Your free Guide to family fun in Ontario
fall/winter 2013-14
LOVING WINTER $ 500 in cOupOns inside
haunted hOspitalitY inns so special some guests never leave
On the rOcks canadian tradition a
dilleY of a day
tm
roamontario.ca
the Great winter warm-up cOntest. find the clues and win! Details P12
Over the last 10 years, ™ Pioneer has been by supporting kids’ health and wellness programs in communities across Ontario. Together with your help, Pioneer has given over $4.7 million to local charities and youth initiatives across Ontario. Thank you!
™ All of Pioneer’s trademarks are owned by The Pioneer Group Inc.; Pioneer Energy LP is a licensed user of those trademarks.
rOam fall/winter features 2013-14
5
follow us for timely updates:
haunted hOspitalitY Inns so special some of the guest never leave.
facebook.com/roamontario
dilleY Of a thrill
10
Photo contest winners experience NASCAR ride of a lifetime.
@roamontario
the Great winter warm-up cOntest
12
Enter to win great weekly prizes from our Attractions Ontario partners.
frOstY receptiOn
14 23
25
It’s easy to love winter with so much to do in Bruce County and North Bay.
Brrrr! preparinG YOur car fOr winter
attractiOns OntariO cOupOns Grab up to $500 savings!
On the rOcks
31 34
2 EXHIBITS IN 1 JANUARY 18 to APRIL 13, 2014
tradition - tips from our expert Italo Labignan.
fall/winter events listinG
fall/winter 2013-14
|1
JOIN THE FUN! We’ve got an actionpacked edition for changing of the seasons EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Geoff Hogarth EDITOR: Cheryl Stubbs PIONEER ENERGY 1122 International Blvd, Ste 700 Burlington, Ontario L7L 6Z8 pioneer.ca PUBLISHER:
Gordon Green JAG Communications Inc. publisher@roamontario.ca 905.745.1385 ART DIRECTOR: Corinne Nyffenegger ADVERTISING SALES: John Pase Business Development Sales Manager, ROAM Magazine jagcomm-sales@outlook.com 289.778.1565
There are so many exciting places to ROAM in Ontario it’s difficult for us to decide what to feature as we prepare Tim Hogarth President and CEO each edition of our magazine. Pioneer Energy The Fall and Winter seasons offer up a whole array of options, with activities like cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing ... well the list just goes on and on. In this edition, be sure to check out our spotlight on Bruce County and North Bay. Many of us are familiar with summer activities in these areas, but they also offer up great opportunities for winter enjoyment including winter camping in heated yurts! Check it out on p14. Looking back, our Summer photo contest turned up a bumper crop of great images from all across the province. The rewards in our contest were as amazing as the pictures we received from readers thanks to very generous partners, including Crown Verity which donated a 30” stainless steel BBQ grill as our Grand Prize - see opposite page. Other partners include Sunset Speedway’s Mark Dilley Driving Experience (read all about that on p10), as well as Niagara Helicopter Tours. Another key ROAM partner is Attractions Ontario, which is sponsoring our Great Winter Warm-up Contest in this issue. Check out the details on p12, and then play weekly for fabulous prize packages. You’ll also want to take advantage of more than $500 in savings from Attractions Ontario member coupons starting on p25. Enjoy the contests, the savings and of course the changing of the seasons. Best wishes for safe and happy ROAMing, wherever your travels take you.
Cert no. SW-COC-002478
pioneer.ca
Roam Magazine™ is published by JAG Communications Inc, for and on behalf of Pioneer Energy LP (“Pioneer”). Opinions expressed in the articles appearing in this magazine are those of the authors and Pioneer does not necessarily share those opinions. Pioneer does not endorse third parties who advertise in this magazine or their products and services. Pioneer has not undertaken any independent confirmation that data and facts appearing in the magazine (including, for example, dates and places for any events) are accurate and the reader should independently confirm all such information. The publisher and/or Pioneer Energy and their respective affiliates shall not be liable for any damages or losses, however sustained, as a result of the reliance on or use by a reader or any other person of any information, opinions or products expressed, advertised or otherwise contained in this magazine. All of the information contained in this magazine is subject to change without notice, including, for example, product specifications and prices, and event dates and locations. All Pioneer trademarks appearing in this magazine (including the trademarks “Roam Magazine”, the word “Pioneer” and “Pioneer Bonus Bucks”) are owned by Pioneer Energy LP and when used by a third party are used under license from Pioneer Energy LP. © 2013 No part of Roam Magazine may be reproduced in any format, for whatever use, without the express written approval of Pioneer Energy LP.
SE PTE M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 3 : TH E 12T H A N N U A L
This year, we raised
$147,000 for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign! YMCA Strong Kids gives children living in difficult financial circumstances an opportunity to attend a YMCA program where they can build the character and skills they need to succeed in life.
Since 2001, $740,000 has been raised to help 4,000 children in our communities.
Thank you to everyone who participated for your support!
™ All of Pioneer’s trademarks are owned by The Pioneer Group Inc.; Pioneer Energy LP is a licensed user of those trademarks.
