Summer’s almost here, and that means it’s time to enjoy your favourite brand of outdoor live music. Some of Canada’s most acclaimed music festivals are happening here at home or a short road trip away. Whether it’s rock, blues, traditional or experimental, we’re fortunate to access great performers with a rich diversity of talent.

Open Ears Music and Sound Festival
openears.ca
VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO REGION
MAY 29 TO JUNE 1

This festival strives to create unique concert experiences and disrupt audiences’ conceptions of what “music” is, or what it can be. Open your ears to an eclectic range of festival events from indie classical music to electroacoustic to sound installations.

NXNE
nxne.com
VARIOUS VENUES, TORONTO
JUNE 11 TO 15

North by Northeast (NXNE) is considered Canada’s most important festival of emerging music. This year’s program features over 300 of the world’s best new bands in more than 20 of Toronto’s top live music venues.

Sound of Music Festival
soundofmusicfestival.ca
SPENCER SMITH PARK, BURLINGTON
JUNE 12 TO 15

Canada’s largest free music festival returns with a stellar lineup, including headliners Big Wreck, David Wilcox, and Tebey. Enjoy four days of live performances across multiple stages, the Grande Festival Parade, a midway, craft vendors, food trucks, and more.

Concerts In The Park
burlington.ca/en/news/festivals-and-events
CENTRAL PARK BANDSHELL, BURLINGTON
JUNE 15 TO AUGUST 24, SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 7 TO 8:30 PM

Take in free concerts featuring concert bands, big bands, brass bands, jazz, dixieland, folk and blues.

Bronte Lake Notes
bronte-village.ca
BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK, 2340 ONTARIO STREET, OAKVILLE
THURSDAYS AT 7 PM, STARTING JUNE 19TH

Bronte Lake Notes is returning to the sails stage with contemporary music from hot local bands. These FREE concerts are for everyone to dance and sing along to while enjoying gorgeous views of the Bronte Harbour.

Toronto Jazz Fest
torontojazz.com
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, TORONTO
JUNE 20 TO 29

This showcase of jazz attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain all across Toronto.

Lighthouse Blues Festival
lighthousebluesfestival.com
750 QUEEN STREET, KINCARDINE
JULY 11 TO 13

The “Best Little Blues Festival Around” has a lineup of 35+ artists and a Sunday Morning Gospel Revival, all in beautiful lakeside Downtown Kincardine.

Oakville Latino Festival
oakvillelatinofestival.com
BRONTE HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK, 2340 ONTARIO STREET, OAKVILLE
JULY 27, 10 AM – 10 PM

For the fourth consecutive year, Oakville Latino Festival is back with Latin American foods, artisans and music. Join the fiesta and enjoy live bands, international singers, dance performances, zumba, artisans, exhibitors, and more.

Hillside Festival
hillsidefestival.ca
GUELPH LAKE CONSERVATION AREA, 7743 CONSERVATION ROAD, GUELPH
JULY 18 TO 20

Hillside Festival is a unique eco-friendly festival, featuring great live music, traditional Indigenous drum artists as well as children’s entertainment and environmental learning.

By Lisa Thornbury

Growing up in Oakville, I practically lived on my bicycle. The area’s smooth bike paths made it safe and easy to ride to my best friend’s house off Fourth Line, head along Rebecca Street to the public pool, or cruise along Lakeshore with my stepfather at sunset to beautiful Bronte Harbour. Even now, the simple act of pedalling brings that same childhood joy rushing back.

Halton Region and surrounding areas are ideal for exploring on two wheels. Whether you’re a casual cyclist, a family looking for weekend outings, or a seasoned road rider, there’s a route for you.

Louisa Mursell, Executive Director of Transportation Options, a non-profit that fosters sustainable transportation, told Look Local that both Burlington and Oakville are officially recognized as bicycle-friendly communities by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. Each has “a ton of places to stop before or after your ride, or they are a destination to ride to and from,” Mursell says. Many of the roadside paths connect directly to vibrant downtown streets lined with shops, patios, cafés, and ice cream stops – perfect for a mid-ride break.

Mursell, who has worked with local partners and municipalities to update bike routes, recommends the Ontario by Bike website for mapped-out circuits that highlight the charm of each community. Families can opt to enjoy these trails one segment at a time (and leave the full trails to the experts!).

