Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka & Parry Sound

How to make the most out of the new Ontario staycation tax credit

Ontario’s government recently offered a nice holiday gift to residents of the province, though it comes with a few very simple conditions.

Using terminology that more normally fits inside a twitter hashtag, the province of Ontario released a fiscal statement that highlights what tax authorities have dubbed the “Ontario Staycation Tax Credit“. This is a temporary measure by the provincial government that’s designed to promote tourism inside Ontario and thus alleviate the effects of the COVID pandemic while encouraging low-travel tourism.

According to the conditions of the credit, Ontario residents may get a refund of 20% of their spending on accommodations and other provincial travel-related expenses. This will apply for vacations that they embark on between January 1st and December 31, 2022.

The amounts that are allowed reach $1000 for a single individual and up to $2000 for a family. The refundable credit on these travel expenses can be requested by Ontarians when they file their 2022 personal income tax returns. As mentioned, the total refund quantity is no more than 20%, which translates to $200 refunded on individual maximum tax-exempted spending of $1000 and $400 on spending for a family amounting to $2000.

The deeper details of the Staycation credit have their fine print and exemptions but in general terms, they consist of the above, proof of expenditures and filing your income taxes. As for covered vacation expenses, they apply specifically for accommodations of less than a month in establishments such as hotels, motels, lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rental cottages, campgrounds and of course, motels too.

Why You Should Take Advantage of the Ontario Staycation Credit

If you’re a tax-registered resident of the province, it’s a great idea to take advantage of this new credit for any of your vacation needs throughout 2022. A visit to Ontario’s numerous hiking getaways and urban attractions is already something with plenty of lovely possibilities to take in.

Now being able to treat yourself or your family to such a vacation with the promise of at least $200 in expenses being given back to you eventually only makes things better.

The idea of $200 to $400 being given back to you as a tax refund only after a year or more has gone by may seem like a bit of a distant promise, but when that refund time does roll around, the extra cash will without a doubt be very useful for some random future expense.

How to Receive the Ontario Staycation Credit

Ontario is absolutely brimming with vacation getaways for both nature lovers and people looking for the best in urban sophistication. A trip to vast, cosmopolitan Toronto can result in a whole night’s stay at a fine hotel being given back to you through the Staycation refund you’ll eventually receive.

It’s also an opportunity for troy wonderful romantic getaways to the city’s numerous bars, restaurants, cultural events and other unique sights. Or you could visit the absolute spectacle of raw natural energy that is Niagara Falls, either in winter, fall or summer, or whenever you like in 2022. As far as family getaways go, Niagara is unbeatable.

Whatever your vacation ideas might be, Ontario’s government has made the credit as easy to use as possible. Even people who owe no personal income taxes for 2022 may file for the Staycation Tax Credit.

In addition to this, you are eligible if you fulfill the following obligations:

• Your stay is at an eligible place of accommodation, including: hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, cottages, campgrounds and vacation rental homes.
• Your stay is of less than a month’s duration –
• Your vacation was undertaken between January 1st and December 31st, 2022.
• You made the trip for leisure reasons and not for work or business.
• Your trip was paid for by whoever is filing the taxes in Ontario with receipts as proof of expense. Eligible partners, children and spouses can also pay for and file taxes for a trip.
• Your vacation accommodation expense was not later reimbursed to you by family, friends or employers.
• Your trip is subject to GST and HST taxes that should be part of the receipt

We can’t understate the sheer number of vacation possibilities that Ontario presents for taking advantage of this nice little tax windfall. If you’d like to enjoy your own $200 to $400 refund, take a look at the range of sights and attractions throughout Ontario that are just waiting to be explored.

You don’t have to board a plane to take advantage of Black Friday travel deals. You can still save and stay right here in beautiful Ontario.

Check out these 2021 Black Friday offers and deals and start planning a fun adventure.

Hockley Valley Resort
Mono

Save on spa services, private ski lessons, wine club membership and golf passes. 

Bayview Wildwood Resort
Severn Bridge

Bayview Wildwood Resort is pleased to extend a 15% discount for a minimum two night all inclusive stay December 17-24.  Getaway includes accommodations, meals, resort amenities and entertainment.  Guests can reserve November 24-30 to secure the savings.

