The properties that made our best of list include scenic lakeside hideaways, top spas, eco-friendly accommodations and other vacation ideas for all budgets. Get away and relax surrounded by nature, experience new activities and reconnect with your loved ones. Most of the properties on our list are a quick drive from Toronto.
Adventures to choose from include scenic beach spots, canoeing, yoga sessions, golf in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter. Here is our list of top places to stay for couples and families with kids. The list includes luxury resorts as well as more affordable options.
1. Taboo Resort: Lakeside Spa Getaway - 2 hours
Located on the picturesque Lake Muskoka, Taboo Resort has a beautiful spa, great golf course and restaurants which offer dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients. The Premier Lakefront rooms are a great choice for couples who want a view of the lake through huge windows. Amenities include deep soaking tubs and private balconies, perfect for a breakfast on the lake. Families should book a Cottage Chalet which features two to four bedrooms, washer/drier, a full kitchen and an outdoor BBQ area. Enjoy organic oils and natural products at Spa Taboo which offers a diverse menu of services. (800-461-0236, 705-687-2233).
2. Langdon Hall: Luxury Weekend in Cambridge, Ontario - 1 hour and 15 minutes
Get away for a couples weekend of great food and spa treatments in a peaceful country setting at Langdon Hall. The hotel is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group, known for its five star service. Choose from 52 guest rooms and suites, featuring antique furnishings, baths with soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Ask for one of the suites with a wood burning fireplace and a private terrace overlooking the gardens. Langdon Hall is located in Cambridge, Ontario, about one hour from Toronto. (519-740-2100).
3. Ste. Anne's Spa - 1 hour and 20 minutes
Located on 400 quiet acres in Grafton, Ontario, Ste. Anne's Spa is a beautiful escape from the city. 16 guest rooms at the Main Inn and 6 cottages are individually decorated in Old World style. Ask for one of the rooms with a romantic fireplace on your weekend getaway. All-inclusive rates start at $800 per night. In addition to overnight stays, Ste. Anne's Spa offers day spa packages which include lunch, afternoon tea, a spa credit and complete use of the spa facilities (888-346-6772, 905-349-2493).
4. Grail Springs Wellness Retreat - 2 hours and 45 minutes
Grail Springs is located in Bancroft, Ontario, in the heart of the Canadian Shield, surrounded by a pristine forest, meditation gardens and a beautiful lake. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including luxurious rooms with lake views. If you are looking to reconnect with nature, book one of the eco forest cabins in the summer. Grail Springs is a family getaway offering many activities, including yoga, snowshoeing, horseback riding, guided hikes and evening guest speakers. In the summer, enjoy the lake beach, canoes, paddleboats and the labyrinth.
Spa facilities include an outdoor hot mineral salt tub, cold-plunge salt pool, outdoor dry Finnish sauna, steam sauna and infrared sauna. (877-553-5772, 613-332-0154).
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5. Affordable Weekend Getaway at Ontario Parks
A relaxing trip from Toronto doesn't have to break the bank. Stay overnight in a heated yurt or cabin in one of the provincial parks in Ontario. For example, Windy Lake Provincial Park has 4 new yurts where you can have fun outdoors year-round; this is one of the best cheap getaways from the city. Each yurt sleeps six people and is equipped with a table and chairs, lighting, electric heat and an electrical outlet. Outside the yurt, there is a fire pit, picnic table, and propane barbeque with side burner ( 888-668-7275, 519-826-5290).
6. Blue Mountain Resort - 1 hour and 30 minutes
Blue Mountain Resort, just 90 minutes north of Toronto, is a year-round playground for kids and grown-ups alike. The resort offers diverse accommodations, a 40-acre pedestrian village, and 45 restaurants, bars and shops. There are two spas at Blue Mountain, as well as the nearby Scandinave Spa, perfect for a relaxing spa getaway in the mountains. If you are looking for spa retreats near Toronto, this is a great option. In the winter, guests have access to 42 ski and snowboard trails. During the warmer season, activities include golf, tennis, hiking, mountain biking, open-air gondola, Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Mountaintop Segway Tours and the Aquatic Centre. VacationIdea.com Tip: Look for last minute getaway deals.
