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Get back to nature in Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve is best known for its wolves and treetop canopy tour. But did you know it also produces forest honey and is home to an orphaned moose and a submarine?

Explore your inner Canadian winter camping

Whether in a camper, a tent or a hammock, Valens Conservation Area is the go-to place for winter camping in southern Ontario. Find out why, and check out our winter camping list.

Much to celebrate on the waterfront in 2011

As we ease into 2012, MyNewWaterfrontHome.com invites you to join us as we raise a cheer to our Top 5 'good news' stories of 2011 across Ontario's vast waterfront.

Kick off the New Year with polar bear dip

Find out how a lark turned into Canada's largest charity polar bear dip. It's all happening Jan. 1 in Oakville. And don't forget to check out our list of other charity swims across Ontario.

LED turns Christmas green in Niagara Falls

It's not just a matter of throwing out a few string of incandescent lights. With three million individual bulbs, going green has been no easy task for the CAA Winter Festival of Lights.

Herons hidden treasure at new provincial park

Though 10 years in the making, DuPont, Ontario's newest provincial park, is still the best-kept secret on the St. Lawrence River. A heronry is among the park's many treasures.

Legions build bright future starting in Meaford

Find out why an innovative life lease residential development to be built above a Royal Canadian Legion hall and restaurant in Meaford will be the model for renewal projects across Ontario.

Why fiddler Ashley MacIsaac loves Windsor

The Detroit River is no match for the sea that native Cape Bretoner Ashley MacIsaac grew up around. But the scenic river has helped to calm the fiery fiddler, who loves Windsor so much he moved there.

After the tornado: Goderich rises again

Goderich, the Lake Huron town whose social, cultural and commercial heart was ripped out by a powerful tornado on Aug. 21, is slowly on the mend, thanks to an outpouring of support from across the globe.

Preserving Muskoka Lakes' natural beauty

Waterfalls, cemeteries, walls of rock. They all have a story to tell. And that's why Muskoka Lakes is working hard to protect the community's natural sites under the power of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Port McNicoll's crown jewel returns

You will soon be dining in grand style on the shores of Georgian Bay where Port McNicoll's golden era will be re-created aboard the luxury cruise ship Keewatin, which will be part of a heritage park.

A toast to Collingwood: new whiskey a hit

Collingwood's sparkling waters are in the spotlight these days, thanks to a new Canadian whiskey named for the Georgian Bay resort town. Find out where you can drink — and eat — Collingwood.

It's Canal Bank Shuffle time in Thorold

Thought blues festivals were over for the season? There's still one to come, and you won't want to miss it! Blues guitar artist Joe Louis Walker is among the headline acts at the Canal Bank Shuffle.

Tea dances in Almonte take you back to past

Wonder where to go dancing? If big band music is your style, you won't want to miss the Sunday afternoon tea dance series in historic Almonte at the Old Town Hall.

Bala celebrates cranberry harvest in style

Find out where cranberries grow — and tour Bala's two commercial cranberry farms — during the 27th annual Cranberry Festival. While there, stock up on fresh cranberry juice, jams, syrup and even wine!

The affordable way to own a cottage ...

Owning a cottage is now affordable to the average family — even in Muskoka — thanks to the growing popularity of fractional ownership. As a bonus, you get your slice of cottage country without the work.

Meaford's unique scarecrow celebration a hit

They hang from lampposts, sit on park benches and adorn retail windows. They are all part of the annual month-long festival in Meaford known as Scarecrow Invasion. Grab the family and head out now!

Hurray! It's fall colour-spotting season

If you're itching to set off on a fall colour tour but don't know where to start, check out our list of favourite places to catch all those reds, yellows and oranges in all their glory. And happy leaf-peeing!

Freddy's home of the Best Perch Platter

When MyNewWaterfrontHome.com asked readers who makes the Best Perch Platter in Ontario, the name Freddy's came up again and again. Find out why eight of the Top 10 cook Lake Erie perch.

