THE VANCOUVER SUN, SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006
WITH CHERYL MacKINNON
lifestyles
G12
Share your favourite getaways and best kept travel secrets. We’d love to hear about them! Or send me your questions, I’ll find the answers! Cherylmack@shaw.ca Following my weekly travel feature on Global TV Morning News, Shelley Wintlup and family won a great getaway this past week to the famed Canadian tourism region of Muskoka. Checking into the casually elegant lakeside surroundings of Deerhurst Resort for a two night stay and a choice of outdoor activity, we know they are going to have a fabulous time. Visit www.deerhurstresort.com for reservations and information. Or call them at 1.800.461.4393 to enquire about packages. A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
TRAVEL
&
CANADIAN TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLES
Muskoka
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family travel and Tourism British Columbia media award nominee for outstanding tourism promotion. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:50 a.m. in B.C.
www.kidfriendly.org cherylmack@shaw.ca
Photo Credit - Deerhurst Resort
Fondly Known as Ontario’s Cottage Country
W
hether you’re from Toronto and return each summer to visit the family cottage, or moved there for a great job, love…or both, you’ll know this to be true. The fond memories, then heartfelt yearning which spills forth when you see a couple of Adirondack chairs overlooking a lake in cottage country, are only understood by those who have been fortunate to experience a Muskoka getaway. I recently returned to this famed
Insider’s Angle A Weekly Profile with Tourism Leaders and Innovators Born in England, Mark O’Dell was raised in Whitby, Ontario and now calls Muskoka his home. He’s got an enviable position with Deerhurst Resort, heading up their Sports and Leisure Division where he’s worked for the past ten years. Operating with a year-round staff of 30, his dynamic team swells to 70 plus in the busy summer months. Mark’s enthusiasm and professional drive for all things fun and healthy comes from his personal lifestyle choices, which also steered him to a degree in Health and Fitness. He sums up what he believes is the essence of a visit to Deerhurst Resort with “People come because of the recreation – it’s all here. Even if you’ve only got two days, the diversity is such that each guest will still have a ball. We’re continually creating new product especially with soft adventures gaining such popularity. And with two young children, I really understand the family aspect.”
area, the relaxed and beauteous Muskoka tourism region of Ontario, to discover that what I remembered from twenty years ago is all there, only better. Travelling just north of Toronto, at best an easy two hour plus road trip, puts you in the heart of unspoiled wilderness, more than 1,600 lakes and a laid-back attitude that is captivating. The casual charm that is synonymous to the land long frequented by Hollywood and hockey stars who lounge by their lakefront ‘cottages’, is also the magnet which has drawn vacationers to the area for well over a century. New this summer is the grand opening of the Muskoka Wharf on the historic Gravenhurst Bay waterfront. Re-born as a $170 million, 89-acre celebration of everything unique to Ontario’s premier all-season vacation playground, there’s lots to do for everyone in the family. Nautical buffs will love the beauty of restored, classic wooden launches at the museum docks, then strolling down to the homeport of the Muskoka Steamships. The 119 year old RMS Segwun commemorates the Silver Anniversary of her return to service, joined by the beautifully appointed Wenonah 11 and
the classic steam yacht Wanda 111. Where to stay when you visit? Resorts are plenty – who needs a cottage when you can stay at a full service, Muskoka-themed lakefront property. With amenities that run the range of water sports – power boat rentals to canoes, water skiing and sailing, to golf (there are more than 20 fabulous public and semi-private courses within the area), and of course great restaurants overlooking the water action, you’ll have a tough time deciding which one to choose. I’m partial to two Delta properties – the Delta Grandview and Delta Sherwood Inn as I’ve worked with both when
they were independent properties. Their locations are superb, as is the staff and services, plus Delta’s program for kids is excellent. Check out more at www.deltahotels.com and click on family. It’s a great site, listing great hotels and resorts. As anyone who has spent time in Muskoka will tell you, it’s a pretty special part of Ontario’s tourism product and well worth a visit. Why not bring the family and escape for a side trip if you’re in Toronto on business? Visit www.discovermuskoka.ca or www.muskokakids.com to help plan your trip.