A poignant moment captures Grand Prize We applaud everyone who participated in our Summer’s Sizzling Photo Contest. The range and quality of images made it extremely Prize winner. Our judging that the image of a baby loon nestled on its mother’s
“It was a wonderful “There was a single egg on the nest, and one day late in June when both parents were minnows from its parent’s
summers are all about in a Congratulations to Justin Hoffman of Ottawa, who
is built to last a lifetime. Here’s the story of how truly stunning photo: “It was purely by I stumbled upon a
or six days old.
time with them, and out of the hundreds of images showing the small
Congratulations
is to ROAM Ontario.
hidden amongst the
photographer, I was
at Sunset Speedway
the nesting
Ontario.
4 | fall/winter 2013-14
Strange mists are sometimes seen transforming into humanoid shapes at the Millcroft Inn and Spa in Alton.
By Andrew Hind and Maria Da Silva
hospitality
A selection of inns that are so special, some guests never check out.
Many of Ontario’s hotels, inns and resorts have rich histories, full of interesting characters and fascinating stories. The best blend heritage, charm and timeless hospitality to create a place so warm and welcoming that one finds it difficult to leave . . . even after death! We’ve travelled all over the province in pursuit of ghost stories, and during our travels have stayed at a number of properties where one might share a room with a lost soul. While ghostly
experiences are hardly common occurrences, the mere possibility that a guest might have a paranormal encounter only adds to their already considerable charm.
fall/winter 2013-14
|5
Inn at the Falls, Bracebridge
Hidden beneath the Victorian charm and warm hospitality of Bracebridge’s Inn at the Falls (innatthefalls.ca) lies gray pinstriped pants and a mysterious otherworld black shoes. He has even inhabited by restless spirits. been caught on camera; ask Inn at the Falls was built in the front desk for a peek at 1876 when Bracebridge was the photo. still a frontier town, growing The Inn’s Fox and Hounds rapidly but still rough pub, located in the building’s around the edges. It was the basement in what once home of William C. Mahaffy, was a stable, is warm and Muskoka’s first District Judge. inviting. It’s also a hotspot for Shortly after Judge Mahaffy’s paranormal activity. Glasses untimely death in 1912, his rattle without explanation, family sold the luxurious a waitress was left quivering manor and it began to when ice flew out from deteriorate. During the 1940s behind the bar and across it was transformed into a the room. quaint country inn. Then there was the time Inn at the Falls exudes a when a staff member about timeless serenity, so it’s easy to see why ghosts might find it hard to check out. Inn at the Falls is so wrapped in ghostly myths that it’s said to be the most haunted building in all of Muskoka. The most notable spirit is said to be none other than the Judge himself. Guests and staff have reported seeing a tall older man walking imperiously around the Inn, well-dressed in a long black-tailed jacket, with 6 | fall/winter 2013-14
to flick the light switch froze when she heard a male voice say, “Don’t turn off the lights.” Inn at the Falls hosts its popular Spirits Come Alive evening on Nov. 2, featuring ghost tours, dinner and overnight accommodations..
Pillar and Post
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Pillar and Post Inn (vintage-hotels. com/Niagara-on-the-lake/ hotels/pillar-and-post. php) incorporates a historic structure that was originally built as a fruit-canning factory in the late 19th
century. Despite its humble beginnings, the Pillar and Post has been voted the best hotel in Canada and happens to be Ontario’s only five-star country inn. It’s so hospitable and comfortable that some guests simply don’t want to check out. The Carriages and Cannery restaurant is definitely the spectral hotspot. One can imagine how staff and diners would be taken aback by the sudden materialization of a young girl among the tables, her simple outdated dress at odds with the refined setting. They’re even more startled when she fades from sight a few seconds later. One of the hallmarks of the restaurant are the large pillars throughout its
dining area, and it’s not at all uncommon for staff to walk around one of these pillars and pass through an ethereal girl standing behind it. “It was late at night, approaching midnight on Halloween, when I saw a little girl standing beside the pillar right in front of the fireplace,” remembers Dining Room Supervisor Bill Putman. “She was four feet tall and surrounded by a gold silhouette – the same colour as the flames in the fireplace. She was perfectly clear to me and remained 10 to 15 seconds, growing brighter with each passing second, before fading off into the wood of the pillar. “I saw her four times since,
“It was late at night, approaching midnight on Halloween, when I saw a little girl standing beside the pillar right in front of the fireplace” always between 11:45 and midnight on Halloween. She is also seen on the stairs just outside the restaurant. People say she sits on the landing half-way, but won’t come all the way down.” No one knows who this little girl might be, but she’s as much a part of the Pillar and Post experience as the trademark 100 Fountain Spa, the luxurious guestrooms, or the fine-dining Carriages and Cannery restaurant. After dinner, step out of the inn’s comfortable confines for a guided ghost walk. You may opt for a walk through hushed streets (ghostwalks.com), or perhaps you’d rather step
fall/winter 2013-14
|7
through the ominous walls of Fort George (niagaraghosts. com) for a lantern-lit journey through the shadowy history of this venerable structure.
