This blog has moved

This blog is now located at http://usvisitorstocanada.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://usvisitorstocanada.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Canada's Heritage Day A legal paid Holiday?

Unfortunatly not everywhere!!!! 
Canada Heritage Day is  Monday February 15, 2010....Plus a number of other important days being celebrated across Canada including Ontario Family Day, Manitoba's Louis Riel Day, and PEI Islanders Day.  Find more information on  Ontario Family Day Information.

In Manitoba residents celebrate Louis Riel Day, and in Prince Edward Island, Islander Day.

The Canada Heritage Day theme is "Heritage of Sport and Recreation": A number of resources are available to assist communities to develop a program around this theme, The Canadian Heritage Foundation website states, "Across Canada sports and recreation activities have always played a central role in building social cohesion and community involvement. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw an expanding variety of athletic activities being promoted from lacrosse, curling and hockey, to boating, skiing and hiking." Canada Heritage Day is sponsored by The Canadian Heritage Foundation

Busy Month For Haliburton Events-Festivals-Hikes-Walks

Haliburton Fall Festival Saturday, October 3 Visit the beautifully decorated Haliburton Village Saturday October 3rd from 11am to 3pm to enjoy the 2nd Annual Fall Festival. From 8am until 11am enjoy a sausage and pancake breakfast at the Haliburton United Church, $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. In the village of Haliburton starting at 11 am until 3pm enjoy face painting, clowns, buskers, and take a chance of guessing the weight of a giant pumpkin and watermelon. The person who has the closest guess will win $200 in BIA gift certificates. A delicious corn roast will be provided downtown in front of V&S, of which all proceeds will be given to the Bridge Youth Centre. There will also be children's entertainer Mary Lambert from Jam Sandwich fame. Mary will start her show in the Foodland parking lot at 11am, and will continue with help from Michou the clown throughout the afternoon until 3pm. For the vintage car lover there will be a show and shine car display with 'Wild Willy' the D.J. providing some great music. Guaranteed fun for all at the Village of Haliburton's Fall Festival Saturday October 3rd.

Minden Oktoberfest Saturday, October 3 Join in the fun with lots of activities for families including a Hot Dog Eating Contest (child and adult categories), Kids Oktoberfest Games, Pumpkin Painting Contest, an afternoon movie at the Beaver Theatre and a Fire Eating Performance by Ziggy, musicians and more. Evening entertainment includes a special Oktoberfest menus at the Dominion Hotel and Grill on the Gull. Enjoy a great meal inside or outside under the tent. Prizes will be awarded for the best Oktoberfest costume. Also, the winners of the Minden 150 Trivia Contest and Scarecrow Contest will be announced. Visit Website: www.minden150.ca Village Of Minden Contact: Cammy George Tel: 705-286-1936

Haliburton County Studio Tour October 3-4 and 10-11 36 artists welcome you to 26 different studios to experience the diversity and creativity of the annual Studio Tour. Take a drive through the colourful backroads of Haliburton and visit artists in their working environment. Artist demonstrations, tasty treats, and lots of great, original art and craft work: this is what you will find wherever you see the sign of the Loon. For more information: haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca or call 457.9110. Visit Website: www.haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca ontact: 705-457.9110 Email: info@haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca

Haliburton/Stanhope (CND4) Fall Colour Fly In October 3-4 This is traditionally the BEST weekend for Fall Colours. What a great way to finish the summer flying season. Visit Website: www.stanhopeairport.com Haliburton/Stanhope Airport Haliburton Contact: John Packer Tel: 705-754-2611 Email: airport@halhinet.on.ca

The 56th Corduroy Enduro October 3-4 The Corduroy Enduro is Canada's most challenging cross-country (off-road) motorcycle event. In the 1950s when the Corduroy began, many of the low-lying back roads and trails in the Haliburton area had sections of corduroy over the swamps (logs laid side by side across the trail) to make them passable - a technique used since pioneer times. The 2-day event consists of a 150 km loop each day which riders must complete in a specified time. There are spectator friendly Special Test Sections to challenge the riders off-road abilities. Riders come from across Canada and the United States for this event. Also included are a non-competitive trail ride and a GPS dual sport ride. At the Community Centre, there will be a vintage bike display, a tire change contest after Saturday's ride, and other social activities. Visit Website: www.corduroyenduro.ca ooderham Community Centre Contact: Bill Davies Tel: 519-485-6720

