Move over, game nights! Escape rooms bring a whole new level of fun to date nights, family outings, friend hangouts and team-building adventures. Step into a themed story, hunt for clues, solve puzzles, and race the clock to complete your mission. You’re not just playing a game — you’re right in the middle of it! 

An escape room is a real-life puzzle adventure. You and your group are placed in a themed environment and given a goal such as: “You have 60 minutes to solve this mystery and escape.” Themes can be any genre imaginable, from comedy to space exploration, murder mystery, and even horror.

The combination of challenge and social connection makes escape rooms a popular group activity. “You get to run around for an hour trying to solve puzzles and unlock secret passages,” explains Zeljka Burazin, a self-proclaimed escape room junkie who’s always on the lookout for places to get trapped with her husband and siblings.

Escape rooms are especially a draw for people who enjoy puzzles, brain teasers, mysteries, video games and immersive experiences. They appeal to people’s curiosity and offer social collaboration, an adrenaline rush, and the satisfaction of mastering a challenge. 

Lee-Ann Webber enjoys escape rooms with her husband, teen daughter and adult son. “I like the challenge of doing the puzzles and seeing the room set-up that goes along with the theme,” she says. 

New adventure in every room

Part of the fun of escape rooms is the room itself. Production value can play a big role in the experience, with elaborate sets, props, lighting and sound creating an environment that can be just as engaging as the puzzles you are trying to solve. Rooms can transport you to space, a fantastical world, or a spooky haunted house.

Webber recommends that first-timers choose a theme they already know or think they’ll enjoy, which can make the experience feel less intimidating and more engaging. Some rooms take the immersion even further with live actors, which Burazin says definitely enhances the experience. 

Interactive entertainment

One of the biggest highlights of escape rooms is that you aren’t simply watching someone else solve a mystery; you are the person solving it. This is part of what makes escape rooms so great for group outings, because they make use of everyone’s skill sets while working towards a shared goal. One person might be great at organizing clues, another at recognizing patterns, while someone else thinks creatively or notices details everyone missed. 

“There are always a few laughs and many ‘aha’ moments when you finally figure out one of the many puzzles that need to be solved,” says Burazin.

The “escape” is sometimes literal, but not always. The goal may be completing a mission, solving a crime, saving a character or uncovering a secret. Forget the 2019 horror/thriller movie, Escape Room — the escape rooms around here have no diabolical Gamemaster, fatal mine cave-ins or plane crashes. They’ll elevate your heart rate but in a good way, like being asked to the prom or plunging down a rollercoaster.

The puzzles can lead you to having some interesting experiences. “My favourite moment was at a horror themed game where one of us had to climb into a coffin to find the next clue,” says Burazin.

And if you’re stuck, you’re not necessarily doomed. Staff, or ‘puzzle masters’ can offer hints to help you move forward. “They don’t give the answer straight out, but give a hint,” says Webber

Are you ready to get inside the game? 

Halton region offers many escape room options suitable for everyone. Check one out for your next date, family fun night or team building activity. Get your heart pumping, and give your brain a thrill!  

Confundrum Escape Rooms 
777 Woodview Rd, Burlington
Offers a wide variety of escape rooms ranging from family-friendly adventures to horror.

Trapped Burlington 
2007 Mt Forest Dr, Burlington
Offers a good mix of adventure, mystery and spooky themed rooms.

Ruze Escape Rooms 
534 Brant St., Burlington 
Known for great puzzles with a variety of interesting themed rooms.

Game Over Burlington 
4325 Harvester Rd., Burlington 
High production escape rooms with a mix of adventure and horror.

Next Level Escape Rooms 
1039 Upper James St., Hamilton 
Interesting themed rooms with traditional escape room puzzle solving.

Alcatraz Escape Rooms 
604 Concession St., Hamilton 
Themes ranging from spooky, mystery and action-based. 

Crimson Codes Escape Rooms 
1119 Fennell Ave E, Hamilton 
Ideal for those looking for spooky, horror and thriller experiences, these rooms lean towards the scary. 

