June 2022

Century-Old Tunnel Set to Open as New Attraction

Century-Old Tunnel Set to Open as New Attraction with Never-Before-Seen View of Niagara Falls

The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station will officially open to the public on July 1
New visitor experience completes Phase II of the award-winning adaptive reuse project at the historic power station
Additional information and tickets are available at niagaraparks.com/power

Niagara Falls, ON – A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place this morning recognizing the completion of Phase II of the landmark adaptive reuse project and the opening of the Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station.

Opening July 1, the Tunnel will expand the guest experience at the Niagara Parks Power Station, providing access to the vast underground infrastructure of the historic building and spectacular new viewing platform at the base of Niagara Falls. The Niagara Parks Power Station opened Phase I last July, which included daytime tours of the restored generator hall along with the award-winning immersive sound and light show, Currents.

Visitors to the Tunnel will descend 180 feet below the generator hall in a glass-enclosed elevator, observing the many underground floors of the station on their way down to the historic tunnel. For over a century, the power station’s spent waters flowed through this engineering marvel as it made its way back to the Niagara River.

The one-of-a-kind experience offers guests a 2,200-foot-long journey through the enormous tunnel that leads to the exit portal where the water exited back into the Niagara River. There, a brand-new viewing platform has been constructed, extending out into the river to provide never-before-seen panoramic views of Niagara Falls and the lower Niagara Gorge. Access to the Tunnel is included with all regular admissions to the Niagara Parks Power Station, beginning July 1, with adult tickets starting at $28.

Additional information and tickets can be found at niagaraparks.com/power.

Quote from Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs

“With the opening of the Tunnel, the incredible transformation that has taken place over the past two years to restore the power station and transform it into a one-of-a-kind visitor attraction is officially complete. This is truly a landmark achievement and one that has and will continue to draw the interest and adoration of a global audience while preserving this heritage building for future generations of Ontarians.

I am so proud of our board and staff team at Niagara Parks for their work on this project and thankful to the Government of Ontario and our Ministry for their constant support and counsel, which made this all possible.”

About the Niagara Parks Power Station

The first major power station on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, the former “Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station,” harnessed the powerful energy of the Horseshoe Falls and turned it into a great source of electricity for over 100 years. Now, years after its turbines came to a halt, the wonder of this hydropower pioneer has come back to life as a must-see attraction, the Niagara Parks Power Station. Phase I of the attraction opened in July 2021 and invited guests to explore interactive and educational exhibits throughout the largely untouched 600-foot generator floor. Phase I also featured the one-of-a-kind evening sound and light show, Currents. Created by Thinkwell Studios Montreal, Currents combines interactive media, mesmerizing lights and a breathtaking musical score to take guests on an immersive adventure inside the Niagara Parks Power Station.

The Niagara Parks Power Station was honoured by the Ontario Heritage Trust with a 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation.

Beginning July 2022, phase II of the Niagara Parks Power Station will introduce an exciting new experience, allowing visitors to explore the underground portions of the station via the historic tunnel located 180 feet below the ground floor. Visitors will make their way to a spectacular new viewing platform extending into the Niagara River with panoramic views of Niagara Falls.

About Niagara Parks

Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.

For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com or contact:

Chris Giles, Manager, Communications

[email protected]

905-809-0182

June 28, 2022 Niagara Falls

3 Things You’ll Learn on the Midland Food Tour

File Under: Things To Do in Midland, Ontario

Whether it’s your first visit to Midland Ontario, or your 100th visit, Midland Food Tours is the new tour company in town. We know you’ll enjoy these food tours, read on to learn more.

Kelly Kurtz is the owner of Midland Food Tours. She used to be a teacher and now she teaches tour guests all about the town’s best eateries. She does her homework and takes food scouting very seriously. With Kelly guiding your tour, the best thing is you will meet the people who run these businesses. If you’re looking to connect with the best food people in town, this is how.

From the About me page on Midland Food Tours website:

“Like many of you, I’m a lover of good eats, a people-engager, a story-gatherer and a tea aficionado. After enjoying seven culinary tours across Canada, the United States and Cartagena, Columbia, I was eager to share the flavours of Midland and North Simcoe’s cuisine with area residents, out-of-towners and tourists from around the globe. With a background in the tourism and hospitality industry, plus 20 years as an educator, it was natural to launch Midland Food Tours in 2021”. – Kelly Kurtz, owner Midland Food Tours.

Midland Food Tours is one way to discover this Ontario small town one bite at a time.

Kelly recently hosted ToDoOntario on a hybrid version of the Midland Guided Walking Food Tour and the Georgian Bay Driving Food Tour.

