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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Summer in Ontario
Your Next Summer Adventure Is Closer Than You Think Katherine Palumbo is the storyteller behind @explore.ontario, one of Ontario’s leading travel-focused content creators. With a passion for showcasing local experiences, hidden gems, and seasonal adventures, Katherine has built a trusted community of Ontario travelers seeking inspiration close to home. What are some of your favourite summer activities that people can enjoy across Ontario? The possibilities are endless when it comes to summer travel in Ontario. My favourite ways to spend a weekend are exploring small towns (Perth, Stratford, and Elora are my top spots) and visiting a seasonal flower farm; preferably a pick-your-own farm. Laura’s Farm Stand and Valhaven Farm are lovely options that showcase a variety of blooms. I’m also a huge fan of kayaking, but since I don’t own a kayak, I rely upon businesses and parks that offer rentals. Illuminated Escapes takes it one step further and offers
glow-in-the-dark kayak rentals with locations in Toronto and the GTA.
Can you share a few hidden-gem summer spots in Ontario that deserve more attention? The small town of St. Marys is truly underrated! Just Read the entire interview online at a short distance from Stratford, St. Marys has a gortruenorthliving.ca. geous downtown and waterfront walking trail that’s best explored in summer. They even offer a free kayak rental program via their local library! Located in St. Marys is also Canada’s largest fresh water swimming pool — the St. Marys Quarry. It’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Why Kivi Park Belongs on Your Ontario Summer Bucket List Discover a different side of Northern Ontario through scenic trails, Crowley Lake adventures, and family-friendly outdoor experiences.
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PHOTO CREDIT: JESS MCSHANE
ntario summers have a special way of calling us outside. They invite road trips, packed coolers, new memories, and the search for new adventures with our loved ones. And while some destinations have become seasonal staples, there’s much more to discover beyond Ontario’s familiar summer hotspots. Located on the edge of Greater Sudbury, Kivi Park is a Northern Ontario oasis that provides the best of what summer has to offer. Spanning more than 480 acres of forests, lakes, and rugged Canadian Shield landscape, the park has become a go-to destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with nature.
Visitors can explore an extensive network of hiking and biking trails designed for a variety of ages and skill levels, from easy family outings to more adventurous terrain. Accessible crusher dust trails also help ensure that more people can comfortably experience the outdoors. Many of Kivi Park’s most memorable happen on the water at Crowley Lake. Spend an afternoon canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or fishing while taking in the surroundings. Add in playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of room to roam, and Kivi Park offers something increasingly valuable: the chance to spend quality time together outdoors.
To plan your next Northern Ontario adventure, visit Kivi Park online at kivipark.com or follow along on Instagram for inspiration and updates. This article was sponsored by Kivi Park.
Written by Emily Hellam
How Ontario Winemaker Built Perfect Summer Tasting Experience One of Niagara-on-The-Lake’s first wine makers, this winery is a ‘must see’ on every Ontarians’ summer bucket list this year.
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here are few feelings better than that of enjoying a warm Ontario summer day with a crisp glass (or bottle) of wine. Offering just that, Niagara-on-the-Lake welcomes over 3.5 million visitors annually. The Ontario wine region has become well-respected, not only within the Canadian wine-scene, but internationally. The Reif Family Winery was established in 1982, making it one of Niagara-on-theLake’s founding family wineries. Nestled amongst the vines and bordering the stunning shores of Lake Ontario, the winery spans over 125-acres and remains deeply rooted in the region’s history having planted its first vineyard in 1977. In a country notorious for its winter climate, the winery takes advantage of the Niagara River’s sub-appellation micro-climate,
leading to warmer growing conditions that favour a longer growing season and produces rich, full-bodied wines.
Experiencing the best of wine country Over the years, Reif Family Winery has grown to become one of the most sophisticated tasting experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ontario winemaking. Now carried forward by its 13th generation wine maker Klaus W. Reif, the winery remains dedicated to crafting wines that represent the region, each telling their own unique story. From themed tasting flights to curated food pairings, tastings offer a glimpse into the region — and winery’s- storied histories. From May to October, the winery becomes an immersive outdoor experi-
ence with its unique Sensory Garden dining, a patio and outdoor kitchen that offers visitors the perfect space to enjoy a classic Ontario summer day. Guests are invited to soak in the winery’s stunning vineyard views, all while enjoying award-winning varieties and fresh, locally-inspired dishes. A visit to The Reif Family Winery is more than just a wine-tasting experience; it’s the chance to experience Ontario wine country's hospitality and innovation at its best.
To learn more about the Reif Family Winery or to plan your next trip, visit reifwinery.com. This article is sponsored by Reif Estate Winery.
Written by Sonya Friesen
Publisher: Jonah Sofer Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Traffic Manager: Vansh Chandwaney All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The Toronto Star or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.