Hanes Escape Rooms 
1001 Highway 5, Dundas 
A rustic, quirky setting with themes such as The Sheriff’s Office. 

By Lisa Evans

I’ll always remember the first time I tried line dancing. In fact, I attempted to lead a dance, which was hilarious since I didn’t know the first thing about it! It was at a huge event and drinks may have been involved, because when the call came for someone to lead a dance I literally leapt into action. Happily, for all involved, my “teaching” didn’t last long!

Fast forward to today. With a year-and-a-half of dancing classes with Tammy Lee Wyatt of Bronte Boots N Spurs Line Dancing under my cowboy belt, it’s clear to me why people of all ages are drawn to this style of dancing. Best of all, I no longer have to fake my moves! Grapevine, jazz box, the K-step, rocking chair, pivot turn, Monterey? Done and dusted! 

The classes, held at the Burlington Legion, are popular with people in their 20s, 30s and all the way up to 80s who drop by on Mondays and Thursdays for absolute beginner, beginner and more advanced level instruction. While dancing to songs like Achy Breaky Heart, Do Si Do, and Choosin’ Texas, I’ve discovered a group of friendly people who are quick to invite me to other dancing opportunities in our area.

I recently attended a packed beginner’s line dancing night under the stars at Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm in Milton, led by Erykah Mackie, of Mackie Line Dance Lessons. It was a sea of denim skirts and cowboy boots where singles, couples, girl gangs of all ages, and families joined together for a night of dancing. While appealing to all ages, Mackie has noticed how popular line dancing has recently become with a younger demographic, thanks in part to its exposure on TikTok and Instagram. 

“Line dancing is appealing to people under 35 because it combines so many things that people are looking for today, like being active, socializing, learning new skills and being part of a community,” Mackie explains. “People love getting together with friends, dressing up in cute country outfits, and being part of an experience.”

A real sense of camaraderie flows from meeting new people as we all master new skills, which can also have a positive effect on our mental health. In this digital age, young people in particular often experience social anxiety, loneliness, and a sense of disconnect from others. The inclusive and confidence building nature of line dancing can provide a sense of belonging. 

Mario Carito, of Urban Cowboy Line Dancing, teaches in many venues in Halton Region and the GTA and observes the benefits of line dancing on mental health for all ages. 

Where to Line Dance

Burlington 

Grace United Church, 2111 Walkers Line
Class for seniors, Fridays 11 am – noon, and 2 pm – 3 pm., Cost: $6
905-335-0090 to be added to the waiting list
graceunitedchurchburlington.com

Halton Veterans Naval Hall, 2444 Industrial Street
Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Friday, October 2, Doors open at 6:30 pm, lessons at 7 pm. show at 7:30 pm.
Live Country Music and free line dance lesson for beginners.
Donations accepted

Nickel Brook Brewing, 3426 Mainway
Thursdays, Cost $10
nickelbrook.com/events

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60
Mondays and Thursdays, Cost $15 (stay for as many classes as you like)
burlingtonlegion.com

Simply Ballroom & Latin Studios
Outlaw Country Western Dance Company
3323 Mainway Drive
Offers a six week structured country-western line dancing course on Thursdays
simplyballroom.ca

Oakville

Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios
225 Lakeshore Road East, 2^nd Floor
Line Dancing Tuesdays at 8:15 pm, twice a month
oakvillefredastaire.ca

Less Than Level
381 Kerr Street
Hosts Wednesday night line dancing (usually 7 – 9:30 pm) featuring beginner-friendly drop-in sessions

Waterdown

The Waterdown Legion, Branch 551
79 Hamilton Street North
Lessons 7 – 9 pm, dancing 9 to midnight, $15
waterdownlegion.ca

Dundas

Dundas55plus.com
Thursdays, 10:15 am – 11:30 am.
dundas55plus.com/classes
$30 for 10 weekly sessions

“By being part of the community and being friends with someone who you normally wouldn’t be friends with, line dancing is a huge avenue for positivity and mental health,” he says. “We’re here to have fun, not to judge.”

