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Spring Road Trips Colours (colors)and Wildlife Viewing

Consider a road trip north this spring to enjoy Ontario's outdoor wildlife........enjoy spring events, touring, shopping at a farmers market, March break getaways a maple syrup harvest festival a budding artist show, a fishing getaway or spring wildflowers,or just plain old fashioned fresh air and exercise. The colours of spring north of Toronto will be showing the hues of various yellows, greens, whites and purples with the buds getting fatter ready to burst into full spring and summer foliage. As the snow disappears, a number of the early blooming crocuses are appearing with a blanket of white, yellow and blue colours (colors). Late March, April and May are good months for viewing wildlife before the leaf foliage appears. Moose and deer can be seen in and around the Algonquin Park area, Wild Turkey behavior takes on interesting displays. Before heading out on your Ontario spring or summer drive, check out our spring summer Ontario Drive Tips and make sure of your driving directions.

The following Ontario travel routes provide a variety of terrain to see the spring changes taking place. A number of the lakes north of Toronto will be thawing through April. If you are lucky, you will be able to here the "ice crackle and sing" as it suddenly changes back to the smooth flowing liquid we call water.

Overnight Spring Colour Routes and Suggested Spring Colors Trips within 1-7 hours from the junction of Highways 400 & 11 in Barrie.

Algonquin Park Northern Drive Spring colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: To catch Algonquin glory, follow Highways 400 and 11 north to Huntsville, then take Highway 60 east through Dwight and Oxtongue Lake to Algonquin park where there are many marked nature trails. When leaving the park proceed east on Highway 60 to Whitney. Stay on Highway 60 east to the Barry's Bay and turn right at Highway 62 and south on Highway 62 to Combermere, Maynooth, Bancroft , and Highway 28 south to Lakefield and Peterborough.

Places to stay: ALGONQUIN PARK Bartlett lodge DWIGHT At Cooper Lake Cottage, Algonquin Lakeside Inn, Bondi Village Cottage Resort, Corbett Cove Vacation Residences, Foxwood Resort, Logging Chain Lodge, Nor'Loch Lodge Resort, Sring Lake Resort, GILMOUR: Beaver Creek Resort Inc. HUNTSVILLE & AREA: Beauview Cottage Resort, Clyffe House Cottage Resort , Cedar Grove Lodge, Colonial Bay Cottages,, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville Inn, Private Muskoka Luxury Chalet Rental, Tulip Inn, Woodland Springs Penlake B&B , Trillium Resort & Spa WHITNEY: Couples Resort, The OXTONGUE LAKE Algonquin Lakeside Inn, Algonquin's Wolf Den Hostel, Cabins and Timber Frame Ski Lodge BARRY'S BAY, Fortune's Madawaska Valley Inn, Chippawa Cottage Resort, Easy Living Camping and RV Park, LAKEFIELD: Pine Vista Resort, Wantasa Resort, Village Inn, The

Suggested Attractions-Editor's Pick. Ragged Falls--One of the most scenic waterfalls sought out by photographers. Just a short hike off highway 60 before Algonquin Park past Oxtongue Lake-no charge admission.

Canoe Expeditions in Algonquin Park: Wolfden Expeditions

Algonquin Park Southern Drive Spring colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: This travel route assumes you are already in the village of Haliburton Ontario.Haliburton Village to Bancroft to Haliburton Village Return (all roads are paved): The colours on the south side of Algonquin and the Haliburton Highlands are equally as splendid in the Spring and less traveled. Follow Highways 118 East to County Road 4. Turn left on county road 4 to Wilberforce. At the stop sign turn left at county road 648 and proceed to Harcourt. Just past Harcourt look for County Road 10 and proceed to Maynooth (this road runs along the very south side of Algonquin park with access roads to the Park). Stay on County Road 10 until the stop sign. Turn left and you will enter Maynooth on Highway 62. Visit several of the funky craft and antique stores here. Take Highway 62 South to Bancroft (Mineral Capital of Ontario). Take Highway 28 south and proceed to the village of Paudash. Turn right on 118 North (west) through Cardiff, Tory Hill, and back to Haliburton Village. Approximate leisurely driving time with stops (3 hours) See Haliburton Spring colour gallery

Places to stay: Haliburton: Sir Sam's Inn and Spa, Williams Landing Purdy: Blue Moon Retreat Minden: Boshkung Lake Cottage,Willow Beach Cottages, Buttermilk Springs Resort,Loralea Cottages, Ogopogo Resort, Ruby's Cottage Resort & B&B, Sandy Lane Resorts, Bancroft Hotels: Best Western Sword Motor Inn
Places to Visit: Leslie Frost Centre, Sculpture Forest

Barrie to Horseshoe Valley to Orillia Return to Barrie Spring colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: Spectacular Colours and views along the Horseshoe Valley Road From Highway 400, Take Highway 27 North (Bayfield exit) through Barrie to Simcoe Road 22 (The Horseshoe Valley Road) turn right through Craighurst, Horseshoe Valley, Coulson, Jarratt to Highway 12. Turn right at Highway 12 and proceed East to Orillia. Upon leaving Orillia, take Highway 11, South to Barrie.
A delightful surpise for music lovers is the Colours of Music Festival, returning to Barrie for its fourth season and running from September 22 for 10 days.
Side Trip to Simcoe County Eco Farmers Market each Friday until Thanksgiving Weekend.