For example, the Burlington Loop covers 25 km of smooth, paved riding through parks like La Salle, Central, Nelson, and past the Historic White Oak Tree Park. The Oakville Loop is a bit longer, with 30 km of paved and 9 km of unpaved terrain. It winds through Downtown Oakville, Kerr Village, stretches of Lakeshore Road, Coronation Park, Bronte Harbour, and Shell Park.

For a more westerly lakeside adventure, head toward Hamilton for the Hamilton Recreation Beach Trail. This 8 km path hugs the Lake Ontario shoreline from the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge to Confederation Park. With sandy beaches, Wild Waterworks waterpark, and lakeside restaurants Barangas and Hutch’s on the Beach, it’s a summer favourite.

Oakville has a great network of biking trails that are family friendly. Check out the Joshua Creek Trail for scenic views, or try the Fourteen Mile Creek Trail which has asphalt and crushed limestone in some sections.

The Centennial Bikeway (16.5 km) and Bronte Creek Park Loop (8 km) feature a mix of woodland settings and open fields. For younger riders or those just easing into cycling, the Millcroft Park Loop in Burlington is a manageable 3.5 km.

For more ambitious cyclists, there’s the HamBur Loop, which circles Burlington Bay and features views of Lake Ontario, Red Hill Valley forests, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Just be ready for the descent from Hamilton’s York Street bridge – it includes 166 stairs, but there’s a bike trough and landings to make it manageable.

Mursell is personally fond of the area north of the 407, “where all the lovely countryside is, with spectacular views of the Escarpment.” That’s the location of Glenorchy Conservation Area, where former vehicle roads have become peaceful trails. Further north, the village of Carlisle has become a favourite stop for road cyclists, especially for a visit to the charming and bike-friendly Carlisle Cider Company, nestled in a third- generation family orchard.

Venturing west, Waterdown’s North Westlands Trail Loop offers a variety of easy to moderate terrain. Also in the area are the woodsy Kerncliff Park Trails, and
the Joe Sams Park trails along Grindstone Creek. The Dundas Valley Trail System is vast (40 km) and appeals to all skill levels, but a flatter, more leisurely option for families is to branch out to the Ancaster to Brantford Rail Trail.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

You likely already have your favourite neighbourhood bike paths. Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park, for instance, is a great starting point that connects to many of the above-mentioned routes. But when you want to plan a substantial solo ride or full-day family loop, check out these helpful resources:

ontariobybike.ca offers maps, route information, events listings, links to cycling clubs, and more.

Visit halton.ca to order a printed map of cycling routes in Halton or link to them online.

Ride With GPS, an app popular with cyclists, links to various routes, displays maps, and includes a “navigate” feature that gives turn by turn directions as you ride.

By Michelle Morra

Living near Lake Ontario without sailing is like working at an ice cream parlour without ever grabbing a spoon. Sailing is a big part of our lakeside heritage, but if you’ve ever watched boats go by and thought sailing was only for the lucky few, think again. You don’t even need to own a boat to call yourself a sailor!

“I used to watch sailboats and think it was something just for rich people,” says Roman Sivers, Rear Commodore Training at Bronte Harbour Yacht Club (BHYC). That changed once he and his wife signed up for lessons at the BHYC, and later enrolled their kids in summer sailing camp.

Sivers, who is currently looking to buy his own boat, says sailing is more enjoyable, and affordable, than he ever thought. “You can get a sailboat for $15,000 – compare that to cottage ownership. People drive four hours to the cottage on Fridays. For me, it’s eight minutes door to door. You’ve got this tiny floating cottage and can go to Hamilton, Toronto Island, have a barbecue on the water, watch the sunset. Every weekend is like a tiny vacation,” he says.

If buying a boat isn’t in the cards, there are still plenty of ways to learn and to sail. BHYC offers lessons, and the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club runs a unique Mentored Sailing Program that gives would-be sailors of any experience level the opportunity to learn on the water. “They sail for about three to four hours weekly under the advice and direction of a more seasoned sailor, one of our mentors,” says Shaun Vince, 2025 Mentored Sailing Program Coordinator.

During the 16-week program, participants learn to dock and undock, manoeuvre, prep the boat for sailing and secure it afterward. They also learn about anchoring, safety, and basic boat maintenance. To join, participants need to have their Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC), a government required license for anyone operating a motorized boat (even if they’re not using the motor). It’s a one- time online course, and the license lasts a lifetime.

