It’s hard to find motivation in winter because the 50 shades of grays can really bring us down. Canada has long winters, but that doesn’t mean we should have 4 months of “I don’t want to go outside the cold hurts my face” phase. A well-deserved break is closer and quicker than you think. Just an hour drive from downtown Toronto lies the little Town of Georgina, and that folks, is your key to your wonderful winter getaway.
Stay at the Briars
The Briars Resort & Spa
The Briars Resort & Spa is the go-to for a stay if you’re looking for a dose of history with a big splash of luxury. From the beautifully designed tower to winter fireplace patios, Briars has it all. Roaming the never ending halls and doors make you feel like you’re in one of the castles in the Harry Potter movies. Briars is perfect for a winter getaway because you really don’t need to leave the resort to enjoy yourself. They have a Solarium with indoor pool (40 feet long), whirlpool, sauna and relaxation area and a Spa with an extensive treatment menu if you’re willing to spend a little more.
Go Ice Fishing with Snake Island Fish Huts
Go Ice Fishing with Snake Island Fish Huts
There’s fishing, and then there’s ice fishing. Even if you think sitting in the cold on ice for hours is not for you, wait til the beer hits. Snake Island Fish Huts takes you out in the midst of Lake Simcoe on a ski-doo and demonstrates the fishing schpeel. With the fishing economy making a large chunk of Georgina’s economy, there’s a whole lotta potential for you, too. Regardless, whether you’ve caught any or not, the experience will be one to remember. Just remember to be respectful of the fishes you catch and if you plan to release them, don’t take too long taking selfies.
Visit the ROC (Recreational Outdoor Center)
Recreational Outdoor Center
So who doesn’t want to slide down a massive snowy slope? Take it from a person who can’t snowboard or ski, a four-lane snow tubing area at the ROC is the most fun and easy thing to do. As soon as you get on top of the hill on the rotating carpet belt, the staff gets you into your doughnut-shaped tube and you go on your way sliding down. The prices are $20 per person for 2 hours of snow tubing and vary for other activities. Get ready to hold onto your hats and scarves because you’re on for an adrenaline rush.
Check out the Farmers Market at the Clearwater Farms
Farmers Market at the Clearwater Farms
The Clearwater Farms grow everything from tomatoes to mushroom logs. You’d be thinking what am I going to do at a farm in the winter? Oh, contraire mon frere, they hold farmers markets every Sunday and you can pick up some fresh produce on your way back home. But what really warms my heart about this farm is that they promote children’s education in agriculture and practice eco-friendly and organic methods. Award-winning chef Cori also holds cooking classes at the farm and they’re in process of building some amazing greenhouses.
Spend Christmas at the Pioneer Village
Pioneer Village
Located close the ROC hill, the Pioneer Village is a great place to take your kids and brush up on some Canadian history. Besides the elementary school field trips and harvest festivals in the summer, the winter season hosts an Old Fashioned Christmas in November when the Village comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of an early settler Christmas. The 16 structures, most built to interpret real places from the 1800s, will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. The popular guides in costume, Melissa and Bruce, are vacuums of knowledge and really know how to curate history into real life.
We would like to thank Ontario’s Central Counties and York Durham Headwaters for helping us see the beauty of Georgina.
Photos by Zahra Khozema