Posts Tagged ‘ontario cottage rental’

A Packing Checklist For Your Summer Vacation

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

While going on a summer vacation is fun, packing for it is not.

Packing Tips for Summer Vacation

There’s the rushing around, getting things into bags and fitting it all in the car. Then there’s the worry that you’ll forget something important.  It’s no wonder ‘What should we bring?‘ is the biggest question we get asked.

One way to ease the stress of packing is to have a checklist. Then on the actually packing day, all you have to do is check off each item. No need to make any decisions or rely on your memory.

To get you started, we polled our staff & used our decades in the business to provide you with a list of what you might need to bring on your Blue Mountain summer vacation.

Clothing

Clothing can be a challenge when you’re packing for more than one person. Print off a copy of the clothing list for each member of the family and have them gather together their own clothes. If you don’t trust them, you can double check, but it will save you having to hunt for yourself.

  • Underwear, socks and bras – enough for each day unless you plan to do laundry
  • Shoes – sandals, flip flops, running shoes, hiking shoes, dress shoes (for dining out)
  • T-shirts
  • Sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket for cool evenings
  • Shorts
  • Cotton pants & jeans
  • A dressy outfit for dining out (more than one if you’ll be dining out frequently)
  • Hat & Sunglasses
  • Bathrobe or beach cover-up
  • Bathing suit(s)
  • Pajamas & slippers

Toiletries

Don’t forget your essential toiletries. Visit a drug store well in advance and get travel sized versions of everything. Not only will it save space in your packing, you can leave it behind when you leave, giving you more room to pack souvenirs.

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hair brush, mousse, gel or other hair pro (more…)

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The Top 5 Beaches in the Blue Mountain Collingwood Area

Friday, May 28th, 2010

After a long, cold winter, there’s nothing we Canadians love more than getting out of the city and hitting the beach. Sand, sun and swimming make for a perfect summer day. There’s no need to head south. When you’re having your vacation at Blue Mountain, there are tons of great beaches to choose from.

Georgian Bay Family Vacations

Memorial Park Beach

This lovely beach is located on the eastern side of Meaford on Grant Avenue. Offshore are “the Sisters”, large rocks jutting out from the waters of Georgian Bay. Legend has it two sisters swam too far from shore and drowned. Afterward, these rocks mysteriously appeared where the unlucky girls perished.

In spite of the gruesome tale of the Sisters, this park is a lovely place to spend the day. There are 400 metres of shoreline, a picnic area, a children’s playground, miniature golf and clean washrooms. Parking is free.

http://www.meaford.com/town/membeach.htm

Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach (the beach, rather than the town) is the longest freshwater beach in the world, with 14 kilometres of white sandy shoreline and is designated a Blue Flag beach http://www.blueflag.ca . Located on Georgian Bay, east of Collingwood, this is probably the best-known beach in Ontario. Wasaga Beach is actually divided into six beach areas; five are family-friendly (including one that allows dogs) plus the main beach which is part of the entertainment district of the town.

Ontario Summer Family Vacation

In addition to the beach, there are watersports rentals, beach volley ball, washrooms, and shopping. There’s also the Nancy Island Historic site with a War of 1812 museum, a lighthouse and children’s activities in the summer.

http://bit.ly/bxsm89

Little River Beach Park

Little River Beach Park is a pebbled beach surrounded by trees near the Town of the Blue Mountains. This beach is up for a Blue Flag designation and has a lifesaving station, washrooms, a children’s playground and parking.

http://blueflag.ca/drupal/?q=node/133

Collingwood Cottage Vacations

Hibou Conservation Area

Named one of the top 10 beaches in Ontario, Hibou is something of an undiscovered gem. It is located (more…)

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7 Tips for a Cheap Family Vacation

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Anyone with children knows that raising a family is expensive. Food, clothing, school supplies, and extra-curricular activities all add up quickly. And, for many, this recession lingers.  When summer rolls around and you start thinking about your family vacation, budgeting can seem daunting. However, with a little planning, you can still have a great get-away without breaking the bank.

1. Plan your meals

When travelling with a family, food can be the biggest expense. It is also a big headache if traveling with fussy eaters who balk at new and different foods. Finding a place to stay with a kitchen can easily solve these problems. By preparing some of your meals yourself can greatly reduce your costs.

Even if you don’t have access to cooking facilities, you can still save money. Most vacation rental places – even hotels – have at least a fridge for you to use. Bring milk, fruit and cereal to serve fast and easy breakfasts. However, don’t expect a hotel to have dishes. Plan ahead by visiting a dollar store to bring along some basic dishes and cutlery.

Family travel deals can come from avoiding restaurants.

If taking a vacation from cooking is part of the appeal of getting away, you can still save money on food. Most grocery stores have a deli counter where you can buy salads and sandwiches for much less than a restaurant meal. Pick up food and drinks for an inexpensive picnic lunch while you’re out and about.

