DAY TRIP IDEAS:

• Horton’s Sugar Bush – Ring in spring with a trip to the sugar bush. This family run spot, is authentic, warm and quaint.  They greet you with a wagon ride to the “sugar shack”, where there is a bon fire going all day. 
• From there you can take a little hike through the trees to see where the syrup is collected, see a demonstration of how maple syrup was made and end with freshly made pancakes and fresh maple syrup by the fire.  A super way to spend a March day.  I do recommend going at the beginning rather than the end of March (it is WAY) less busy and there is still some snow on the ground which makes it so special. 

• Scandinave Nordic Day Spa – A great spot to renew, rejuvenate and reconnect to nature.

• Rockwood Beach – Toddler and child friendly beach with great views of Canadian natural landscapes (rock formations, evergreen trees). Think Algonquin like views, but only 30 minutes from the city and perfect for a day trip with toddlers. It does get busy though, so people that like secluded quiet spots, this beach is not for you.   You can rent canoes though for a paddle with your family and their is even a spot to get ice-cream for a mid afternoon treat.

A LITTLE FARTHER (BUT WORTH IT!)

Algonquin Park – If you want to go to Algonquin, but just can’t get it together for camping, there is an amazing hostel just outside the park gates.  I know what you are thinking: hostel! I don’t wan to stay in a dirty communal hostel like I did in my late teens.  This hostel is different though.  Yes, it has a communical kitchen, but the kitchen is rustic, clean and set in a beautiful log algonquin cabin.  In advance of the trip, I too was questioning how much I would like it. I ended up loving the communal aspect of the cooking. Everyone who stayed there made their own food, but you cooked communally in the same space. There was also a bon fire going just outside the cabin during dinner time.  We met people from France, Israel, Canada, Italy. It felt like we were away, while really only 3 hours away from our hoses.  There was also a sauna cabin, veggie and pollinator garden, and cottage cabins if you wanted to stay in your own cottage.  Was really great.

Wolf-Den Veggie and Pollinator Garden