarine illustrate life beneath the ocean waves. While you’re here, take in all the other shoppers this place has to offer: sandy beaches, a provincial park, a historic lighthouse, and a lakeside wind farm.
2. Treat the family to a fall fair. According to the Ontario Agricultural Society, there are more than 230 agricultural fairs and exhibitions throughout Ontario and one of the oldest is the 171st Norfolk County Horse Fair and Show, October 2-8. Tribune shows and demolition derbies are crowd favorites, but there are plenty of agricultural displays, craft displays, food vendors, art demonstrations, one-of-a-kind attractions, and talent shows. Some advice: bring a sweater or a light jacket as a day at the fair can go until late at night, no dogs or other pets are allowed, bring cash; debits are generally not accepted at the door or in games. Check the websites for advanced tickets at reduced rates.
3. Get off the beaten track. Get in touch with your inner green spirit at one of 38 conservation areas in Southern Ontario, which features 55 historic monuments and heritage sites. One of the stealth sites is in the Charles Sauriol Conservation Area. It is a historic agricultural land adjacent to the Backus Heritage Conservation Area is the site of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Carolinian Forest Regeneration Project started in 1991. Experience an arboretum of tree species including oak red, silver maple, sycamore, white birch and green ash is also a control area for the scientific and educational study of natural regeneration and natural habitat succession as it relates to the Carolinian forest and forest of Backus in particular.
4. Discover Hidden Gems in St. Jacobs Country – One of Southern Ontario’s favorite rural cultural experiences featuring unique crafts, antiques, horse-drawn trolley tours and regional cuisine that brings to light a Mennonite history that is rich and lively, especially at the local farmers market.
5. Get your Wild West spirit kicking – see the spectacular colors of the countryside on horseback. Shine your boots, saddle up a stallion, and head out into the open field. Imagine picturesque landscapes surrounded by hills and forests, or jogging through a stream while on the trail. Experience an adventure overnight or camp snuggled by a cozy campfire. There are many hikes available in length and length, what are you waiting for?
6. Climb to new heights: rock climbing outdoors. Challenge yourself on real 80 foot high cliffs. See soaring vultures and breathtaking views as you ascend and rappel off jagged rocks – equalize anchors, secure, and learn essential climbing knots under the careful guidance of skilled mentors. This vertical getaway is an adrenaline rush; guaranteed.
7. Breathe in joy: fly an airplane. Take control in the pilot’s seat maneuvering a plane high above the ground. Vary your altitude, turn and bank as you soar with exhilarating speed taking stunning photos for your collection. Familiarize yourself with an extensive pre-flight safety check that includes ailerons, flaps and rudders function, suspension, fuselage conditions and fuel level indicators. Once the ground checks have been made, it will drift into position, wait for the tower to clear, and step into the wild blue there.
8. Pedal along the Costa Dorada. The sun peeks over the horizon in divine shades of orange, scarlet, crimson, and ginger yellow. Going down a scenic road lined with tall corn stalks on either side of the Water Front Trail on Ontario’s southern shoreline; the shores of Lake Erie in Norfolk County. Long known as the Costa Dorada, if you look to the right, you can catch a glimpse of the lake from time to time as the sun calmly raises the glittering rays that transcend the surface of the sparkling water. Marvel at the modern and historic architectural delights of the houses and farms along the way.
9. Get carried away with a hot air balloon ride. Slowly drift through the beautiful rural landscapes as you enjoy the peace and quiet while skimming the treetops and cornfields. Let yourself be carried away gently, as there will be plenty of opportunities to take sixteen amazing “bird’s eye” photos and share one of the oldest hot air balloon traditions – a Champagne toast after the tour.
10. Destroy doubts as you go through a Catalina forest. This amazing experience will leave an indelible memory for sure. The splendor dominating a global biosphere will take your breath away, but nothing compares to the glow of moonlight in the forest for an unforgettable adventure. Hear the howl of a coyote or the hoot of an owl as you ride 8 zip lines, cross 2 suspension bridges, 14 platforms, and a 40-foot encore. Let the excitement begin.