Carito adds that the teamwork involved is also great for morale. Unlike solo or duo dancing, line dancing means a whole group of people must work together to remember a dance. 

In addition to the social and mental perks of line dancing, it offers a fantastic workout for both mind and body. Line dancing requires concentration. As you learn the choreography and your muscle memory kicks in, your confidence increases. As with any new skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become.

See you on the dance floor!

By Cyndi Ingle

Living by a Great Lake is such a gift. Honestly, it’s one I think we sometimes take for granted.

The first time I took my kid to Burlington Beach, I remember sitting on a towel while he was making “sand cookies” thinking, how lucky are we? We could have a real beach afternoon just five minutes from home. 

Sometimes, water quality can be hit or miss. The good news? You don’t need a cottage or a long road trip to enjoy a great day by the water. We in Halton are lucky to live within an hour or two’s drive to conservation area beaches, Lake Erie day-trip spots and, of course, splash pads aplenty when a beach day feels like too much effort.

Whether you’re looking for a quick cool-down or a full beach day, there are lots of options nearby. So pack the towels, sunscreen, snacks and a few sand toys, and head for the water.

NOTE: Always check halton.ca or the park’s website for an update on water quality. Avoid swimming for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rainfall.

Kelso Conservation Area, Milton
5234 Kelso Road, Milton

One of the best “spend the whole day” swim spots, Kelso Conservation Area offers a lifeguarded sandy beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, disc golf, fishing, and water equipment rentals including paddleboards, kayaks and canoes.

Kelso is also home to Kelso Cove, a floating inflatable waterpark that adds an element of adventure to your beach day. 

New this year is L’il Lagoon, a smaller course with features designed for younger children ages 4 to 12.

Adults can also buy a chaperone pass for $10, which is helpful for staying close to the kiddos. Stay in the water or hang out on the lounge, which is just a couple metres away from the kids.

Christie Lake Conservation Area
1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas

With a large sandy beach, Christie Lake is a great option for a proper beach day, a short drive from home. But there’s so much more to do here than swim. Christie Lake has 10 km of hiking trails. You can also fish here, rent canoes and kayaks, or try your hand at disc golf. 

Valens Lake Conservation Area
1691 Regional Road 97, Flamborough

Valens Lake is another good conservation-area option. Combine your beach time with a picnic, a short hike, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. And the campsites are beautiful!

Elora Quarry Conservation Area
319 Wellington County Road 18, Elora

With turquoise quarry water and limestone cliffs, this is one of the most visually stunning beaches in the area. Take the time to explore the hiking trail and the picturesque Elora town. Reservations are required.

Turkey Point Provincial Park
194 Turkey Point Road, Turkey Point

Another great shallow water beach if you want to get further from town, Turkey Point has a sandy beach, shallow Lake Erie water perfect for young families, with trails and restaurants nearby. 

Have a Splash! 

Sometimes, all it takes is a quick splash to cool everyone down. Here are some of our finest local splash pads and wading pools:

Mountainside Pool & Splash Park, Burlington
2205 Mount Forest Drive, Burlington

Nelson Pool & Splash Park, Burlington
4235 New Street, Burlington

LaSalle Wading Pool & Splash Park, Burlington
50 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington

Nautical Park, Oakville
4235 New Street, Burlington

Coronation Park, Oakville
1426 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville

Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville
2340 Ontario Street, Oakville

Long Point Provincial Park
350 Erie Boulevard, Port Rowan

For a beach day that feels like a real getaway, Long Point is worth the two-hour drive from Burlington. Located on Lake Erie, Long Point has a long, world-class sandy beach, warmer water, and is a well-known haven for birdwatchers. 

What About the Dog?

Most municipal beaches are designed for people, and dogs may be restricted on the sand or in swimming areas. Always check posted signs and local rules before assuming your dog can swim. Some provincial parks, including Long Point and Fifty Point (Winona), have designated dog beach areas.

