It must be summer in Ontario because school is winding down and National Tourism Week officially kicked-off. I attended a ceremony in Barrie to celebrate the event, complete with speeches and cake. The Honorable Monique Smith, Ontario Tourism Minister, was on hand. She gave a glowing speech about the wonders of vacationing in your own backyard – she called it a STAYcation. I’m a big believer in the STAYcation. Yes, there are plenty of exotic locales around the globe that pull at my imagination but Ontario is a dynamic and diverse province with loads to see and do.
Building on the STAYcation theme, I would like to propose the notion of the DAYcation. A DAYcation is just as it sounds, day trips in and around your local area, touring the many wonderful towns and cities that make up your region.
With the current economic realities, people are spending less and seeking ways to stretch their nickels into dollars. Travel to international destinations is out of reach for many at the moment but a huge bounty exists only a stone’s throw down the road. No need for passports, airport parking, and long lines at security checks – you can trade in crowded flights for flights of fancy. You can do a bike tour of wine country in the Niagara region, or head to St. Jacob’s area and spend the day antiquing or browsing through the incredible farmer’s market. Stratford is renowned for it’s summer theatre program or head North to Wasaga for beaches that rival Santa Monica, CA. If wildlife is your thing you’ll find one of the coolest zoos is located in Elmvale. Ontario also offers some of the most pristine national parks, perfect for picnics, hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and generally enjoying the great outdoors.
Ontario Travel has a terrific website where you can find out about festivals, attractions and getaways. There’s something for everyone, from the avid golfer to those seeking fun for the whole family — you’d need a lifetime of summers to see and do it all. So embrace the STAYcation or become a daytripper and help strengthen your local economy.
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