36 h. ago This scenic railroad in Ontario takes colourful fall excursions into the wilderness

The South Simcoe Railway's Fall Colour Excursions, a fall tradition for many in Ontario, return this month, and the historic railway is set to take passengers aboard scenic fall-colours train rides from Tottenham to Beeton for another season.Each round trip, from Tottenham to Beeton and back, lasts just under an hour, and along the way, the conductor shares tidbits of Canada's rich railway history. The fall foliage makes a pretty backdrop for this autumn outing as train riders get to see the changing colours of the leaves throughout the journey aboard a vintage 1920s locomotive.Passengers will usually board Engine #136 to take the trip from Tottenham to Beeton, winding through the Beeton Valley Creek and immersing in all the fall colours and foliage. Given how popular this nature tour gets — the leaves' changing colours at the Beeton Valley Creek are at their best during autumn — it's highly recommend...

Transport

7 d. ago The history of the Golden Griddle restaurant chain in Ontario

Decades before Ontario's brunch scene was overrun with trendy lattes and Instagram-worthy plates, there was the Golden Griddle, a no-frills, all-Canadian family restaurant that was synonymous with family gatherings, after-club eats, and well-earned breakfasts after all-nighters and final exams. The chain, which eventually went on to open dozens of locations across the GTA, southwestern, central, and eastern Ontario, had its humble beginnings at a 60-seat restaurant at the corner of Redpath and Eglinton Avenues.The brunch chain was founded by entrepreneur Harold McDonnell on May 2, 1964, and quickly grew to become one of Canada's most popular chains of family restaurants. Its home-style meals were served all day and became a go-to for everything from chocolate chip pancakes to omelettes, Belgian waffles to schnitzels, and burgers to dinner entrees. The chain began franchising in 1977, with many opting to stay open 24 hours a day. While the G...

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8 d. ago Ontario is home to Canada's biggest corn maze and it's now open for the season

Did you know that Canada's largest corn maze is located right here in Ontario, in the historic little town of Dundas? If you're looking for a fall adventure that gives you a bit of a challenge, Hanes Farm and Corn Maze offers the chance to get lost in almost 20 acres of vast land, as you zigzag through this impressive labyrinth of fun.This maze sets itself apart from others through its sheer scale — it will take you anywhere from one to two hours to complete, but you'll be fully equipped with everything you need to get out on the other side.Guests are given a map, pen, and clipboard before heading to the start line, and although it may sound like a walk in the park (or should I say, a stroll in the stalks?), it's not an easy feat: there are winding trails and massive corn walls to throw you off. The maze is also designed to test your sense of direction.And for anyone who has visited in the past, note that each year, something ...

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1 week ago This historic Ontario town has an eerie underground 'ghost mine' that you can explore

If you're looking for an offbeat adventure that will transport you back in time (and one that has a bit of an eerie twist, at that), there's one Ontario town that provides the opportunity to explore deep beneath its streets, taking you nearly 100 years into the area's past.The Underground Colonial Adit Tour at the Cobalt Mining Museum — named for the eponymous town near Sudbury — gives you a first-hand experience of the world of silver mining, which made the community famous in the early 1900s.The guided excursion takes visitors through an original subterranean passage that was used when the town of Cobalt was one of the world's most notable producers of silver, with more than 100 mines in operation.It's a rare window into the working conditions of the mining industry at the time, with experts on site to tell the tales of miners' living and working conditions, which were full of struggle and a...

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2 w. ago Ontario has an underwater ghost town that you can still visit

Ontario has countless lovely small towns to visit on a road trip from the city, but there's one that has a particularly unique history — and that you'll need more than just a car to visit.Moulinette, once a thriving riverside community along Highway 2, is now an underwater ghost town with a haunting and yet fascinating history. It was said to be home to just over 300 residents before it was permanently flooded — purposely — in 1958 during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway.The history of Moulinette and Ontario's Lost VillagesThe village dated back to the late 1700s, having been founded by United Empire Loyalists of the King's Royal Regiment that came up from New York. And it didn't take long for Moulinette to become a bustling little hub.By 1840, approximately 100 people lived there, and the population was growing rapidly. The local economy was fueled by a number of businesses; among them, two wool mills that defined the ...

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3 w. ago Braid: When Ontario and the feds start acting like bros forever, Alberta should be very worried

History shows when Ontario Progressive Conservatives and federal Liberals get chummy, Alberta can pay the price

Culture

4 w. ago Canada's oldest annual fair is in Ontario but it's not the CNE

Friday marks the kickoff of this year's Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), thought of as the biggest, best and most legendary festival in all of Canada.While the annual 18-day event replete with classic midway rides, nostalgic carnival games and more ostentatious snacks than you could ever imagine does boast a long, rich history at a whopping 146 years old, it is not actually the oldest of its kind in the country.That title belongs to a far lesser-known fair well outside Toronto in historic Williamstown, Ontario.Just under four hours' drive from the big city, this quaint little town of less than 500 people is the sort of place one might simply pass by on the way to somewhere else.But, it is home to a handful of sites well worthy of visiting, especially for history buffs — including the eponymous grounds where the Williamstown Fair takes place each August.Founded all the way back in 1808 and brought to its current location i...

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