Category Archives: Ontario

Canada, Niagara, Ontario, Places to Travel

Niagara Falls – trip ideas and more

March 29, 2022 Jonathan K

Less is more. We know that saying in relation to art. Specifically modern art. What if that saying applied outside of the world of art? I think we could all learn something, especially when it comes to travel, from this saying. How many times you visited Niagara Falls?

Its not uncommon for us to get sucked into the “check list” style of travel. While in my opinion there is nothing wrong with this style of travelling, I do believe that it doesn’t do the destination justice. I believe that we would enjoy our trips more if we took the time to enjoy them. Sounds simple, right?
Yet, how often do we see tour buses, off loading a group of tourists who simply snap a picture of the view and head straight back for the bus? Sure, we all have a bucket list. Things that we want to see at a certain destination, but I believe that the approach can be changed, or at least improve. Instead of packing several things into the days itinerary, wouldn’t we be able to enjoy the trip so much more if we use the approach “less is more” and simply put three things in the itinerary? In the same sense of “less is more”, enjoying three activities to the fullest at a destination instead of piling on several can help us enjoy the trip so much more.

Here is where the Niagara Falls Region comes in.

The Niagara Region is a perfect blend of country living and the city, making it the perfect get away.
Wineries, Amazing Hotels, Great People and lets not forget the Niagara Falls… What does this region not have?

So how do we make the most of a trip to the Niagara Region? Below are just some of the events that may get your attention. Plan accordingly!

April – Easter – follow this link to get an idea where to lunch and dine on Easter weekend. And don’t forget to have a reservation!

June – Comic Con is a popular event that takes place on June 3 -5 at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, Niagara Falls Canada, just steps away from the majestic Falls. This popular event features more than 200,000 square feet of exhibitors, comic books, movie cars, cosplay contests, celebrity autographs and photo-ops, a video gaming arena, Falls Horror Fest and so much more!

As soon as you wish – If you love your bike and a passionate cyclist – you’ll appreciate this useful info – here.

August – The 28^thedition of the Canada’s largest multi-sport event, will take place in Niagara from Saturday August 6^thto Sunday, August 21^st, 2022. The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games will celebrate the wonder of sport alongside arts and culture. The Games will honour Niagara’s Indigenous communities and showcase a remarkable heritage of hard work and innovation in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations. With world-renowned hospitality, the people of Niagara will welcome visitors from across the country.

October 23, 2022 – One of the oldest and most scenic racecourses in North America following the Niagara River and ending at the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The Niagara International Marathon is truly international with the start in Buffalo, NY and end in Niagara Falls, ON. The Half, 10k, and 5k distances all start and end in Canada.

With new Hotels and Spas opening this year, the Niagara region is a must for anyone visiting the area!

And one last tip – here is a great place to stop for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea – Old Stone Inn.

And last one – here are some VERY useful links:

Canada, Events, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Ontario, Toronto, Travel SMART, weekend ideas

WE MADE SOME PAPER…

November 1, 2019 admin0

Watermark Invention

The unique craft of adding a watermark to the paper originated in Italy around 14th century in a small town Fabriano on Marche Island, Italy. Originally watermarks were made as a simple initial or trademark symbol. Over the centuries the art evolved from primitive to the artistic – reproducing the works of art, famous portraits or coat of arms. The technique is based on fixed-wire mould used for the insertion of distinctive marks that can be seen against the light…

Old Tradition

Special mould for watermak used in hand-made paper in Fabriano Italy — Watermark Mould used in paper making

In older days the Fabriano paper-makers used the water driven stamping mills. Several mills were present where the old linen or cotton rugs were used to create the fine pulp. The pulp is the base of what would become the raw paper. In turn that raw paper will be submerged in the gelatin derived from animal bones – another invention of the Fabriano artisans. Even in our days this technique is used to produce some of the banknotes, shares, cheques, some other fancy business papers and special papers for pencil, pen, wash and watercolour drawings.