Toronto's EdgeWalk a hit with thrill-seekers

Think you're ready to walk hands-free around the CN Tower ledge 116 storeys above the ground? Find out what you need to know before you book your $175 EdgeWalk reservation.

Tales of war and romance in Amherstburg

Historic Amherstburg is gearing up to celebrate its role in the War of 1812. Start your history tour now with a cruise down the Detroit River or lunch on the island where war hero Chief Tecumseh lived.

Paradise is canal living, Ontario-style ...

Lagoon City on Lake Simcoe is known as Canada's Little Venice, but it's not the only canal community taking Ontario by storm. Find out why canal living is a 4-season paradise, and where you can find yours.

Summer in Southampton: Sun and art school

If you've ever wanted to capture the perfect sunset on canvas, make your own jewelry or learn about collage, book a few days off and head to Saugeen Shores to the Southampton Art School.

Get up close with falcons at Wye Marsh

Once known mainly for its trumpeter swans, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre near Midland is now attracting worldwide attention for its many programs, including its top-rated bird of prey show and eco tours.

Why kayak fishing is a fast-growing sport

It was a sport that first caught on in California, Florida and the Carolinas. Now, kayak fishing is getting the respect it deserves in Canada, with Ontario among the provinces promoting the sport.

From power plant site to healthy community

Plans are moving full-steam ahead to transform the former coal-fired Lakeview power generating site in Mississauga into a master-planned community where Lake Ontario is the star of the show.

More good reasons to visit a winery ...

Shakespeare, pig roasts, dancing under the stars: Ontario's wine-makers are pulling out all the stops as they seek new ways to attract visitors, beyond the the wine tastings. Find out what's on tap where.

A royal Canada Day with Wills and Kate

Prince William and his new bridge, Kate Middleton, will be joining thousands of people on Parliament Hill on July 1 to celebrate Canada's 40th birthday. Find out the best spots to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Tall ship sailing: How you can be a sailor

Once just for youths, Tall Ship training programs are now available to adults eager for adventure. Bytown Brigantine is among the organizations teaching mature landlubbers the ropes while cruising.

Million-dollar facelift for heritage lighthouse

It took the sale of the keeper's dwelling to make it happen, but the long-awaited restoration of the Point Abino lighthouse, a National Historic Site, is finally underway in Fort Erie.

Toronto's hard work pays off at the beach

There are only 16 swimming beaches in Ontario clean enough to be certified under the international Blue Flag program. And eight of those are within Toronto's borders. Find out the secret of its success.

Tree art in Leamington brings 'closure'

The remains of three 200-year-old heritage trees destroyed when a tornado ripped through a Leamington park on June 6, 2010, have been transformed into art as a reminder of that day.

From mining town to retirement capital ...

Retirement-minded Canadians are heading north to Elliot Lake, the land of outdoor recreation and affordable housing. Find out what's new on Elliot Lake's waterfront and how you can visit — for free!

Ontario's music festival season has arrived!

No matter your musical tastes, there's great concerts on the Ontario summer festival calendar this year, many of them in prime locations on the waterfront. Best of all, many of the performances are free!

Roseneath Carousel worth the drive ...

If it's Sunday and you're feeling nostalgic, grab the family and head out to the Rice Lake area north of Cobourg. Stop in at the village of Roseneath, where an antique carousel is waiting to take you for a ride.

Buyers on the hunt for that waterfront dream

Find out where prices are heading on the waterfront in 2011, and new trends real estate agents are reporting across Ontario from Muskoka to Parry Sound to the Land O' Lakes to Windsor/Essex.

Port Dover welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts

The Friday the 13th motorcycle rally tradition is alive and well in the Lake Erie community of Port Dover, where more than 80,000 visitors are expected to roll in for this year's party on May 13.

Curtain set to rise on Ontario summer theatre

Live theatre — from Shakespeare to Broadway to Bach to Anne of Green Gables — is never far from the cottage. But hurry: summer theatre is a hot ticket. Find out where you'll find a stage near you.