package rates and programs are very affordable. “At Deerhurst we’ve got all those wholesome values that suit today’s modern family. Great service, amazing recreation in a safe environment and, it’s all right here” says Carolyn Glen,
National Director of Marketing for Atlific Hotels & Resorts. And indeed it is, so have a peak at the web site, www.deerhurstresort.com, click on leisure then family – there’s a side bar that lists all the fun that awaits you and your family.
kid friendly? ... and How! Deerhurst Resort is absolutely ideal for families. From the moment you step into your Sports Villa or condominium unit, you’ve got a great place to unwind at the end of a fun-filled day. The basics are covered – fridge, stovetop and utensils, comfy beds and a relaxing living area for games and mom and dad’s night cap in front of the fire. With an exceptional health club – there’s two indoor swimming pools and raquet sports, plus three outside pools, and lakefront water sports, ensuring the aqua side is well covered. Young
children, 18 months to 12 years old are entertained daily in the Bambi and Deer Day Care Clubs, and teens will have a blast at the paintball games, sailing on the lake or golfing on either of the two courses located on-site. The entire property is designed to allow families to spend time together, participating in outdoor adventure programs like horseback riding or mountain bike riding through nearby trails. At Deerhurst, the staff will also arrange day trips in Algonquin Park for sightseeing as well as guided hiking and canoe trips in this wilderness preserve. General Manager Joseph Klein comments that “Deerhurst is the best place to experience everything Muskoka has to offer. Year-round, our all-season resort is a welcome haven for busy families seeking an escape from their day-to-day, packed schedules.” The public areas are classically decorated relaxing and reminiscent of an exclusive vacation lifestyle from long ago, and yet
NEXT WEEK : Planning Family Vacations and Mini Getaways In Beautiful British Columbia book online at or call
www.exitnow.ca
1-877-672-3948 open 7 days/week 9 am to 9 pm EST
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Departures are from Vancouver unless otherwise stated. All prices are per person. Packages based on double occupancy in the lowest room category unless otherwise stated. Transportation taxes, related transportation fees, surcharges and any GST are not included. Local airport taxes or tourist cards when applicable are payable at destination. All prices are valid at press-time, for new bookings only, subject to change without notice and non-refundable. More restrictions may apply. Products are with Transat Holidays (th), Nolitours (nol). Air Transportation is with Air Transat (ts), WestJet (ws), Skyservice (5g) or scheduled service. For more information and full Terms & Conditions, visit www.exitnow.ca. Ont. Reg. #50011377.TM This log is a trademark of Consultour Inc. ® TM Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada inc. and exitnow.ca.
THE PROVINCE
WITH CHERYL MacKINNON
SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2006
lifestyles
D16 ❘
CANADIAN TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLES Share your favourite getaways and best kept travel secrets. We’d love to hear about them Or send me your questions, I’ll find the answers Cherylmack@shaw.ca Following my weekly travel feature on Global TV Morning News, Shelley Wintlup and family won a great getaway this past week to the famed Canadian tourism region of Muskoka. Checking into the casually elegant lakeside surroundings of Deerhurst Resort for a two night stay and a choice of outdoor activity, we know they are going to have a fabulous time. Visit www.deerhurstresort.com for reservations and information. Or call them at 1.800.461.4393 to enquire about packages.
&
A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
TRAVEL
Muskoka...
Fondly Known as Ontario’s Cottage Country
W
hether you’re from Toronto and return each summer to visit the family cottage, or moved there for a great job, love…or both, you’ll know this to be true. The fond memories, then heartfelt yearning which spills forth when you see a couple of Adirondack chairs overlooking a lake in cottage country, are only understood by those who have been fortunate to experience a Muskoka getaway. I recently returned to this famed area, the relaxed and beauteous Muskoka tourism region of Ontario, to discover that what I remembered from twenty years ago is all there, only better. Travelling just north of Toronto, at best an easy two hour plus road trip, puts you in the heart of unspoiled wilderness, more than 1,600 lakes and a laid-back attitude that is captivating. The casual charm that is synonymous to the land long frequented by
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family travel and Tourism British Columbia media award nominee for outstanding tourism promotion. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:50 a.m. in B.C.