7. Fairmont Chateau Laurier - 4 hours and 15 minutes
Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a historic city getaway in the heart of Ottawa. The hotel offers luxury guest rooms, classical interiors and a limestone exterior with turrets that will remind you of a French chateau. The hotel has a health club with a fitness center, a 20 yard art-deco swimming pool, dry saunas and a lounge area. For a massages or other spa services, visit the Holtz Spa across the street.
During the summer months, Chateau Montebello, about a one-hour drive from the hotel, features a Stanley Thompson-designed golf course. For biking and skating, visit the Rideau Canal next to the hotel, or the nearby Gatineau Hills. The hotel has 398 guest rooms and 31 suites which measure at least 375 square feet in size. Stay in one of the Fairmont Gold rooms, located on a private executive floor, to get access to the executive lounge offering free breakfast buffet in the morning, hors d'oeuvres, internet access and shoe shine. Enjoy a meal with a view of Parliament Hill at Wilfrid's restaurant which offers a diverse menu that changes weekly. Weekend packages are usually available, letting you save money and enjoy free breakfast, massages and other perks. Kids stay free, making this one of the top family getaways in the area (613-562-7030.
8. ARC The.Hotel in Ottawa
ARC The.Hotel is a boutique getaway designed and styled with urban luxury in mind. The property has 112 guestrooms and offers luxury amenities, including sparkling wine upon arrival, Egyptian linens, bathrobes, daily newspaper delivery, high speed Internet, and a 24-hour concierge. Choose from stylish rooms and upscale suites. The fitness center is open 24/7 and offers a range of cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel has partnered with Bode Spa to offer in-room spa services. The ARC Lounge has soft subtle lighting and intimate booths where guests are served delectable dishes.
9. Sheraton Newfoundland
Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland in St. John, is conveniently located in the historic city center overlooking the harbor. The hotel has a full-service health club with a heated indoor swimming pool, squash court and a fitness center. After a day around the city, relax in the whirlpool and the the saunas. The hotel has 301 rooms and luxury suites with bathrobes, daily newspaper delivery and a work desk. Both casual and fine dining are offered at the hotel. For a light meal, try the Narrows Lounge and Bar where you can taste local beer brewed at Quidi Vidi Brewery. The BonaVista Restaurant is a Mediterranean-themed restaurant with semi-private seating and an open-kitchen. For great views of the Narrows and St. John's harbor, head to the elegant Cabot Club Dining Room. Fly to St. John in Canada and take a taxi to the hotel (709-726-4980).
10. Relaxing Nature Hideaway at Le Chateau Montebello - 5 hours
Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello in Quebec, is a hideaway for nature enthusiasts. Offering 211 guest rooms and whirlpool suites, this red cedar log chateau combines luxury with a wilderness experience. Montebello is set on the shores of Ottawa River with scenic views of the Laurentians. There is a number of activities to choose from throughout the year, including golf, hoseback riding, hiking, fishing, canoeing and skiing. Wildlife watching is also a favorite activity. The hotel offers Wild Bear Observation between May and October at the sister property Fairmont Kenauk.
There is an abundance of mountain biking trails and abandoned forested roads. Bike rentals are available at the Sports Chalet. Indulge in relaxing spa treatments, including couples massages and other services. The Golf Club, designed by Stanley Thompson in 1929, feels secluded and features dramatic elevation changes. For families, the property offers several family activities. Kids can play in the outside play area, indoors in the craft area and swim in the hotel pools. French and English movies are presented at 7:30 pm daily. Whether you want an elegant meal or a quick snack, the hotel offers several dining options with an emphasis on regional dishes. You can dine outdoors, in the main dining room or in one of the many private salons. Bed and Breakfast rates start from $271 CAD per room, per night plus tax, based on double occupancy, from the end of June through mid-October; from $225 CAD per room/per night in the off-season. Montebello is located 1.5 hours by car from Montreal, Canada.