Places to Stay: Barrie: Bona Vista Spa and Bed & Breakfast, Carriage Hills / Carriage Ridge Resort, Comfort Inn (Hart Drive), Harbour View Inn, Horseshoe Resort Orillia:Comfort Inn Orillia, Best Western Couchiching Inn, Orillia Travelodge Hotel, Days Inn Orillia, Quality Hotel Champlain Hotel Waterfront, Econo Lodge Orillia
Places to Visit: Hardwood Hills Nordic Ski & Mountain Bike Centre, Serendipity Princess Cruise, Simcoe County Museum, Snow Valley Resort Limited, Mount St. Louis - Moonstone Elmvale Spring Fair Web Site Click Here

Barrie to Orangeville Spring

colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: Take Highway 27 to Highway 26 west to Stayner. A beautiful view of Spring colours is behind the Simcoe County buildings with extensive trails.***** Proceed on Highway 26 to Stayner south on County Road 42 which changes to County Road 18 to Mansfield. Continue south to Highway 89. A nice diversion is Violet Hill with a stop to Mrs. Mitchell's. Travel east on Highway 89 to Highway 50. Proceed on Highway 50 south to Loretto. Go west again to Hockley and enjoy the Spring colours. After leaving go west on County Road 18, south to Mono Mills, and west on Highway 9 to Highway 400.The Hockley Valley area and the Caledon Region have colours changing daily.A delightful surpise for music lovers is the Colours of Music Festival, returning to Barrie for its fourth season and running from September 22 for 10 days.

Places to Stay: BARRIE: Bona Vista Spa and Bed & Breakfast, Comfort Inn (Hart Drive), Harbour View Inn, Horseshoe Resort, ORANGEVILLE: Caledon: Millcroft Inn and Spa
Places to Visit: Hardwood Hills Mountain Bike Trails
Elmvale Spring Fair Web Site Click Here

Collingwood Beaver Valley Spring colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: Take Highway 400 to Highway 27 north in Barrie. Go north to Highway 26, and proceed west to Collingwood and Thornbury. Proceed south again on County Road 13 to the Beaver Valley, and then go back north to Meaford, return through Thornbury and Collingwood.

Places To Stay: Blue Mountain Chalets, Blue Mountain Lodges, Chateau Ridge Condo, Mountain Springs Lodge Resort & Conference Centre and Tyrolean Village Resorts Flesherton: Cedars Cottage Resort
Places to Visit: Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

Midland-Honey Harbour-Port Severn Area of Georgian Bay colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: Take Highway 400 North to 93 northwest to Southern Georgian Bay and the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene. Combine your Spring drive with a Spring colour cruise from Midland or Penetanguishene to capture the beauty of the 30,000 Island Spring colours. A visit to Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons or the Wye Marsh Wildlife Center is fun for families.***** Take Highway 12 through Midland, picking up the 400 again north to Muskoka Road 5 to Port Severn & Honey Harbour. Return via Highway 400.

Places to Stay: MIDLAND & AREA: Best Western Highland Inn & Conference Centre, Comfort Inn, Little Lake Inn Bed & Breakfast, PORT SEVERN & HONEY HARBOUR AREA: Delawana Inn Resort, Inn at Christie's Mill, Muskey's Landing, Rawley Resort & Marina Inc, Severn Lodge, Sunnylea Resort
Places to Visit: Hardwood Hills Mountain Bike Trails, Midland Tours Inc., Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Huronia Museum & Huron/Ouendat Village, Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, Aborigional Tourism Association, Martyrs' Shrine, Awenda Provincial Park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Haliburton - Huntsville Spring colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: Take Highway 11 north to Highway 118 east. Travel east on 118 to Hiwghway 35 and proceed south on 35 to Minden. Take 121 east to the picturesque village of Haliburton, then take Highway 118 west from Haliburton Village back to Highway 35. Proceed north to the village of Dorset, to the Lookout Tower at Dorset.***** Proceed north on 35 to Dwight and go west on Highway 60 to Huntsville, return home via Highway 11 from Huntsville..