Shell Park in Oakville has a rocky shoreline where dogs can splash on leash. The creek at Bronte Creek Provincial Park is great for a doggie dip. One hidden gem is a sandy cove along Beach Boulevard/Confederation Park in Hamilton. Park at the Go-Cart track, walk toward the water, veer left, and throw a stick into Lake Ontario.  

By Lisa Evans

I’m always on the lookout for fun, budget-friendly ways to spend quality time with my kids. While I love getting outdoors and exploring nature, long hikes aren’t always a hit with little feet. That’s why picnics make an ideal outing. With just a packed lunch, a blanket, and a few activities, a picnic offers the perfect mix of fresh air and fun. 

From playgrounds to splash pads, trails and lake views, charming picnic destinations abound in Halton region. 

FIND THE PERFECT SPOT

With shaded picnic areas, a playground, stroller-friendly trails, and plenty of open space for a game of frisbee or soccer, Lowville Park checks all the boxes. Bronte Creek runs through it, giving kids an opportunity to explore, skip rocks, and search for crayfish.

For a lively waterfront vibe, Spencer Smith Park is hard to beat. Walk along the shore or let the kids burn energy at the huge playground before grabbing a post-picnic treat from La Creme de la Creme Creamery downtown. 

For a quieter setting, Burloak Waterfront Park is a great place to relax, with shoreline views and a rocky beach.

Need to cool off? Check out LaSalle Park. This family-friendly park offers a splash pad, playground, scenic lake views and a stroller-friendly boardwalk. Wander over to LaSalle Marina to watch the sailboats, ducks and trumpeter swans. 

A full-day adventure calls for a visit to Bronte Creek Provincial Park. This local treasure has picnic areas, a play barn, and a kid-friendly gnome trail. 

GEAR UP

Whether you’re planning a simple lunch in the park or a full family feast, shopping local makes it easy to picnic in style.

Nicetys in Downtown Oakville is a must-visit for picnic essentials, offering everything from colourful tablecloths to bamboo cutlery and reusable containers. One customer favourite? Notpaper Towels. They’re reusable, you can take them home and wash them, and they work great as a napkin.

Beeswax wraps are another picnic MVP. These reusable and biodegradable wonders are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap or sandwich bags. 

And for easy outdoor dining, their Easy Care Table Cloths are both practical and pretty. You can use them on a picnic table or as a blanket. They come in beautiful designs and are machine washable. 

For practical picnic gear, Kitchen Stuff Plus in Oakville has you covered with coolers, containers, and mesh food tents to help keep those uninvited bugs away. And if you’re looking for playful flair, check out the Kitchen Witch in Dundas for linens, candles, and more.

FILL YOUR BASKET

The key to a memorable picnic is to keep things easy and fun. Cover your basics with a cooler, ice packs, reusable plates, wipes, a picnic blanket, and bags for garbage. Don’t forget a frisbee, soccer ball or bubbles to keep kids entertained.

As for the main event – food – opt for easy classics. My kids love sandwiches (crusts cut off, of course!). Wraps, pasta salad, fresh fruit, veggies and dip, granola bars, and crackers are other picnic staples that travel well. 

If you’d rather skip the prep, there are tasty grab-and-go options. Charcuterie boxes from Gouda Thyme in Oakville include a tantalizing selection of cheeses, charcuterie meats, fresh fruits, dips or spreads, crackers, and more. 

“Our boxes are designed to make entertaining and eating outdoors feel effortless, beautiful, and memorable,” says Rimsha Chaudry, Co-founder of Gouda Thyme. 

Their latest offering, the Picnic Box, is a pre-order bundle complete with fresh salad, deli sandwiches, a sweet treat for dessert, drinks, napkins and cutlery. No need to pack anything else!

