Best Spots for a Weekend Getaway in Ontario

Ontario, often referred to as "Canada's most populated province" is a beautiful and picturesque destination. Ontario has a lot to offer and it would be an injustice not to plan a trip there.

The best time for visiting the province of Ontario is during the winter months. The weather is pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ice-skating. But if the winter season isn’t for you, no worries! There is just as much to enjoy in the warmer months.

Check out these top 4 destinations in Ontario for your next weekend excursion!

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and is one of the most peaceful, quiet, and clean cities in North America.

It is a city that is full of culture and heritage. Ottawa is also home to many different museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants and more. There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa for both visitors and locals alike.

You can also enjoy some great food while visiting this destination, with many restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. The ByWard Market area is home to numerous pubs and restaurants and live music venues that offer a more traditional pub experience for those looking for something different than just fine-dining restaurants.

Toronto

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that there are tons of things to do. If you are looking to get out and explore this amazing city, here are some suggestions for how to spend your weekend.

There are so many things you can do in Toronto on the weekend. You can explore the city’s neighborhoods, which each have their own unique vibe and charm. You can go shopping in Yorkville Village or Queen West Village for high-end fashion brands like Gucci or Chanel.

You can stop by the Eaton Centre during the day for great deals on clothes you never knew you wanted but need now! Or eat at one of Toronto's many restaurants that excel in cuisine.

Halton

Halton is a great destination for a weekend getaway. The town has its own charm and you can find many natural beauty spots to explore off the beaten path. The best way to do that is by bike or by car. There are also many restaurants in Halton, including some great spots for brunch on Sundays, like The King’s Head Pub & Restaurant.

Halton also offers interesting activities for all interests including golfing, water sports, fishing, hiking and more. If you are looking for culture there are some great museums in Oakville or live theater in Burlington that will keep you entertained during your stay here.

It may not come to a surprise to you that after visiting here you find yourself searching the current Halton real estate market because chances are, you’ll want to stay for longer than a weekend.

Lake Huron Shorelines

The Lake Huron shoreline stretches over 200 miles and is a popular destination for those looking to spend the weekend outdoors. There are plenty of things to do in this region when you have a free weekend.
 
Some activities include visiting Niagara on the Lake which is a charming town with excellent wineries to go tasting at, taking a walk along the sand dunes or Georgian Bay beach, or perhaps heading out on the water for a day of fishing or watersports.

Awesome Earth Day Celebrations at NUVALI

Today is EARTH DAY and what great way to start off celebrating our planet's birthday but by world class talents and reminding everyone else to do their part.

The stage was grand, as grand as the cause they are fighting for in NUVALI.

Amid the summer heat that smoldered the afternoon and the cool gentle breeze that evening, crowds gather for one glorious night of music and entertainment for a worthy cause. With names like Mel Villena and his band (remember singing bee?), Brigada, Juris Fernandez, Zia Quizon, Jed Madela, Kyla and Christian Bautista on the list I wouldn't be surprised about the turnout that evening. I personally haven't seen some of them sing live so this really was a treat! Not to mention GOOD for Mother Earth because it'll surely inculcate how to live responsibly and take care of the environment.

At Evoliving Center Dockside, Nuvali, Laguna we witnessed these great artists perform and say a few words about Green Freedom. A kid also had some excerpts before they performed indicating how the youth has to take part in making this world a better place. Nuvali is really different. They really take what EVO LIVING into heart and make it happen. 

 I was really impressed by Juris Fernandez! I LOVE HER as much as I LOVE Mother Nature now!

 Zia Quizon, I like her too. Even if her style of music is so different from Mom ZsaZsa and sister Karylle she's definitely so bad ass if I may say so.

The place had so many things in store for nature lovers and advocates such as the Green Market where a lot of organic-nature themed products were sold to the general public. There were also some gardening activities at the Greens and Patches section of Nuvali. Bird watching lessons were also taught by the Wild Bird Club on the Wild Life and Bird Santuary at Nuvali. Green projects like recycling materials for workshops in building boats and other things were also done in the 2 day celebration. They have so many buildings and structures that are nature sensitive. It was a perfect way to celebrate something so environmentally apt! The day after, there was also a Run and Bike race for the benefit of the Sta. Rosa Watershed which is a project by Nuvali and the local government. It's so nice to see the private and public sector working like this. I think they are subconsciously trying to change the way people think. It's a good thing!

