Guest blog by Katherine Low.
I grew up in St. Thomas, home to the life-sized monument of Jumbo the Elephant, who died there in
1885. Jumbo keeps watch and greets all residents and visitors as they drive up Talbot Street into
downtown. Having stood there my whole life, Jumbo makes me feel like I need to “check in” from time
to time like I would with an old friend. Usually Jumbo hasn’t changed much (although he was once
painted with bright pink primer during touch-ups). But I have changed. Every time I visit, I’m a different
person. And that’s how I feel about the Ontario destinations that I know and love. Whether or not they
change, we do. We have changed because we have been there, done that and experienced all they had
to offer. I’m proud of my hometown and I’m proud of my province. And I’ll never get tired of discovering
more places to love here in Ontario. Which Ontario landmarks and curiosities remind you of home? How
have your favourite Ontario destinations changed you?
Thank them this summer and go back to say “hi.” Just like an old friend, these destinations are eager for
an update and you might just be surprised by how much they have changed, too. There is something
exhilarating about meeting new people, but re-connecting with old friends can sometimes feel just like
comfort food on a rainy day. Take your kids to the beach you spent your summers on when you were
growing up. Show your spouse your hometown through tourist’s eyes. Or make new memories and
explore brand-new (to you) Ontario destinations – they’ll wish you were here.
Wondering where to get started? Here’s a great bucket-list for your best summer yet from our Spring/Summer 2013 Magazine. Download or order your free copy and get planning!
1. Eager to try glamping? Find out where you can camp in style.
2. Make an urban escape to one of Toronto’s new luxury hotels.
3. Take a walk among the treetops!
4. Sail back in time aboard the SS Keewatin.
5. Catch a wave near the Bruce Peninsula.
6. Ride a cable car over the stunning Niagara River.
7. Visit postcard-perfect Port Stanley.
8. Find Ontario’s best rock-climbing destinations.
9. Stand on top of the world at the CN Tower.
10. Find out where you can engineer a train for a day!
11. Learn to paddle or refresh your skills.
But don’t stop there – Every region of Ontario is bursting with exciting discoveries for every member of the family. See the
gallant TALL SHIPS® 1812 Tour sail into provincial ports of call. Applaud a dynamic theatre production.
Make discoveries at marvellous galleries and museums. Join the fun at countless fairs and festivals. And
try something completely new: be a train engineer for a day, slip into a kayak for the first time, go on a
literary tour or explore a winery on a Segway.
Whether you crave big-city excitement, the bliss of nature or a bit of both, download the ONTARIO
Spring/Summer 2013 magazine to find the best places to make the most out of your summer.
Guest Blogger Katherine Low: As Publications Manager at Ontario Tourism, one of the best parts of my job is editing the Ontario magazine, as I get to be the first to read about new and unique attractions and experiences across our beautiful province. Whether it’s a story on the rugged beauty of a provincial park or a fun, new urban hotspot, I am always finding inspiration to get out there and see it all. I love to travel but I feel most at home paddling on an Ontario lake – lucky for me, Ontario has over 250,000 lakes to explore! Home sweet home.
2 replies on “Sneak Peek at the Ontario Summer Magazine!”
I looked at the glamping photo and thought it was in Africa. As a Torontonian, I’m definitely putting it on my to-do list!
Great post, precisely written. One of my favourite Ontario places is the Temagami Bridge in Temagami, Ont. The photos look stunning and ‘glamping’ looks like it might be fun.