Other local businesses offering ready-made picnic foods: 

Sandwich Garden – 1122 International Boulevard, Burlington  

Sandwich Society – 146 Kerr Street, Oakville 

Boffo’s Fine Foods – 334 Kerr Street, Oakville  

The Platter Company – 175 Plains Road East, Burlington

Bretonne Bakery  – 2025 William O’Connell Boulevard, Burlington

Mrs. B’s Gifthouse – 4129 Harvester Road, Burlington

By Lisa Evans

Have you ever heard bells jingle in July? Seen a man in a red suit fall off a roof in September? Watched a happy couple dance under faux snow in June? These sights are not uncommon in these parts. In any given month, film crews flock to our charming neighbourhoods to make movie magic in time for Christmas.

In the 1994 Walt Disney feature film The Santa Clause, fictional character Scott Calvin of fictional town Lakeside, Illinois, is played by the real Tim Allen and filmed in the very real town of Oakville, Ontario, Canada. He accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, and then finds himself filling in for the real Santa Claus one Christmas Eve. Scenes feature Lakeshore Road, as well as 17 Chisholm Street — Scott’s house in the movie — and the storefront of Swiss Interiors, a long-time business in Oakville’s downtown. 

The film’s creators built a convincing small-town USA setting, but we know better!

Hallmark Holiday Dundas

The town of Dundas is so legitimately historic and quaint, its downtown sometimes finds itself festooned with holly and fake snow in the middle of summer. That’s because the town has caught the attention of Hallmark moviemakers.

Parts of Inn Love by Christmas were filmed in Dundas. This 2020 Hallmark film has it all:  a visit to Grandma for the holidays, a good-looking, strong-willed woman and her rival, a good-looking, strong-willed man. Both want to purchase the same inn. Sparks fly, romance ensues, and all is merry!

The Christmas Cure uses the 19th-Century architecture of Dundas as a backdrop for some of its scenes. An ER doctor comes home for the holidays and reconnects with her high school sweetheart. Her father, also a doctor, is retiring. Should she take over his practice, move back home and let love into her life? Or is a big-city career her true calling? (Hint: Snow is prettier in small towns.) Scenes were shot in early autumn, so viewers might spot some green leaves on trees. 

We locals are fortunate to get that picture-postcard atmosphere close to home, but it’s fun to spot something familiar on screen. So, the next time you get a sense of deja-vu while streaming a holiday flick, press pause. That just might be your street under styrofoam snow.

By: Michelle Morra

The holiday season can be a whirlwind of activities like finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones, and hosting and attending parties. During this busy time, it’s important to find space for self care.

Losing yourself in a captivating book is an effective way to relax amid the merrymaking. Reading in a bubble bath with a glass of wine is even better! Look Local asked our trusted local booksellers for some of their top holiday reading picks. The following titles make great gifts and are ideal for your own downtime.

If you enjoy a darkly humorous twist, Marnie Mycroft of Pickwick Books recommends Krampus: The Yule Lord, by Brom, a tale that mixes fantasy and mythology. As Mycroft explains, Krampus is “a Christmas story for those that don’t love Christmas. This book blends together the secular traditions of Santa Claus with Norse mythology and other pagan influences. It’s intended for an adult audience, and the artwork is absolutely gorgeous.”

On Christmas Eve, struggling songwriter Jesse Walker is caught up in an ancient feud between Santa and Krampus (a goat-like, demon-like creature from Central European folklore who punishes kids on the naughty list!). Dark secrets about Santa are revealed as the lines between good and evil become intertwined. Jesse tries to navigate the feud, realize his own dreams, and help the poor people in his town.

Mycroft’s pick for a cosy murder mystery is I Am Half Sick of Shadows: a Flavia de Luce Mystery by Alan Bradley. Set in rural England in the 1950s, eleven-year-old Flavia loves sleuthing and chemistry and is working to set a trap to prove the existence of Father Christmas. Her plan derails as a film crew visits her home, and a fierce snowstorm cuts everyone off from the outside world. After midnight a murder takes place. Flavia has another mystery to solve, at her own peril!