Celebrate the holidays at a historic log chateau in Quebec, Canada with one of these holiday specials at a beautiful nature hideaway where you can relax in a calm setting with the whole family. If you are looking for a unique getaway for your holidays, the "Country Christmas Package" includes: Accommodation on December 23, 24 & 25, Christmas log and hot chocolate served on arrival, Two buffet breakfasts, one continental breakfast and Christmas Brunch, Three dinners, including the traditional Christmas Dinner, Christmas Eve "Reveillon" with a visit from Santa Claus, Family sleigh ride, Complete children's program, Dancing and entertainment, Complimentary access to the Sports Center, indoor pool, squash, outdoor skating rinks and cross-country ski trails.
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11. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City - 7 hours and 45 minutes
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a castle-like structure towering above Old Quebec City. Step back in time as you take a horse-drawn carriage ride and walk along the cobblestone streets of this historic city. With its regal rooms, attentive service and fine dining, the hotel is a great romantic city getaway in Canada. The hotel has a health club with a 55-foot indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and a kid's wading pool. Guests can work out at the fitness center and choose from a number of relaxing body treatments at the Massage Therapy Salon.
The 618 guest rooms and suites are spacious and beautifully furnished. Signature rooms, measuring from from 275 to 350 square feet in size, are some of the best rooms in the hotel. They overlook the St. Lawrence River and offer panoramic views of Old Quebec City. If you want more privacy and additional service on your city vacation, book one of the Fairmont Gold rooms. You will receive personalized check-in, private lounge access and a complimentary continental breakfast daily.
In addition to central location in historic Old Quebec, a United Nations World Heritage Site, the hotel offers a number of vacation activities, ranging from ice skating to programs for kids. The hotel offers a number of dining options, including the elegant Le Champlain restaurant and the casual Le Cafe de la Terrasse. Who said Afternoon Tea was only for grown-ups? This family resort offers Tea Time for kids, a chance for children aged 5 to 12 to improve their social skills. Madame Rose makes the experience fun and memorable with exciting stories and anecdotes. Tea Time for kids topics include: tea place setting, story telling, how to eat and serve tea party fare, and how to be a well-mannered guest in any social situation. Tea time with Madame Rose is offered Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons at 3:00 pm.
Other family activities include the daily drawing contest, kitchen visits & photo with Chef, milk & cookies turndown and guided tours of the hotel with historic character. (418-692-3861).
12. Weekend Getaway from Toronto: Deerhurst Resort
Located in Ontario’s famous “cottage country”, Deerhurst Resort offers a picturesque getaway on the shores of Peninsula Lake. The charming resort is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whether visiting for a fun-filled vacation with family, and friends, or even for a solo getaway. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations from cozy rooms to entire home rentals. Situated on 760 acres of natural surroundings, Deerhurst Resort offers several activities for all ages such as golf, water sports, and several hiking trails. Numerous dining options are also available on-site, from the casual Maple Pub to fine dining at the Eclipse Restaurant & Terrace.
1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2E8, Canada, Phone: 800-461-4393
13. Weekend Getaways from Toronto: Pillar and Post Inn & Spa
Vacation in elegance and class at Pillar and Post. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this boutique hotel made its home in what was originally a canning factory from the 1890s. The building underwent extensive renovations and preservation efforts to become the five-star hotel it is today, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern comforts. Pillar and Post features 122 comfortable guest rooms and suites, each appointed with antique furnishings and first-class bedding. The hotel also boasts of its massive 13,000 square foot on-site spa and three unique dining options offering regional, farm-to-table flavors including some of the best steak Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer.