A legacy of peace and friendship amid tulips

Find out how the birth of a little girl in 1943 — and a thank-you two years later for providing refuge to the Dutch royal family during the war — has transformed into the spectacular tulip festival in Ottawa.

Bridge takes Pickering into the future

A glow-at-night pedestrian/cycling bridge over Highway 401 is designed to take residents closer to Pickering's beautiful waterfront and its downtown core as the city celebrates its 200th anniversary.

Come on in! Doors Open Ontario welcomes all

Snooping season is upon us! There's plenty of architecture, history and natural heritage to explore as Doors Open Ontario celebrates its 10th anniversary. The 2011 season runs April to October.

Find out why Point Pelee is birding paradise

The May migration marks the height of birding season, with all eyes on Point Pelee National Park in Leamington. Join birders from around the world at this year's Festival of Birds, April 30-May 23.

Celebrate Canada's heritage: adopt a canoe

Join Canada's love affair with the canoe in Peterborough, home to the Canadian Canoe Museum. You can support the museum, the largest in the world, through its adopt-a-canoe fundraiser.

Grab your binoculars for tundra swan's return

Get thee to the Grand Bend area for the Return of the Swan festival. It's behind the Lambton Heritage Museum where you'll witness the amazing sight of thousands of migrating tundra swans at rest.

Dragons' Den Meaford helps entrepreneurs

Meet organic farmer Nicholas Schaut, the latest winner of the Dragons' Den Meaford competition. Attention craft beer lovers: Schaut is set to bring local hop cultivation back to Ontario in a big way.

Live the waterfront lifestyle and make money

Ready for waterfront living but not ready to give up the paycheque? Find out how entrepreneurs are making the waterfront dream an affordable reality. Part 1 of two stories on creating your own job.

Moratorium on offshore wind turbines

The first moratorium placed on offshore turbines by the Ontario government lasted two years. Waterfront champions hope the latest order, designed to allow time for impact studies, will be last forever.

Preserving our maple syrup past

In the Lanark Highlands, the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario, producers such as Vernon Wheeler are helping to ensure our rich maple sugar heritage remains a part of who we are as Canadians.

Celebrate family and a slice of Canadiana

Feb. 19-21 has been designated licence-free Family Fishing Weekend in Ontario, with several events designed for the first-timer. So grab the siblings and the kids, and head out on the ice.

The faces behind cross-country ski heaven

If you've ever stumbled upon a beautifully groomed cross-country ski trail and wondered how it got that way, you can thank the hard-working volunteers who run the many recreational ski clubs across Ontario.

Meet Muddy, the world's largest mudcat

Muddy the Mudcat is among the many fascinating larger-than-life roadside attractions in Ontario. Find out what Mike Walker, Muddy's creator, plans to launch as the next big tourism must-see in Dunnville.

Unique ice cider ripe for the picking ...

Winter is a special season at The County Cider Company, located on the waterfront in Waupoos. It's when Grand Howes and his pickers choose the apples for the newest batch of his famous ice cider.

The day Lake Ontario froze over ...

It was so unusual that the news made the New York Times. For Carroll Nichols, now in his 90s, the day Lake Ontario froze over in 1934 lives on in his memory as one of the best days ever.

Lace on those skates ... winter fun awaits!

There are plenty of outdoor rinks to choose from, but none more classic than Ottawa's famous Rideau Canal, the world's largest skating rink. The canal's 41st modern-day skating season is about to begin.

It's time to play spot the location ...

Ontario's waterfront communities — from Cambridge to Niagara Falls to Meaford — have been the scenic backdrop in many Hollywood movies. Sit back and relax with a film from our list and spot the location.

Dear Santa:

We love our home on the waterfront, but after a full year of Lake Erie living under our belts, there are a few things we could use to make our time here even more enjoyable. MyNewWaterfrontHome's wish list.

Yes, you CAN have your own private island!

If you thought owning your own island was only for the very rich, you'll be happy to hear your dream can come true for under $250,000. Check out the islands for sale across Ontario.

How divestiture is transforming waterfronts

Find out how a thing called divestiture has given communities the power to become masters of their own destiny and helped to transform Ontario's waterfront into valuable assets.