Places to Stay: HUNTSVILLE & AREA: Bartlett Lodge, Beauview Cottage Resort, Blue Water Acres, Clyffe House Cottage Resort, Colonial Bay Cottages, Diamond in the Ruff Golf Club, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville Inn, Muskoka Moments Bed & Breakfast,Pow Wow Point Lodge, Private Muskoka Luxury Chalet Rental, Tally - Ho Inn,Trillium Resort & Spa, Tulip Inn, Woodland Springs Penlake B&B, HALIBURTON & AREA: Lakeside Park Cottages, Sir Sam's Inn and Spa, Willow Beach Cottages, Boshkung Lake Cottage, Buttermilk Springs Resort, Loralea Cottages, Ogopogo Resort, Sandy Lane Resorts,
Places to Visit: Nature Trails,

Lake of Bays North Muskoka Via Bracebridge, Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, North Portage, Baysville, Bracebridge Spring colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: This is a beautiful trip through the North Muskoka woodlands with excellent lake views. Take Highway 117 from Bracebridge to Baysville, stay on Hwy 117 to Dorset, turn left on to Highway 35 (look for Dorset Fire Tower). Go north on Hwy. 35 to Dwight, turn left on Highway 60 going east to Muskoka County Road 9. Make a left turn on Muskoka Rd. 9 to North Portage. Proceed along Muskoka road 9 back to Baysville, and east on 117 to Bracebridge.

Places to Stay: Dwight: At Cooper Lake Cottage, Algonquin Lakeside Inn, Bondi Village Cottage Resort, Corbett Cove Vacation Residences, Foxwood Resort, Logging Chain Lodge, Nor'Loch Lodge Resort, Oxtongue: Algonquin's Wolf Den Hostel, Cabins and Timber Frame Ski Lodge, Spring Lake ResortBracebridge Hotels Cedarwood On Lake Muskoka Cottages & Nighty Rooms, Inn At The Springs, Sleep Inn Bracebridge, Travelodge Bracebridge
Places to See: Muskoka Wildlife Centre.

Lake Simcoe Spring Colours (colors) Circle Tour

Driving Directions: One of the interesting Spring colour routes close to Toronto is a tour around Lake Simcoe using a combination of Highway 400, Highway 11, and a number of side roads that take your through Barrie, Orillia, Lagoon City, Beaverton, Sutton, Keswick, Holland Landing. This tour route can be started on the East Side of Lake Simcoe, or the West Side going north.

Places to stay: Barrie: Bona Vista Spa and Bed & Breakfast, Comfort Inn (Hart Drive), Harbour View Inn, Horseshoe Resort Orillia:Comfort Inn Orillia, Best Western Couchiching Inn, Orillia Travelodge Hotel, Days Inn Orillia, Quality Hotel Champlain Hotel Waterfront, Econo Lodge Orillia Sutton: The Briars

Lakefield to Barry’s Bay Spring colours (colors) Bay

Driving Directions: Drive north from Peterbourgh along the river on county road 23 to Lakefield. Proceed north from Lakefield on Highway 28. You will start to see the transition of land forms and colours in the Canadian Shield—more rock, contrasting evergreens with backdrops of Spring color will provide many photographic opportunities. Take Highway 28 to Bancroft, and proceed north to Highway 62 and Maynooth. Stay on 62 to Barry’s Bay where you will pass through the Hamlet of Maple Leaf, and Combermere(watch for scenic lookout sign just before Combermere.
Interesting Side Trips: Buckhorn, Harcourt.

Places to Stay: LAKEFIELD: Pine Vista Resort, Wantasa Resort, Village Inn, The, BUCKHORN: Westwind Inn On the Lake Couples Resort. BARRY’S BAY. Combermere Lodge, Chippawa Cottage Resort. GILMOUR: Beaver Creek Resort Inc. Purdy: Blue Moon Retreat

Mostly Muskoka Spring colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: Travel highway 11, north to the towns of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Port Sydney, travel west from 11, accross 141 to Parry Sound, work your way to 169 South to 118 East. Either continue south to Bala on 169 , or go west on 118 to Port Carling for a quick side trip. Return to 169 and proceed south to Bala. Travel west from Bala on Muskoka Road 38 to Highway 400. Take Muskoka Road 5 to Honey Harbour to see the Georgian Bay side of Muskoka. Return to Hihgway 400 south to Barrie.