Millcroft Inn and Spa, Alton
Located in the folds of the scenic Caledon Hills, the Millcroft Inn and Spa (vintage-hotels.com/ millcroft.php) is a fourdiamond resort that brilliantly blends the rustic charm of a former woolen mill with the dramatic opulence of a world-class resort. With comfortable rooms, fine-dining restaurant and spa facilities that redefine the term relaxation, the Millcroft Inn is not the sort of place you would associate with ghosts. And yet, staff members and guests alike have experienced odd occurrences that defy explanation. “The Millcroft is so old and has so much history that there’s bound to be
ghosts here,” says Deborah McPherson, the Inn’s property manager. “You can feel the energy in the buildings, as if the past continues to play out here. At night it’s even more apparent, especially in the mill.” The building dates back to 1875 when Benjamin Ward moved to Alton, and built a four-storey woolen mill. Ward’s son-in-law, John M. Dods, purchased the mill in 1892 and grew the newly-named Dods Knitting Mill into one of the largest producers of wool garments in Canada. The mill remained in operation until 1965. Shortly after, it was transformed into a charming country inn. At the heart of the Inn stands the former mill, an imposing structure home to the reception area, restaurant, a lounge built around a stone-hearth fireplace, and a number of guest rooms. It’s also home to some of the most spine-tingling
supernatural phenomena. People have been startled to see the wispy apparition of a beautiful woman, with high-laced boots, wandering through the building. Others have heard the spectral churning of a waterwheel and rattle of machinery even though both are long gone. At night, strange lights flicker and haunting mists gather into humanoid shapes on the grounds. The Manor House, formerly the private residence of the Dods family, is now home to a number of luxurious guest rooms. Here, strange and inexplicable sounds are heard, playful poltergeist activity befuddles guests, and items move as if by invisible hands. Most people attribute the paranormal activity to a cute-as-a-button young girl who haunts the building, running down the halls at all hours, playing peek-a-boo from around corners, and whispering hello in one’s ear.
“You can feel the energy in the buildings, as if the past continues to play out here. At night it’s even more apparent, especially in the mill.” 8 | fall/winter 2013-14
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
Built in 1929 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the 28-floor, chateau-style downtown Toronto landmark has hosted celebrities and members of the Royal Family. Newly renovated, this historic hotel once again reflects the grandeur and opulence of its early days. Beyond being one of the premier places to stay when in Toronto, this grand old hotel is also famed for something else: its haunted heritage, a tradition that dates back decades. Guests who have stayed here have, on occasion, noticed that the lights in their rooms mysteriously flicker off and on for no apparent reason. Some have reported that their blissful sleep was interrupted by the sounds of laughing children running up and down the hallways. Of course, when the guests peer out into the hallway there are no children in sight. Popular tradition says an ethereal man with grey hair, burgundy jacket and dark pants haunts the eighth
floor. This kindly gentleman, always quick with a smile before fading away into nothingness before startled witnesses, is believed to be the spirit of a former bellman who has taken dedication to his job to a whole new level. Cold spots and gusts of air where they shouldn’t occur have also been reported, often times in the grand lobby, a majestic and completely inspiring location. One guest reported a shadow sliding along the wall, shifting and flitting as if cast by a flickering candle.
A possible explanation for this unearthly phenomenon has been put forth: when the cruise ship Noronic caught fire in Toronto harbour on September 7, 1949, survivors were brought to the Royal York where the lobby was turned into a field hospital. Rather than being macabre, this moment of altruism makes the hotel seem heroic somehow. Perhaps the spirits agree? Check in to check them out. Sweet dreams. •
fall/winter 2013-14
|9
scan fOr driver’s-eYe view Of sunset speedwaY race
These cars aren’t built for comfort. They’re built for thrills - just ask any of the eight Summer’s Sizzling Photo Contest winners who joined me for a Mark Dilley Driving Experience this August.
10 | fall/winter 2013-14
Veteran NASCAR racer Mark Dilley has put some 5,000 people through this heartpumping experience in recent years, allowing regular folks to experience what it’s like to get behind the wheel of a race car. “It’s a different world you’re getting into out there,” he tells us during a morning briefing, as the throaty roar of cars moving out toward the track fill the air with anticipation. Different indeed - forget padded leather seats, air conditioning and music systems. Out on the track we’ll be shoehorned into a hard metal seat, strapped in tight and fitted with a ‘Hans’ device that fits around your neck to
prevent serious injury. But no need to worry, Mark assures. He hit the concrete wall head-on once – the car was demolished but Mark walked away unscathed. Looking around the room, I see nervous smiles as our group of would-be race car drivers listen intently to his instructions on how to get the most out of the experience. The briefing complete, Mark leads us around the one-third mile paved oval track at Sunset Speedway, one of Ontario’s top stock-car tracks. The track itself has undergone major improvements since new owners took over in 2009.
Before long we each get turns behind the wheel in warm-up laps, running our cars behind Mark in a pace car. Then over lunch there’s excited chatter about our first taste of driving these 600-horsepower stallions.