Your time on the boat doesn’t have to stop after lessons. Boat owners need crew members for races, and many are happy to welcome beginners. BHYC and other clubs host regular races, usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some weekends. “Signing up for these can be a great way to get on the water, meet folks, and learn quite a bit about sailing,” says Vince.

TALL SHIP SAILING

Looking for a totally different kind of sailing experience? Try tall ship sailing with Brigs, a program that takes participants back in time aboard a traditional wooden ship. It’s an open-air history lesson that lets you step – or float – back in time.

Brigs offers epic one to two week voyages for teens (ages 13- 18) and shorter four-day voyages for adults, where participants live on board while learning to sail. “These boats cannot be sailed solo or by two people. They have to be sailed by an entire team, who you live with on board,” says Christine Chesterman, Captain of TS Playfair.

Tall ship voyages appeal to those with a sense of adventure, who want to experience sailing the way it was done in the 1800s. Sailors climb into the rigging, set sails, steer the ship, and learn anchoring and navigation – all while sailing through the scenic waters of Georgian Bay. “You’ve got that romance and majesty of being 60 feet in the air with the sails,” Chesterman says.

Beyond learning to sail, Brigs tall ship voyages help build confidence, independence, and collaboration skills as sailors live, work, cook and clean together on board for the duration of the voyage. The ship takes up to 15 new trainees per voyage as well as 10 volunteer members. No experience required. All you need is curiosity and a love of adventure.

Local Links:

BRIGS
brigs.ca

BRONTE HARBOUR
YACHT CLUB
bhyc.on.ca

OAKVILLE YACHT
SQUADRON
oysqn.com

ROYAL HAMILTON
YACHT CLUB
rhyc.ca

By Lisa Evans

Two adults who hardly know each other are performing a murder scene at a comedy improv workshop. The man hits the woman on the head with a hammer, and she falls dramatically – so dramatically that she hurls her body through the air and lands hard, whacking her head on the leg of a table.

That woman was me. I got so into my role that I almost gave myself a concussion. While the instructor rushed off to get me some ice, my “murderer” sheepishly apologized, staring incredulously at the invisible (ie. non-existent) hammer in his hand.

As I write this, Southern Ontario is in a polar vortex and world politics are nothing to laugh about. Fortunately, there’s a cure for the blues right here in your neighbourhood.

Try some crazy fun

Studios and theatres in the Halton and Hamilton-Wentworth regions offer improv workshops for both kids and adults. Participants play games, do interactive exercises and sometimes act out scenes. The aim is to watch for the other person’s cues and respond in the moment. It’s trickier than it sounds, but the results are often hilarious.

Amy McKenzie, one of the founders of Oakville Improv Theatre Company, got into improv because it satisfied her need to perform but didn’t require “the aggressive and sometimes brutal competition” of auditions. “On the whole, the people I found who were attracted to improv were people who enjoyed collaborating, playing (like children do — without fear), and laughing,” she says. “It blew my mind.”

People from all walks of life learn improv, for myriad reasons. Those pursuing a career on stage gain valuable performance skills. For others it helps with social skills, builds courage, and brightens our mood. Improv teaches us to relax, and to be affable and fearless in front of others.

Good for what ails you

According to McKenzie, some folks sign up for improv classes because their HR people said they needed to get better at interacting with peers. And given that laughter is the best medicine, she adds, “I’ve literally had two people tell me improv was their prescription [from their doctor] to get them out of their heads, either for anxiety or depression.”

Christina Payne, founder of Improv Your Life, says many of her adult students (ages 18 to 78) have taken classes “to better themselves as a whole, to wiggle out of their comfort zones, meet new like-minded creative or funny friends, and try something that was outside the box to their usual.”

Almost anyone can do improv, as long as they’re willing to try something new. Participants should be open-minded. Some are surprised to discover that improv isn’t so much “thinking fast” as it is about slowing down and really listening to what’s going on around you. A reasonable degree of fitness also helps, since improvisers often use mime to create objects and environments and build a scene for the audience.

The Magic of Improv

“One of my favourite anecdotes is about a class we did with a group of parents and youths with autism. We were playing a game where everyone jumps in with an element to a frozen picture (or tableau) and all the students couldn’t wait to add their piece of the puzzle — except one young man who studiously stayed back and hadn’t participated for the entire class. His mother was trying to get him to leave her side, but he wouldn’t budge and seemed non-verbal.