48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0, Canada, Phone: 888-669-5566
14. White Oaks Resort & Spa
A luxurious 13-acre retreat in Niagara-on-the-Lake, White Oaks Resort & Spa offers guests a relaxing and rejuvenating oasis excellently located near some of the area’s best attractions and wineries. The resort features AAA Four Diamond accommodations with 220 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all ensuring a comfortable, world-class stay. Their on-site spa hosts an array of blissful treatments from massages and facials to aromatherapy and cleansing treatments that will leave guests completely refreshed and revitalized. White Oaks also features a range of delectable dining options including the award-winning LIV Restaurant and the sophisticated yet casual Play Bar & Grill. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or want to explore the greater Niagara region, White Oaks Resort & Spa will surely provide a memorable experience.
253 Taylor Road SS4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0s 1J0, Canada, Phone: 800-263-5766
15. The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain
Just two hours from Toronto, guests can find the perfect blend of luxury and outdoor adventure at The Westin Trillium House in Blue Mountain. The hotel’s idyllic surroundings not only offer wonderous views of the bay and village but also endless opportunities for exploration. Guests can immerse themselves in activities around the vibrant town alongside outdoor recreational activities like hiking and snow sports. After an exciting day out, guests can peacefully unwind in any of the hotel’s beautifully appointed rooms and suites featuring luxurious bedding, fireplaces, and modern essentials. On-site, The Westin Trillium House also offers amenities such as a private beach, heated pool, and delicious café grill.
220 Gord Canning Drive, Blue Mountains, Ontario L9Y 0V9, Canada, Phone: 866-837-4192
16. Fern Resort
Welcoming families and friends since 1895, the family-owned Fern Resort has focused on bringing people closer together through amazing experiences and a relaxing environment. Located off the shores of Lake Couchiching, the all-inclusive resort is popular amongst families thanks to its family-friendly amenities. Guests of every age can find something to enjoy, including water sports, tennis, hiking, and even an indoor pool with water slides. Special activity offerings also change with each season, from yard games and ropes courses in the summer to snowshoeing and outdoor hockey in the winter, making Fern Resort an all-year destination.
4432 Fern Resort Road, Ramara, Ontario L3V 0Z1, Canada, Phone: 833-682-2519
17. Twin Birch Suites & Cottages
Nestled on the shores of West Lake, Twin Birch Suites & Cottages offers several comfortable accommodations and fun amenities amidst beautiful waterfront views. Guests can choose from a variety of spacious cabins and suites, uniquely decorated and fully equipped with amenities like kitchenettes, barbecues, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Activities are plentiful at the resort, with a private beach for swimming, fishing, and kayaking along with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing in the surrounding area. Guests can also easily explore the greater Wellington area, which is filled with several galleries, shops, and restaurants. From its friendly staff to cozy accommodations and beautiful location, Twin Birch Suites & Cottages has everything guests need for a memorable vacation in Ontario.
137 Main Street, Wellington, Ontario K0K 3L0, Canada, Phone: 613-399-2250
18. Muskoka Bay Resort
Located just 90 minutes from Toronto, Muskoka Bay is a luxurious destination boasting wondrous natural views alongside modern amenities for an exclusive guest experience. Retreat to one of their 62 spacious suites overlooking the championship golf course or opt for more secluded accommodations like their cliffside lofts and private villas. The on-site Cliffside Restaurant, Lounge, and Patio serve elevated comfort food and drinks throughout the day with an exhilarating clifftop view to pair. Muskoka Bay is well known for its world-class golf course by architect Doug Carrick, which is set among wetlands and rocky ridges of the Canadian Shield. Players will find the course challenging, yet player friendly, with dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways, and pristine greens.
1217 North Muldrew Lake Road, Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1R2, Canada, Phone: 855-249-8390
19. The Grand Tappattoo Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
Rest in nature and take in the beautiful views of The Grand Tappattoo Resort. Located less than two hours from Toronto, guests will find the picturesque waterfront resort nestled amongst 50 acres of birch and pine trees. The resort features 53 comfortable rooms, suites, and cottages, each designed with fine furniture and fully equipped with modern amenities. There are also several facilities on-site to keep guests entertained, including a private beach, heated pool, fitness center, and sauna. Visitors are welcome all year, with boat rentals available in the summer and several snowy trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter.