www.kidfriendly.org cherylmack@shaw.ca
kid friendly? ... YOU BET! Deerhurst Resort is absolutely ideal for families. From the moment you step into your Sports Villa or condominium unit, you’ve got a great place to unwind at the end of a fun-filled day. The basics are covered – fridge, stove top and utensils, comfy beds and a relaxing living area for games and mom and dad’s night cap in front of the fire. “At Deerhurst we’ve got all those wholesome values that suit today’s modern family. Great service, amazing recreation in a safe environment and, it’s all right here” shares Carolyn Glen, National Director of Marketing for Atlific Hotels & Resorts. And indeed it is, so have a peak at the web site, www.deerhurstresort.com, click on lei-sure then family – there’s a side bar that lists all the fun that awaits you and your family.
Hollywood and hockey stars who lounge by their lakefront ‘cottages’, is also the magnet which has drawn vacationers to the area for well over a century. Where to stay when you visit? Resorts are plenty – who needs a cottage when you can stay at a full service, Muskoka-themed lakefront property. With amenities that run the range of water sports – power boat rentals to canoes, water skiing and sailing, to golf (there are more than 20 fabulous public and semi-private courses within the area), and of course great restaurants overlooking the water action, you’ll have a tough time deciding which one to choose. Why not bring the family and escape for a side trip if you’re in Toronto on business? Or escape with friends for a few days. Visit www.discovermuskoka.ca or www.muskokakids.com to help plan your trip.
NEXT WEEK : Planning Family Vacations and Mini Getaways In Beautiful British Columbia book online at or call
www.exitnow.ca
1-877-672-3948 open 7 days/week 9 am to 9 pm EST
vallarta nayarit
making a big deal out of the sun & europe
tons discounted of
vacations for the
bargain hunter in you!
earn your AIR MILES® reward miles with exitnow.ca
varadero
palladium vallarta resort...
947
$
jul 9 • 7 nights all inclusive • superior room garden view
vallarta nayarit
997
$
jul 16, 23, 30 • 7 nights all inclusive • hotel room
varadero jul 8, 15, 22 • 7 nights all inclusive • hotel room
jul 8, 15, 22 • 7 nights all inclusive • hotel room
varadero
1187
$
mayan riviera
occidental allegro nuevo...
hotel palma real
playa varadero 1920 hotel
Gran Bahia Principe Coba jul 2, 9, 16 • 7 nights all inclusive • club golden junior suite
1097
marival club & suites... jul 9 • 7 nights all inclusive • superior room
jul 15, 22 • 7 nights all inclusive • hotel room
$
1347
mayan riviera
1197
$
vallarta nayarit $
barceló solymar beach resort
gran porto real resort... jul 2, 9, 16, 23 • 7 nights 24-hour all inclusive • hotel room
$
1397
mayan riviera
1277
$
barceló maya beach jul 2, 9, 16, 23 • 7 nights all inclusive • hotel room
1497
$
europe air only ONE WAY munich amsterdam glasgow frankfurt manchester london
199 249 $ 299 $ 299 $ 349 $ 399 $
from
$
from from from from from
Departures are from Vancouver unless otherwise stated. All prices are per person. Packages based on double occupancy in the lowest room category unless otherwise stated. Transportation taxes, related transportation fees, surcharges and any GST are not included. Local airport taxes or tourist cards when applicable are payable at destination. All prices are valid at press-time, for new bookings only, subject to change without notice and non-refundable. More restrictions may apply. Products are with Transat Holidays (th), Nolitours (nol). Air Transportation is with Air Transat (ts), WestJet (ws), Skyservice (5g) or scheduled service. For more information and full Terms & Conditions, visit www.exitnow.ca. Ont. Reg. #50011377.TM This log is a trademark of Consultour Inc. ® TM Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada inc. and exitnow.ca.