At the last part of the game, we were building an airport. Some had jumped in as tourists, some as luggage, some as flight crew walking by. I had coached them to loudly proclaim what they were becoming, starting with the words ‘I am …’

I was just about to end the exercise because everyone had joined, when the young man boldly walked up to the stage area, lay down on the floor in a fetal position and yelled, “I am a refugee!”

Of course, all of the parents and I just gasped. It was so beautiful and a poignant addition to the picture. We thought he wasn’t paying attention, but he was deeply engaged.”

– AMY MCKENZIE,
Oakville Improv Theatre Company

A craft to master

Improv is, above all, an art form. Participants from Improv Your Life and Oakville Improv have gone on to perform at Second City, Saturday Night Live, Who’s Line is it Anyway, or to form their own improv troupes, write or perform in scripted or televised work.

As for the rest of us (who get hit by invisible hammers socially, not professionally), dabbling in the art of improv can be life-changing. It boosts confidence, teaches us to interact and collaborate with others, and feels wonderful. Best of all, it gets us in touch with our silliest and most genuine selves.

As Payne has found both as a performer andas a teacher, improv allows participants to be themselves. It’s something they can do “just for them,” she says, “not as a mother/wife/hubby/boss. Just something for them, without judgement.”

LOCAL LINKS

IMPROV YOUR LIFE
Find them on Facebook or e-mail
christina@improvyourlife.ca

OAKVILLE IMPROV THEATRE
COMPANY
2302 Bridge Road, Oakville
oakvilleimprov.com

THE STAIRCASE
27 Dundurn Street North, Hamilton
staircasehamilton.com

By Michelle Morra

Art is more than just a creative outlet. It’s a way to relax, express yourself, and connect with others. Whether you’re looking to nurture your child’s creativity or pick up your own new hobby, art classes have something for everyone.

From painting to drawing, pottery and beyond, local studios offer a range of programs for both experienced and novice artists. For anyone wanting to start the year off with a worthwhile pursuit, art is the whole package – self-improvement (through new skills), self-expression, self-discovery and self-pampering. It can also be an absolute blast!

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON ART

Why should you add art classes to your child’s schedule, or your own? For kids, art is more than just doodles and finger paint. Among its many developmental benefits, art builds fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination. It also provides an outlet for self-expression, emotions, and fostering important life skills.

“Art is a great way to help kids focus and learn patience,” says Zoe Medel, studio manager at 4Cats Art Studio in Burlington. “With drawing and painting, you really have to have the patience and focus when doing different techniques.”

Keir Overton, Director of Marketing, Events & Digital Strategy at the Dundas Valley School of Art, agrees,adding that art helps foster important developmental skills. “Mixing paint colours is a process of exploration and experimentation, while constructing a sculpture to stand tall and be supported involves critical thinking and problem solving.”

In a fast-paced world, art also gives kids valuable time to develop a sense of self. “Art can create a space for kids to slow down and focus on their own making in a way that is self-directed and deeply fulfilling,” says Stephanie Vegh, Head of Learning at the Art Gallery of Burlington.

But the rewards aren’t just for kids! Adults, too, reap incredible benefits from artistic pursuits.

“For some, the art-making process is a journey of self-discovery and expression,” Overton explains. “For others, it’s about mastering a skill or pursuing excellence. Art can also offer healing and an avenue for processing life’s challenges.” The Dundas Valley School of Art offers diploma programs but also has introductory programs in every art medium, from painting and drawing to glass art, ceramics and even photography.

Carving out time in your week for an art class provides an opportunity to rest the active side of your brain – the one that’s always making grocery lists, paying bills and checking off your to-do list – and re-awaken the often-neglected right side. Art classes can even enrich your social life. “An art class can be a wonderful environment for meeting new people and encountering new ideas while also making time for your own personal creative growth,” says Vegh.

READY FOR ART CLASS?

Halton Region is home to many art studios with a variety of offerings. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re six or 60. If you’re looking to get creative as a family, the Art Gallery of Burlington offers a free Family Open Studio on Sundays and a free space for exploring various art forms. This winter, the Family Open Studios will also feature different materials every two weeks such as fabric scraps, cardboard tubes, scrap paper and boxes. Family Open Studio happens on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.

4Cats Art Studio offers multi-week programs covering a variety of programs for children, teens and adults as well as PA day workshops and family programs that encourage parent and child bonding through visual arts.