And then it’s show time. “You’re on your own now to experience this however you choose,” Marks tell us, pointing out the placement of orange cones on the track, visual cues on when to brake and when to accelerate. The The first banked curve looms cars are designed for left ahead as Mark walks us along turns, and require application the track’s straightaway of brakes to set up the closest to the spectator springs on each side of the stands. “This is where you vehicle for proper handling want to be heading into the of the curves. curve,” he says, our group This means driving with looking into the throat of both feet. Once the car is up curving pavement climbing to speed, forget about gear upwards toward the wall shifting, Mark says. Just hit far above. the gas with your right foot “You have to turn twice,” to unleash the horsepower, he says, “once to get into then the brake with your left the curve and again when to enter the curve. Be aware you hit the middle of the that your natural driving curve. The car wants to go instinct will tell you to slam straight up to the wall as your right foot to the floor you accelerate, so you’ve when you sense the need to got to get it pointing in the slowdown, Mark warns. “Do direction of the straightaway.” that and you’ll find the wall
coming up on you real quick.” For the next two hours, each of us has the opportunity to run 20 laps at any speed we like. After a few laps I find the rhythm, letting the car’s engine roar to life on the straightaways, then purr as my brake foot eases it into the corner. I try to imagine doing it with 29 other cars around me, and I gain a whole new appreciation of the talent and skill required to simply finish a race, never mind win it. Each participant in our group has their own experience, but none can wipe the smile off their face as they climb from their vehicle. “Awesome!” “Breathtaking!”“Man, that was amazing!”“I can’t wait to come back and watch a race now!” The adjectives are flying faster than the cars themselves as we all say farewell to an experience none of us will forget. • sunsetspeedway.ca
Enter weekly to win great prize packages, sponsored by Attractions Ontario. Find hidden clues that unlock the answers to our Great Winter Warm-up Contest questions, and you are entered to win!
Contest begins Monday,
12 | fall/winter 2013-14
Prizes include: • Two-night getaway in Ottawa four museums.
and passes to top CN Tower, the Ontario
Follow the blog. Find the clues. Unlock the answers. Enter to Win! Good luck!
fall/winter 2013-14
| 13
Experience the pristine quiet of skating through the woods at MacGregor Point Provincial Park.
14 | fall/winter 2013-14
FROSTY
RECEPTION Want to Love Winter? It’s Easy Here
fall/winter 2013-14
| 15
Heated yurts
Photos courtesy of Peter and Judy Weber
Whether you’re gliding along picturesque trails on skis, trekking through fresh powder in snowshoes or sharpening your skills in a game of shinny hockey, there is an outdoor adventure waiting for everyone in the family. Try something new or stick to an old favourite – just remember to put your feet up at the end of the day and savour the moment. BrUCE COUnty MACGREGOR POINT PROVINCIAL PARK Ever slept outside in the middle of winter?! In a yurt, it’s easy to try winter camping at MacGregor Point Provincial Park just outside of Port Elgin (ontarioparks.com/park/ macgregorpoint). A yurt is an eight-sided, 16-foot wide, tent-like structure installed on a wooden deck floor. Yurts accommodate up to six people , and feel just like home with electric heating, outlets and lighting. Peter and Judy Weber of Waterloo have camped at MacGregor for four years. “We participate in the winter on-site camping program because we love nature and enjoy seeing and photographing wildlife that visit our site, not to mention the beauty of fresh snow on the trees.” Watch the snow fly from vinyl windows while you stay warm and toasty inside with a hot chocolate! Yurts come equipped with a fire pit, kitchen shelter, picnic tables and a propane barbecue. Or, if you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else after a long day on the trails, head to one of the area’s popular local restaurants: Aunt Mabel’s Country Kitchen, Allan’s Fireside Grill, Saffron, A Taste of the Exotic, Ristorante Rosina, Queen’s Bar & Grill or the Wismer House. MacGregor Park offers up myriad ways to have fun outside of your cozy yurt! Take a spin on the 400-metre outdoor ice 16 | fall/winter 2013-14
and snowshoe paths
Photos courtesy Bruce County Tourism
skating trail that winds through the woods. If shinny is more your game, there is also a hockey pad on site. Or go for a cross-country ski or snowshoe through pristine trails – there are seven kilometres of set track cross-country ski trails and 20 kilometres of unplowed trails, road and shoreline for snowshoeing. No need to pack your own – rentals are available at Thorncrest Outfitters (thorncrestoutfitters.com). If you’re ready for a break after all that action, the park has great birding. “Many of the migratory birds that call Bruce County home in the summer do head south for the winter, but there are a number of species that stick around,” says Lisa Greig, Tourism Information Officer with Bruce County Tourism. “Bring some bird seed and patience and you may be able to get them to feed out of your hand.” ATELIER ARBOREAL Take winter camping even further at Atelier Arboreal, a 100acre farm at the base of the Bruce Peninsula. Stay in woodheated tipis, yurts and log cabins – and enjoy a spa and sauna on-site! Sleep on a futon on top of a deep bed of evergreen boughs and fall asleep to the snow falling and wildlife calling. fall/winter 2013-14
| 17
You definitely won’t be roughing it – local farms provide Atelier with bison, pork, beef, winter vegetables, fresh baked goods, honey, eggs and maple syrup for rustic-gourmet meals paired with Ontario wines (ontariowintercamping.com). For the arts and culture lover: With its scenic vistas, pristine shorelines and quiet lifestyle, it’s no wonder so many artists flock to Bruce County. Arts and culture are brimming in this region, and winter is the perfect time to go exploring.
history of thousands of years in Bruce County and houses an amazing collection of artifacts. Permanent exhibits include Geology & The Ice Ages, the First People’s Gallery, Military exhibit and Marine Heritage (brucemuseum.ca).