30 Tapatoo Trail, Seguin, Ontario P2A 1S9, Canada, Phone: 705-378-2210
20. Harmony Outdoor Inn
A unique and quiet adventure awaits guests at Harmony Outdoor Inn. The boutique waterfront resort features a three-room bed and breakfast, along with six outdoor canvas tents for a more secluded experience. Outdoor cedar showers are available to tent guests, together with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen for those wanting a self-catered stay. Guests can find several restorative activities to fill their days from hiking through wooded trails and canoeing along the river to swimming and simply admiring views from the dock. With its peaceful atmosphere and boundless opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, guests will surely find harmony surrounding them at the Harmony Outdoor.
6 Harmony Lane, Parry Sound, Ontario P2A 0B1, Canada, Phone: 705-771-9555
21. Embarc Blue Mountain
Nestled in the Blue Mountains region of Ontario, Embarc allows visitors to experience the best of cottage country living. The resort recreates traditional family cottages with various accommodations, including spacious studios and suites, clustered around a mill pond for great views. Various amenities are also available around the resort for guests to enjoy. The Lodge provides a common area for relaxing by the fireplace and eating breakfast, while The Boathouse offers pools, hot tubs, and barbecues. Guests can also access a fitness center, game room, and movie theater within the property. Embarc Blue Mountain is a great option for families looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Mountain area while ensuring exciting activities to keep everyone entertained.
277 Jozo Weider Boulevard, Blue Mountain, Ontario L9Y 3Z2, Canada, Phone: 705-443-4500
22. Caesars Windsor
Gaming enthusiasts can have their share of fun at Caesars Windsor. One of the largest casinos in Canada, it features more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space with a wide variety of games. Find over 2,000 slot machines and 85 table games, along with a full-service retail sportsbook. There’s also plenty for non-gamers to do at the hotel, from watching world-class shows and luxury shopping to lounging in the indoor pool and spa area. Dining options are plentiful, with six restaurants and four bars on site. The hotel itself offers newly renovated rooms and suites designed in timeless elegance so guests can enjoy every moment in comfort and luxury.
377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, Ontario N9A 7H7, Canada, Phone: 800-991-7777
23. Great Wolf Lodge
Families are sure to have a blast vacationing in Great Wolf Lodge. Featuring a wide range of activities and a massive indoor water park, guests have everything they need for an entertaining and memorable stay. The 100,000-square-foot water park boasts a variety of thrilling slides and playgrounds along with a wave pool and lazy river. Younger children also have areas of their own with zero-depth entry pools and kiddie slides. Outside of the waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge offers additional amenities like an arcade, miniature golf course, and bowling alley. After a fun-filled day, unwind in any of the resort’s themed suites and rustic cottages.
3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 7M8, Canada, Phone: 905-354-4888
24. Walker Lake Resort
Nestled in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands, Walker Lake Resort offers a tranquil retreat for anyone looking to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. A variety of newly renovated cottages are available throughout the resort, each situated along the lake shore and featuring a fully equipped kitchen. Guests can enjoy a range of water activities from kayaking to paddleboarding, as well as a sandy beach area for kids to play in. Other activities available include badminton and several nearby hiking trails. Whether vacationing with family or friends, Walker Lake Resort is a great destination for every visitor.
1040 Walker Lake Drive, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2J6, Canada, Phone: 705-635-2473
25. Windermere House Resort & Hotel
Vacation in this iconic Victorian landmark from the 1800s. Located on the shores of Lake Rosseau, Windermere House Resort & Hotel features a range of elegant rooms and suites, along with a private, four-bedroom cottage filled with historic charm. The resort is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, with the glistening lake and lush forest providing picturesque views from every corner. Guests can enjoy several amenities during their stay, including a golf course, boat rentals, and many other recreational sports. Windermere House is also a popular culinary destination, with fantastic on-site dining options such as the creative Rosseau Grill and highly acclaimed Verandah.