From pottery to drawing and sculpting, there’s always something new to discover. Check out a local studio to find an artform that speaks to you.

LOCAL LINKS

4CATS ARTS STUDIO
Burlington & Oakville locations
4cats.com

ART FOR LIFE 4 KIDS
2025 William O’Connell Blvd # 14,
Burlington
artforlife4kids.ca

ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON
1333 Lakeshore Road
agb.life

CREATIVE INSIGHT POTTERY
23 Main St S, Waterdown
creativeinsightpottery.com

DUNDAS VALLEY SCHOOL OF ART
21 Ogilvie Street, Dundas
dvsa.ca

OAKVILLE ART SOCIETY
560 Bronte Road, Oakville
oakvilleartsociety.com

BEYOND POTTERY
3228 South Service Road #116,
Burlington
beyondpottery.ca

POTTERY N PAINT CAFE
3513 Wyecroft Road # H1,
Oakville
potterynpaintcafe.com

BY LISA EVANS

Singing is not one of my super powers. So, when a friend invited me to an evening of karaoke at a local bar a few years ago, I was tempted to say “maybe next time!” But I summoned up my courage and discovered that singing karaoke wasn’t so scary after all. I sang that night (after a few glasses of wine!) and was hooked. A highlight was when a group of young women danced with abandon, chanting my name, to my rendition of Blondie’s “One Way or Another.” I was a star, at least for a moment in time! 

Since then, I’ve sung karaoke at the Royal Canadian Legion, in a private karaoke room in New York City, and at various bars in our area. And while I won’t be winning any Canada’s Got Talent awards, I’ve found the perfect girls’ night out and date night option. 

Singing karaoke prodded me out of my comfort zone, increased my confidence, and served as a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect. Life is short (and increasingly tough) and being playful should be embraced, especially during the cold and often depressing winter months.

There are many ways to karaoke locally, including a night at the Legion, karaoke nights at bars and restaurants hosted by dynamic DJs, renting a private room for your group, and singing with a live band. All are waiting to be explored. 

Jane Watson, who hosts the popular Thursday Karaoke in the Lounge at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60 in Burlington, shares the following tips for fi rst timers and for those who want to feel more comfortable on a karaoke stage: 

• Come in with a smile and an open mind, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Say hi to the host or someone sitting at the next table. 

• Choose a song that you relate to, not a song you think you should sing. 

• Have fun! 

Watson learned from a mentor, 28 years ago, that it takes three times to nail a song. “The first time, you will be nervous and not used to the lyrics scrolling in front of you while singing,” she says. “Don’t fret over missing words. The second time, you will be more relaxed on stage and with reading the lyrics and each time you sing you will feel more confident. You will sing the song much better as you are now finding your groove. The third time is a charm for the same song, or a different song, as you are feeling more comfortable on the stage and probably making eye contact with your friends or the audience.” 

The stage is set

Connecting with an audience and feeling the love from the room are tangible results of singing your heart out at karaoke. As Breanna Cordeiro, General Manager of AB Sports Bar explains, community is front and centre during AB’s busy Friday karaoke nights. People from ages 18 to 80 participate in the interactive fun

“We have a nice community field and all are welcome,” Cordeiro says. “It’s fun to experience, and our DJ Chris is very good at welcoming and making people feel comfortable.” She adds that AB has karaoke regulars, as well as people who aren’t comfortable singing right away – many of whom show up with a group, watch others sing, and join in later.

“Singing really helps people to get out of their shell, and people get a thrill from being on stage,” Cordeiro says. “After doing it they feel like they want to come back and do it again.”

If you aren’t ready to step on a stage in front of others, or want to more intimate singing experience, renting a private karaoke room is a great option and luckily, you don’t have to go to NYC (like I did) Game Time Social in Burlington has a private karaoke room that holds up to 10 people.

People using the karaoke room can even order drinks and food in there. 

“We want people to feel comfortable,” says Jessica Santacruz, Local Store Marketer for Game Time, “and we have sound proofing in the room, which helps people let loose and lets guests dining in enjoy the other music that plays throughout our venue.” 

With so many options for karaoke in our area, what are you waiting for? Get a few friends together and enjoy a night out that will blast away your winter blues! 

 Where To Get Your Karaoke On!