The Southampton Art Gallery features unique art from over 40 local and regional artists. Painters in all kinds of mediums, The Bruce County Museum potters, jewellers, weavers and more display their art here and Cultural Centre features (southamptonart.com). the natural and human Get inspired, then create your own art in a workshop with a local artisan: Farmhouse Art School, Wiarton – Drawing and Painting (farmhouseartschool.com) Dragonfly Ridge Studio, Lion’s Head – Watercolours, oils, photography and clay (dragonflyridge.ca) Mann Made Studios, Paisley – Rug hooking (mannmadestudios.com) Jenn O’Reiley, Saugeen Shores – Photography (artswarehouse.com) Susan Nichol Pottery Studio, Ripley – Pottery, sculpture and fused glass. 519-395-5119 Find Susan Nichol Clay and Glass on Facebook. (www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Nichol-Clay-andGlass/162414823919309) After soaking in the culture, treat yourself with some shopping in downtown Southampton and Port Elgin. Find everything from high-end fashions at Mensch and Sisters on Huron to anything you can dream of at the Southampton Market. Tuck in to great local dishes at Roberto’s Pizza, the Lord Elgin or the Elk & Finch.
18 | fall/winter 2013-14
Southampton was one of the oldest ports in Bruce County. Stay in the historic Chantry Breezes Bed & Breakfast
North Bay boasts a contagious thirst for sports, outdoor activities and adventure.
(chantrybreezes.on.ca). This grand turn-of-the-century Queen Anne home was originally built by Captain George E. Smith, one of Bruce County’s foremost pioneer mariners, ship builders and businessmen. Or try the Silken Retreat B&B (silkenretreat.com) in Port Elgin, located in a beautiful Victorian home. (Explorethebruce.com Brucecounty.on.ca)
Hitting the slopes is easy in North Bay with
nOrth BAy North Bay boasts a contagious thirst for sports, outdoor activities and adventure. Hit the trails on a snowmobile (nnta.ca) or ski the slopes at the Laurentian Ski Hill (laurentianskihill.com), right in the city! The city’s Nordic ski club (northbaynordic.ca) also offers different trails for both beginner and pro cross-country skiers.
Photos courtesy City of North Bay
The North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority (nbmca.on.ca) offers special evenings for snowshoeing the trails. While it’s an incredible physical workout, the rewards of snowshoeing reach far beyond simply getting your cardio in. Take in pristine, quiet winter scenery and explore at your fall/winter 2013-14
| 19
own pace either on your own or with your family. North Bay is a great destination for ice fishing – numerous operators will get you set up and ready to go, whether it’s your first time or you’re an old pro. Bungalows allow families to stay in the ice huts overnight with all the amenities of home. Outdoor adventure enthusiast Andy Brooks says ice fishing provides connection with nature – and friends and family. “The hut was actually very comfortable and amenable to some good guy time – we had nothing to do but chat,” he says. Brooks says that spending the night on the ice was incredible. “It’s absolutely quiet and if you listen closely, you can hear the ice cracking and moving underneath you,” he says. “Although you couldn’t last long outside, the hut was warm and welcoming.” >continued on page 22
With the natural beauty surrounding North Bay, it’s no surprise that arts and culture flourish in this vibrant community.
20 | fall/winter 2013-14
December 12, 2013 Lunch At Allen’s December 20, 2013 Leahy Family Christmas January 27, 2014 Hair - Broadway Musical January 28, 2014 Jim Belushi & Chicago Board of Comedy March 5, 2014 Jesse Peters - Jazz Pianst March 19, 2014 Brass Transit - Chicago Tribute
April 16, 2014 7 Fingers - Acrobatics www.capitolcentre.org 150 Main St. E. Nor th Bay, ON (705) 474-4747
To l l Fr e e : 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 3 4 - 4 7 4 7
fall/winter 2013-14
| 21
Hurry hard at the North Bay Granite Club (nbgcc.ca), which offers lessons for beginners. Or catch the local OHL team, the North Bay Battalion (battalionhockey. com). “North Bay is the home of ringette,” says Patti Carr, Executive Director of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce. It was created here, after all – so take in the World Ringette Championships December 29 - January 4 (worldringettechampionship2013. com). “In celebration to the 50th Anniversary of Ringette, teams from Canada, Sweden, Finland and USA are booked to attend,” says Carr. For the arts and culture lover: With the natural beauty surrounding North Bay, it’s no surprise that arts and culture flourish in this vibrant community.
North Bay’s Capitol Centre (capitolcentre.org) offers music and theatre productions throughout the winter (Leahy performs December 20) and North Bay’s downtown offers a multitude of art galleries worth exploring. The Military Museum at CFB North Bay (aerospacedefence.ca) and Discovery North Bay (discoverynorthbay.com) are definitely worth a stop. Learn all about the region’s NORAD base history and the history of the City. Visit the Dionne Quints Museum and the Regional Tourist Information Centre; although the Quints Museum is only open May to October, there is a great display in the information centre year-round. Schedule
your trip around the Annual Christmas Walk (downtownnorthbay.ca) in North Bay’s downtown and make sure to leave time for shopping! After your day of exploring, rest your head at Clarion Resort Pinewood Park (clarionresortpinewoodpark.com) and enjoy its heated outdoor pool or take in one of the region’s charming bed and breakfasts. Check out northbaysportsandmeetings.ca for a comprehensive listing. cityofnorthbay.ca/visiting northbaychamber.com •
lakenipissingicefishingcharters.net bigmoosecamp.com icebungalows.com snowfariadventures.com sandybaycottages.ca sunbeambungalows.com/winter.php lake-nipissing-fishing.com facebook.com/pages/The-Waltonian-Inn-Resort-And-Cottages/405168166169275 22 | fall/winter 2013-14
BRRR! Preparing you and your car for winter.