Watermark on raw hand-paper made from the mould

Our experience

As a visitors of the special workshop organized by St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura held by Federico Salvatori, Mastro Cartaio (“master papermaker”) of the Paper and Watermark Museum in Fabriano, along with Professor Paolo Granata of the UofT. We have a chance to make our own paper with watermark using this truly unique experience to feel the value of creation and appreciate the artistic approach to paper-making.

Paper-making workshop with masters from Fabriano Italy — Making Paper with master from Fabriano, Italy

If you want to know more or visit the Museum in Fabriano here is the link to their website: http://www.museodellacarta.com/

Canada, Events, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Ontario, Places to Travel, Toronto, weekend ideas

“SUMMER OF SPACE” at Ontario Science Centre

May 19, 2019 admin0

Roberta Bondar, Canadian Astronaut, Ontario Science Centre

It’s 6 pm and we are at the Ontario Science Centre, and yes, it’s closed for the public. But we are here for a very special event – we are going to be the first to see the “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” at the well known IMAX theater and later chat with Mark Armstrong (son of Neil Armstrong ), Roberta Bondar (Canadian Astronaut), Natalie Panek (Aerospace Engineer), Shawna Pandya (Astronaut Candidate) and some other really interesting people working in the industry. We met Bob Thirsk, Canadian Astronaut, and had a chance to talk about the path to success… “Stay focused on what you are doing and you will surely achieve your goals!… ” And this applies not just to space exploration.

Summer of Space at Ontario Science Centre

On July 20th 2019 the Science Centre commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing with special lunar-themed programming featuring Canadian astronauts. The adventure begins with “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” that unfolds on the IMAX Dome screen and features never-before-seen 70 mm footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings. The film recounts the most extraordinary of human achievements and puts audiences at the centre of NASA’s historic lunar landing, capturing every moment of the mission.

Ontario Science Centre, Summer of Space, Space Lab — Summer of Space, Ontario Science Centre, Space Lab

The special exhibitions “Astronaut” and “Women in Space” tap into what it takes to break the boundaries of life on Earth and unlock the mysteries of our universe. You will see and touch a piece of the Moon, spend an evening gazing at the stars or go to a space camp (fitness level and age restrictions apply)! Or, experience the G-force powers… feel the powers of the Shuttle right in the seat of the spacecraft… check your knowledge and test how well you are prepared for a long space journey!

Summer of Space, Ontario Science Centre, Space Lab — Summer of Space at Ontario Science Centre, Space Lab

Lots of fascinating facts, hands on experiences and challenges await those ready to conquer space and travel the universe!

For more information to better plan your visit refer to their website:
https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

Ideas for Traveling with Children, Places to Travel, Toronto, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, Waterloo, weekend ideas

Woodside National Historic Site

September 5, 2018 admin0

Woodside National Historic Site

The house and the park located on 11.5 acre property covered with mature trees. The park offers perfect place for walks and picnincs, beautiful shaded lawns and paths during the summer. The house opens for visitors from October till Chrismas.

Mackenzie King House

The house dates back to Victorian period, was built by James Colquhoun. After his death in 1877 varuois tenants occupied the house. One of them was the Kings family. They lived in this house from 1886 till 1893. The house was a home for a boy who later became Canada’s tenth Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. The family had four children, and while visiting the house we can see their rooms and well kept personal items. His father John King was a lawyer, and he taught his kids English, French, math and science. There is a large collection of boks, many of them are rare originals…

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The house has a spacious living room with piano. The room was filing up with various guests during many holidays…

Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House

Travel at that time was a challenge, so the house has a nice guest bedroom with all the necessary items…

Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener

The sisters were sharing the bedroom, we can see some of the clothing and original furniture.

We had a chance to enter the room of William, quite small and with very modest furnishings. The bedrooms are all on the second floor and interestingly, there is no heating – only the first floor of the house is heated, so in the winter the heavy blanket and the hot water bottle did the job!

Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King

The most important item of the kitchen is the original wood-buning stove. It is fully operational and if you visit the place during Christmas Holidays you may be lucky to try fresh baked cookies or bread! They say tastes amazing!

The House is not just a museum, there are different events and workshops offered for students.

To learn more visit https://www.explorewaterlooregion.com/listing/woodside-national-historic-site-kitchener/ and https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/woodside

Canada, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Lanark County, Music, Ontario, Ottawa, Perth, Places to Travel, Toronto, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, weekend ideas

Noreen Young’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” now on YouTube!

March 12, 2018 admin0 7 Comments

Noreen Young’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” now on YouTube

Gloria the Gopher, from CBC’s vintage “Under the Umbrella Tree” children’s series, is very happy to tell everybody that she and her friends Holly, Iggy the Iguana and Jacob Blue Jay, are now streaming on Canada Media Fund’s new channel, Encore+ on YouTube. This is a channel that features Canadian television classics that viewers will enjoy seeing again and again.

26 English episodes.

26 French episodes.

For more information about Noreen Young, please see Wikipedia

Please note also:

A Puppet Retrospective– comprehensive exhibition of Noreen Young’s puppetry creations and art works over the years.

The exhibit will run from July 14 to September 22, 2018 and the official Opening Night will be held on August 4 from 2 – 4 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte.

Saturday August 25, 2 pm. Rock the Arts performance

Rock The Arts puppets performance will perform at the museum on Saturday August 25, starting at 2 pm to complement Noreen Young’s Puppet Retrospective exhibition, which runs July 14 to September 22. They will perform “Animal Adventure.” More details on the website rockthearts.ca

Saturday September 22, 2018, 1pm. Come play puppets with a PRO

Ever wonder what it would be like to puppeteer on a TV show? Always wanted to give it a try?

Well, here’s your chance.

Puppeteer, Bob Stutt, has decades of TV and film experience including seven years with the Friendly Giant, ten years with the Muppets and ten years as Basil Bear on Canadian Sesame Street where he was also lead writer. He performed Iggy Iguana on CBC’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” and also “Molly Doll” on The Big Comfy Couch. Bob has also filmed over 100 TV commercials in Denmark for the Danish National Railway.

And now he would love to spend some time playing puppets with you!

We’ll provide the cameras, monitors and a few puppets. You provide enthusiasm, imagination and any puppets of your own that tickle your fancy.

Come be a star for a day and experience first-hand the challenging, inspiring, silly world behind the puppets you see on TV.

Admission is $20 per person. This three-hour workshop is open to adults and kids over the age of 10 with a limit of ten to twelve people.

Canada, Lanark County, Ontario, Ottawa, Perth, Places to Travel

Perth Delectable Cuisine and 100 year old scandals

September 15, 2017 admin0

It is not the first time we visit Perth and have lunch there, but the first time we had a chance to not just try the best foods in town, but learn some history of the architecture and get insight of top local scandals. The tour begins at the Matheson House Museum at 11 Gore St. East downtown Perth. The Museum is worth a separate visit – it is filled with numerous household items and furniture from the past. The Walking Food Tour is the first in its kind in Lanark County, and as we heard attracted a lot of guests since its debut last year when Perth celebrated 200th Anniversary. To get most of the tour make sure to have active start of the day and come hungry – you will have six-to-seven samples of local flavours varying from European cuisine to fancy desserts…

The tour is not a fast paced one, so you will have time to enjoy all the foods offered, and it is always a surprise – there is no menu!

While walking from one restaurant to next one we were trying to guess what is coming – something sweet or spicy?!Perth Walking Food Tour

Every tasty dish comes with a piece of local history in a short story or anecdote form! We visited a lot of well established places and some that just recently opened – one of them is “Rocky River” well worth to mention here. They have beautiful shaded patio at the back that would be great on a summer day, but when we got there it started to rain, so we went inside.