AB Sports Bar
2000 APPLEBY LINE, BURLINGTON
Karaoke Night, Fridays, hosted by Chris Hazzard 9 pm. – 1:00 am.
ABSPORTSBAR.COM 

Black Swan Kitchen Pub
4040 PALLADIUM WAY, BURLINGTON
3420 REBECCA STREET, OAKVILLE
Saturday Karaoke Night Party, 9 pm.
BLKSWAN.CA 

Carrigan Arms
2025 UPPER MIDDLE ROAD, BURLINGTON
Karaoke on Fridays, hosted by Randy Moisan 8:30 pm.
CARRIGANARMS.CA 

Dickens Pub
423 ELIZABETH STREET, BURLINGTON
Karaoke Night with DJ Robin Hamilton, every Thursday, 10 pm.
THEDICKENS.CA 

Game Time Social
3330 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, BURLINGTON
Reserve at 905-634-4756,
$40 per hour Thursdays after 8 pm you can reserve a free session of karaoke.
GAMETIMESOCIAL.CA 

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60
828 LEGION ROAD, BURLINGTON
Thursday Karaoke in the Lounge, with Jane Watson, 6:30 pm. – 10:30 pm.
BURLINGTONLEGION.COM/HOME

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 551
79 HAMILTON, ST. N, WATERDOWN
Karaoke, October 25 and November 29/24
WATERDOWNLEGION.CA 

Temple Bar British Pub
1140 WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD #1, OAKVILLE
Friday Night Karaoke Night with DJ Sugar Shane
The-Temple-Bar-British-Pub-Oakville-

By Cyndi Ingle

From one-of-a-kind mugs to elegant vases, pottery is more than just beautiful décor — it’s a hands-on way to unleash creativity, relieve stress, and get your hands dirty! Whether you’re throwing clay on a wheel or moulding it by hand, the tactile experience of working with clay has something to offer everyone. 

For kids, the process of turning a lump of clay into a fi nished piece offers a fun, screen-free way to explore self-expression. “Many young people don’t get the opportunity to work with their hands; everything’s electronic. Coming away from that input to actually working with your hands is something a bit different,” says Yvette Garcia, co-founder of Beyond Pottery in Burlington. 

Adults, too, can benefit from pottery’s stress-relieving effects. “Clay is very grounding,” says Garcia. The calming rhythm of moulding clay offers a therapeutic break from the demands of everyday life. “[It allows you to] be present, setting aside distractions and delighting in the process,” says Katia Lemos, Founder of Creative Insight Pottery in Waterdown. Pottery also encourages patience, as the process takes time and care, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and enjoying the creative journey.

“The best thing about clay is that it’s forgiving,” says Michelle Routledge, Owner of Crack Pot Studio in Oakville. “Working with a medium that can be manipulated into so many different forms means that you can quite literally take the stress of the day and create something beautiful from all of your emotions.” 

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy pottery. Local studios in Halton region offer workshops, birthday parties and multi-week programs for all skill levels. 

Beginner programs often cover the fundamental tools and techniques of working with clay such as handbuilding, sculpting and wheel throwing. “Clay has a very high skill ceiling but is very beginner friendly,” says Routledge. It’s also a craft you can continue to grow with. “There’s always something new to learn,” says Garcia. Many studios offer multi-week programs at various skill levels, allowing students to continue to explore new techniques in the art form. 

Many local studios also offer camps and short workshops where you can spend a few hours creating your piece, then return to the studio a few weeks later to pick up your finished product once it has been fi red and dried by studio staff. 

HERE ARE A FEW FUN WAYS TO ENJOY POTTERY: 

Family Bonding 

Pottery is a fun way for families to get creative together. Take a Saturday morning family class at Creative Insight Pottery, or dive into their 10-week parent and child program where you’ll make individual and group projects. “It’s a great way to connect,” says Lemos.

Want to hand-make your family Christmas gifts? Crack Pot Studio offers drop-in ceramic painting, perfect for all skill levels — no experience needed. Choose a bisque piece from their shelf, paint it, and the staff will glaze and fi re it for you. In seven to 10 days, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation to keep or gift! 

Date Night

If the word “pottery” conjures up visions of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore from the movie Ghost, you’re onto something — because pottery makes for a fantastic date night! Beyond Pottery offers a couples’ night where you can each make your own masterpiece, or craft something together. These date nights are perfect for beginners looking to have fun and get creative. No experience required! 