2508 Windermere Road, Windermere, Ontario P0B 1P0, Canada, Phone: 705-769-3611
The 25 Best Weekend Getaways from Toronto near me today according to local experts:
- 1. Taboo Resort: Lakeside Spa Getaway - 2 hours
- 2. Langdon Hall: Luxury Weekend in Cambridge, Ontario - 1 hour and 15 minutes
- 3. Ste. Anne's Spa - 1 hour and 20 minutes
- 4. Grail Springs Wellness Retreat - 2 hours and 45 minutes
- 5. Affordable Weekend Getaway at Ontario Parks
- 6. Blue Mountain Resort - 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 7. Fairmont Chateau Laurier - 4 hours and 15 minutes
- 8. ARC The.Hotel in Ottawa
- 9. Sheraton Newfoundland
- 10. Relaxing Nature Hideaway at Le Chateau Montebello - 5 hours
- 11. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City - 7 hours and 45 minutes
- 12. Weekend Getaway from Toronto: Deerhurst Resort
- 13. Weekend Getaways from Toronto: Pillar and Post Inn & Spa
- 14. White Oaks Resort & Spa
- 15. The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain
- 16. Fern Resort
- 17. Twin Birch Suites & Cottages
- 18. Muskoka Bay Resort
- 19. The Grand Tappattoo Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
- 20. Harmony Outdoor Inn
- 21. Embarc Blue Mountain
- 22. Caesars Windsor
- 23. Great Wolf Lodge
- 24. Walker Lake Resort
- 25. Windermere House Resort & Hotel
More Ideas: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts was originally known as the Art Association of Montreal when it was founded in 1860. It began as a selection of works from art collectors in Montreal and has grown to include art from all around the world. Now housing over 41,000 works of art spanning over the ages, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see for art lovers.
Over time, the museum has had to relocate and expand to accommodate its growing collection. The complex is made of five separate pavilions in Montreal, each with different exhibition themes. Included is a concert hall, auditorium, educational facilities and well as galleries. Montreal Museum of Fine Art is the eighth largest museum in North America, and has had over one million visitors in the past three years.
Encyclopedic Collection is one of the largest in Canada, and includes genres like Archaeology and World Cultures, Decorative Arts and Design, Early to Modern International Art, Quebec and Canadian Art, International Contemporary Art, Photography and Graphic Arts, and a Sculpture Garden.
Mediterranean archaeology- The museum’s collection of Mediterranean archaeology is the second largest in the country, holding 875 artifacts from the Bronze Age to the classical time.
The World Culture Exhibit includes works from Asia, Africa, The Middle East, and the Americas. There are 750 pieces of international art housed by the museum from all different time periods and in several mediums.
A sculpture garden features 22 works by various artists, and is recognized as a cultural attraction by Montreal’s tourism board. Quebec and Canadian art includes works by Inuit artists, pieces created during the founding of Canada, themes of modernism, and contemporary art.
Decorative Arts and Design Collection includes over 10,000 works, such as furniture, ceramics, textiles, glassware, and silverware. Pieces from the 15th century on are contained in this exhibit, and reflect the many changes in design that have happened over the centuries.
Focus: Perfection by Robert Mapplethorpe-This exhibition contains nearly 300 photographs that span over Mapplethorpe’s entire career. He was one of the most influential photographers of his time, and is known for the way his work focuses on perceptions of gender, race, and sexuality. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the only Canadian venue to host this exhibit, and this is the first comprehensive collection of Mapplethorpe’s work since the landmark exhibition The Perfect Movement. The Perfect Movement was controversial at the time, as North America was in a culture war.
Kerry James Marshall: Biennale De Montreal 2016, The Grand Balcony-Marshall has become famous for his work that examines the way African-Americans are represented in culture. For this exhibit, he has created a new collection of lightboxes that chronicle his ongoing project Rhythm Mastr. This project features a superhero that fights evil by combining futuristic methods with traditional African culture. Marshall has had an important role in North American art, having served on Committee on the Arts and the Humanities established by President Barack Obama, as well as receiving recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts in the form of a fellowship, and a grant from the MacArthur Foundation, and was the recipient of the Wolfgang Hahn Award.