Fourth 'Books Alive' Saturday, October 3 The Haliburton Highlands Writers' and Editors' Network hosts a delightful day of readings, networking, and book sales by local writers and visiting authors, at R.D. Lawrence Place in Minden. Visit Website R.D. Lawrence Place Minden Tel: (705) 286-2592 Email: info@haliburtonwriters.ca

Pedal Your Arts: Rolling Hills of Harburn Saturday, October 3 Visit the studios of Haliburton County artists while enjoying the beauty of the Highlands from your bike. This fully supported 60km cycling tour will take you on a breathtaking adventure along the scenic back roads of the Harburn Hills. We'll stop regularly to visit art studios to talk to the artist, watch demonstrations, and explore natural and cultural features. Original works of art will be on display for show and sale. A tasty lunch is provided. Tours are available with or without accommodation. Visit our Website for more details. Visit Website: www.yoursoutdoors.ca Harburn Area Haliburton Contact: Barrie Martin Tel: 1-705-754-3436 Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca

Fall Fest Saturday October 3 Activities at the Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre Saturday, October 3 Sandra Hawkins: The Ecology of Narrative Space Opening reception Saturday October 3 2-4 pm. Artist talk at 3 pm. Exhibition continuing until November 15 The title of this exhibition, Ecology of Narrative Space, refers to the intersection of personal and public experiences and our filtered perceptual memories that affect identity in the present. The exhibition shows thirty photomontage prints titled, Arctic Crisis Project, Parts 1 & 2, and an insitu installation titled, Water Leak involving an aerial video projection. Through aesthetic poetics of composition, light and sound, the artist repositions personal and public experiences in the Arctic thirty-years ago into a contemporary aesthetic and socio-environmental discussion on identity. Sandra Hawkins is the author of "The Business of Art" and a popular workshop presenter.  Keith Rydberg: Wooden Memories Opening reception Saturday October 3 2-4 pm Exhibition continuing until October 31 Artist present. Keith Rydberg is the winner of the Best of the Show Award, Rural Routes Rails End Members' Show (February 2009). His wood carvings are often inspired by childhood memories and gallery visitors will enjoy how Rydberg uses his art to express his outlook on life. The artist will return to the Rails End on Saturday October 10 1-3 pm to demonstrate his carving technique. Artist Trading Cards on the Rotary Common Join Mark Arike, Arts Council Haliburton Highlands new intern outside on the Common and have some fun making Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). ATCs are a fun way to express yourself with small, original works of spontaneous art. Trade yours with others, or simply add it to the Rails End's growing collection. Weather permitting Mark will be outside the Gallery from noon - 3 pm Saturday afternoon.

Entomological Society of Ontario 146th Annual Meeting Saturday, October 3, 8:45 am Special offers for non-members - Plenary Session $ 20 includes coffee break and lunch.  Dr. Jonathan Schmidt from the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph presents: "Tales from the underworld: Litter arthropods of the Great Lakes Forest" and Dr. Paul Sibley from the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph presents: "From failed typologies to national biomonitoring programs: Aquatic invertebrates as indicators of their environment"  After the Plenary Session there will be an opportunity to view posters by Student and Regular Members. Lunch will be served in the Frost Center Institute Dining Hall at 12:30 pm. Frost Centre Institute, 20130 Highway 35 Visit website: http://dkbdigitaldesigns.com/eso2009/index2.html Contact: Kyla Greenham Tel: 705-766-0810 Email: kgreenham@frostcentreinstitute.com

Wakami Wailers Saturday, October 3. 8:00pm Step back into history with the Wakami Wailers. They have created the soundtracks of 2 award winning films, "The Winter Camp",depicting life in a "turn of the century" lumbercamp, and "Places Out of Time", which explores Ontario Park's first one hundred years. The Wailers have produced 3 recordings. "The Last of the White Pine Loggers" was recorded in 1987. The recording has since received wonderful responses from folkies, reviewers and historians alike. "Waltz with the Woods", recorded in 1990, is a salute to Ontario's heritage and to its Provincial Parks. Their most recent release, "River Though the Pines" revisits the lumberjack era with a wonderful selection of traditional songs and stories for the turn of the century.This concert also features Minden's very own Troy Main. He plays country music, picks a mean guitar, and sings with a voice somewhere between Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.  He alone is worth the price of admission.  $20/person $15 for members and students   Haliburton Highlands Museum, 66 Museum Road, Haliburton Visit Website: www.haliburtonfolk.com Email: info@haliburtonfolk.com