Upper Canada Village all lit up for photos

Practise your night photography at Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg, where the pioneer community is aglow with 500,000 lights and the streets are alive with carollers.

Mixing jazz, food and friendship ...

Find out how artist Elio DelCol's studio overlooking the Detroit River in Amherstburg has become home to monthly house parties where top-notch jazz and food are served up on Sunday evenings.

How to get rid of your heating, cooling bills

A group of forward-thinking homeowners in Inverlyn Lake Estates near Kincardine are harnessing the power of geothermal energy and saving money while enjoying an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Golf in December in the 'shirtsleeves capital'

Ever wish you could golf, cycle or take your boat out after Thanksgiving without freezing? Set your sights on Windsor-Essex County, home to the 'warmest falls in Canada'.

Submarine coming soon to Port Burwell

History buffs will soon be touring a Cold War-era submarine, saved from the scrap heap by the Elgin Military Museum, which is moving the HMCS Ojibwa to Port Burwell on Lake Erie.

Preserving our waterfront's treasures

Ontario's waterfront developers are being recruited in the campaign to preserve archeological treasures left behind by the First Nations people who invented waterfront living.

A feast for the eyes awaits in Sarnia

Looking for the Best View for Dining in Ontario? You'll find it on the 14th floor of the First Sarnia Place tower, home to On The Front Restaurant & Lounge. Find out why our readers say it's No. 1.

Why Collingwood makes getting old easy

You don't have to give up an active lifestyle when you grow old in Collingwood, where scooters and wheelchairs share trails and sidewalks with pedestrians. Barrier-free living is a priority here.

New twist on tidal power on the St. Lawrence

The St. Lawrence River in Cornwall is the site of an experiment that could soon see free-flow turbines creating power from water. Best of all, turbines for this emerging green technology are all underwater.

How you can own and protect a lighthouse

You can buy any of the almost 1,000 lighthouses on the government's surplus list and maintain it for future generations, thanks to the new Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. But hurry!

Why islanders are stocking up the pantry ...

For Ontario residents who live full-time on an island, a trip to the store for eggs and milk can mean an icy walk across a frozen lake, or even an expensive plane ride to the mainland. It's all in the preparation.

Living the Muskoka dream for only $100 ...

Enter the Welcome Home Sweepstakes and you could soon be entertaining family and friends in a custom cottage on Bass Lake, valued at $1.1 million, all while helping to fund cancer research.

History, waterfront combine on Talbot Trail

There are many quaint waterfront communities to explore along the Talbot Trail, the historic route that originated in Amherstburg and follows the lakeshore to Fort Erie. We help you plot your journey.

Hamilton, City of Waterfalls, is on a roll

Philanthropist Chris Ecklund is funding the City of Waterfalls initiative, promoting 125-plus waterfalls, to spread the message about Hamilton's natural beauty and why it's such a great place to live.

'Lost neighbourhood' rises again in Ottawa

It sat vacant for 40 years, but now, a new LeBreton Flats is taking shape along the banks of the Ottawa River. Though still in Phase 1, the development is already a sought-after address in the capital city.

Midland celebrates the gift of culture

Midland's community theatre and art school/gallery will soon have a shiny new downtown home, after a private foundation said it will build a $5-million cultural centre as its gift to the town.

Living the Muskoka dream for only $100 ...

Enter the Welcome Home Sweepstakes and you could soon be entertaining family and friends in a custom cottage on Bass Lake, valued at $1.1 million, all while helping to fund cancer research.

Mixing dogs and people on the waterfront

As dog owners are finding out, not all municipalities are rolling out the welcome mat to furry pets. Toronto is one of the pet-friendly exceptions, even offering dogs their own designated beaches

Tay Shore Trail the darling of Georgian Bay

The Township of Ty and its communities of Port McNicoll, Victoria Harbour and Waubaushene, once overshadowed by neighbour Midland, are on the tourist radar, thanks to a 18.5-kilometre paved trail.