For some, the holidays are a time to reflect on life: past, present and future. Ian Elliot of A Different Drummer Books strongly endorses Walking with Beth: Conversations with My Hundred-Year-Old Friend by Merilyn Simonds. This is “an instructive, encouraging and enriching book from a great author and her generous and wise older friend,” Elliot says. 

In 2021 Author Merilyn Simonds had just turned 70 and wasn’t sure what the future held. For the next three years, Simonds embarked on weekly walks with her 100-year-old friend Beth Robinson, and their intimate conversations are the basis for this uplifting book.

The holidays are about sharing love with family and friends. Another of Elliot’s picks is The Cree Word for Love: Sâkihitowin by Tracey Lindberg and illustrated by acclaimed artist George Littlechild. This collaboration uses story and art to explore love in the Cree experience. 

The book’s inspiration comes from a teaching by an Elder that in the Cree culture, love as defined by Western society doesn’t exist. The book responds to this teaching using fiction and painting to explore the seasons, and family love, kinship, romantic love, and self-love.

If you have a pre-teen on your shopping list, Mycroft recommends A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig. Eleven-year-old Nikolas lives with his father in a small cottage in Finland and has only received one toy in his life, a doll carved out of a turnip! When his father goes missing Nikolas embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole meeting up with reindeers, elves and trolls along the way. 

These are just five book titles to get you started — your friendly neighbourhood booksellers will gladly share more. Happy reading and happy relaxing!

Local Links:

A Different Drummer Books
513 Locust Street, Burlington
905-639-0925
differentdrummerbooks.ca/

By the Lake Books
5295 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
905-639-4622
bythelakebooks.com/

Pickwick Books
325 Dundas Street East, Waterdown
905-690-0632
pickwickbooks.com

The Printed Word Bookshop, Dundas
16 McMurray Street Unit 3, Dundas
437- 974-8428
instagram.com/theprintedwordbookshop

BY CYNDI INGLE

Singing feels great, whether you’re in the shower, at a karaoke bar, or in the car. Imagine that feeling magnified tenfold or even a hundredfold. That’s how it feels to sing in a choir. You open your mouth and hear the kind of music – big music – that’s only possible with a room full of voices.

As winter approaches, people all over the region are meeting in halls, basements and churches to learn and practise choral arrangements. Many do this year after year because they’re hooked on the result: performing at a concert, where their beautifully blended voices will fill the air and thrill an audience.

Choirs are not just for music prodigies. While some audition their members to ensure a certain level of competency, others are open to anyone who loves to sing. Tempus Choral Society is a non-auditioned community SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir whose repertoire consists of “songs from different genres including Broadway classics, folk tunes, jazz hits, and classic pieces,” says member Catherine Ross. “We aim for a light, lively style that is fun to sing and engaging for all audience members.”

Although the ability to read music will make practice easier, Ross explains, many choristers just listen to the recorded parts for their voice and learn by listening and singing along. After a few rehearsals, all singers get to know the songs regardless of whether or not they can read the notes.

At Circle of Harmony, potential new members commit to a nine-week program that involves getting to know the chorus, understanding which part best suits their voice, and learning a song along with existing members. After the nine weeks, there’s an audition for which they are well prepared. 

Circle of Harmony is an award-winning choir that sings a capella (unaccompanied by instruments). “We are part of the Sweet Adelines International organization and sing in a barbershop style,” says Susan Vaz, proud member and PR Chair. ‘This means that the four parts create ringing chords and amazing harmonies. The works we perform span the decades from standards, to musical theatre, and even Queen!”

The members of Circle of Harmony, ranging in age from 20s to 80s, form friendships that last a lifetime. Their performances engage audiences with their “passionate singing” and “energetic choreography,” Vaz says. 

Good for the soul

Oakville, Burlington and surrounding areas boast an impressive number and variety of choirs that perform everything from pop to jazz to classical. These choirs welcome members from all walks of life. 