Perth Walking Food Tour, "Rocky River" — Perth Walking Food Tour, “Rocky River”

And even it was almost the end of our tour the table was set for a feast!

Perth Walking Food Tour, table is loaded at “Rocky River”…

It took us a while there, the food was excellent, the rain was pouring, so we relaxed and enjoyed… Next stop was at the local brewery – what a busy place it was! We got a table by the window and waited for the rest of the rain to stop…

We eat so much of good food that decided that we didn’t want to have dinner!

If you are interested:
“The Perth Walking Food Tour” runs Saturdays from mid-May to the end of June, cost of $35 per person; beginning at 1 p.m. at the historic Matheson House Museum, at 11 Gore St. E. Perth, Ontario.

Canada, Lanark County, Ontario, Ottawa, Perth, Places to Travel, Travel Savings, Travel SMART

Dancing Bass Lodge, Lanark County, ON

September 12, 2017 admin0

“Dancing Bass” Lodge – the the name says it all… the place should be rich for fish and all day water fun! It was so desired escape from the bustling life of the large city…

The house is located in beautiful Lanark County, quite easy to access from major roads and only about 30 minutes away from Ottawa!

There are only a couple of cottages that are currently available for rent and those are located on the shore of the Lower park Lake. The location provides for the endless view of the lake surrounded by the forest…

From the terrace of the cottage we watched nice sunsets and could not stop admiring the tranquility of the coming evening – only some random sounds of the bird or loons…

Early in the morning when one could see the light fog over the surface of the water we would grab out fishing rods and set up right on the small pier with hope for a catch. The lakes are rich for various fish and if you have enough patience you won’t go away with empty bucket!

Back in 60s here was a fish camp with 10 Log cabins. The current management took over about 10 years ago and they are doing an excellent job in rebuilding the old log houses. The cottage has all new furniture, large bathrooms, bright all equipped kitchen with dishwasher and wood stove in the living room for cooler days.

The original farm house from the late 1800’ still sits on the property, along with a sugar shack and barn, it is located on the border of two lakes, Lower Park Lake and Horne Lake.

Both lakes offer lots of fishing and endless water activities. We had a boat ride to the swimming hole – and that was fun!!

The day seemed too short – not enough time for all the activities; from the terrace we loved to watch the hummingbirds, the lake and just relax…

Dancing Bass Lodge is currently offering two completely refurbished cabins to rent for a minimum of four days from on or about June 1st to the 15th of October.

Make sure you call them for best directions from the main road!
To make a reservation https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/14296437 email dancingbasscan@aol.com; phone : 613-259-5713 or 602-421-1066

Books, Canada, Lanark County, Montreal, Ontario, Ottawa, Perth, Places to Travel, Restaurant News, The Kawarthas, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, weekend ideas

Group of Seven, stone Cellar, Perth, Ontario

September 8, 2017 admin0

Every summer we try to make a few local trips to explore our province and one of the regions we love to visit is Lanark County, which offers perfect combination of small towns, cottages on the beach and wild life. And after spending couple days in the cottage (“The Dancing Bass” Lodge cottage) we went to Perth for some shopping and lunch.

That lunch was a very special treat for us! Based on the art of Famous Canadian Group of Seven Chef Jamie Troutman from “The Stone Cellar” created the menu that interprets various elements present in paintings in “edible art”. Hours of research made it possible to reflect the famous Canadian art in the fine Canadian cuisine. In his creations Jamie is using the true Canadian ingredients coming from local farms. Chef Troutman, as per his own words, using the “deconstruction of the elements” from art into cuisine.

Lawren Harris, Icebergs by Chef Jamie Troutman

The shot glasses made of clear ice represent the art of Lawren Stewart Harris, who was criticized as being cold, but in fact deeply spiritual and one of the skilled abstract painters.

