Of Sun and Fun : Summer 2021 in Ontario

Toronto

About an hour's drive from downtown Toronto is Terrebleu, the largest lavender field in Ontario. As well as visiting the field, you can also hike their forest trail to see many outdoor art installations, visit the distillery where they produce essential oils, learn about their beekeeping facilities and much more.

Have you ever been to the Scarborough Cliffs, located on the shores of Lake Ontario? This spectacular place is home of nine parks in which you can do a variety of activities such as swimming (at Bluffer’s Park), hiking, visiting flower gardens and even have a picnic near the lake.

Back in town, stroll through the popular Graffiti Alley where you will most certainly come across new black and white paintings. They were made last year during the Black Lives Matter movement.

You could also check out the largest public market in town, the Saturday Farmers Market at Evergreen Brick Works, or the Sunday Artisan Market, located at the same place. It’s the perfect occasion to discover fresh and local products.

End the day with a delicious cocktail at our Bar Le Germain at Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square, where we teamed up with Romeo’s Gin to display a very creative piece of art from Stykki Peach, or drink Veuve Clicquot with a plate of oysters on the intimate rooftop terrace of Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer. Both of our patios will be ready to welcome you by mid-June. A restful night of sleep then awaits you at either one of our hotels.

Ottawa

Did you know that the Rideau Canal is 202 kilometers long, has 47 locks and many different environments such as lakes, marshes, rivers and channel? Pretty impressive! What better way to experience it than by canoe or kayak?

An expedition can last half a day, a whole week, or even longer. That’s because there is so much to see and so much to do around the canal: swimming, hiking, fishing, discovering the flora and fauna.

Note that you must have a permit to navigate the Rideau Canal and dock at the locks. All the details here.

Would you prefer to relax and unwind a bit? Then it’s at the Nordik Spa-Nature in Old-Chelsea that you should find yourself for a totally relaxing day at the largest spa in North America. Add a massage or treatment to the thermal experience to enjoy this truly peaceful experience in an enchanting setting.

Head back to town to lounge on the gorgeous patio of the Tavern on the Hill. On the menu are gourmet hot dogs, tasty tacos, fresh salads and, of course, a large selection of delicious cocktails.

Finish off with an artisan gelato from Piccolo Grande or Mantovani, both located in the Byward Market and favourites places of ours. Pistachio, hazelnuts, chocolate, coconut: there is a flavor for every mood you might find yourself in.

To conclude the day, treat yourself to a well-deserved moment of calm in the comfort of our rooms at Le Germain Hotel Ottawa or the Alt Hotel Ottawa.