You never want to get left out in the cold, but during an Ontario winter you don’t always have a choice. Cars break down and storms roll in. The only thing you can do is drive safely and be prepared. Here’s our top 10 ways to be sure you’re prepared. EnGinE Oil
tOW rOPE You’ll need a partner to assist with this, but tow ropes and more. COOlAnt
to store solution for use during car breakdowns. A wide variety are available for order online.
By Amy Kelly fall/winter 2013-14
| 23
rOAdsidE EMErGEnCy kit
shOvEl, sAlt Or sAnd
in the road, or helping a stranded
outdoors.
small bottles of water.
sPArE tirE It goes without saying that you should
A sPArE CEll PhOnE Or ChArGEr
you’re all right. A Wind-UP rAdiO
A battery-powered or wind-up radio lets
Air COMPrEssOr
you to get a little more life out of a slowly
proper repairs. •
rOAd FlArEs An emergency kit is a must during cold winter months.
Presented by:
fall/winter 2013-14
| 25
Presented by:
26 | fall/winter 2013-14
REGULAR ADMISSION
15
% OFF
Presented by:
fall/winter 2013-14
| 27
Presented by:
28 | fall/winter 2013-14
Presented by:
fall/winter 2013-14
| 29
Presented by:
30 | fall/winter 2013-14
ROCkS
a Canadian tradition worth exploring
Italo Labignan with a walleye caught while
On the
If you live in Canada, and you love to fish during the winter, one of your best options is to head out on safe ‘hard water’.
By Italo Labignan Canadian Sportfishing TV Host
Ice fishing is truly a Canadiantradition. When travelling in northern Ontario, it’s common to see communities of ice-fishing huts on many lakes that offer a variety of Other anglers like the fish species. adventure of using snowmobiles and ATVs to For some anglers ice fishing motor into isolated trout means walking out on the lakes, or explore some of the ice to their favorite fishing spot, or renting an ice fishing larger lakes for a variety of fish species. hut from an operator where they are taxied out to a warm, In northern Ontario the main comfortable hut equipped fish species sought through with tip-ups and bait. the ice is likely to be lake trout or whitefish. Both species are deep-water fish, and it’s common to fish for them in water ranging from 40 to 200+ feet. Most anglers use tip-ups or tip-downs with live minnows, but many also use flashy spoons to jig for them.
fall/winter 2013-14
| 31
Whitefish are normally fished for right on the bottom, while lake trout can suspend at various depths looking for baitfish schools to feed on. Other anglers search for walleye, and use either set lines/live minnows or vertical jigging spoons tipped with a minnow. The key to catching walleye at any time of the year is to fish near the bottom. Still other anglers search for chunky panfish that are fun to catch, providing a very tasty meal for those willing to clean them and prepare them for cooking. In the panfish category perch is #1 in popularity followed by crappie. Both can be caught through the ice in relatively shallow water of less than 20 feet. The key is being able to locate them since they tend
32 | fall/winter 2013-14
to move around frequently looking for food. Using high-resolution sonar specifically designed for ice fishing is a big asset when trying to locate fish through the ice. Humminbird with its Ice Series provides ice anglers an edge when it comes to locating fish! Best outfits to use for trout and whitefish are medium action, 24-27ĂŽ long spinning or baitcasting ice combos. For walleye, a medium heavy action ice-outfit is preferred, while for panfish definitely an ultralight to light-action outfit. Best lines to use for ice fishing are monofilament
...perch is #1 in popularity followed by crappie. Both can be caught through the ice in realtively shallow water of less than 20 feet.
lines since they tend to ice-up full descriptions of where to less in cold weather. fish, when and how. Many of these fishing Hot Spots A word of caution. If you show you exactly where are planning on ice fishing, to ice fish. You can use the always contact a local bait app to record your own shop operator close to your fishing spot to make sure the fishing spots, keep them ice conditions are safe. If you for yourself, or share them plan on using a snowmobile with your friends and other members of the UFINDFISH or ATV to go onto the ice, community. always take special care and
www.ufindfish.com where you can find a YouTube tutorial on how to use the UFINDFISH App. • The Canadian Sportfishing TV series with host Italo Labignan can be caught each week on CHCH-TV, etc. canadian-sportfishing.com
caution. Never take a car or truck onto the ice. Wear appropriate clothing, and have fun!!!