An Invitation to come & meet Winterdance's Iditarod Team! October 3 and 17 An Invitation to come & meet Winterdance's Iditarod Team! - Meet & visit with Hank and learn about his upcoming journey to Alaska and the amazing adventure called Iditarod! - Stroll through the new raceteam kennel and meet the amazing Siberian Husky athletes, the best of the best from our kennel! - Have your pictures taken and play with your favourite husky. - Have a rare tour of our entire state of the art touring dog kennel and meet all of our dogs! - Share in the dogs excitement at a fall training run (have your camera's ready) - Exclusive opportunity (these 2 days only) to purchase any of our gift shop items at cost. - Be introduced to the puppies born last winter, K2, Sparrow, Firefly, Hatcher, Junko & Phoenix - Get first dibs to sponsor your favourite raceteam dog before the website is open to anyone -each dog will only have 3 personal sponsors - Win a great doorprize, including a VIP run with Hank and the race team, a free 1/2 day tour with the guide of your choice and more! Visit Website: www.winterdance.com Winterdance Dogsled Tours Haliburton Contact: Winterdance Dogsled Tours Tel: (705) 457-5281 Email: info@winterdance.com

FREE  Nature Hike Sunday, October 4 Led by Chris Earley, interpretative biologist and author of "Waterfowl of Eastern North America", "Warblers of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America" and many more... Meet us at the Acclimatization trailhead by the Frost Center Beach at 1:30 pm. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Haliburton Hills in full fall colours with an expert guide to lead you on your journey! Frost Centre Institute, 20130 Highway 35 Visit website: http://dkbdigitaldesigns.com/eso2009/index2.html Contact: Kyla Greenham Tel: 705-766-0810 Email: kgreenham@frostcentreinstitute.com

Haliburton Walk for Heart

Sunday October 4, 2pm

Participants can choose from a short 1k guided route along the Sculpture Trail, or a longer 5K route on the Head Lake trail. Pledge forms available in Haliburton at Henwood's Variety or Marty's Health Food Store and in Minden at Pharmasave, My Size and The Storeroom. For more information call Wendy at 457-2704
Fleming College (Haliburton Campus) - 297 Campus Drive
Visit Website: http://secure.heartandstroke.ca/faf/help/helpEventInfo.asp?ievent=325423

Georgian College Auto Show 2009

Great afternoon to launch the 24th year of the Georgian College Auto Show.  Many snappy new vehicles to look at. Probably the best staycation value day trip for familes at $5.00 for adults and Kids get in for FREE.

Base Borden is in attendance with a vehicle, the Porche test track, and many of the major automotive models.  Action continues all weekend at Georgian College offof Highway 400 at Duckworth in Barrie.  If you need a hotel room in Barrie go to Barrie Hotels-on-line for a list of nearby hotels and resorts for overnight accommodation.

 

Battle of Britain Commemoration Sept. 20 2009

Battle of Britain Commemoration was held in Barrie on September 20, 2009. This wasthe 69th commemoration ceremonies. See more on Battle of Britain

Ontario Fall Getaway Travel Guide 2009

Ontario Fall Getaway Travel Guide 2009

Ontario Fall Getaways and fall colours travel source for travel north of Toronto. Get the411 Ontario Travel ideas for fall road trips, staycations, overnight getaways, spas, cottage rentals, romantic getaways, family vacations
for your family fall getaway. Your source for weekends, getaways and packages for romantic couples north of Toronto. Reserve early for the Thanksgiving Long Holiday Weekend.

Ontario Resort Travel Destination Picks of the Week.