2. Take a Shorter Trip

There’s no law that says you need to get away for two weeks. Plan a long weekend or a mid-week getaway. You’ll still come home refreshed but won’t need the same budget as a longer vacation. Mini-vacations have the added benefit of being easier to pack for and less stressful on toddlers.

3. Off-season rates

If you’ve got a tight budget, check to see if your vacation rental or hotel has off-season times. Often these will be cheaper than peak season.

4. Bring Toys, Games and Sporting Equipment

Packing balls, bats, kites and water toys allows you to plan a no-cost day at a park or beach near your hotel. Create a (more…)

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A Scrapbooking Retreat: Getting More Done, Having More Fun

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Andrea Stenburg, scrapbooking enthusiast

A guest post by Andrea Stenberg

While I’d love to be an artist, I can’t draw anything more complex than a stick figure. The only painting I’ve done in the past five years is my living room wall. I can’t sing a note in tune, nor can I play an instrument. However, I have found an outlet for my artistic urges: scrapbooking.

As any scrapbooker knows, there’s nothing more pleasurable than taking a stack of family photos and creating a beautiful keepsake you’ll treasure forever. It’s more than slapping photos into an album. It’s choosing the right background paper to go with the photos. It’s adding stickers, mats and commentary. It’s creating a work of art.

And while spending a Saturday afternoon at your dining room table putting together your scrapbook in between fixing snacks for the kids is a lot of fun, it can sometimes be frustrating finding the time. After a while you can become stuck in a rut and lose your creativity. You just can’t find another new idea for your photos.

That’s where a scrapbooking weekend comes in.

Plan a getaway with a couple of girlfriends. Bring (more…)

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The Best Family Vacation For A Teenager

Friday, April 16th, 2010

There’s nothing like a nice family vacation. Get away and spend some quality time together. Because you love your kids – even the teenagers. No really. They may give you attitude and pretend they don’t know you at the mall, but you still want them along on a family get-away.

And summer is the perfect time for a trip. In the city it’s too hot and sticky to stay at home, and the kids are out of school. You need to get out of town. For many families, the summer vacation is an annual ritual. Renting a cottage for a week on a Muskoka lake can be a great choice – when the kids are small. After all, you can sit in a lawn chair and read while they play in the sand, all day long.

But when your kids hit the teen years, all bets are off. When they’re four you might get away with a week without a phone, the internet or the mall. But when they’re 14? No way.

And there is nothing more terrifying than a bored teenager.

Teenager-friendly family vacation

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robhardingii

They can make everyone’s life a misery without breaking a sweat.

Do you really want to waste your vacation butting heads with a teenaged terror? Listen to them complain about lack of cell service? Moaning about nothing to do? Whining about how bored they are? No. I didn’t think so.

A TEENAGE-FRIENDLY VACATION

This is where a Blue Mountain vacation can be the answer to all your problems. It has (more…)

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Why Blue Mountain is the Best Place to Take a Vacation in Ontario

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Visitors to Ontario often don’t realize how big the province really is.  How many times has a relative flown in to visit and said to you, “Let’s go to Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, and the Parliament Buildings. Then tomorrow …”?  Even when they look on the map, the just don’t get how far apart everything is.

But anyone who lives here knows Ontario takes up a lot of space.  You can’t see it all in one day.  And because we’re so big, each region has its own distinct landscape.

A picture of the beauty of the Blue Mountain area

From the top of the Blue Mountains to the shores of Georgian Bay

The Blue Mountain region is different from the rest of the province.  As you drive towards the area, gradually the land becomes more rolling, more hilly.  The hillsides are covered with lush forests or rolling farmland. At the tops of the hills, you catch glimpses of Georgian Bay.  As the landscape changes, you know you’re getting closer to your destination.

In the spring, Blue Mountain has that fresh, young green colour of new shoots and new leaves.  Everything is starting to burst with life.  Summer brings a deeper green, as everything is in full leaf.  Autumn turns into an explosion of colour.  There’s nothing quite as stunning as the Collingwood hillsides covered in oranges, yellows and reds on a sunny October day.  And winter has its own special beauty.  The rolling hills covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow.  The crisp, clean feel that is missing from city snow … assuming the city has any snow.

But Blue Mountain is more than natural beauty.  Yes, there are many outdoors activities; snowmobiling and skiing in the winter, hiking and boating in the summer.  But once you’ve had enough of the outdoors, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy. You can spend an afternoon wandering through an art gallery or a museum.  You can go shopping at the many local boutiques and shops.  When you’ve enough, get dressed up and enjoy a quiet dinner at a luxury restaurant. Or be casual and have a great meal at lively pub.  Or just stay in and enjoy the beautiful homes & cottages we rent.  The choice is yours.

And perhaps the best part of a Blue Mountain vacation is how easy it is to get here.  From Toronto, you can hop in your car straight from work and be sitting down for a late dinner in less time than it would take you to get through airport security.  No long line-ups, no baggage search, no uncomfortable plane trip.  Just a pleasant drive through lovely countryside, then before you know it, you’re already starting your vacation.  What could be better?