The App also allows you to ask our UFINDFISH Fishing Pros questions, and they will respond back to you within 48 hours. You can also take To help anglers locate and pictures of your catches fish many of the top ice through the App and save fishing areas we came out them on your recorded with a unique Mobile App fishing spot, or share them simply entitled UFINDFISH. through YouTube, Twitter, The UFINDFISH App is available for iPhones, Android, Facebook or through your & Windows7 phones. The app email account. works with real time GPS/ Oh yes, and you can also Google Maps. find the nearest Pioneer gas I have personally placed over stations! To find out more 1,000 of my top fishing spots about this amazing, FREE App, just go to in Ontario on the app with fall/winter 2013-14
| 33
fall/winter events & entertainment By Katrina Zivanovich
OctOBer LONDON October 26 A Haunting We Will Go Celebrate an historic Halloween at Fanshawe Pioneer Village! Trick or treat through the settlement, bob for apples, hear ghost stories and participate in the ghoulish costume parade. fanshawepioneervillage.ca/ events/haunting-we-will-go HAMILTON Oct. 31 - Nov. 3 Fall for Art Join Hamilton’s artist community in welcoming back the 14th installment of the AGH’s biannual Art Sale. Located in the pavilion at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the sale features over 50 emerging and established artists. artgalleryofhamilton.com/ as_shop_art_sale.php THE BLUE MOUNTAINS Until November 1 Apple Pie Trail Bike, hike or paddle down a unique culinary trail from Collingwood to Owen Sound, as you explore acres of apple orchards. Featuring over 30 participating restaurants, local orchards, artisan shops and vineyards, there is no better way to explore this part of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment. applepietrail.ca TORONTO Nov. 1 - 10 The Royal Winter Fair TThe Royal Agricultural Winter is the largest indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition 34 | fall/winter 2013-14
in the world, and features a variety of vendors, livestock exhibits and competitions, a rodeo, family activities, and more. royalfair.org
nOvemBer NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Nov. 1 - 24 Taste the Season With over 25 participating wineries, Taste the Season is Niagara-on-theLake’s must-do event in November! Celebrate the season’s harvest with locally inspired VQA wine and food pairings. Not a drinker? Pick up the Designated Driver Touring Pass for $35 and savour some of the delectable food offerings and non-alcoholic beverages. wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/ taste-the-season NIAGARA FALLS Nov 9 - Jan 31 Festival of Lights In its 31st year, the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights transforms the UNESCO World Heritage site into a winter wonderland, with over three million sparkling lights along a six-kilometre route. Featuring holiday displays throughout the city, the ‘Rink at the Brink’, and the Christmas Concert Series, it’s no wonder the event was named one of Canada’s Top 10 winter festivals. wfol.com/about-the-festival/
TORONTO Nov. 15 - Dec. 15 Kidzfest at Winter Magic The excitement of the big top as top performers from the Wonderful World of Circus showcase their skills. Puss In Boots hosts an interactive dance party and Rick Rossini Magic returns, guaranteeing surprises for every audience member. With all this plus a Birds of Prey show, and free games and activities offstage, Kidzfest offers something to entertain children of any age. wintermagic.ca/events/kidzfest/ OWEN SOUND Nov. 15 - Jan. 4 Festival of Northern Lights A treasured family experience in the tri-county region, the 26th annual Festival of Northern Lights illuminates the Sydenham River from the Sound to the downtown city core. Event features over 25 kilometres of lights, choral concerts, theatre, arts and crafts, community games and more. festivallights.ca ST. CATHARINES Nov. 15 - 16 STRUTT Think you know fashion? Well, fashion’s a stranger at STRUTT. As the largest, and one of the most unique Wearable Art Shows in Canada, STRUTT showcases an evening of fashion that pushes the boundaries like no other. Stay tuned for venue and artist announcements! struttwearableartshow.ca BURLINGTON November 17 – December 23 RBG Celebrates the Season Celebrate winter at RBG with Holiday Traditions, RBG’s annual holiday season event featuring a brand new, extensive botanical model train installation. Cleverly themed, holiday doors adorn, music fills the air and weekends
fall/winter events & entertainment promise seasonal activities, including musical entertainment, additional light and model train displays, and of course, Santa and his reindeer. www.rbg.ca/holidaytraditions WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE Nov. 22 Tea Time Have a taste of Christmas past at the 33rd annual Victorian Tea hosted by Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum staff and the Founding Friends. Located in the historic hamlet of Vandorf the museum includes five historic structures. Please call to reserve your preferred seating time. townofws.com/pdfs/ Museum/2013_Town_Flyer_ Victorian_Tea.pdf
SIMCOE Nov. 30 - Jan. 5 Simcoe Panorama of LIghts Known as the ‘River of Lights’, the Lynn River is illuminated by thousands of lights and holiday displays throughout the winter months, transforming the community’s parks into a wonderland. Stroll the parklands at your leisure or step aboard a horse-drawn trolley each weekend in December. simcoepanorama.ca PROVINCE WIDE November December Here Comes Santa Claus Santa Claus parades are a tradition throughout Ontario, featuring marching bands, float displays and of
course, the man in the suit himself. Here’s a sampling of parades planned throughout the province: in London Nov. 9, in Hamilton, Barrie and Niagara Falls on Nov. 16, in Toronto and Belleville on Nov. 17, Kingston and Welland Nov. 23, St. Catharines Nov. 24, Ottawa Nov. 30t, Burlington Dec. 1, and in Windsor on Dec. 7. MORRISBURG Nov. 30 – Jan. 5 A Light At Night Experience the charm of horse-drawn carriages, holiday music, festive dining, shopping and a life-sized toy train, at Upper Canada Village’s A Light in the Night. Now in its 12th year, this family favourite festival warms the village with a million lights illuminating the historical backdrop. uppercanadavillage.com/index. cfm/en/activities/alight-at-night/