Fairmont Royal York & Fairmonth Château Laurier
Toronto & Ottawa

Re-Discover Ontario With A Holiday Vacation Package

The holiday season is back in Ontario. Experience the magic of Christmas or New Year’s Eve as a family or as a couple, at a party (yes! party!) or a quiet dinner to celebrate. Either way the hosts of the hospitality industry are prepared with some amazing experiences and events. You will not have a problem finding a getaway package that includes activities and meals.  

Depending on the weather, it is a beautiful time to travel within the province of Ontario. You will definitely see some beautiful scenery and have lots of things to do. To help ensure you’re prepared for a winter road trip, read our car emergency kit essential items blog. 

Winter Wonderland Holiday Fun Activities

In Ontario, endless forests and world-class cityscapes abound in equal measure. With a stunning four-season palette, Ontario shines in the summer and winter alike. Whether you want to reconnect with nature, enjoy a book by a fireplace at a classic hotel or lose yourself in the thrills of Toronto’s multicultural landscape, you’ve found a friend in Ontario. The sublime scenery and warm people of Ontario Province can’t wait to make your Christmas vacation one for the scrapbook. 

Christmas time means skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and enjoying the snow in Ontario’s outdoors. Having fun outside makes cozy inside activities even better too! 

Ontario Christmas Getaways and New Year’s Eve Parties 

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, but it is not without stress. If you’re ready to hang up your apron and put all the yuletide planning and preparing on the back-burner, our Christmas vacation and wintertime holiday options are the answer. 

Forget about getting the roast just perfect and ensuring everyone is well-fed and not too tipsy; the creature comforts of Ontario invite you to rediscover what a stress-free holiday season really means. With ToDoOntario, you can now have the cozy Log Cabin Christmas of your dreams at Bayview Wildwood Resort with your children by your side, and perhaps event more extended family. 

COVID-Conscious Ontario NYE Getaways 

Chances are, the party or resort you will attend, will require proof of vaccination. It is up to you to know what is required upon arrival

Winter in Ontario is best enjoyed outdoors. You and your family can safely enjoy a socially-distanced skiing or snowboarding holiday in one of Ontario’s finest resorts. If you venture to go even more remote, ToDoOntario has discounts on the most luxurious and romantic stays in Muskoka, Algonquin, and beyond! 

The Best Prices and Promotion in Ontario

We believe that enjoying a memorable and luxurious holiday shouldn’t be cost-restrictive. Even if you’re convinced you can’t afford to attend the New Year’s Eve parties or Christmas getaways of your dreams, we invite you to browse Christmas package listings and the New Year’s Eve package listings. We think you’ll be surprised by our diverse and affordable Ontario escapes. 

Spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2021 in Ontario 

Take advantage of Ontario’s many delights even during a pandemic. ToDoOntario has the best offers on Ontario Christmas Getaways and Ontario NYE Getaways available online. We are collecting the safest wintertime activities across Ontario to make it easier for you to plan your holiday adventure without worry. Browse getaways now! 

Happy & Safe Holidays!

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The Quick Beginners Guide to Microbreweries

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Ontario features amazing places to visit including microbreweries. There are a ton of unique microbreweries in Ontario that offer distinct craft beers and a guaranteed good time.

Keep reading for tips on starting your Ontario craft beer adventure!

1. Find a Brewery in Your Area

Not sure what breweries are in your area? Ontario Craft Beers can show you what craft breweries are in your area. The site lists what different types of unique beers each brewery offers.

JustBeer Ontario is another helpful site that will show you breweries based on your are. When you click on a brewery, it will show you the various craft beers that the location offers.

2. Understanding Different Types of Beers

Yours Outdoors Haliburton Highlands breweries tour beer flight

The selection of beers and the different types of brews a craft brewery offers may seem daunting to beginners. But don’t fret. Part of the craft brewery experience is learning about different types of beers and which ones you like. 

Beers have different colors, aromas, and flavors, and are often characterized by what country that beer is from. Beers are categorized as lagers, ales, stouts, and porters.

Lagers and ales can range from light to dark. Lighter lagers are known for being crisp and refreshing. Darker lagers tend to have richer aromas.