Meaford spreads Beautiful Joe message

Meaford is staging a play to get the word out that Beautiful Joe, the rescued abused puppy of book fame, lived in the Georgian Bay community, where tourists can visit his gravesite and memorial park.

Why Tiny Township's waters sparkle ...

Tiny Township is winning praise across Ontario for its septic inspection program that was initiated by environment-friendly property owners anxious to keep their Georgian Bay waters clean.

Meet the man behind Huntsville's art murals

Gerry Lantaigne has given Huntsville a world-class collection of unique outdoor paintings honouring the Group of Seven. Now, he's ready to bring the Outdoor Gallery model to other communities.

Boaters find new family at Killarney marina

Boaters have happily adopted Mary and Pat Rogque, their friends and their charitable causes as their own, creating an extraordinary marina community in Killarney. Find out why Roque's Marina is No. 1.

Tempers flare over shoreline walking rights

An MPP vows he won't give up the fight to convince the Ontario government to enshrine shoreline walking rights into law, despite facing an uphill battle that threatens to turn ugly

Discover Ontario's three distinct wine regions

You'll want to book your tickets early so you don't miss any of the fun as Niagara, Prince Edward County and the Shores of Erie celebrate the fall harvest with festivals starring local food and wine.

Why they're dancing on Kincardine's beach

The last great dance hall on the shores of Lake Huron is back in business, thanks to a dedicated group of citizens who have worked to restore the 1923 pavilion back to its former glory.

A little bit of Europe finds its way to Welland

Praise is rolling in for Welland's newest waterfront transformation, complete with floating stage, Roman-style amphitheatre and firepots glowing on what was once an unsightly old canal.

'Painted Ladies' are back on Grimsby Beach

A little bit of Martha's Vineyard can be found in Grimsby Beach, the small cottage community on Lake Ontario where Victorian summer homes have been given a new lease on life.

'Village' in Cobourg takes a walk into the past

A while lot of newcomers are moving to the 'Feel Good Town' on Lake Ontario, thanks to a new subdivision where front porches are back in style and the automobile takes a backseat to foot power.

Saving our shipwrecks, diver policing style

While laws in Ontario are designed to preserve our shipwrecks from treasure hunters, not everyone plays by the rules. That is leaving conservation-minded divers in the role of both cop and teacher.

Public hearing called over nuclear shipment

A public hearing will be held to clear the air over plans by Bruce Power to send a shipment of 16 low-level radioactive steam generators across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway for recycling.

Civic Square takes Ridgeway into the future

A public gathering place with open-air pavilion is at the heart of a $7.5-million railway-themed uptown revitalization project in Fort Erie's popular — and growing — west-end village.

Bridging the generation gap to save lives ...

The OPP marine department is counting on today's children to grow up into the kind of adults who believe that making life-jackets mandatory on small vessels is the best way to prevent boating deaths.

Lakeside residents battle weed with weevil

As the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil threatens to choke North American waterdways, Ontarians are fighting back by arming themselves with a weed-eating weevil imported from the U.S.

Battle against invasive Asian carp stepped up

U.S. leaders in the Great Lakes states are counting on the courts to stop the Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan at Chicago, and then heading for Ontario waters, a disaster in waiting for the fishery.

Cruising makes major comeback in Ontario

Find out why two- to- eight-night cruises along Ontario's Great Lakes, St. Lawerence River, Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway are gaining in popularity not only with Canadians, but Europeans.

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Best sunsets on Lake Huron, science finds

Port Elgin is among Lake Huron communities that can rightfully claim the award for Best Sunsets, according to the scientific ingredients necessary to produce the perfect 'magic moment'.

How to protect yourself from severe weather

Emergency preparedness officials say a blend of new-age technology and Cold War measures can help better alert Ontarians that severe weather is on the way. Find out how you can protect your family.
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'Lost Villages' tale back on radar in Cornwall

Ontario Power Generation is bringing history back to life at its new visitor centre in Cornwall, where the story of the Lost Villages and the making of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project will be told.