Places to Stay: Bayview Wildwood Resort, Black Lake Cabins, Clear Lake Village Resort, Delawana Inn Resort, Eden Place Bed & Breakfast, Muskey's Landing, Quiet Bay Log Motel & Café, Severn Lodge, Sunnylea Resort , Wit's End B&B, Woodland Echoes Resort

North Bay to Timmins, Gogama, Sudbury, North Bay Spring Colors (Colours)

A direct drive to Timmins will take you into gold country, not just because of the Spring colors but as a result of the gold mining. Allow for an overnight stay to get the most out of the attractions in the area. Proceed north on Highway 11 from North Bay and travel through the towns of Martin River, Temagami, New Liskeard, to Matheson. In Matheson travel west to Timmins on ighway 101. Return to North Bay by travelling west on Highway 101 to Highway 144. Go south through Gogama to Sudbury, and east on Highway 17 through Sturgeon Springs to North Bay.

Places to Stay: NORTH BAY & AREA: Booth Landing Camping & Cottages, Hummingbird Hill Spa - Country Retreat, Crystal Springs: Okimot Lodge on Tomiko Lake, Moose Point Cottages, New Liskeard: A selection of hotels on-line. SUDBURY & AREA: Auberge-sur-lac Bed & Breakfast, Gogama: Green Wilderness Lodge Lavigne: Buckeye Cottages, West Nipissing Resort, Thorne: Opimika Winderness Camp and Cottages, Timmins: A selection of hotels on-line

Places to See:
Shania Twain Centre, Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour

North Bay - Sudbury Spring Route colours (colors)

Driving Directions: Take Highway 11 north through Huntsville, Burks Falls (side trip to Magnetawan), Sundridge, South River, Trout Creek (side trip to Port Loring) Powassan, Callander, to North Bay. Go west on Highway 17 to Sudbury through to Sturgeon Springs West Nippising (side trip to Lavigne, Chrystal Springs), to Sudbury. Return on Highway 69 south through French River, Pointe au Baril, and Parry Sound (side trip to Ahmic Harbour). Continue South on Highway 69 to Highway 400.

Places to Stay: NORTH BAY & AREA: Booth Landing Camping & Cottages, Hummingbird Hill Spa - Country Retreat, Kearney: Sand Lake Cottages & Inn Thorne: Opimika Winderness Camp and Cottages South River: Northern Edge Algonquin, Lavigne: Buckeye Cottages, West Nipissing Resort, Parry Sound: Four Winds Cottage Resort, SunDog Retreat, The SUDBURY & AREA: Auberge-sur-lac Bed & Breakfast, Crystal Springs: Okimot Lodge on Tomiko Lake, Moose Point Cottages, Magnetawan: Quiet Bay Log Motel & Café, Woodland Echoes Resort, Port Loring: Whip-poor-will Lodge
Places to Visit: Science North & Dynamic Earth

Old Fort Road Spring Tour To Midland Ontario colours (colors)*

Driving Directions: This route will take you past Simcoe County Forests, rolling rural country side, vistas of hills with spectacular Spring colours, antique shops, farms with fresh farm eggs and honey for sale, through the charming villages of Wyebridge, Hillsdale and Waverly in the heart of Simcoe County. Detailed Spring Foliage touring route with mileage, places to see and suggested links to overnight accommodation stops. Detailed route directions on the back roads to Midland Ontario.

Places to Stay: MIDLAND & AREA: Best Western Highland Inn & Conference Centre, Comfort Inn, Little Lake Inn Bed & Breakfast, Places to Visit: Midland Tours Inc., Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Martyrs' Shrine, Huronia Museum and Ouendat Village
Side Trips: Midland to Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, Midland to Awenda Provincial Park on Georgian Bay.
More Area Information: Midland, Penetanguishene, Georgian Bay Eco Museum

Peterborough - Kawarthas Spring Route colours (colors)

Driving Directions: Take Highway 11 north to Highway 12 Orillia. Follow the signs toward Casino Rama and turn left at the Rama Road and follow the Rama Road to the first stop lights or County Road 45 Monck Road--turn right and proceed east to Norland. Watch for the Quaker Oats Farm. A stop here to see the animals is fun for the family. The fruit tarts are out of this world.***** Proceed east to Norland and turn right at Highway 35 and proceed south to County Road 8 and turn left to Fenlon Springs. Proceed to Bobcaygeon, take County Road 36 to Noggies Creek, to County Road 507 and proceed to Buckhorn. Proceed south on County Road 23 towards Lakefield and Peterborough.

Places to Stay: PETERBOROUGH & AREA: Pine Vista Resort, Wantasa Resort, The Briars, Lakeside Park Cottages, Village Inn, The BUCKHORN: Westwind Inn On the Lake Couples Resort. Fenelon Springs: Eganridge Inn and Spa

Sault Ste. Marie Spring Route colours (colors)

Driving Directions: Proceed to Sudbury via Highway 400 and 69 north to the Highway 17 Trans Canada. Proceed to Sault Ste. Marie through Blind River. Return on the same route or travel through Sudbury on Highway 17 to North Bay and south on Highway 11.

Places to Stay: Birch Lodge, Moose Point Cottages, West Nipissing Resort