Masterworks of Oakville is an auditioned choir that performs the great works of the Western choral tradition. Members pride themselves on performing challenging works that are rarely performed outside of metropolitan centres.

Virginia Barsenbach, a member of Masterworks of Oakville, sings the praises of her choir: “I love the music that we sing, and I’ve formed a lot of friendships,” she says. “It’s so wonderful to finally sing the concerts for our community after all the hard work that we do to learn the pieces.”

Aside from camaraderie and the unbridled joy of making music, singing in a choir is scientifically proven to be good for you. “Learning new songs stimulates memory and cognition while the deeper, controlled breathing is good for the lungs and heart,” says Ross from Tempus Choral Society. “Did I mention the high one gets when performing? It is really hard to be unhappy when you sing harmony with others!”

LOCAL LINKS

Circle of Harmony
circleofharmony.ca

Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra
masterworksofoakville.ca

Tempus Choral Society
tempuschoralsociety.com

BY MICHELLE MORRA

If you live in Southern Ontario, fall is basically showing off just for you. The air turns crisp (but not yet freeze-your-nose-off cold), the trees are bursting with colour, and every latte is spiced within an inch of its life. Want to get away for a weekend to soak it all in? Whether you’re travelling with kids, your partner, a group of friends, or hitting the road solo, there’s a destination with your name on it!

Here are five fall getaway options, each with its own vibe.

1. Family Fun

If you’ve got kids, you know vacation really means “same chaos, different location.” However, family-friendly resorts like Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching and Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake make relaxation doable for everyone. Both spots offer activities for all ages: campfires, archery, spa services, and plenty of space for little legs to run wild while you sneak in a hot tub soak. Elmhirst’s even has a working farm on-site, while Fern Resort is known for its all-inclusive family programming.

2. Glamping

Not into huddling in a flimsy nylon tent and fighting raccoons for your trail mix? Enter glamping. At Camp Adelaide in Muskoka, you’ll get wilderness views from your “dome sweet home”. Birchwood Luxury Camping in Haliburton offers sturdy yet stylish canvas tents with firepits and fairy lights straight out of a Pinterest pic. And if you want to go full “eco-chic influencer,” book Glen Oro Farm near Orillia where you can stargaze, enjoy a cedar barrel sauna, or take a scenic trail ride. Glamping has the perks of camping, but without the sore back and soggy sleeping bag. 

3. Luxury Resorts

For those who think “roughing it” means forgetting your charger, Southern Ontario has no shortage of swoon-worthy stays. Ste. Anne’s Spa “is giving Downton Abbey vibes,” as the kids say, with its sprawling gardens and spa treatments galore. Langdon Hall near Cambridge offers pickle ball, yoga, wine tastings, and decadent dining in a countryside estate. And for breathtaking lake views, check out Stone Cove, Tobermory’s luxury adults only Bed & Breakfast.

4. Kitsch & Romance

Looking for something a little more… unique? Consider Casino Rama Resort where you can gamble, catch a concert, and enjoy a buffet all under one roof. If your idea of romance is more offbeat, The Arlington Hotel has the character and charm you’d expect from a hotel that’s older than Canada. Every room is themed, from Edgar Allan Poe to Monty Python. Or, for a retro feel and an Aperol spritz, head to The June Motel in Sauble Beach, Prince Edward County, or Beaver Valley. Be sure to watch the June Motel makeover show on Netflix before your visit.

5. The Big Smoke 

Sometimes the best getaway is right under our noses. Toronto in fall dazzles with a sparkling skyline and endless things to do. Stay at the Broadview Hotel with its rooftop patio overlooking the Don Valley, or go big at the Ritz-Carlton (yes, the sheets are as smooth as you’d imagine). Spend your days browsing Queen West boutiques, grabbing dumplings in Chinatown, or wandering Kensington Market. Hop the ferry to the Toronto Islands for a quiet fall stroll, then catch a Mirvish show or a concert at Massey Hall. Whether you’re kid-free or bringing the family, the T-dot always delivers.