Rum-running era relived in style

Windsor's 'dirty little secret' is finally out, thanks to new tourism ventures that aim to give the visiting public a taste of the rum-running era — complete with Al Capone — that followed U.S. Prohibition.

Why violent storms are the 'new normal'

Climate change is throwing weather forecasting for a loop, as more and more violent storms, many of them brewing over our lakes, shatter our lives. Brace yourself for weather's 'new normal'.

How a Blue Flag can make you swim again

More and more Ontario communities are rushing to earn the right to fly the coveted Blue Flag on their beaches and at their marinas, a move that is doing wonders on the tourism front.

Turbines in our lakes - too keen to be green?

As the Ontario government pushes ahead with its green energy plans, waterfront communities are gearing up to battle proposals to erect wind turbines in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. more

Buffer zone planned for offshore turbines

Plans by the provincial government to regulate the offshore turbine industry in Ontario include a five-kilometre buffer zone aimed at protecting birds, fish and shipping.

Putting a price on waterfront paradise

Tax fighters are preparing to do battle in the coming Ontario election as waterfront property assessments continue to rise dramatically across the province, especially in high-demand areas.

Shedding light on Dark Skies

The Dark Sky movement is picking up steam across the globe, including in Northern Bruce, spurred on by star-gazers who fear that light is blotting out the best places from which to observe the heavens.

Fractional yacht ownership makes a splash

Finally! Fractional yacht ownership has arrived in Ontario, making the dream lifestyle a whole lot easier to achieve. Find out how you can enjoy the best of summer without all the headaches.

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Finding music, spirituality in our lakes, rivers

Great Lake Swimmers, the Juno-nominated Indie band, has had a water theme running through their music since the first album in 2003, but none more so than the new Thousand Islands-inspired offering.

From brownfields to green living ...

Across Ontario, the development of abandoned industrial lands is adding new rigour — and value — to waterfront communities. Among the newest brownfields winners is Collingwood.

Waterfront communities top 'livable list'

Surprise! Ontario waterfront communities — Ottawa, Kingston and Burlington — have claimed the top three sports on MoneySense magazine's coveted ' most livable' cities in Canada list.

Low water creates shipping, boating havoc

Many of our favourite imports — including beer — are being held up due to low water levels in the St. Lawrence River. The situation is also creating potential hazards for recreational boaters.

Why Sandbanks is voted Ontario's Best Beach

Walk along the vast expanse of clean golden sand that lies beyond spectacular dunes soaring up to 25 metres and you'll understand why Sandbanks beach is MyNewWaterfrontHome.com's Best Beach winner.

Good news! Ontario 'hot spots' cleaning up

Wheatley Harbour recently celebrated its removal from the Great Lakes environmental hot spots list. Now, Cornwall and the St. Lawrence River that runs by it is expected to be the next to celebrate.

Chasing the Great Canadian Waterfront Dream

The 'Great Canadian Dream' of a waterfront home is being pushed beyond the limits of many as working professionals join the 55-plus generation in the rush for property near Ontario's best lakes and rivers.

Chatham-Kent scores Monopoly coup

The amalgamated waterfront community of Chatham-Kent may only have about 110,000 residents, but their unified voice has helped it snag the coveted Boardwalk spot on Monopoly: Canada.

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Coboconk's Balsam Lake on top of the world

Balsam Lake in Coboconk has officially been proclaimed Canada's Fresh Water Summit — the highest body of fresh water from which you can circumnavigate the oceans.

Looking for a Great Adventure this summer?

See the best of Ontario's waterfront communities on this year's Great Adventure, a 720-kilometres bicycle journey along the Waterfront Trail that hugs the shoreline of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

New hope for a brighter future on Pelee Island

The little island in the far reaches of Lake Erie might be beset by a struggling economy and dwinding population, but there are signs that things are about to get better for beautiful Pelee.

Breaking down concrete barriers in Toronto

Underpass Park is just one of the many innovative green features of Toronto's massive West Don Lands redevelopment project. more Toronto aims to create the world's best waterfront.