Social Outing

Bored of dinner and a movie? Pottery is the perfect way to mix things up and get your hands dirty. Creative Insight Pottery offers a wine and pottery class in the evening where students can bring in their own wine, create a hand-built piece and try their hand at the wheel to make a small bowl.

“The time on the table with some wine makes it more social, perfect for dates and friends to come together,” says Lemos. Whether you’re looking to have fun, bond with a partner, or become an expert sculptor, working with clay can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. 

Local Links

CREATIVE INSIGHT POTTERY
23 Main Street South, Waterdown
creativeinsightpottery.com 

BEYOND POTTERY
3228 South Service Road, Burlington
beyondpottery.ca 

POTTERY N PAINT CAFE
3513 Wyecroft Road Unit H1, Oakville
potterynpaintcafe.com 

CRACK POT STUDIO
301 Robinson Street, Oakville
crackpotstudio.com 

THE POTTERY SUPPLY HOUSE
1120 Speers Road, Oakville
psh.ca 

ARTVENTURES
103 Jones Street, Oakville
artventuresstudios.com 

4CATS ART STUDIO
710 Cumberland Avenue, Burlington
4cats.com 

By Lisa Evans

The spirit of an unidentified, long-deceased woman haunts the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Locally known as “Alice,” she makes her presence known by tampering with the lights and equipment and sometimes appearing to guests in the ladies’ washroom.

Fans of the supernatural can learn about Alice and other apparitions on ghost walks hosted by the Oakville Historical Society. Another spooky landmark is the Oakville Museum (former residence of the Chisholm family), which boasts at least nine ghosts. One is Rebecca Chisholm, wife of Oakville’s founder, George Chisholm. Rebecca died of a stroke at the age of 65 and has been seen strolling in the gardens of the estate ever since.

A ghost walk is a guided tour and a local history lesson that just happens to feature an area’s most haunted locations. Ghost guides are men and women hired for their great storytelling ability, flair for speaking, and love of local history. Tours typically happen at night, for optimal activity and goose bumps.

Beyond the grave

“Ghost walks highlight local folklore, making them a fun and entertaining way for residents and visitors to spend an evening and learn about the community’s past, often leading to a deeper connection to the area,” says Marie Descent, Oakville Historical Society, Secretary of the Board of Directors.

For people who are intrigued by the paranormal, Oakville is – both figuratively and literally – the perfect haunt. Founded in 1827, it was a major shipping port in the 19th century and in 1834 was made a port of entry for foreign visitors and immigrants. Oakville was also a major gateway to Canada for African Americans fleeing slavery using the Underground Railroad.

“Add to this Oakville’s many historical buildings and houses, and the colourful residents that have walked the streets of Oakville,” Descent says, “and you have the setting for great ghost stories.”

Who knew that the charming harbour town had skeletons in so many closets?

The unrest is history

Daniel Cumerlato of Dundas Ghost Walks has been running ghost tours in the Hamilton area
since 2003. “I started out as a paranormal investigator back in the day,” he says. “Eventually I realized ghost stories were a real passion, and it spanned out from there.

Cumerlato has been collecting history and ghost stories for well over 20 years. Tours are based on personal experiences, mixed in with famous ghost stories of different supposed haunts. He combines deep research with organized storytelling to showcase each stop on the tour in the most compelling way possible.

Dundas, like Oakville, is a notorious ghost magnet. Incorporated in 1847, it has a rich history as a manufacturing and transportation hub. Early Ontario settlers travelling East or West passed through Dundas, where wealthy merchants and farmers spent scads of money at hotels, saloons and taverns along King Street. Their spirits lurk to this day.

The former Dundas District School, now an attractive condo, is a favourite stop for ghost walkers. A man named Russell, who was a caretaker there in the 1950s, allegedly made a death pact with the other 4 caretakers. They vowed that whoever died first must return and haunt the school. Russell died first.

“Now he’s the legendary ghost at the old building, experienced by so many over the previous 50 years when it served as a school,” Cumerlato says. This season, he adds, former students on ghost walks have shared their own ghostly experiences and Russell sightings.

Ghost walks are about both history and spooky stories. Guides do their best to connect the ghost to real history. When that’s not possible, they tell some robust legends.

“People enjoy the ghost tours as a unique way to learn about a town or city through its ghosts,” Cumerlato says. “And thinking, just maybe, that person still remains in an ‘energetic form’ is a bonus.”

By Michelle Morra