Here are three things you might learn by taking either (or both) of these experiences:

Not all great eateries are what you would expect them to be. You’re in for some pretty cool surprises.
Local food is taken very seriously in the region with an abundance of local farmers and food producers. It is fiercely supported by a creative and fun food service community of restaurants, chefs, bakers and even at local attractions.
Midland and the surrounding region is the place of first contact between European and Indigenous Peoples in the area in the 1600’s. The region is culturally rich with both Indigenous and European cultures. These tours are an opportunity to learn and taste Ontario history and how it’s changed over time.

Here is where you can find Midland Food Tours, learn more and book your own delicious food experience today.

Website: https://midlandfoodtours.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlandfoodtours/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlandfoodtours

Be sure to check out ToDoOntario’s website for more things to do and getaway packages available in Ontario.

June 22, 2022 Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay & Lake Simcoe

Not Your Mama’s Spa: Muskoka BeerSpa Now Open

The quintessential Canadian spa experience

Torrance, Ontario – May 13, 2022 – Downtown Torrance welcomes its newest attraction for visitors and local community members alike.

Introducing: Muskoka BeerSpa

Aficionados of craft beer are already on board with the fresh brews produced at Clear Lake Brewing Co. Fans of rustic cabin getaways may be familiar with accommodations at Muskoka BeerSpa, their vintage VHS collections and in room draft taps. Locals can’t get enough of the great food and live music in the community beer garden.

Loyal pizza lovers have been waiting patiently for The Cottage restaurant to open for the season, and today is their lucky day! Refreshing Cottage Springs vodka beverages will soon be produced at the new on-site craft distillery.

But the BeerSpa is an entirely new experience.

“Pool, hot tubs, saunas, steam, margarita bar, taco stand, everything is up and running, and Mother Nature has given us amazing weather for our opening,” says Muskoka BeerSpa founder Greg Knight, “There is nothing like this in Canada. We celebrate all things beer, including a playful approach to relaxation that you will rarely find at a spa.”

The official opening celebration, “Muskoka BeerSpa-palooza,” is set for Friday, May 20, 2022. MooseFM will broadcast live on-location from 2pm to 6pm, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. “Two-four-1” spa access will be offered, and The Moose will give out prizes every hour from 2pm to 6pm. One lucky visitor will win a season’s pass for two. Visitors are encouraged to book online now, as space is limited!

Beginning May 20, select massage and facial services will be offered, along what could be the world’s most eclectic spa treatment: the “Two Beer Pedicure”…. a beer foot soak, scrub and lotion treatment, bar service in an enclave of Muskoka chairs with enough room for all your friends!

Spa-goers can reserve their visit on-line at Muskoka BeerSpa Day Pass

Admission is $40 plus tax, per person. Proof of Age of Majority is required for spa access.

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For more information, press only:

Leah Leslie

705-346-2248 [email protected]

Website www.muskokabeerspa.com

June 8, 2022 Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka & Parry Sound

Welcome from Severn Lodge’s new owners

ToDoOntario, Severn Lodge, Muskoka resort

Severn Lodge is excited to announce that Severn Lodge has been purchased by Santa’s Village of Bracebridge, Ontario. Santa’s Village, owned by Brad & Sara Dunkley and their partner Jamie Hopkins, will continue the tradition of operating Severn Lodge as an all-inclusive, family resort. Guests can expect the same level of service, exceptional cuisine and friendly staff that they have come to rely on. Our General Manager, Gary Don, and Head Chef, Hubert Obermeier, will continue in their current roles, which they have both held for many years.

“The Breckbill’s have been wonderful stewards of Severn Lodge and we are honoured to be assuming the responsibility of maintaining and preserving this unique and cherished resort,” said Brad Dunkley. Rick Breckbill added, “Severn Lodge has been a part of the Breckbill family since 1928. We are pleased that the Dunkley family will be continuing the traditions we began so many years ago.”

The Dunkley’s connection to Severn Lodge goes back many years. “My great-grandfather, Vic Conner, lived nearby at Big Chute for nearly 50 years and was a good friend of Bill and Jeanne Breckbill. As a kid, my family vacationed at Severn Lodge, and it is also where Sara and I got engaged. It will always be a special place to us,” said Brad Dunkley.

“Santa’s Village and Severn Lodge are similar in many ways. They are both special places with rich histories where families come together to have fun and make memories. A big part of our motivation is to make sure these businesses continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy,” added Sara Dunkley.

They are looking forward to opening for our 119th season on June 10^th and we hope to see you and your family this summer.

For more information visit: https://severnlodge.com/

June 1, 2022 Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka & Parry Sound