SHE Photographs-This collection features the work from several different artists. These artists focus on different themes in contemporary photography, including the environment, landscape, nudes, and still life. The photographs use a variety of techniques, including collage, composite images, and pinhole photography.
Design Lab: The Art of Play-This collection features handmade toys from young designers in Quebec. These toys are made from wood, textiles, and recycled materials. These toys are all unique and are examples of superb craftsmanship.
There are many different activities hosted by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, from family workshops to school outings. Cultural activities, educational displays, and courses are offered to promote art appreciation and cultivate skills. Programs like Day Camp give school children to create art during their spring break, and guided tours are offered to classes as an extension of the lesson plan. A virtual exhibition is available online as well to assist in the classroom. Birthday workshops are also offered for a fun, engaging party. There are drop-in workshops available with seasonal themes, and parent-child activities to create collaborative art. Adult Education workshops include tutorials in drawing, watercolor, music creation, and painting technique.
There are also concerts held at Bourgie Hall that feature travelling productions and local symphonies. Holiday concerts are especially popular, and include Christmas symphonies, Cantatas of J.S. Bach, and Charlie Brown Christmas.
1380 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3G 1J5, Canada, Phone: 514-285-2000
More Ideas: Canadian Center for Architecture
The Canadian Center for Architecture in Montreal is a research institution operating under the premise that architecture should be a concern for the public. The center offers many exhibitions and collections discussing how architecture shapes everyday life.
History
In 1989 the Canadian Center for Architecture opened to the public, and since that time has displayed over 175 exhibitions and produced almost 70 publications. Its first decade was celebrated with the En Chantier exhibition, marking the ongoing collection of three hundred and fifty photographs, drawings, manuscripts and toy models which covers over five centuries of history in architecture.
The Canadian Center for Architecture opened its Study Center in 1997, which supports research in architecture through several seminars and grants. It also provides access to the center’s library and its many collections. More than fifteen hundred scholars and researchers have visited the Canadian Center for Architecture’s Study Center.
From 1999 to 2001, Kurt W. Forster replaced founding director Phyllis Lambert, and just a few years later, Nicholas Olsberg succeeded Mr. Forster.
In 2005, the center appointed Mirko Zardini as its director, and since that time has expanded the focus of the Canadian Center for Architecture. Exhibitions and displays that once showed and discussed architecture now are for/about/on architecture and its impact on society. These address themes such as war, health, migration, and much more.
The center continues to expand and improve its collections with new acquisitions and donations. Both the Foreign Office Architects and the Archaeology of the Digital have contributed significantly to the Canadian Center for Architecture.
Displays and Collections
The Canadian Center for Architecture is a repository of inspiration and ideas. It offers the basis for research and activities and provides an essential source of reflection and scholarship on architecture and the role it plays in society.
Culture and Production- The Culture and Production collections provide documents that show architecture and its history from the time of the Renaissance to current day. It is comprised of many archives and displays which show architecture and its influence in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Nearly two-hundred and fifty thousand publications are on display, including city guides, maps, trade catalogs and building documentation. Visitors can also view prints and drawings from the fifteenth century to current day, as well as over sixty-five thousand photographs that date back to the 1840s.
In addition to documents and drawings, guests will see souvenir buildings, building blocks, artifacts, and other printed materials.
Artifacts and Other Objects- This collection displays over thirty-five hundred pieces of printed architecture, ranging from admission tickets to engraved letterheads. Most of these objects are from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and primarily comes from Europe and North America. Some other items of note include hotel luggage labels, postage stamps, and other examples of domestic architecture.
Postcards make up a significant portion of the collection. Some of the more prominent pieces include the Norman D. Stevens Collection of Library Architecture, which includes twenty-five thousand cards, the Gilles Gagnon Postcard Collection, with eleven thousand cards, and a Montreal architecture postcard collection that consists of twelve hundred cards. These selections range from the early twentieth century to the early twenty-first century.