Remember the NUVALI Dirt Bike Weekend? They'll have more activities like that soon!

For sure there will be more outdoor sports activities lined up so make sure you also join the NUVALI Sports Camp which will run until October of this year. Their Football Clinic will also be administered by Philippine Azkals Chiefy Caligdong plus the Baseball Clinics with Pureplay and Triathlon via the Trimac Team. For more details about that you should contact NUVALI for their events at 09175ASKNUV(275688). Or you may simply visit their website at www.NUVALI.ph

For more information about NUVALI

Please visit their website

http://www.nuvali.ph

Or call

0917-5-ASKNUV (275688)

Dirt Bike Weekend at NUVALI: A Place Like No Other!

This weekend, I had a BLAST! That's an understatement. This was actually my first time to go to a place called NUVALI in Sta. Rosa, Laguna: a prime property owned and operated by giant Ayala Land as their flagship project in the South. Incidentally, they were holding NUVALI's Dirt Bike Weekend 2011 (happened November 26-27, 2011). This is the biggest bicycle trail race in the metro as 2,500+ participants from all over the Philippines converge in NUVALI to put the pedal to the metal. There were various events for different classes. They went through the same routes though. It was astounding to see athletes, enthusiasts and their family watching on the sidelines. I can hear people cheering them on while fighting for those top places, it really gave me goosebumps remembering my biking days. I almost bought one right after that!

It wasn't just perfectly testosterone filled because there were several female bikers as well. These guys here were shouting to support their bets for the intermediate class of riders. It was exhilarating and exciting, I wanted to grab a bike and try the course myself!

The place as you can see is majestic! The weather was perfect as well. I haven't seen anything like this in Manila/Quezon City because NUVALI seems so special. This lifestyle was thriving there. A lifestyle set in all the 1,750 hectare property.

It was also nice knowing that there were several events happening as well. The 24 hour race where they need to check in with time chips measuring how far they can go in that span of time; a real test of strategy and endurance. Huge boulders and metal frames also served as obstacles for the contingent from Davao showing their expertise in Stunt Bikes ala BMX experts. It was a good show! I didn't know we had world class tricks done in our home land. Speaking of shows, that thing ended with a BANG as back to back performances by Paramita and Urbandub + a lot of other bands happened in the after party.

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Looking Around NUVALI...

Well, a trip to NUVALI wouldn't be complete if you won't go to their main building. It houses some of the great activities inside the community.

This main building houses an office they actually have to receive guests and explain how NUVALI runs this place with Eco-sustainability. It has been their prime goal since they opened this place; and by the looks of it, they are succeeding. Outside of it is a lagoon which is very special because one of their main "attractions" live here.

That's thousands upon thousands of COI living in this great body of water right smack in the middle of NUVALI. You can actually feed these awesome luck inducing creatures too! There are several packs of fish food you can purchase in the facility if you want to.

Not just that! There are also several boats that you can rent so you can roam around the lagoon and take a breathtaking view of NUVALI from the water.

I had some of my fellow bloggers also with me to enjoy the ride!

Yes, this place is huge! They actually some parts closed but will be open soon. They are planning to get this even bigger!

Some of my friends opted to get a different boat. Nice panning shot eh?! Of course that's my shot! =) It was really fast!

Just see the multitude of people and the whole Ayala Land facility in NUVALI. You should definitely see this up close!

NUVALI has exceeded my expectations. The wide open spaces we see in New York Central Park or Yellowstone Park in CA might actually be appealing; but now that we have NUVALI in Laguna this would be one perfect place to visit or live in. I would definitely have to see this place again soon! You should bring friends and family and experience the awesome DIRT BIKE WEEKEND next year; and what people call a paradise in the south. NUVALI; is indeed a place like no other! It's where people like you, me and nature come together. It's HEAVEN on Earth!

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For more information about NUVALI

Please visit their website

http://www.nuvali.ph

Or call

0917-5-ASKNUV (275688)