Ales are made with yeast strains and ferment in warmer temperatures. Lighter ales tend to be more refreshing and may have a malty flavor. Darker ales have richer flavors and may have a hoppy, bitter taste.

Stouts and porters are described as having “deep, roasty flavors” and are neither sweet nor bitter. They tend to be thicker beers are strongly flavored.

If you are new to craft beers, you should ease your way into darker beers, and start off with something light and refreshing.

3. Picking the Best Time to Go

While researching a brewery in your area to visit, remember to check what their hours are. Not all craft breweries have specific visiting hours. If this is the case, you can schedule a tour so that you can still visit the brewery.

You can also see what times that brewery may offer promotions. Some breweries offer different special promotions depending on the day and time. So be prepared before you go!

4. Try Something Different

If this isn’t your first time visiting a brewery or trying craft brews, don’t afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. Microbreweries are a great place to expand your palette and try new things.

Many breweries offer beer flights so that you can get a taste of an array of flavors. By trying new beers, you may find a new favorite!

5. Pace Yourself

While you’re exploring the wonderful world of microbreweries, don’t forget to pace yourself as you drink. Remember to stay hydrated and eat in between drinks. Most breweries offer delicious food items that will pair well with whatever beer you are drinking. 

If you’re going out to your local brewery, make sure you follow Ontario’s drinking guidelines and have either a designated driver or a safe mode of transportation (i.e. a cab or driving service).

Check out these GUIDED ONTARIO BREWERIES TOURS & EXPERIENCES in the ‘To Do’ Events Calendar.

Enjoy Unique Microbreweries in Ontario

With these tips in your back pocket, you are now ready to enjoy all the amazing flavors that microbreweries in Ontario have to offer. Try some craft beers outside of your comfort zone on one of your summer outings. And don’t forget to stay hydrated and travel safely on your craft brewery excursion.

Looking for more exciting things to do in Ontario? Check out events page and start your next adventure!

While at home under quarantine we had a campfire in our backyard. There is no fire ban where I live and it was a fun outdoor activity we enjoyed, on a nice sunny warm day. I had seen a picture of a tasty campfire cone treat on social media a while ago and thought this was the perfect time to try it. After some searching on Pinterest, I quickly realized I was merely at the doorstep of a wonderful sweet world of cones, campfires and stuffing them full of tasty eats. Since these are pandemic times, there would be no trip to the grocery store so our creations would be limited to what we found in the pantry – not a bad thing in my house.

The first order of business is the catalyst in this experiment – heat! In this case we used a campfire, but if you’re in an apartment or you’re community has a fire ban, I see no reason why these can’t be cooked up on a bbq, in a toaster oven or an oven if you were making several (gotta make it worth it, right?!). 

It’s as easy as you think. Load the waffle cone (I think any kind of cone would do) with all the treats. I think it’s important to have something that melts. Could you do just fruit? Yes, but would it ooze and melt and turn into something tasty and delicious the same way a cone with marshmallow, chocolate or peanut butter would…I don’t think so. You need a binder, just like recipes that need an egg. 

You can alternate layers of treats inside or just toss them in willy nilly. I used marshmallows, dark chocolate mint squares and chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless. Next time I’m adding fruit. Once you are satisfied with your stuffage, wrap the cone up in aluminum foil and place in the coals. Remember to move and turn it in the fire often, this will help cook it evenly and avoid scorch marks. 

I can’t say for sure how long it takes. I don’t profess to be any sort of expert, but I can say check often, and if you open it up and it’s not done, just wrap it back up and stick it back in! 

Like a campfire s’more and roasted marshmallows, we all have a toast-level preference. Some like just a wee hit of warm, some like brown ‘n toasty and others prefer the unique taste of thick black char. If this part takes practice, then so be it. Here was my level of toasty and melt-y and well, it was as delicious, messy, sticky and good as it looks! 

If you are planning to try this with little kids, I would suggest using the mini cones and if you don’t want a huge mess, stick to fillings that don’t melt and ooze so much. Have hand and face cleaning wet cloths nearby, for everyone, not just the kids.

Here’s an easy to ready recipe card! Enjoy and share your creations with us @ToDoOntario or #ToDoOntario