Feel free to add why you love living or vacationing in the area.

Photo credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyberrie05/ / CC BY 2.0

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10 Great Things To Do On Your Blue Mountain Vacation

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Blue Mountain is one of the most beautiful areas in Ontario and is well known as a skiing and golfing destination. However there’s a lot more to Blue Mountain, Collingwood and the surrounding areas. Whether you are an active out-doors type or prefer a more sedate vacation, this checklist of activities will keep you and your family entertained during your Blue Mountain vacation, even if you never set foot on the golf course or ski slope.

1. Scenic Caves Suspension Bridge

Picture of Suspension Bridge in Blue Mountain Ontario

This is a fun afternoon trip for the whole family. The Suspension Bridge is at the highest point on the Niagara Escarpment so you’ll have a spectacular view of Blue Mountain, Georgian Bay, and Collingwood. It’s a pleasant hike to the Suspension Bridge or if you don’t want to walk, just hop aboard the country wagon. 260 Scenic Caves Rd, Blue Mountain. 705.446.0256  www.sceniccaves.com

2. Live Jazz & Blues

For more mature tastes, live music is always a great way to spend an evening. The Collingwood Jazz & Blues Society was created to present live blues and jazz concerts to locals and visitors to Collingwood. The 2010 Blues Series includes monthly concerts at the Arts Centre. Visit www.collingwoodjazz.ca for dates and times or call 705-444-4449 for information and tickets.

3. The Candy Factory

This is a fun activity for children of all ages. The Candy Factory uses old fashion candy recipes – you won’t find these treats at the corner store. From lollipops to brittles, fudge to chocolates, there is truly something for everyone. 645 Hurontario Street, Collingwood ON L9Y 2N6  705.445.2400 www.candyfactory.ca

4. Snowmobile Adventures  – From Beginner to Advanced

Even if you’ve never been on a snowmobile, Ride On Rentals is something to check out. With tours and lessons designed for all ages and ability levels, this is an activity your whole family can enjoy. www.rideonrentals.com Collingwood Ontario. 705-293-0552

5. The Collingwood Museum

Visit the Collingwood Museum and learn more about the local history. Did you know that Collingwood has 150 years of marine heritage? Learn about it with the museum’s “Ship Sidelaunch” that runs every 15 minutes. 45 St. Paul Street, Collingwood, Ontario,  (705) 445-4811  http://www.collingwood.ca/museum

6. Cardboard Castles Children’s Emporium

This fun-filled toy store in the historic village of Creemore is not run-of-the-mill. With wooden toys, eco-friendly and locally made items, plus clothing from newborn to youth size 16, you’ll find something for the child of any age. 172 Mill Street, Creemore, Ontario 705-466-9998 www.cardboardcastles.ca

7. Historic Sailing Cruise or Family Fishing Charter

Once the warm weather hits, your entire family can enjoy a four-hour cruise aboard the Endurable I, a replica of a sailing vessel built by the Watts brothers in Collingwood 150 years ago. For a more hands-on day, bring the kids salmon fishing on a family fishing charter.

If you’re good, the Captain may even let you try your hand at the wheel. Contact Summer Bound, 1-888-286-4528 or 705-445-5267, or http://www.summerbound.ca/activities/activities.htm

8. The Admiral’s Post Pub

This friendly pub is located in Schoolhouse Lane in downtown Collingwood. The Admiral’s Post offers traditional pub fare plus some interesting alternatives. Weekends see hearty traditional English breakfasts served until 2 p.m.  There’s live music Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.  2 School House Lane, Collingwood, Ontario.  705.445.1833 http://mycollingwood.ca/admiralspostpub.asp

9. Haunted Collingwood Walking Tours

Let the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as your host takes you on this 75 minute tour of historic Collingwood. Tours leave Tuesday evenings from the Beild House Country Inn & Spa, 64 Third Street, one block south-west of Town Hall, across from the Collingwood Baptist Church.  Just show up at the meeting point shortly before 9:00 p.m. and your guide will be waiting. Call the Collingwood Downtown BIA office at 705-445-5595 to learn more, or visit www.myeyeproductions.ca/hauntedwalk.html

10. Plunge! Aquatic Centre

If the kids are getting a little squirrelly or you just want a fun, family-friendly activity, Plunge! Aquatic Centre is open year-round. With indoor-outdoor pools, an indoor water playground, hot tubs, rope swings, docks and slides, plus comfortable deck chairs for those who prefer to stay dry, there is something for everyone, infant to senior. 220 Mountain Drive, Blue Mountains, Ontario, Located in the Village at Blue Mountain, Attached to The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain. 705.444.8705 www.plungebluemountain.ca

Come join us and bring this handy list with you.  You’ll have a good vacation with the whole family.

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