Grab a sweater, toss some snacks in the car, and hit the road. Autumn in Southern Ontario doesn’t last long, but it sure knows how to impress while it’s here.

Local links:

Fern Resort
Fernresort.com

Elmhirst’s Resort
Elmhirst.ca

Camp Adelaide
Campadelaide.com

Birchwood Luxury Camping
Birchwoodluxurycamping.com

Glen Oro Farm
Glenoro.com

Ste Anne’s Inn & Spa
Steannes.com 

BY LISA THORNBURY

Every kid wants to be the one whose costume makes the neighbours say, “Now that’s clever!” Whether the goal is scary, goofy, or glitter and glam, this year’s trends lean toward sustainability and putting a creative spin on classics. Read on for show-stopping looks that won’t break the bank or harm the planet.

What’s trending this year?

Mash-ups and reimagined classics are where it’s at. zombie-princesses, Think vampire-mermaids, superhero-lizards. or Pop culture inspired looks (Wednesday Addams or Mario Bros.) are still hot, but kids are also leaning into eco-creativity by using what they already have and making it creepy or adding an unexpected element. The ultimate goal is to stand out and turn heads. Bonus points if those heads turn all the way around.

Here are a few clever, eco-friendly, and fun ways to whip up a one-of-a-kind look:

1. Hit your local thrift shop for unexpected treasures. A velvet blazer can transform a kid into a mini magician. A 90s prom dress will look hauntingly perfect on a ghost bride. And some old flannel, a toy ax, some beaver teeth and a tail, will turn you into the most authentic lumberjack ever.

2. Why buy new when you can borrow? Host a costume swap with friends or neighbours. It’s like a fashion show, but with pumpkins and plastic fangs. Even if you don’t trade full costumes, swapping single pieces (a cape, a hat, or a wig) can spark totally new ideas.

3. Encourage kids to mashcup costume components for maximum originality. Last year’s pirate hat plus a unicorn horn? You’ve got a “piratecorn.” My daughter paired her cousin’s bee costume with some ghoulish make-up and trick-or-treated as a Zom-bee. It had the neighbours buzzing. The more random the combo,
the better.

4. Accessories can make a costume. Cardboard wings, tin-foil swords, or even glow-stick wands add flair without costing much. Making them is half the fun.

Don’t Try This At Home (Author’s Confession)

When I was in fourth grade, my school had a costume contest. The grand prize was a giant sack of candy that I was hell bent on winning. So, I set out to create the most epic homemade costume ever: a disco space monster.

Apparently Saturday Night Fever and Alien (which both came out around then) had made an impression on me. My plan involved a silver bodysuit from a past dance recital, papier-maché, and green paint from my parents’ garage. I was a 10-year-old on a mission, wielding a box cutter and spray paint. I had never felt more alive… though after wearing the toxic alien head for about twenty minutes, I felt somewhat less alive. Thankfully the winner (me!) wasannounced before I passed out.

The takeaway here (besides “please supervise children with toxic paint and sharp objects”) is that creatively crafted costumes aren’t just fun, they’re legendary

Skip the mass-produced costume in a bag. I mean, do what makes you happy (aka do what your time and budget allow) but if you’re up for the challenge, unleash your inner creative genius! Raid closets, trade with friends, mix and match, and explore thrift shops for inspiration. Not only will your kids’ costumes be unforgettable, you’ll also be teaching them the joy of creativity and the value of repurposing what we already have…

Local Links

Barkin’ Bin Thrift Store
511 Pinegrove Road, Oakville
omhs.ca/donate/thrift-store

IODE Thrift Shop
432 Kerr Street, Oakville
iode-angelabruce.ca

Salvation Army Thrift Store
356 Kerr St, Oakville
3245 Fairview St, Burlington

Stardust Dancewear and Costumes
4155 Fairview Street, Burlington
stardustdancewearandcostumes.com

BY LISA THORNBURY