From ice and cold we suddenly surrounded by flowers and greenery of “Tangled Garden” by J. E. H. MacDonald – Jamie Troutman’s sunflower salad full of summer colours and fresh herbs… MacDonald’s art is distinguished by dark palette, tough, rich and at the same time elegant design. And Jamie is using the dark of the stone slab as background for the splash of colours…

Group of Seven MacDonald Tangled Garden — “Tangled Garden” in sunflower salad by Chef Jamie Troutman

From flowers and greenery of the garden we travel to Nova Scotia with help of another Jamie’s culinary creation based on “Nova Scotia Cove” again by J. E.H. MacDonald. Scallops and wild rice combined in a beautiful setting with shells to represent seashore…

Group of Seven, edible art — Chef Jamie Troutman, Scallops served with Wild Rice – “Nova Scotia Cove” by J. MacDonald

We keep our taste buds tuned as next we get served Canadian beef – so tender! …accompanied by some root vegetables… chef’s creation based on the painting by Arthur Lismer “Habitant Farm”…

"Habitant Farm" Lismer and Chef Troutman — “Habitant Farm” by Arthur Lismer and Chef Troutman

Lanark County is well known for Maple Syrup producers and it would be logical to find this unique Canadian product in local cuisine and famous art.

J. Troutman “Maple Glazed Cheese” based on “The Red Maple” by A. Jackson.

Our experience would not be complete without the dessert!Apple dessert based on “Asters and Apples” by J. MacDonald

If you decide to indulge in creativity and fine cuisine make sure to make a 48 hours reservation, and if so, you may need to find a fine place to stay. Luckily the area offers a good variety of hotels – one of our favourites is “Perth Manor” which offers classic architecture, cozy rooms, beautiful garden and friendly atmosphere.

The Stone Cellar Restaurant Address: 71 Gore St E, Perth, ON K7H 1H Menu: thestonecellar.com Reservations: opentable.com Phone: (613) 267-0200

Perth Manor Hotel Address: 23 Drummond St. West, Perth, ON Phone: (613) 264-0050 and if this one is not available –

Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa Address: 82 Peter St, Perth, ON Phone: (613) 326-0082.

Canada, Events, Humour, Ideas for Traveling with Children, Lanark County, Ontario, Ottawa, Perth, Places to Travel, Restaurant News, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, Uncategorized, Villa Vacations, Wedding Deals, weekend ideas

BLUE HEN FARM – TRUE experience

August 28, 2017 admin0

After the four and a half hour drive from downtown Toronto we arrived at the Blue Hen Farm. Right at the turn we saw an old cupboard filled with jars of homemade preserves and a sign “Honk for Service”… And we saw the farmhouse in the opening between trees.

Farmers Jeff and Leslie greeted us and as we entered the house we were amazed by the old fashioned setting of the rooms – furniture, chandelier and even the old upright piano that produced some wonderful melodies after our evening meals…

Executive Chef, Costas preparing dinner for Farmstead Blue Hen Farm in Lanark County

Leslie and Jeff used to live in Ottawa and have jobs as many of us do… The idea of farming came up after some changes in jobs and also as a result of research of the food industry, commercial farming and agriculture.

Later, after getting settled in our rooms we headed down for dinner made by Chef Kostas who came out to tell us about the ingredients he used in his cooking, the dinner was amazing and filling.

As farmers do every day after dinner, we went into the barnyard to help with evening chores.

We found all the work surprisingly entertaining; we unloaded some 20 stacks of straw that will be used as bedding for the animals, fed the calves and pigs, brought the sheep and goats back to the barn and herded the chickens into their coop.

Farmstead Blue Hen Farm in Lanark County

There was a special place where hens lay eggs, so we picked our breakfast! The eggs were dark and light brown, white and even light blue…

Once the chores were done, tired we went to our bedrooms; may be the mattresses were so comfortable or the day was long – falling asleep was no problem at all.

In the morning we woke up around half past six to the mouthwatering smell of bacon and eggs…

Breakfast during Farmstead Blue Hen Farm in Lanark County

And after breakfast we went to the yard to do morning chores which repeats the evening in the back order – letting the sheep and chickens out, showering and feeding pigs… and saying hello to all of the farm animals.