Resort Destinations

Haliburton Highlands Tourism Region

Haliburton Highlands Tourism Region -The Haliburton Highlands is just two hours north of Toronto. Unforgettable countryside sculpted by towering rock
formations, majestic forests, postcard-perfect vistas, and scenic, rolling hills. Whether you want to tube down a lazy river or shoot white water
in a kayak, this is the place. With more than 600 lakes and miles of picturesque rivers connecting them, a person could explore our waters for
a lifetime and never see the same shoreline twice.
Haliburton Highlands Website

---

Romantic Getaway of the Week

Royal Resort - Fenelon Falls, Ontario

Royal Resort - Take a break any weekend, escape to enjoy the royal service and casual spirit at the Royal Resort.Dine beside Balsam Lake, go boating,
have walks in the forest and a host of activities for the whole family!
Fenelon Falls, Ontario, Information

---

Family Getaway of the Week

Sunbeam Bungalows - Callander, Ontario

Sunbeam Bungalows - Located on beautiful, sheltered Callander Bay in the picturesque hamlet of Callander. Only minutes away from larger city attractions, boat cruises, horse back riding, a wide variety of golf courses and much more! Our resort is nestled under the pines, where we offer clean, fully-furnished, deluxe, spacious cottages. All cottages include Cable TV/DVD, bed linen, fully stocked kitchens (pots/pans, dishes, full size fridge/stove, microwave, coffee maker...), a BBQ with propane, a fire bowl, and new picnic tables. Spend the day at our private 450' shoreline beach, or perhaps on our 2500 sq. ft deck on the lake. Our guests will enjoy a varity of amenities, to mention a few:
Callander, Ontario, Information

---

Town, Village & City Getaway of the Week

Sportsman's Lodge Wilderness Resort - Wahnapitae, Ontario

Sportsman's Lodge Wilderness Resort - Need a break from everything and everyone? Come experience our wilderness resort. Enjoy our rustic charming atmosphere for a few days where you can just be you for a change. Relax over a bottle of wine and a good meal prepared with the finest of ingredients, no preservatives, additives or anything that you shouldn't be eating!
Wahnapitae, Ontario, Information

---

Spa Getaway of the Week

Sam Jakes Inn - Merrickville, Ontario

Sam Jakes Inn - One-night package includes: an à la carte dinner,a
hot country breakfast,$50.00 per person worth of your choice of spa services.$187.50 per person (Regular) / $195.00 per person (Executive) / $202.50 per person (Suite)/ $227.50 per person (Trillium) / $252.50 per person (Maple) / $267.50 per person Please ask about our Romance and Relax and Girl Time Spa Getaways
Merrickville, Ontario, Information

---

Attraction of the Week

MacLaren Art Centre - Barrie, Ontario

The MacLarenArtCentre is Simcoe County's regional public art gallery providing innovative, relevant and accessible programming. The award winning building houses four galleries, an education centre, gallery shop and licensed café with a secluded patio. The MacLaren is centrally located with ample parking making it a must see year round destination. The MacLaren is open seven days a week, Mon to Fri, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday
10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday noon to 4:00 pm. Closed statutory holidays. Admission is voluntary. Suggested donation $5.
Barrie, Ontario, Information

---

Attraction of the Week

Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour - Timmins, Ontario

Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour, Journey under the earth and
experience the workings of a mine, pan for gold and learn about the area's mining history at the Timmins Gold Mine Tour.
Timmins, Ontario, Information

---

Battle For Canada Played out this Weekend

Best Show In Canada September 13, 2009
The Plains of Abraham in Quebec City will have the best show in Canada. Commemorating 250 of the battle that determined the future of North America and Canada. It will be an interesting display of partisan speeches, opinions, mixed with a little fact and fiction. Giant bonfires will burn during the event to symbolize battle techniques. The ghosts of Wolfe and Montcalm will be drinking good French wine and strong British Ale arguing over who really won the war. See Best comments and links to blogs and articles on Battle of Quebec Plains of Abraham

Autumn Leaves Fall Colour Changes 2009

Fall Colour Update September 10

Northernbliss reports the fall colours are underway north of Toronto. A couple of
photos taken in the Ottawa Valley on the weekend also show color changes with
some reds on the maples and golds on the Elms. Many are predicting a spectacular
colour season as most bush areas were healthy and free from drought in 2009.Pick from a variety of fall colour routes and road trips from Algonquin area to Lake Simcoe, Haliburton, North Bay, Georgian Bay and areas north, north east and north west of Toronto.

Reserve your fall getaways now for the 2009 fall foliage season