With well over 800 items to view, the architectural toy display covers two centuries of toys manufactured in Europe and the United States of America. These toys offer a variety of diversity, ranging from construction toys to sets of paper architecture. While they may appear to be just for play, these toys provide insight into architectural history, showing how quickly and thoroughly manufacturers are to follow the most recent stylistic and technologic trends.
Prints and Drawings- Ranging in from the fifteenth century to present-day, the Print and Drawings collection is a display of over one hundred thousand pieces of work. Work before the nineteenth century is uncommon. However, guests can view many of them, primarily from Italy, France, and Britain.
This collection originated with the Canadian Center for Architecture founder, Phyllis Lambert. A part of her personal collection, the prints and drawings numbered around four-thousand when the center was founded. Phyllis envisioned an exhibit that prominently displayed the development of architectural theory and practice.
Over the years, the collection grew as many prominent personalities contributed from their selections. The late 1980s saw donations from Mart Stam for the Hellerhof Housing Estate, JJP Oud, for the Monadnock Block and several drawings from the Peter Eisenman archive.
Overall the collection leans toward conceptual design development drawings, as opposed to finished drawings. The intention is to provide a look into the spontaneous thought process of the architectural design, as opposed to the final representation of the building.
1920, Rue Baile, Montreal, QC H3H 2S6
More Ideas: National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa had its beginnings in the late nineteenth century with the idea that Canadians deserve their own national gallery. The gallery would become a space to display Canadian art; to teach about and study the cultural heritage of the vast country, and to obtain spectacular works of art from across the globe. The aim of the art museum would be to expose visitors to magnificent art from all time periods and in all forms, including sculptures, photographs, paintings, and much more.
The National Gallery of Canada is now one of the most respected art institutions in the world. The museum is famous for its spectacular collection of over sixty-five thousand pieces of artwork, commended for its ways of engaging visitors of any age and any level of knowledge of the arts, and respected for scholarship. The National Gallery is housed in a light-filled, grand building of granite and glass, inside of which guests will find a reconstructed chapel from the nineteenth century, a glass-bottomed pool, and a cloistered garden courtyard.
The collection at the National Gallery consists of a broad scope of art. The institution's Canadian Art collection features a wide variety of artwork that is representative of artistic practices dating back to New France in the early eighteenth century to the early 1990's. The collection of Indigenous Art includes artwork by Canada's Aboriginal Peoples, in addition to works by other indigenous people worldwide. The collection features artistic practices that are outside of the established cannons of art of the western world. The experience of displacement, cultural repression, and forced assimilation are characteristics that define these forms of art.
The National Gallery of Canada's collection of contemporary art represents the artistic trends of modern day. The collection features work created within the past twenty-five years, and is a continuously evolving representation of current art practices. The diversity and dynamism of artists and artwork is reflected in the contemporary collection, connecting to a long history of the National Gallery supporting art of today. While the earliest works acquired by the Gallery for the collection may not be the most modern, they were considered contemporary art at the time.
The National Gallery of Canada also holds works of European, American, and Asian art. From the outset, the art museum has worked to acquire European art, with a goal of possessing a collection representative of the diverse and rich traditions of the continent. Containing approximately four hundred works, the collection of Asian art ranges from second century to the nineteenth century. Contemporary art from throughout Asia is also actively collected by the National Gallery.
An expansive collection of drawings and prints is also present at the National Gallery of Canada. The Prints and Drawings collection features more than twenty-seven thousand works of art on paper by artists from across Canada, the United States, and Europe. The collection is notable for its diversity and excellence, representing all of the major schools of art dating back to the fifteenth century through to contemporary times.
380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Phone: 613-990-1985
| From Toronto, Canada To | Driving Time |
| Gravenhurst, Ontario | 2 hours |
| Cambridge, Ontario | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Grafton, Ontario | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| Bancroft | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Blue Mountains, Ontario | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Ottawa | 4 hours and 15 minutes |
| Montebello, Quebec | 5 hours |
| Quebec City | 7 hours and 45 minutes |
