Outside Greater Toronto area, Toronto

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In VT the 1000 Islands are referred as an US attraction, and I believe they should be. But the fact is that they follow the border between USA and Canada, in St. Lawrence river, occupying both sides of the border.

I didn't have time to visit them, and only saw some of them from distance, in our way from Toronto to Montreal.

It seems (surfing VT tips about it) that the most interesting points are in US side. But... this is what I saw! And where I saw it. Maybe it will be fun, riding a boat around them.

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I just found out there are badlands in Ontario near Caledon. It is probably about a 45 minute drive and the site is actually quite small, so it shouldn't take you more than 15-30 minutes to see everything. I also recommend going there early in the morning as I understand this is quite busy later in the day with families visiting. Also, if you have very limited time in Toronto, I would not go out of my way to check this out but if you want to get away from the city, you can visit this as well as the many towns and parks in the Caledon / Niagara Escarpment area.

Please note that the badlands are in danger of erosion, so do not walk around on them, even if you see other people ignoring the warning signs put up by Bruce Trail Organization. You can get a really good view from the top and surrounding so there really is no need to go on them. I have posted a few pictures below. My friend said that in winter, you can see the different sedimentary layers (?) even clearer because of the snow. I guess I will probably go check it out at that time.

The Caledon area is also very popular with cyclists, though the hills seemed quite intense. The cyclists I saw on that day stopped by to check out the view, then continued on to the Spirit Tree Estate Cidery. I went there for an early lunch and they got a good selection of cheeses and other local farm products. They offer free cider tasting, which includes a pub cider, a perry (pear alcohol), still cider (sort of like wine), and an ice cider. I actually quite like the ice cider, which reminds me of ice wine, but less sweet. One of the patrons recommended the artisan farmer's platter, which got a selection of local products. I would probably try that next time.

Directions to Badlands: If you drive from Toronto, take Hwy 401W and exit on Hwy 410. 410 will become Hwy 10, which is also called Hurontario Street. Go North for a few blocks until you hit Olde Base Line Road. Turn left. It is on the left hand side of the road just before Creditview Road. If you have a GPS, try searching for 1600 Olde Base Line Road. There is no official parking but there is a shoulder where you can leave your vehicle.

Directions to Spirit Tree Estate Cidery: It's near Missassauga Road and Boston Mills Road (1 block south and 1.5 blocks west of the badlands).

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Stoney Ridge is an adorable little spot, your Grandma, Mom and Auntie will love it!!

Despite it's cutesy appeal, I ADORE some of Stoney Ridges wines.
Tours are 11:00 am and 2;30 PM on weekends or by appointment. $10.00 (30 min.)

**Access to a car is needed to get here, or a private bus tour.**

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I love that you can taste the wine in the 'old school' clay cups here. It really does alter the flavour of the wine and you can also purchase your very own clay cup here to take home.

Best part is that you can actually buy it at the Liquor store!!

**A car is needed to reach the vineyard... BUT De Sousa also has a location in Toronto**

802 Dundas Street West-- Mon. to Sat. 11-7, 416-603-0202

Just 40 Minutes east of Toronto is the Cullen Gardens. located at Whitby.

The Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village is open from Mid April to early January.

They usually have a Festival of Lights events around Christmas time, check out if it is still ocurring.

I will be putting pictures of the miniature Village on a travelogue page in the future when time allows, so watch this space.

There are Group discounts available, Free parking, and Senior discounts.

There is also a restaurant, Lynde House Heritage Home, gift shops, and a cafe.

East of Toronto is the Mountsberg Wildlife Center. Has some wild animals: bison, birds of prey etc. on the grounds, a lake to swim in, and some short to medium walking trails.

From Highway 401 go south on Guelph Line. Turn west on Campbellville Road for 4 km and then go north on Milburough Line for 1 km to park entrance.

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Great tasting room and cellar tour. Fab wines!

Free public tours at 11:30 and 3:00 daily and after you can taste and buy the wine from the shop.

**You need access to a car to get here, or an organized tour.**

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Located just outside of Niagara on the Lake, Strewn also has a cooking school and a restaurant alongside their vineyards and winery.

They have more than 20 wines, many of which have been awarded medals here and internationally, especially for their ice wines. I prefer the whites here, especially the Pinot Blanc, but sadly only a few of these wines can be found in the LCBO Stores in Ontario.

Free public tours at 1pm daily and end with a taste of three wines, just let the retail staff know your interested.

**You need access to a car to get here, or an organized tour.**

Georgian Bay is a great day trip from Toronto. You can drive yourselve, take a bus or a tour. You'll be amazed by the beauty of this bay, its charming houses and islands. A very worthy day trip to scape from the crowded cities.

Midland is a very nice little town, at about 1.30 hours from Toronto. It is famous for its colorful walls, painted as murals reconstructing the history of the province. It is also the gateway for a Georgian Bay boat tour.