decemBer PORT PERRY Dec. 1 An Old Fashioned Christmas Step back in time and tour through the historic village of Scugog Shores as it’s traditionally decorated for the holidays with evergreen boughs, bright ribbons and berries. Don’t forget to grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and explore the Museum Village on the Holiday Scavenger Hunt. scugogshoresmuseum.com/ events.php
BURLINGTON Dec. 1 Here Come the Santa Clauses Grab your beard, your runners and suit up as Santa this December as you head to the races! Thousands of Santas will take to the streets for a five-kilometre dash that’s heating up even the chilliest afternoons on Burlington’s lakeshore. Santa suit is mandatory and must be worn at all times. www.events.runningroom.com/ site/?raceId=9521 COLLINGWOOD Dec. 1 - 31 A Frost Frenzy The Holiday spirit is alive in the Village at Blue Mountain all month long featuring free family activities including fireworks, carolers, wagon rides, guided snowshoe tours, dining specials and of course, Santa Claus. collingwood.ca/node/5990 OTTAWA – Dec. 5 - Jan. 6 Christmas Lights Across Canada Launched in 1985, the Christmas Lights program unites capital cities throughout the country, with Ottawa and Gatineau at the heart of it all. In Ottawa, the winter landscape glows with hundreds of thousands of multi-coloured lights during the holiday season. The festivities begin with an illumination ceremony in early December and continue until early January. www.pch.gc.ca/ eng/1379447340362 fall/winter 2013-14
| 35
fall/winter events & entertainment OTTAWA Dec. 31 A Times Square Experience! Sparks Street has it all this New Year’s Eve as the details of their largest celebration to date begin to unfold. With free admission, Canadian favourite the Arkells headlining, and an expected attendance of 70,000, this bash is an all ages event not to miss. sparksstreetmall.com/new_years_ eve.html Across Ontario - Dec. 31 Ring in the New Year Communities across the province host a variety of family-oriented celebrations to the ring in the New Year. Here’s a sampling: Niagara Falls New Years Party 40,000 are expected for this televised event that reaches up to 4.8 million viewers. cliftonhill.com/events/ niagara-falls-new-years Toronto Zoo’s 10th Annual Family Countdown - Doors open at 4:45 for this outdoor event featuring family entertainment, food and animals visitors (check out the Pandas!). The evening concludes with a kids’ countdown at 8 p.m. Advance tickets required. Tickets sell out very quickly. torontozoo.com/ Events/?pg=NewYears Burlington - Celebrate with a free skate at Central Arena and an early countdown followed by fireworks at 10 pm. Check your local community for a party close to you... all the best for a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
36 | fall/winter 2013-14
JanuarY NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Jan. 10 - 26 Niagara Icewine Festival Featuring Canadian entertainment, culinary wonders and, of course, delicious Icewines, the Niagara Icewine Festival showcases the region’s winter harvest at its best. See what the celebration has to offer and pick up the Discovery Pass, the perfect way to sample fabulous wines paired with fresh local food. Conclude your tasting trail with a stop by the Ice Queen’s Ball. niagarawinefestival.com/page/ icewine_home BURLINGTON Jan. 26 Lowville Winter Games Burlington’s annual winter carnival is back with outdoor activities spread across various community venues including Lowville Park! The festival features traditional winter fun including skating, tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a birds of prey show and much more. Event will be held snow or shine. cms.burlington.ca/Page6727.aspx WIARTON Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 Watch for Willie Filling the town of South Bruce Peninsula with music, fireworks, dancing and live acts, is the 58th Wiarton Willie Festival! Every year on Feb. 2, the albino groundhog Wiarton Willie emerges to predict whether spring is on the way or we’re stuck with six more weeks of winter.
explorethebruce.com/events-inbruce-county/Wiarton-WillieFestival-13977.php
feBruarY OTTAWA/GATINEAU Jan. 31 – Feb. 17 Winterlude/Baldneige Join over 600,000 people on the world’s largest skating rink at Winterlude 2014! One of the biggest winter festivals in Canada, Winterlude features incredibly carved ice sculptures, a hockey tournament, a triathlon, food from countless vendors of various ethnicities, Snowflake Kingdom - the world’s largest snow playground and so much more. www.ottawatourism.ca/en/ visitors/what-to-do/festival-andevents/winterlude KINGSTON Feb. 6 - 9 FEB Fest! Kingston’s Feb Fest has everything a winter carnival could offer, from the Ice Slide and hockey tournaments to live entertainment and maple syrup demos, this weekend long festival is a winter wonderland of family fun! febfestkingston.com
THE BUCKS START HERE. Earn them on your purchases and redeem for fuel, merchandise, car washes and more*! Pick up your FREE Bonus Bucks card at any participating Pioneer Energy gas station. Visit bonusbucks.ca for full program details.
EARN
THEM
FA ST
SP E N D
LIKE
*Terms & conditions apply. Please see bonusbucks.ca for full program details. ™ All of Pioneer’s trademarks are owned by The Pioneer Group Inc.; Pioneer Energy LP is a licensed user of those trademarks.
CAS H
ACHIEVE FOCUS, VITALITY AND ENDURANCE WITH XENERGY A Premium Energy Drink from Xyience, creator of sports and nutritional supplements for peak performance. t 9FOFSHZ JT B HSFBU UBTUJOH FOFSHZ ESJOL NBEF GSPN BMM OBUVSBM nBWPST BOE DPMPVST t 9FOFSHZ IBT NPSF PG XIBU ZPV OFFE BOE OPOF PG XIBU ZPV EPO U JU T TVHBS GSFF BOE IBT [FSP DBMPSJFT t 9FOFSHZ JT MPBEFE XJUI QPXFSGVM JOHSFEJFOUT UIBU XJMM HJWF ZPV BO JNNFEJBUF CPPTU BOE TVQQPSU TVTUBJOFE QFSGPSNBODF