For many years, I went to summer camp and fondly remember many canoe trips and even a sailing trip! However as an adult I’ve only gone camping three times. Sad but true.

Last week this all changed, as I finally went camping again.

Here’s what was involved:

a) I googled “best camping spots near Toronto”. Found this great website  that inspired me to pick up the phone and call a  1 888 number to book a camp site at Elora Gorge Conservation Area. On a side note: I found it extremely interesting (?) to call an American Call Centre to book a Canadian Camp Site.

b) I sent out a tweet: “Going Camping. Need a recommendation for a tent”. My fellow lifestyle blogger friend (who goes camping regularly) suggested: Coleman.

I swear her camping blog posts inspire me and I encourage you to click here to read about her camping adventures.

c) Went to Canadian Tire to buy a tent, sleeping bag, cooler, lanterns and a bbq grill. The Coleman tent said it would go up in a minute and I swear it went up in a minute. It took less time to set up the tent than it does to make my bed!  As for the sleeping bag – it kept me warm and cozy and it was on sale! $39.99 ! (hooray). Actually the tent was on sale too. ($189)

d) As for food: I wanted to follow the rule: K.I.S.S (keep it simple) – so eggs, bread, hot dogs, jiffy pop corn, pancake mix, salami, bagged salad, oysters, tuna patties, muffins, blueberries, cheese, etc were on the menu!!

e) The camp site we selected (area C number 166) was quiet, well shaded and included electricity (so I could charge my phone…I’m bad eh?). It wasn’t near the water or the quarry but I didn’t care  – it was QUIET and peaceful and truly beautiful to be surrounded by so many trees.

 Even though it rained and we left early, we did get a chance to hang out for a few hours at the Quarry.

What did we learn?

-we forgot oven mitts and toilet paper. Oops!!

-we didn’t bring the right clothes and it rained an rained and rained. In fact it rained so much that we packed up our tent and left a day early.

However, we can’t wait to go camping again and trust me, I will be blogging about these experiences.

To book a campsite this summer:

Grand River Conservation Area: 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

Reservations at Ontario Provincial Parks: 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)

To buy camping equipment:

Head to www.canadiantire.ca for all your camping needs!

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Canada Day is soon approaching so here’s a few suggestions how to celebrate!

1. HOTEL TONIGHT
Cue the fireworks! This Canada Day, celebrate the nationwide party and then flop into bed, courtesy of Hotel Tonight. In honour of Canada’s 148th year, Hotel Tonight is offering hotel room deals at top hotels from $48 – $148 on June 30 and July 1. I just secured my room and I’m pumped. So download this app. Stat.

2. WHITTAMORE’S FARM

Nothing like going strawberry picking. Just make sure you don’t wear white. Trust me.

3. ATTEND A BASEBALL GAME

For baseball fans, the Toronto Blue Jays will be playing the Boston Red Sox at 1 p.m. July 1.

4. PLAY TOURIST.

Have you ever done this? Recently I went up the CN Tower…just for fun. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I went up the CN Tower.  PS. You can buy a Toronto CityPass that will allow you to access 5 Toronto attractions. Click here for more information.

5. HEAD OUT OF TOWN.

A few weeks ago, I went to Elora for the day. It’s such a charming small town and worth checking out.  Next time, I hope to stay over night and really explore this city!!

 6. HOST A BBQ:

T’is the the perfect opportunity to celebrate Canada Day with a BBQ. Head to Walmart for great value on  OurFinest hamburgers, chips and drinks (plus many other products).  Add a salad or two. plus dessert and bingo you have you the perfect BBQ. For a full list of OurFinest products, please click here.

Wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day!!

Disclosure: Parts of this blog post were compensated or complimentary, however all opinions are my own.

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As you know (or perhaps you don’t kn0w), I had the opportunity to drive a Chevy Volt for four days as was determined NOT to have it parked in my underground garage. I knew that I wanted to go on day trips but selecting WHERE to go was not easy:

a) I had just visited  Niagara on the Lake in April

b) Hamilton was on the list re: checking out food trucks

c) Peterborough was on the list too but barely

d) Cobourg was on the list too but I go several times each summer to enjoy the beach and it was a bit too early to do that

After a lot of deliberation, I finally decided to go to Elora on one day and  St. Jacobs plus Stratford on another day.

Elora is probably my favorite small town – I love the gorge, the galleries, and of course …the deep fried pickles from Something Fishy. This town has done it right. It’s truly charming but not in a tacky way. Do you know what I mean?

worth the calories

St. Jacobs was a bit disappointing. Then again I went on a Sunday and most things were closed so I quickly decided to go to Stratford.

After a quick drive (app. 30 minutes), I was in Stratford.  The downtown core has just the right combination of stores and restaurant. But I really love walking by the river . I couldnt stop taking photos.  The trip was highlighted by my Goat Cheese Poutine at Boomers Gourmet Fries. (who were featured on You Gotta Eat Here on the Food Network). Seriously, it was one perfect day….life couldnt get better!!

charming

happiness

worth the calories...every single one of them

Do you have a favorite city for a day trip? As you can see..I have a few favorite day trips

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