Evening chores during Farmstead Blue Hen Farm in Lanark County

The goats are very young and new to the farm and don’t know the barn yard, so they we carried to the pasture like babies!

Calf is sucking a finger, Farmstead Blue Hen Farm in Lanark County

Although all of the chores seem like quite a lot to do, they were our favourite part of the day. We also found that doing chores and waking up that early in the morning was very refreshing which was useful since we had a long day ahead of us. We found all of the animals so cute… and especially the three kittens that roam around the barnyard. There are also two dogs that help farmers by guarding the barn yard from foxes and other invaders.

Leslie and Jeff ask that visitors do not bring or wear any fragrances on the farm including mosquito spray, however they do supply their own free of charge so that you do not get bitten by pesky flies. Leslie makes her own natural soap – I found it very smooth and took a little piece home as a souvenir. Around the house we also found natural fragrances, bug spray and soap – all handmade from natural ingredients that smell like summer fields…

Their mission statement is free range thinking, meaning all of the animals are free to roam the field and raised with no antibiotics or chemical supplements at all. “Being a novice in such a tedious business as farming should be challenging for city folks” – I asked… yes, and they learn every day.

We also had a chance to learn – about how to feed pigs and chickens and how to take care of sheep and goats; we would join Leslie to let the animals out of the barn with the first rays of sun and get them all back in the evening…

For us it was just two days – but these days were filled with smiles and laughter, delicious homemade meals and that feeling of love and happiness…

We took a lot of pictures that will remind us about this wonderful place and people that are so enthusiastic about what they do. Thank you Jeff and Leslie for teaching us some very basic skills that we miss in our city life!

So, time to leave The Blue Hen Farm… I think I saw tears in some eyes…, we hope to come again.

Canada, Events, Hamilton, Ideas for Traveling with Children, London, ON, Ontario, Places to Travel, Restaurant News, Sport Events, Stratford, Toronto, Travel Savings, Travel SMART, Waterloo, weekend ideas

Exploring Waterloo Region – Bingeman’s Big Splash

August 19, 2017 admin0

After lunch at the (nearby) Boston Pizza, we came in to the Bingeman’s Big Splash. After changing into our bathing suits we stepped out on to the deck exited about all of the slides that awaited us. They had many slides to choose from and better yet, the height restrictions are very reasonable so that everyone can go (most of the required heights are around forty inches). My personal favourite slide was the Cyclone.

Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Over all, the park quite fairly spread out which makes it feel like there is less of a crowd, there also is a big wave pool

which has a shallow end

and a deep end however the tubes have to be rented for five dollars each and Cabana rentals are also available, another thing to note is that most of the rides are one person at a time, however there are a couple that two people can ride on at the same time.

We highly recommend that you try it out especially if traveling with young ones.

Overall it is the most fun water park in the region.

By Jonathan K.

KiMAGIC-Travel News

Category Archives: Ontario

Niagara Falls – trip ideas and more

WE MADE SOME PAPER…

Watermark Invention

Old Tradition

Our experience

“SUMMER OF SPACE” at Ontario Science Centre

Woodside National Historic Site

Woodside National Historic Site

Mackenzie King House

Noreen Young’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” now on YouTube!

Noreen Young’s “Under the Umbrella Tree” now on YouTube

A Puppet Retrospective– comprehensive exhibition of Noreen Young’s puppetry creations and art works over the years.

Saturday August 25, 2 pm. Rock the Arts performance

Saturday September 22, 2018, 1pm. Come play puppets with a PRO

Perth Delectable Cuisine and 100 year old scandals

Dancing Bass Lodge, Lanark County, ON

Group of Seven, stone Cellar, Perth, Ontario

BLUE HEN FARM – TRUE experience

Exploring Waterloo Region – Bingeman’s Big Splash

Family Travel & Tourism